By Shamwil Ibrahim (Justice)
In the modern era, the visual medium has overtaken the written word as the dominant form of communication. People across the world now watch more than they read, and in Northern Nigeria, the Hausa film industry popularly known as Kannywood has become a mirror that reflects and shapes the cultural identity of the Hausa people. Whether one appreciates it or not, Kannywood has become a global window through which the Hausa man’s identity, values, and way of life are seen or known through our films!
When it comes to global literary recognition, the North has produced only a handful of writers whose works are read internationally. Although writing remains a noble art, it cannot compare to the accessibility and reach of film in today’s digital world. Through YouTube and various streaming platforms, Kannywood movies are watched not only across Nigeria but also in other parts of Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe. This means that Kannywood serves as a powerful cultural ambassador for the Hausa people.
Unfortunately, despite its impact, Kannywood is often dismissed by critics who see it as a promoter of immorality or a distraction from “serious” art. Such views, however, ignore the deeper social and cultural role that film plays in shaping public thought. Every film tells a story, and every story reflects the people, the language, and the environment from which it comes. Instead of condemning the industry, it is more beneficial to study it, support it, and encourage professionalism within it.
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Armchair criticism on social media will not change the reality that Kannywood films are being watched daily in homes across the North. Whether with or without permission, families wives, children, and wards engage with this form of entertainment. Therefore, the best approach is not rejection but reformation. We must guide Kannywood to promote positive values while preserving its creativity and appeal. To do otherwise is to “throw the baby out with the bath water.”
Kannywood is more than an entertainment industry; it is a cultural institution that carries the voice of the Hausa people to the world. It preserves the Hausa language, celebrates our traditions, and portrays the realities of our society both the good and the bad. Rather than looking down on it, we should invest in it, research it, and reform it where necessary. In doing so, we not only strengthen our creative sector but also protect and project our identity in a rapidly changing global world.
In truth, Kannywood is the reflection of who we are as Hausa people. To neglect it is to silence a vital part of our story.
Justice Shamwil
