Actor turned politician revealed how he made it in the Kannywood Industry
He also told how he bought cigarettes for the actresses
“How director humiliated me.”
Actor turned comedian is now an Advisor to the Kano State Governor
Kannywood actor and comedian Mustafa Naburaska is a famous actor in the Kannywood industry. But it hasn’t always been so. Before the actor found fame, he had done many things to make ends meet.
The actor has acted in popular films like Basaja featuring Adam Zango.
According to the actor, he ran errands for the Kannywood actresses then. He also washed their underwear before he was allowed to feature in movies. The actor revealed such in an interview with TV Station Arewa24.
“The first thing I was usually sent to buy was cigarettes,” the actor revealed. “I also washed and ironed the clothes of the old Kannywood actresses we have now. I washed their pants and bras and held a bag of a popular actress that I won’t mention.” He added.
The actor further revealed how a famous Director then, Rabi’u Ibrahim refused to cast him in his movie.
The actor has since become successful, with many movies and comedy skits. He is also a politician, and an activist, a feat which earned him a nomination to serve as the Special Advisor to the Governor of Kano State on Kannywood affairs.
From grass to grace indeed!
The actor’s wife also recently put to bed, as he announced on his Instagram page. Congratulations to the new parents!
…As social media users accuse the Channel of” cultural & religious insensitivity.”
The 7th Season of the hit TV series is set to debut on the 1st Day of Ramadan by 8 pm
… Channel back down to repeat the show by 9–10 pm after airing 8-9
The popular TV station in northern Nigeria, AREWA 24, has been accused of being ‘a US agent’ for deciding to air its TV show Kwana Casa’in on the first day of Ramadan. The show has so far proven to be popular, with many viewers.
However, the decision to air the new season on the first day of Ramadan when Night prayers (Taraweeh are conducted) has attracted a lot of negative comments from the TV station. People believe it is not a coincidence. Remember, Ramadan is starting on 3rd April.
One BabaMangaJr on Twitter said;
“The fact that it’s our own people; people that we share commonality with are the ones contributing towards the deteriorating of our morality is indeed belligerent.”
For Danjauro_ on Twitter, he accused the station of being a US agent, saying;
“The controversial US state department funded channel “Arewa 24″ whose broadcast targets predominant Muslim population in 9ja is set to air new Season in Ramadan Critics say this piles to allegations of cultural & religious insensitivity the station has exhibited since inception”
The controversial US state department funded channel “Arewa 24” whose broadcast targets predominant muslim population in 9ja is set to air new season in Ramadan
Critics say this piles to allegations of cultural & religious insensitivity the station has exhibited since inception https://t.co/qfiJX7rgER
Tierres begged to disagree, saying there is nothing wrong with what the TV station is doing.
“Looooooooooool the people complaining about this have problems. Go and do your sallah, who’s stopping you?”
This and many other comments have forced the Channel to make an adjustment. It has now promised to repeat the show by 9–10 pm after airing it the first time between 8-9 to give worshippers the chance to watch the hit show.
Sakamakon zuwan wata mai alfarma na Ramadan, tashar AREWA24 za ta dinga maimaita muku #KwanaCasa’in daga karfe 9:00 zuwa karfe 10:00 na dare, bayan an nuna da misalin karfe 8:00 zuwa 9:00 na dare a kowacce ranar Lahadi. pic.twitter.com/f8jAB0VIAu
Hausa people have a beautiful culture and traditions. They have their local foods, traditional titles and costumes. The traditional title holders among them have their own royal attire that makes them different from others. In this article, we will be looking at Hausa royal attire and their names in English.
In every country and ethnic group, the existence of traditional title holders is acknowledged. The titles assigned to these people are mostly passed down from one generation to another. A good example is the Emirs in northern Nigeria, who are succeeded by mostly their offsprings. Part of what makes them unique is the royal attires they put, which are mostly rare and expensive or in some certain cases forbidden to the general populace. The designs are so spectacular that they make people accord them with special respect.
Such clothing are mostly worn during festive occasions such as festivals and ceremonies like the durbar, Eid festival or welcoming guests or simply day to day activities. The Hausa royal attire is exquisite in every sense of the word.
