Hausa music is a traditional genre of music that originates from the Hausa people of West Africa, primarily in Nigeria and Niger. The Hausa people have a rich and diverse musical tradition that spans centuries and incorporates various instruments, such as the kontigi, a type of lute, and the tambura, a type of guitar.

Hausa music can be divided into two main categories: traditional and contemporary. Traditional Hausa music is often performed at ceremonial and cultural events, such as weddings and religious festivals. It typically features complex rhythms and melodies, and is often accompanied by dancing and storytelling. The lyrics of traditional Hausa music often deal with themes of love, nature, and praise for ancestors and heroes.

Contemporary Hausa music, on the other hand, has been heavily influenced by Western music and is more popular in urban areas. It often features a mix of traditional and modern instruments, and the lyrics are often in Hausa language, but sometimes in English as well. It also includes a style called ‘Kano-Pop’ which is a blend of Hausa traditional music and Western Pop.

The history of Hausa music can be traced back to the 14th century, when the Hausa kingdoms were established in West Africa. During this period, music played a significant role in the lives of the Hausa people, serving as a means of communication, entertainment, and expression. In the 19th century, Hausa music began to spread beyond the Hausa people, as traders and travelers introduced the music to other parts of West Africa.

In the 20th century, Hausa music experienced a significant change, with the advent of new technologies and the influence of Western music. The first Hausa recordings were made in the 1920s and were distributed through the radio and commercial record companies. However, it was not until the 1960s and 1970s that Hausa music began to gain widespread popularity, due in part to the growth of urban areas and the increased availability of recording and broadcasting equipment.

Let us see a few instruments used in Hausa Music even till date

Instruments used in Hausa Music

Here are 10 instruments that are commonly used in Hausa music:

1. Kontigi – a type of lute that is often used as the lead instrument in traditional Hausa music.
2. Tambura – a type of guitar that is used as both a lead and rhythm instrument.
3. Kudu – a traditional drum that is used to create a steady beat in Hausa music.
4. Rago – a type of harp that is often used as an accompaniment to other instruments.
5. Kakaki – a long trumpet that is used to play melodic lines and solos.
6. Tofa – a type of flute that is played solo or in ensemble.
7. Kwallo – a type of lute that is used as an accompaniment to other instruments.
8. Kolo – a type of xylophone that is used to play complex rhythms and melodies.
9. Gindi – a stringed instrument that is similar to a banjo and is used to play fast, syncopated rhythms.
10. Shakuwa – a type of violin that is used to play melodic lines and solos.

Note: These instruments are used in traditional Hausa music, contemporary Hausa music may include other instruments from western music and also use electronic instruments like synthesizers, drum machines and so on.

Since we now know the various instruments used in hausa music, let us now look at the oldest musicians of hausa origin, people who made music in the olden days

Top 10 Oldest Hausa Musicians

It is difficult to determine a definitive list of the oldest Hausa musicians, as the history of Hausa music is rooted in oral tradition and has not been well-documented. Many of the oldest Hausa musicians are unknown or have been lost to history. However, here is a list of some of the oldest and most respected Hausa musicians, who have contributed to the development and preservation of Hausa music:

1. Dan Maraya Jos: He was a blind Hausa musician who was known for his powerful and emotive singing. He was active in the 1970s and 1980s and was widely considered as one of the most influential Hausa musicians of his time.
2. Sani Danja: He is a Nigerian Hausa musician and producer who has been active since the 1980s. He is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary Hausa music, blending traditional Hausa music with elements of Western pop and hip-hop.
3. Rabe Dan Ibro: He was a Hausa musician who was active in the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his virtuosity on the kontigi and was considered one of the most accomplished kontigi players of his time.
4. Nasiru S. Danja: He is a Nigerian Hausa musician and producer who has been active since the 1980s. He is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary Hausa music, blending traditional Hausa music with elements of Western pop and hip-hop.
5. Alhaji Aliyu Mai Deribe: He was a Hausa musician who was active in the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his powerful singing and was considered one of the most respected Hausa musicians of his time.
6. Alhaji Sani Ladan Batagum: He was a Hausa musician who was active in the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his powerful singing and was considered one of the most respected Hausa musicians of his time.
7. Alhaji Muhammad Sani Nagudu: He was a Hausa musician who was active in the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his powerful singing and was considered one of the most respected Hausa musicians of his time.
8. Alhaji Muhammadu Ladan: He was a Hausa musician who was active in the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his powerful singing and was considered one of the most respected Hausa musicians of his time.
9. Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim: He was a Hausa musician who was active in the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his powerful singing and was considered one of the most respected Hausa musicians of his time.
10. Alhaji Abubakar Dikko: He was a Hausa musician who was active in the early to mid-20th century. He was known for his powerful singing and was considered one of the most respected Hausa musicians of his time.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and there might be other Hausa musicians who predate these and have contributed in the development and preservation of Hausa music but their names and legacy might have been lost to history.

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  Hausa Music