Hawan Sallah

A day of traditional decoration

Studded in turbans and Alkyabbas

Horses of different colours

Hakimai ride in diffrent styles amidst adoration

As a rainbow in the sky

It is your day Yanlifida

You should sing and shout

The ancestral praises

The sky and the earth vibrates

As Maitafari and his clique approach

Their guns echo with dust

Maza sun danno

The Emir and his horse

Shielded and covered from the Sun

With a big umbrella

His dogarai chat and greet

Gyara gaba, gyara baya

Sarki ya gaishe ku

It is Sallah day

The Durbar of Hausaland

25^th October, 2009

03:40pm

THE INDIGENOUS WRITERS' MEETING IN KANO

Hausa writers in Kano converged at the American Corner, Murtala Muhammad Library Kano in order to find solutions to the problems beleaguering the Hausa literature. The event which took place on Sunday 23^rd September, 2012 by 11:00am had in attendance, of prominent Hausa writers from various writers’ associations; and the gathering was hosted by Kano state chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

Kano state which was known as one of the most prominent and vibrant centres of indigenous literature in the country is facing a number of challenges that put writers in dilemma. Since the period when publishing companies collapsed or went comatose, the northern Hausa writers could only get their works published through self-publishing. They have tried and penetrated into the regional markets and beyond, which gave opportunity to generate thousands of readers. As a result of that, many young writers in the state have taken writing as their professions and means of their livelihood. The Hausa literature involved a number of people who are solely dependent on the sector including the authors, the typists, the publishers, the printers, the distributors and retailers.

As time went by, the sector was overwhelmed with confusions, betrayals and backwardness to the extent that one could not depend on writing as his means of livelihood. In the late 80s to early 90s when the self-publishing was introduced and promoted in Kano, writers of those days were able to sell copies of their books without rumbling around. Even with the poor reading culture and criticism from their communities, there were writers that sold more than one hundred thousand copies of their single authorship. But nowadays, indigenous writers find it difficult to sell up to one thousand copies of their books.

Based on the above, the writers felt that it was pertinent to come together and discuss the problems so as to find enduring solutions. At the meeting when the floor for discussion was opened, writers shared their experiences with the sector and suggested ways forward. Most of the speakers were of the opinion of devising new strategies that would expand the marketing and distribution of books.  While some of them accused book marketers in the state, as people who delighted in creating blockages in the system that hinder the effective flow and movement of books. This is because they hand pick whose books to accept; they delay payment even if they sold the books and there is no room for new writers to come on board, because they haven’t established their readership. Some of the writers were of the opinion that writers created the problem themselves, because majority of them sold the copyright of their manuscripts to these marketers and are now paying for that erroneous business decision.

While responding, the Chairs persons of the writers associations including ANA Kano, HAF, HAWAN and Kallabi respectively welcomed the idea of boosting the indigenous literature. They also shared with the participants the effort made by their associations to improve and promote writers on one hand, and writing on the other in the state. 

At the end of the programme, two committees were formed to study the problems and suggest ways out. The first, was a nine-man committee which had the task of improving and promoting literature, and it had representatives from the writers associations present. The committee had the following membership: Nasiru G. Ahmad ‘Yan-Awaki, Adamu Yusuf Indabo, Ilyas Umar Maikudi, Auwalu Garba Danborno, Bashir Reader Fagge, Ummulkhair Sulaiman, Hadiza Nuhu, Lubabatu Ya’u, Danladi Haruna Zakariyya, Jamilu Jiddan and Lawal Faruk Da’u. 

The other committee was charged to monitor and evaluate the implementation of findings of the earlier committee. The Chairs and Secretaries of all the four writers associations constitute the membership of the committee. They are Ismail Bala, Muhammad Lawal Barista, Ibrahim Daurawa, Sadiya Garba Yakasai, Zaharaddeen Ibrahim Kallah, Ibrahim Mu’azzam Indabawa, Abdullahi Gidan Dango and Bilkisu Yusuf Ali. The committee are to submit their report within four weeks of their formation.