Hausa Royal Attires
1. Babbar Riga: This is a set of three pices of highly embroided garments.
2. Alkyabba: This is refered to as a big cloak, and is also embroided.
3. Wando: A pair embroided trousers that narrow towards the ankles
4. Yar ciki: a long-sleeved shirt that is worn with a babbar riga
Do you know that the popular shirt ‘Dashiki’ is a corrupted version of the Hausa term ‘Danciki’ which is the inner garment worn under babbar riga. pic.twitter.com/ncqvUPq46V
Wanzami,(Wanzam or Wanzan) is a local barber, traditional healer, medicine man, circumciser and a physician in Hausaland. Wanzanci, as the occupation is called, is one of the oldest professions in Hausaland.
The work a wanzami does is very vital in society. A wanzan is held in the same regards as a doctor back in the days. He is usually the first call when a baby is born, removal of tonsilitis or when there is a serious illness.
Always seen on the roadside or under the shade of a tree, the Wanzami also performs other services like cupping using a horn, treatment of Wicklow, carving out tribal marks and the rest.
How Wanzamci is Done
While everyone can learn to become s barber in other cultures, this is not the case in Hausa culture. Wanzanci is usually inherited and in most cases the speciality of certain families.
Wanzamai hardly ventures out of the occupation, with some spending up to 60 years in it.
Tools Needed by A Wanzami
Wanzamai can be seen walking around with their shiny leather bags. The Wanzami has all his tools in what is called a Zabira (toolkit). The main tool the wanzami uses for shaving the head is called the Aska ( local blade) The Askas are of various types, sizes and shapes depending on the nature of shaving to be done. Some can be small enough to trim the hairs in the nostrils.
Another tool Wanzami uses is the Kaho (horn), which is used for drawing blood and local cupping therapy. This is done to boost wellness as well as get rid of unwanted blood, increase blood circulation and blood flow as well as allow the creation of new blood cells. The wanzami also uses a small stone, soap for washing the hair before shaving, an aluminium cup, spirit, lighter, Makanna (manual clipper), cup, a stone, soap, spirit, lighter and many more peculiar items.
Other items used include the Yartsaga, a small razor used to make cuts, mawashi that is used to sharpen the blades. Cotton is also used, as well as a Jallo used to keep all hair. A matsefata is a small tool used to remove scars.
How Shaving is Done by The Wanzamai
Once a Wanzami sets out to shave, he first cleans the Aska using as well as use a lighter to kill germs just like when using clippers. The head of the person is then wetted with water, and the soap is rubbed all over.
The wanzan then gets to work, removing all hair in sight, depending on the nature of shave the person wants. After that, a small rag is used to clean the head.
The beards, moustache, sideburns and nostril hairs are also shaved depending on the customers’ preference.
How Kaho is Done
First, the horn is placed on a person’s body and blown. When it touches the skin, it is closed with the hands. After a while, the horn is then removed and a small razor is used to make a tiny incision. Once the sight is cleared, the horn is returned to draw out all the infected blood.
This is repeated several times until the wanzami is satisfied no infected blood is left. The spot is then cleaned with a ball of cotton wool and medicine is applied over it.
Medicine Given by The Wanzamai
Wanzamai have unique talents in identifying and giving out medicines. These drugs are in form of herbs, spices, ground plants or bark of trees. As wanzanci is inherited, no one truly knows the composition of most of these drugs except well-trained wanzamai.
Wanzamai give out medicine for tonsils, typhoid, rheumatism etc. They also help with cases of bedwetting.
How Does One Become a Wanzami?
A person intending to become a wanzan has to undergo rigorous training and gain experience. A typical training lasts between 6 months to two years. Those wishing to specialize in other fields like circumcision last even longer.
The training enables them to learn how to shave without shaking hands, how to prepare medicine, amongst others. This is important to avoid mistakes in the work, as a small cut can prove fatal.
Not everyone can become a wanzam however. Only those who have the wanzamai blood in them, or inherited from their ancestors can become. In most cases, they are sometimes ordained by the Sarkin Wanzamai, the king of wanzamai.
On average, N100-300 is charged per shave, depending on the location.
Special Skills of Wanzamai
More experienced wanzami also have an edge over amateur ones. For instance, an experienced wanzami can perform a bloodless circumcision or a long-distance one! Their services are more efficient too.
During their rituals and festivals, wasan aska where they showcase their talents and skills to the audience. A drummer and a singer are used to attract more audience.
Why the Wanzamci Occupation is Dying
While the Wanzami has mostly adapted to the use of modern technology, the risk of diseases makes people frequent them less. Diseases like Hepatitis, HIV and other communicable diseases can be picked up from a wanzam.
