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8 Things You Suppose To Know About Mamman Shata

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Late Mamman Shata Katsina

 

Mamman Shata, who was born in 1923 in Musawa local government area of Katsina State, died on 18 June 1999. Shata, a famous Hausa poet, has the largest number of recorded songs. His vocals were often accompanied by talking drums, known as kalangu. He performed for the Hausa people of Nigeria and some parts of Africa and even non-Hausas for more than half a century.

Mamman Shata’s mother, Lariya, was of the Fulani ethnic stock known as Fulata-Borno, the Fulani people who migrated from the Borno Empire after the Fulani Jihad of 1804 and settled in parts of Hausa land. She met Shata’s father, Ibrahim Yaro, when she went there to visit a relative. Subsequently, they got married with three children: Yaro, Mamman Shata and his sister Yalwa.

Below are some of the facts you may not have known about Shata:

1- Shata acquired his nickname ‘Shata’ from a man called Baba Salamu, a relative of his.

Shata as a young man was engaged in selling kola nuts and after the sale he would share the profit to people he met on his way home or in the market and came back empty handed. When asked what he did with the money he made, he would answer, “Na yi shata da su,” i.e. he had given it away. As a result, Baba Salamu would be calling him ‘Mai-Shata’, meaning one who fritters away his takings.

2- Shata had been to Hajj once in his life time

Although visited many countries of the world like the United Kingdom, France and the United States of America, Shata had been to Hajj once in his life time. It was reported that one Haru Dan-Kasim, a Kano-based popular merchant sponsored Mr Shata to perform his Hajj in 1954 (?)

3- Shata was a politician, held different political positions

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Shata participated actively in partisan politics throughout his life. His politics was largely left-wing even though his benefactors (the royal and the business classes) were mostly on the right.

In the 1970s, he won an election, becoming a councillor under Kankia Local Government Area of the then Kaduna State. In the Second Republic (in the ’80s) he was first in the centre-of-right GNPP and then moved to the conservative ruling party, the NPN.

In the Third Republic he was elected as the chairman of SDP in Funtua Local Government Area, a position from which he was impeached due to his left-wing character and brush with the party’s main benefactor in Katsina State, retired Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua

4- Shata’s singing prowess started manifesting from childhood

Shata began singing with other youth for fun at the village square (“dandali”) after the evening meal. His prowess grew until he outshone the other youngsters. But he was doing that not for any monetary gain. It was merely a vocation for the youngsters.

5- Shata’s father did not want his son to become a musician.

Ibrahim Yaro disliked the idea of his son becoming a musician due to widely held belief that music or praise-singing was a form of ‘roko’ or begging. His father, being a Fulani man, expected the young Shata to become a farmer or a trader, either of which was a more dignified occupation. Shata’s insistence on becoming a musician was therefore seen as a rebellion against the norm.

6- Shata spent 30 years in stardom, became the one of the longest bestselling Hausa artistes in the world

In 1952 his stardom began to manifest in Kano after he performed at a wedding part known as “Bikin ‘Yan Sarki” (Wedding of the Princes) where some 12 notable Kano princes married. He was a highly respected folklorist. He spent about 50 to 60 years in the music industry. Shata could not recall or remember how many songs he produced. Many of his songs, especially those he produced in his teens, were not recorded.

7- Shata was a moralist

Shata was famed to have sung for every topic under the Hausa land’s sun: agriculture, culture, religion, economy, politics, military, morality and etiquettes, animals, trade, etc.

8- Shata received many national and international awards, including a PhD.

Shata received many awards, including those from the Federal Government (which gave him the Member of the Order of the Niger, MON), the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), the Kano State Government, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, University of California, Los Angeles, and an honorary doctorate degree by Ahmadu Bello University in recognition of his contribution to both national development and letter.

Musa Ibrahim Ahmad

Features

Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah: From Journalism to Shaping the Future of PR and Digital Marketing

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Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

 

Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah, a distinguished journalist with over a decade of experience, has made a significant transition into the dynamic fields of public relations, creative, and digital marketing. Known for his in-depth reporting and insightful analysis, Isah is now leveraging his extensive journalism background to make a substantial impact in his new ventures.

Isah’s career began with a strong foundation in journalism, where he worked with prominent media houses such as Africa Independent Television (AIT), Raypower FM, and Rahma Radio. His roles ranged from producer and presenter to a radio personality, earning him a reputation for delivering accurate and compelling stories. Currently, he serves as a Senior Reporter at TVC Communications, where he anchors the popular program “Kano Spotlight,” providing in-depth coverage and analysis of events in Kano State.

His educational background is extensive and diverse. Isah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Communication Studies from the same institution. Additionally, he studied Solutions and Data Journalism at Pan Atlantic University. He also earned a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration. Recently, he completed a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing awarded by the Digital Marketing Institute Lagos, Nigeria, powered by Digital Marketing Skills LLC, United States of America. In the area of social media, Isah received a certificate from Avalocx University of Social Media in New York, United States, after completing a High Level Social Media Management Course. This academic prowess, combined with his practical experience, positions him as a versatile professional in the realm of public relations and digital marketing.

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Isah’s transition into public relations and digital marketing is marked by significant roles such as Knowledge Management and Communication Officer for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project, and Public and Media Relations Consultant for the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria. Currently, he is performing a lead role in managing the PR and communications as a consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 Project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. In these positions, he has demonstrated his ability to craft compelling narratives and strategic communications that resonate with diverse audiences.