Well, this is a good attempt to improve literature, and we are hoping that the committees will work hard with unflinching commitment to put things in order. I know there are opportunities for indigenous literature lying untapped. Kano state alone has a population of over ten million people and at least more than three million of this population can read books written in Hausa language. If one goes down to the neighbouring states there are market potentials for the indigenous literature. Similarly, countries like Niger Republic Chad, Cameroon and Sudan have a sizable number of people speaking in Hausa language. The market can be expanded to reach areas of interest that need attention, I am sure this will help enormously in awakening the indigenous literature.

 The question to ask is “how can the Hausa literature penetrate into regional and international markets?”  To me, the writers have to improve the quality of their publications to meet the minimum international standard. The quality here can either be of the packaging or the quality of what they write. This is because in any kind of business that has to do with commodities, packaging is very crucial to the success of those products. This is the first step to win the heart of your customer by presenting something very attractive, because naturally, the eye is the first judge. The quality of your product in terms of its impact on the lives of the people is equally important. By this, the era of publishing pamphlet books without good packaging has gone; they should try to learn from other people’s works that have succeeded in attracting more readers even on a glimpse.  Indigenous writers should expand their horizon in the area of research and learn from other prominent writers’ styles of writing. By so doing, that will no doubt attract a large number of readers who are eager to buy books of such qualities. 

Publicity is another area of informing people about your products. Nowadays in northern Nigeria, the marketing strategies are weak, writers are not utilising their media houses to publicise their works. Many people are not aware of the richness of Hausa literature; neither are they aware of the large number of writers especially women who write in Hausa language. There are various marketing strategies that need to be adopted for the promotion of the sector, but the major one is publicity so as to let people know the existence of the products. No matter how good and important one’s products are, if their existence and is not known to the general public, there is no way people will patronise it easily. So the task ahead for northern writers is the improvement of publicity their creative works. Let them share with the world the quality and richness of their works, let them know that contemporary writers have come of age in terms of vastness and quality of their literature. When that is done, at least one has taken some steps ahead in the steady journey to the literary world.

Back to marketing strategy, there are basic things that need to be considered in the marketing of books. In this case, I will dwell on few that I believe will improve the flow of books across the country and beyond. The distribution channels of books in northern Nigeria are very weak and few, when compared with the number of states that need the books to reach their doors. It was discovered that the number of distributors available cannot go round to cover every corner and areas in need. To tackle this problem writers should forge a relationship with regional book distributors and bookshops in the country that are likely to generate more customers. They should also linkup with major bookshops in the neighbouring countries that are more interested in the Hausa literature. Their personal effort is very crucial here, because it is like starting it afresh, so they should be prepared to endure.

Marketing of books online is another area that is generating income for writers. I saw chances of indigenous writers to penetrate the internet like their contemporaries and make money. Today, internet groups such as Yahoo Groups, Facebook and Twitter have linked Hausa writers with their colleagues and readers in the world. To me if such networking is used effectively they will find a way to expand the market of the books.

Advertisement is another area that is related with publicity, but in this case all the marketing strategies to reach people shall be adopted. Synopsis of their books shall be published in magazines and newspapers; they can also publish it in other prominent writer’s books that have wide readership. Let them also get their books and hand bills to super markets that have large patronage.

To succeed in all these, young readers should be generated from their grassroots. Writer’s associations should endeavour to organise reading campaigns in primary and secondary schools. The participants should be encouraged with gifts such as books and certificates. When these youths are captured from their early stage, they can maintain the reading culture even after schools. Special readings that could bring both young and elderly people should also be encouraged.

In conclusion, the issue of book renting should be addressed because it is doing more harm than good. Many people especially women in Kano depend on renting of books by circulating them among interested readers. They generate money from that and at the same time reduce the legitimate circulation of books. I hope all stakeholders in the development of indigenous literature will put hands together and move the sector forward.  