Even though most wanzamai now use razor blades instead of aska, and replace their manual clipper with a modern one, some unhygienic practices persist. The sterilizing of instruments and the use of individual clippers also helps.
Health experts warn that life-threatening ailments can be gotten, or cases of severe bleeding while circumcision. The drugs they administer are also not safe, as they are said to cause kidney failure.
These, however, does not deter the elderly, who are frequent visitors to the wanzamai. Many old people prefer a traditional clean shave from the wanzami than in a barbershop.
Conclusion
While wanzanci is an important traditional occupation in Hausaland and northern Nigeria, it is important to modernize the craft to go along with modern standards. Wanzamai should also be sensitized to the effects of some of the unhygienic practices. They should also be supported with the necessary tools and equipment to help them continue providing essential services, most especially to people in rural areas.
The wanzamai should not be allowed to get extinct.
Men mostly rule most northern kingdoms. The kingdom of Kumbwada is one exception. Only females can sit on the ancestral throne.
No one dared sit on the throne. The only ones who did so died mysteriously within weeks of ascending the throne.
Kumbwada is Located in Which state?
Kumbwada is located in Sabon Kabula in Munya Local Government Area of Niger state. The throne is situated in Dangunu Emirate Council. Kumbwada is an ancient town with a rich history.
The ancient city was conquered by Princess Magajiya Maimuna of Zaria two centuries ago. That is when the curse on male rulers started.
Why Men Can’t Rule in Kumbwada
When Maimuna left her brother in charge of Kumbwada as the ruler, he immediately fell sick and died within weeks. The same happened with another brother. That was when princess Magajiya decided to stay and rule herself. She reigned for 83 years.
Many believe this to be a curse placed on any man who dared sit on the throne. The mere thought of doing such is enough to cause great harm to one.
This seems to be the only explanation in a region where it is alien to see females rule.
Who is the Current Queen of Kumbwada?
Hajiya Hadiza Ahmed is the current queen of the Kumbwada Kingdom. She has been on the throne for over 20 years.
Queen Hadiza, fondly called ‘Magjiyan Kumbwada ‘ by her subjects inherited the throne from her late grandmother, who reigned for 73 years. She died aged 113. That is quite impressive for a monarch in northern Nigeria.
Currently married, she, however, still discharges her marital duties.
I’m the chief here but I discharge my domestic duties as a wife and mother. However my husband knows his limits, royalty is royalty,” Magajiya was quoted to have said.
How The People of Kumbwada React to a Female Queen
The people of Kumbwada have no trouble accepting Hajiya Hadiza as a ruler. In fact, to many, it is a divine act that can’t be changed.
We can’t live without a leader, and the fact that any male rulers that ascend the throne die quickly and mysteriously while female rulers reign for many years makes our case a peculiar one. This is an exceptional situation none of us can change.
Musa Muhammad, the chief imam of Kumbwada
The queen performs all the duties normally entrusted to the male rulers. She settles disputes over farmlands and petty theft, and marital disputes. She doesn’t take lightly cases of domestic violence. The queen once threatened to imprison a man for beating his wife.
“Men sometimes say the women provoke them, so that is why they beat them,” she says. “I tell them that there’s no justification, whatever happens.”
This apparently worked, as there are no longer domestic abuse cases in Kumbwada.
The Heir Apparent to the Kumbwada Throne
Magajiya had five children, three of which are girls. It is widely believed that a queen becomes barren immediately after she ascends the throne. Now married to a businessman, Magajiya had 5 children from her previous marriage, three girls.
Idris, the oldest child, is also the heir apparent to the throne of Kumbwada. While her oldest son is still alive and pays his courtesy daily at the court, he has no intention of succeeding his mother.
“He won’t survive it”, his mother says.
Instead, the oldest daughter is always at her side, grooming her for the task ahead of her.
Magajiya also believed there had been a failure of leadership in Nigeria, specifically by men.
It’s my most ardent wish. I think the problems in Nigeria have become intractable. Let’s try a woman. Men have failed.
Conclusion
Even though the queen of Kumbwada is successful and well-loved by her citizen, she still has some regrets.
My only handicap is that I don’t have a Western education, because, in my time, people didn’t educate their daughters. I’m not educated in a modern way, but in the traditional way, I have wisdom in my dealings with people. I’m proud to say that it would be hard to find someone educated who could rule as well as I can.
The queen, currently in her late seventies, is still hale and going strong. What do you think of the ancient kingdom of Kumbwada? Tell me in the comments!
