The Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (HIBAF) was a beautiful celebration of culture, literature, and art, with the theme of ‘Hausa Diaspora.’ As a participant, I was honoured to explore the heart of Hausa culture at the festival, and it turned out to be a fulfilling experience that exceeded my expectations. The festival took place at the historic Ado Bayero Mall in Kano, Nigeria, providing a unique platform for cultural exchange, intellectual dialogue, and artistic expression.
The Opening Ceremony at Ado Bayero Mall created an immersive experience for everyone. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, and the performances by renowned artists like Bakr Al-Jaber, Qalbsaleem Muhammad, Hidaya Mahmoud, Husayn Zaguru, Vique Sings, NonStopMoves, and Hussaini Mai Gurmi were truly spectacular. Each artist brought their unique flavour to the stage, blending traditional and contemporary elements that showcased the diversity and dynamism of the Hausa culture.
One performance that really stood out to me was the mud art dance presented during the opening ceremony. The dance was a visual masterpiece that blended traditional elements with a modern twist. The dancers, dressed in nostalgic traditional attire, skillfully manipulated mud to create intricate patterns and symbolic representations. The dance seemed to tell the story of the Hausa people, reflecting their solidity, adaptability, and the indomitable core of their culture, which has passed through continents.
As the festival progressed, Griots Night provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Hausa architecture and performance. The panel conversation with Qalbsaleem Muhammad and Hassana Maina, led by Antoinette Yetunde, delved into the architectural and performative aspects of the Hausa identity. The insights shared by the panellists were enlightening, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances embedded in Hausa architecture and performance traditions.
The richness of the discussions continued with Griots Night, featuring Daren Mawaka. The night celebrated storytelling, oral traditions, and the art of passing down cultural heritage through generations. The fusion of traditional storytelling and modern interpretations captivated the audience, underscoring the timeless relevance of Hausa narratives.
The morning sessions were a cultural immersion into Hausa practices and literature. The presentation titled “Haduwa Ta-Ka: Hausawan Togo – Jiya da Yau” offered a glimpse into the Hausa diaspora, exploring the dynamics of Hausa communities in Togo. The session, led by Souleman Yahaya, Garba Anasse, Murtala Ajuma and Muhammad Abu Hidaya, attests to the widespread influence and adaptability of the Hausa language and culture.
The Filin Adabi segment, focusing on the literary work “Furen Karya” by Suleman Usman Yusuf, provided a literary feast for the audience. The discussion on the evolution of poetry in the Poetrylogue session, facilitated by Nana Sule, delved into the intricate nuances of Hausa poetic traditions.
As a panellist, I contributed to the dialogue by sharing my perspectives on the role of literature in shaping the narrative of Hausa architecture and performance. The synergy between the panellists fostered a rich exchange of ideas, offering the audience a holistic understanding of the deep connections between the evolution of poetry and the cultural performances and art in the past in the Hausa context.
The day ended with a Book Logue session titled “The Public Poet: A Biography of Mudi Sipikin” by Prof. Bello Kand Mamud Abubakar. The session provided a profound look into the life and contributions of Mudi Sipikin, a prominent figure in the Hausa literary landscape. The Panel Conversation on “The Kano Diaspora” led by Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu Khalk Wadia Haduwa Ta Ka’ Yan Kaka-Gidan Kasar Kano Prop Abdalla Usa Adam Khalil Wada explored the diasporic movements of the Kano people, shedding light on historical narratives that have shaped the cultural landscape.
The Poetry Music Night marked the culmination of the festival, featuring performances by Afro Dervish and Sufin Arewa, both presented by the talented Husayn Zaguru. The fusion of poetry and music created an ethereal ambience, resonating with the melodies that have been an integral part of the Hausa cultural expression.
Throughout the festival, the art exhibition “Hausa Diaspora” at Ado Bayero Mall showcased the creativity and artistic expressions inspired by the diasporic experiences of the Hausa people. The works, including “Baje Kolin Fasahar Zane” and “Hausawa Wajen Kasar Hausa,” are visuals enduring the legacy of the Hausa culture.
The festival succeeded in nurturing an exchange of ideas, celebrating the soundness of the Hausa people, and highlighting the cultural diversity that defines the Hausa-speaking world. The fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, insightful discussions, and captivating performances made HIBAF 2023 a memorable and enlightening experience.