Zaharaddeen Ibrahim Kallah is the Branch Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Kano State Branch.

dinik2003@yahoo.co.uk  

COURAGE

(for Aisha Zakari)

I am so afraid

For the task ahead

I need not be

Ashamed of it

I know that

It is a natural feeling

I can really be courageous

When I am afraid

Now my fear is naked

What quality do I need?

Just to develop

True courage

Yes, it is the only power

To overcome my fear

Really courageous people

Succeeded in overcoming

Their fears

To die as a hero

Is better than

To die a coward

I am sure now

I am not afraid

Because I’m ready

Very ready to face the challenges

To overcome fear is natural

I always need moral courage

And will-power to be a hero

25^th August, 2004

KANO STATE AND LITERATURE DEVELOPMENT

Kano State is one of the largest centres of literature in Nigeria, with a significant number of youth who are writing in both indigenous and foreign languages. The state produced numerous talented poets and great writers such as Akilu Aliyu, Bashari Farouk Roukbah, Sheikh Na’ibi Sulaiman Wali, Bashir Othman Tofa, Professor Abdulkadir Dangambo, Professor Aliyu Kamal, Dr Yusuf M. Adamu, Bala Anas Babinlata, Ado Ahmad G/Dabino, Balaraba Ramat, Hafsat Abdulwahid and many Young writers such as Nazir Adam Salih, Fauziyya D. Sulaiman and Muhammad Lawal Barista. These people produce master pieces that help in the broadening and strengthening of our culture and tradition. It shows our power of creativity and initiatives that could be utilised anywhere in the world. With this good start, one could understand the readiness of our writers to take the leading role in literary development in the country and beyond.
It is unfortunate that writing and writers remain uncelebrated in Kano. Anywhere in the world the medium to recognise and encourage the works of people is celebrating them in order to inspire the young ones, and also organise special programmes where the related activities would be discussed. I don’t think the people in authority don’t know the merit of supporting the creative writing which is now being overtaken by youth. They are also aware of the consequences of underutilising and not supporting these potentialities of the teeming youth who are looking for the support of our elites.
As I mentioned earlier Kano state is blessed with writers who are writing in the indigenous Hausa language. This attract large market from other states, it even goes beyond West African countries to some parts of Europe. Despite the fact this is to the advantage of the state as it helps in preserving it culture and booming the economy when utilised. What I mean here is that many young writers who are gifted and brilliant were recognised but underutilised, basically because they lack means to publish their works, or even attend fora and workshops that could help them in reshaping their creativity. I know writers Associations in Kano such as ANA are doing their best to promote these young writers, but it goes beyond their capacity. It is a gigantic project that needs a lot of resources. In the 1930s up to the late 70s the northern government invested a lot of resources in the area of literature development. Writers of those days were sponsored to produce novels and books that benefited our country, such as Ruwan Bagaja, Shehu Umar, Magana Ja rice, Idon Matambayi, Kitsen Rogo, Uwar Gulma, Matar Mutum Kabarinsa, So Aljannar Duniya and so on. Prizes were awarded to them for job well done, which motivated them to produce relevant materials that are in line with our culture and tradition.
Why the contemporary young writers are neglected, it is the duty of the whole society to support them so that their creativity can be seriously utilised for our own collective good. I cannot say everything concerning the problems of literature and the way out in this state, but it is pertinent for the Kano state government to look at the issue critically. I knew when the Kano state Governor, Engineer Dr.Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was preparing to take the mantle of leadership had set a transition committee on Kano State Censorship Board to advise appropriately. This is the board that is duly responsible for anything that has to do with writers and film industry in Kano. I hope the committee has taken note of the previous administrations mistake, where much attention was given to film industry at the detriment of literature development.
I therefore strongly advice that the state government should pay attention to the area of literature development. No doubt literature is related to our education system, because it encourages reading culture among the younger generation. It is obvious that, no generation would develop when young people of that society lack interest in reading. The poor academic performance in our various schools is quite related to an endemic poor reading habit.
It is good if Kano state government through its Kano State Censorship Board organises programmes that would lead to the utilisation of our teeming writers in the state. This can be possible by organising annual prizes on good write-ups that promote culture, tradition and the religion of our people. The programme should help in re-orienting our society by inculcating good values.
The state should organise book fairs and workshops for writers annually, when these are done the young writers in the state would be empowered. The workshops would give room for enhancing their works to tally with the demand of modern world and our society. Organising book fairs is equally important as a means of displaying the product of creativity in our state. Whenever we meet in the national convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors, other writers from the other parts of the countries are amaze to hear the high number of writers, including women who write in the indigenous language. Therefore organising book fair annually would help in promoting and publicising their works.
Another area that I feel needs a serious support is the area of sponsorship, although sponsorship here may be in many stages. It could be sponsoring young writers to produce good manuscripts for publications; it could also be sponsoring their activities. Supporting young writers is a collective responsibility from government, banks, multi-national companies, and non-governmental organisations.
But the truth of the matter is that government should take a leading role, by being the agency for decision making, law and order; it has a vital role to play in the implementation process. Kano State Censorship Board is taking the responsibility of censoring what comes from our writers, but sincerely speaking, it must go beyond that. They should also participate in the promotion of literature; because we have all the ingredients to develop the sector. If in the 1930s, wonderful stories could be developed, why not this 21st Century when the agents of development are everywhere and our lives unfolding in drama.
Another very important area that needs government intervention is the establishment of writers’ village in the state. Recently the Kano state Governor announced his intention to establish a Film Institute. This to us is a welcome development and a good initiative that will enhance the role of Kanywood. Writers’ village would also serve a similar purpose, because it will give room for writers in the state and beyond to develop good creative works.
Finally in this world that is increasingly globalised, it is very important to recognise the value of improving our literature. We have to build on the knowledge of our local community, in order to cope with the globalisation and maintain our relevance. We have to read a lot, and learn to copy from others so that the good things in others can be aped and utilised. This is the only way we can penetrate the international market. I am therefore calling the young writers to read everything that comes their way, because that is where the foundation of their ambition lies. Fiction is more truthful than fact.