As a Digital Marketing Strategist and PR Consultant, Isah is exploring innovative ways to blend traditional journalism with modern digital techniques. His expertise in SEO, social media management, website development, and video editing allows him to create comprehensive digital marketing campaigns that drive engagement and achieve tangible results.

Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is also an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), as well as a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano Correspondents’ Chapel and the Sports Writers Association, Kano Chapter. His dedication to his craft and his continuous pursuit of excellence reflect his commitment to making a difference in his new field. As he explores the intersections of PR, creative, and digital marketing, he aims to shape the future of communication strategies in Nigeria and beyond.

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Features

Rano Celebrates New Emir with Grand Procession and Festivities

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The historic town of Rano was abuzz with jubilation today as residents welcomed their newly appointed emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru (Autan Bawo), recently appointed by Kano state Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The new emir entered the palace in Rano town accompanied by hundreds of people who came out to celebrate the occasion.

The procession displayed cultural heritage with traditional drummers, dancers, and horse riders showcasing the history of the Rano emirate. The streets near the emir’s palace were adorned with colorful decorations as the people of Rano expressed their joy and support for their new leader.

One resident, Malam Sani Rano, shared his excitement, saying, “We are very happy with the appointment of Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru as our new emir. He is a man of integrity and wisdom, and we believe he will lead us towards greater prosperity and unity.”

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Hajiya Fatima Sani, another resident, echoed similar sentiments. “Today is a special day for us in Rano. The new emir has always been close to the people, understanding our needs and aspirations. We have high hopes for his reign.”

The new Emir on the throne,Muhammad Isah Umaru

The new Emir on the throne,Muhammad Isah Umaru

The appointment of Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru has been met with widespread approval, with many residents expressing optimism about the future of the emirate under his leadership.

The procession at Rano Emirate

The procession at Rano Emirate

Bashir Ibrahim, a local trader, remarked, “Muhammadu Isah Umaru has a deep connection with our traditions and values. His leadership will surely bring about positive changes and strengthen our cultural heritage.”

As the celebrations continued into the evening, the atmosphere in Rano remained festive and hopeful. The people of Rano are looking forward to a prosperous era under the guidance of their new emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Umaru.

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A tale from the north: the untold story of Hassan

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Hassan Auwalu Muhammad

In the central part of Northern Nigeria, there lives a man called Hassan Auwalu Muhammad who was born in the ancient city of Kano from the popular Hausa tribal clan.

At the age of 10, Hassan loss his beloved Dad, Late Sharu Muhammad (Memakoko) whose personality has been described by many, as an exemplary figure of humility, moral eminence, humbleness, and greatness.  To Hassan, his father is the most amazing person he has ever known.

Hassan grew up on a  lifestyle which premised on the quest for knowledge. To seek for knowledge, he was sent to Unguru village in Yobe state to acquire islamic knowledge and learn the tenets and fundamentals of his religion- Islam.

Surprisingly, Hassan’s inquisitiveness and curiosity began to developed which as a result, he eventually became a fan of media. Meanwhile, he developed interest in the Journalism profession. Thanks to BBC Hausa, VOA Hausa and DW Hausa programes which  remained the sources of inspiration and motivation for him to be passionate about journalism and even understood  the basic styles and standards of these prominent international media organizations.

From that moment, Hassan who was at his teenage age have already realized how the media could be used in a way to promote unity, peace and progress of his country. Hence, the media became his most preferred choice and the struggle to join the train just began.

After the completion of his secondary school, Hassan made several attempts to secure admission into a degree program at Bayero University, Kano but all attempts prove abortive because his scores were below the required average marks of the post-UTME . For that reason, Hassan had to apply for admission into Diploma programe in Mass Communication. Fortunately for him, he was admitted and years after, he obtained a professional and Advanced Diploma in Mass Communication from the pretigious Bayero University, Kano..

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Having obtained diploma certificates, Hassan decided to further his education and sat for UTME Exams  which took him 7years before he eventually scored the required marks that gave him the chance to be admitted into a Degree programe in 2015, at Bayero University Kano. Hassan graduated in 2021 with second class in Mass Communication.

In 2008, Hassan started his early career in Journalism Profession as a Freelancer with Freedom Radio Kano 99.5 FM. In 2010, he was an artiste reporter  for years until 2013 when he was offered a full time appointment as a staff member of Freedom Radio.

Hassan dive into the Profession as a preseter of Kano Music Expres – a programe which the idea was conceived and developed by him in order to promote Kano based Hausa rappers.

Hassan was there for a while and has achieved so much with that programe before he was  deployed to the station’s on- air studio to serve as a DCA- Duty Continuity Announcer. Being one of the best On-Air Personal , Hassan’s talents could not be left unused, as such he canvases news from different sources and translate it from English to Hausa for “Inda Ranka” programe.

What other passion for Hasssan ?

Initially, Hassan had always wanted to be a pilot, but his dream was shattered by the huge financial responsibility and expectations attached to joining the aviation sector.

But having joined the Media industry, Hassan understood the virtues attached to journalism profession and since then he has been a catalyst for development which through his media content he produces reports that help in changing the lives and mindsets of the teeming youths in a positive way.

However, Hassan believes that working in media has its challenges and requires dedication and sacrifices as well as being honest and true to people. Journalism is all about honesty and truthfulness to present facts that will bring about positive and progressive social transformation in the society.

Besides being a DCA, Hassan is currently presenting three different programes: “Allah Daya…”, “Mai Nema…” and also a co-presenter of “Barka da Hantsi” all from the famous Radio Station, Freedom Radio Group.

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