The Department of Nigerian Languages and Linguistics, Kaduna State University (KASU), in collaboration with Taskar Ala Global Ltd, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, hosted its 7th Annual International Conference under the theme “Contemporary Hausa Poetry and the Music Industry: Creativity, Identity, and Global Transformation.”
The conference, held at Kaduna State University, brought together scholars, cultural icons, traditional leaders, government representatives, and participants from different parts of Nigeria to deliberate on the evolving relationship between Hausa poetry, music, identity, and global change.
The Vice Chancellor of KASU, Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, served as the Chief Host, while Professor A.K. Babajo, Provost, College of Humanities, Education and Law, was the Host. Professor Gaius Jatau, Dean, Faculty of Arts, served as Co-Host. The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Sani Mahmoud Sha’aban (Danburam Zazzau, Baraden Keffi).
The Head of Department and Convener of the conference, Dr. Sama’ila Mohammed Mijinyawa, presented the welcome address, appreciating guests who travelled from various parts of the country to Kaduna. He expressed hope that participants would gain valuable insights from the conference and warmly declared the event open.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Sani Mahmoud Sha’aban acknowledged KASU management and all distinguished guests. He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to gather and described himself as a proud Hausa-Fulani man, emphasizing the importance of identity. He raised critical questions about the state of Northern Nigeria, asking what had gone wrong and why the region appeared to be losing its direction. According to him, the North’s challenges stem from abandoning its identity in favor of foreign influences. He urged Northerners to return to their roots, embrace unity, and learn from the teachings of Christianity and Islam, which promote love, tolerance, and mutual respect. He called on leaders—traditional and political alike—to rise to their responsibilities and inspire positive change, concluding with prayers for the success of the event.
The keynote address was delivered by Alhaji Dr. Aminu Ladan Abubakar Alan Waka (Sarkin Adabin Kasar Hausa), who also thrilled the audience with a performance. He appreciated the organizers for the opportunity to present and underscored the dynamic role of Hausa poetry in shaping cultural consciousness and identity.
The Honourable Commissioner of Education, Kaduna State, Professor Sani Sambo, was represented at the event. In the Commissioner’s message, he congratulated the organizers and participants and stressed the importance of preserving cultural identity, urging Northerners not to forget their heritage in the face of globalization.
Professor A.K. Babajo, as Host, expressed gratitude to attendees and thanked God for the successful convening of the conference. He welcomed participants from across Nigeria and reiterated the significance of the gathering.
Lead Paper Presentation One was delivered by Professor Abdullah Uba Adamu of Bayero University Kano, who spoke on “Nation, Language and National Identity in Nigerian and Nigerien Hausa Rap Music,” highlighting the transborder collaboration between Nigeria and the Niger Republic and examining how Hausa rap music contributes to national and transnational identity formation.
Dr. Hauwa Muhammad Bugaje of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, delivered the second lead paper presentation, further enriching discussions on contemporary Hausa literary and musical expressions.
Remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor were delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Yusha’u Ango. He welcomed guests and highlighted the growing prominence of Hausa as one of the leading languages in Africa. He encouraged participants to preserve and promote African identity, warning that neglecting indigenous languages and culture could lead to their decline.
The conference also featured a performance by Alh. Musa Dan Bade and Ummusalma Sa’id Mailambu, as well as a goodwill message from Professor Audi T. Giwa, who commended the organizers for a well-coordinated event.
The Royal Father, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, was represented by Alhaji Jibrin Mohammed (Dan Makwayyan Zazzau), who delivered royal remarks and conducted the presentation of awards.
The vote of thanks was given by Professor Ahmadu Bello Zaria, who expressed appreciation to all contributors and participants for the success of the conference.
The event concluded with a closing prayer by Alhaji Dahiru Mohammed, marking the end of a memorable gathering that celebrated Hausa poetry, music, and identity in a rapidly transforming global landscape