Renowned academic and public affairs commentator, Dr. Aliyu Usman Tilde, has sparked a conversation on the legacy of Hausa music, asserting that the late legendary singer Alhaji Maman Shata Katsina remains unmatched in talent and artistic prowess. Dr. Tilde made this statement on his verified Facebook page, where he compared Shata’s contributions to those of contemporary Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara.

In his post, Dr. Tilde acknowledged Rarara’s efforts but emphasized that Shata’s influence and mastery of Hausa music are unparalleled. He wrote:

“Rarara yana kokari sosai amma fin Shata fa ba wasa ba ne, sai dai ga ‘yan zamani. Shata ya tattara abubuwa da yawa. Kuma sake samun opportunity na pioneer kamar nasa zai yi wuya. Shata kamar Sardauna ne a mulki. Wane wani gwamna.”*

(Translation: “Rarara is trying his best, but surpassing Shata is no small feat—except for the younger generation. Shata embodied many qualities, and finding another pioneer like him will be difficult. Shata is like Sardauna in leadership. Which governor can compare?”)

Maman Shata: A Pioneer in Hausa Music
Alhaji Maman Shata Katsina, who passed away in 1999, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hausa musicians of all time. His music, deeply rooted in Hausa tradition, was known for its poetic storytelling, social commentary, and ability to capture the essence of the people’s experiences. Shata’s songs resonated across generations, earning him a revered status in Northern Nigeria and beyond.

His ability to compose and perform spontaneously made him a household name, and his works remain influential in Hausa music today. Many consider him a pioneer whose impact on the genre is irreplaceable.

Rarara’s Influence in Contemporary Hausa Music
Dauda Kahutu Rarara, a modern-day Hausa musician, has gained popularity for his politically charged songs and vibrant performances. His music often reflects current political events, making him a significant figure in contemporary Hausa entertainment.

While Rarara has carved a niche for himself, Dr. Tilde’s statement suggests that his contributions, though commendable, do not match the depth and cultural significance of Shata’s legacy.

Dr. Tilde’s Literary Contributions
Beyond his commentary on Hausa music, Dr. Aliyu Usman Tilde is a distinguished writer known for his works in both **English and Hausa**. He has also written extensively in Fulfulde, contributing to the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages in Nigeria.

His insights into Hausa music reflect his deep understanding of the cultural and artistic heritage of Northern Nigeria, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in public discourse.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
Dr. Tilde’s statement has reignited discussions among Hausa music enthusiasts, with many debating the contributions of both artists. While some agree that Shata’s legacy remains untouchable, others argue that Rarara has successfully modernized Hausa music, making it more accessible to younger audiences.

Regardless of differing opinions, one thing remains clear—Maman Shata’s influence on Hausa music is profound, and his legacy continues to shape the industry decades after his passing.

No fewer than 90 youths across the three senatorial districts of Kano state scaled through the first batch of Digital Entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower younger generation.

The practical capacity training around various value chain of agribusiness, marketing, agro-production and other digital entrepreneur is anchored towards reducing unemployment among teeming youths.

Championed by AA Zaura Foundation, being founded by Kano Central Senatorial Candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abulkarim Abdulsalam Zaura, to promote self reliance among the youths.

Addressing journalists on Friday at the end of the screening, founder of AA Zaura Foundation, Abdulkarim Zaura explained that the digital empowerment was initiated to inspire modern agribusiness and connect Kano youths to innovative method of farming.

Zaura explained that, since the world is moving towards Artificial intelligence AI, Kano as an Agrarian and commercial state deserve to leverage on the emerging technology to develop the youths in order to be self reliant.

He noted that, the foundation targets over 750 participants who began obtaining training on the digital Entrepreneurship on agriculture, out of which first batch of 90 beneficiaries will undergo two weeks practical training.

Zaura said the initiative being organized in partnership with London Academy Business School and the University of Sunderland brought experts to groom the young hearts in various aspects of agro-digital economy.

“This project is aimed at teaching the student or the beneficiaries the digital entrepreneurship in agriculture. Aimed at teaching them how to be productive, teaching them how to learn to conduct agriculture in a digital way.”

“As they come out from university, some of them are still undergraduate, some are already graduates, some are in higher institutions of learning like Polytechnic. At the moment, the start of this project is very amazing and astonishing, as it is embraced by the teeming youth of Kano State. The project, we intended to empower 50 youth, but we ended up having over 750 people.”

The Chief Executive Officer CEO who is also the lead consultant London Academy Business School Dr. Larry Jones said, Nigeria has the potentials to transform Agriculture in the continent, encouraging the youths to puts more efforts in the digital Entrepreneurship training.

“What we are bringing as the London Academy Business School is many, many years of experience in agricultural projects. In this case, we have come with a message to bring the digital environment of agriculture to your students, and already found them somewhat way down the road already in this space.

Also, the Project Manager and Chief Economist of the Project Mr. Anton Scheepers expressed satisfaction with the zeal and determination of the participants with optimism to succeed.

He said, “what we are bringing as the London Academy Business School is many, many years of experience in agricultural projects. In this case, we have come with a message to bring the digital environment of agriculture to your students, and already found them somewhat way down the road already in this space.

As workers celebrate globally on May 1st, the House of Representatives Minority Caucus has commended Nigerian workers sacrifices, contributions to development urging the Federal Government to address growing economic challenges and pay living wage.

This was contained in a solidarity message in commemoration of May Day by the Minority Caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Leader, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C
(Minority Whip) Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader)
Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
(Deputy Minority Whip) saying:

“The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, felicitates with Nigerian workers for its critical roles as a major contributor to national growth and development.

“Today, gives us another opportunity to have sincere reflections, and objective introspection about the state of the nation; and acknowledge that the Nigerian workforce, being the engine room have collectively given its best in the circumstances.

“The Caucus notes with serious concerns the disturbing social, economic, and political situations which are not only fearful, but also stifling the personal development of our people, particularly the workers. From galloping inflation to debilitating hunger, overarching hardship, and corrosive poverty, the Nigerian worker has been the main victims of these and more negative indices.

“Deeply concerned about the decline of the economy, renewed insecurity, accentuating job losses, and numerous other indices of under-development which is affecting the performances of workers in maximally carrying out their functions as the backbone of government activities.

“The Caucus urges Federal Government to take deliberate actions towards instilling confidence in workers.

Also, there must be pro-active, and intentional decisions by the Federal Government in not just addressing these negative issues but seeking ingenious ways towards improving the remuneration, welfare packages, and other incentives of Nigerian workers who are entitled to living wage and not minimum wage.

“Conscious of the fact that true nationhood is a collective, and continuous task, the Caucus enjoins the Federal Government to relate with the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC), Trade Union Congress, (TUC), and other relevant workers associations as major stakeholders in every efforts towards re-building, and re-positioning the country.

“Also, these labour bodies and others; that are umbrella institutions for all Nigerian workers should show commitment, and considerations by collaborating effectively with the Federal Government where and when necessary.

“As a responsive and responsible group, the Caucus is confident that when all stakeholders harness our strengths, Nigeria will progress from being a nation with enormous potential to one that will assume her rightful position among the comity of nations.

“We wish members of the Nigerian Labour a very fruitful celebrations.