Zaharaddeen Ibrahim Kallah is the Branch Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors Kano State Branch
dinik2003@yahoo.co.uk

The Development of African Literature and Challenges

The international convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors of this year is scheduled to hold on 30th November, 2011 at Abuja. Itmarks the 30th international convention of the Association, andthe theme of this year is “Home Coming: African Literature and Human Development”. This year’s theme is very important because of focusing on African literature. Beingthirty years of literary harnessing in the country,we expect to see the richness of African cultural heritage is read and analysed all over the world.By doing that the whole world would see the root of human development, because the richness of African literature is beyond what many people look. One of the problems of African literature is communication gap, since many Africans are writing in indigenous languages that cannot be understood even by some segments of Africans themselves.
In an international writers’ forum organised by the Association of Nigerian Authors Kano State Branch and Gashingo Publishers Niamey, which was held in November 2006 in Niger Republic,we critically discussed the problems and prospects of writing and authors in local languages. One of the problems identified during the programme is the dearth of translation of indigenous languages to some major international languages. During this international forum, presentations were made in various languages existing within Nigeria and Niger Republic. But the works presented in most cases were translated for the participants to understand each other, despite the fact that these are the countries that are sharing borders, cultures and traditions. What do you expect to hear from Libyan writers, Senegalese or Tanzanian writers that writealso in their local languages? One cannot understand the richnessof African literature unless you think of translating it into the medium that can be read universally. Only from that,will value and potentiality be appreciated.
At the 1st MBA National Colloquium organised for Chief Servant of Niger State Mua’zuBabangida Aliyu, on 19th November, 2011 the Guest Speaker OdiaOfeimun also identified lack of translating others literature into indigenous literature and from indigenous literature to other languages as a major problem of development in Nigeria. He also mentioned non interaction among indigenous literatures as the bane of the problem. We shouldn’t be hiding knowledge, if there is interaction among the indigenous writers the boundaries that blocked our development would be abolished.According to him to build intellectual capacity to move our country forward we have to go back to indigenous literature. Even though we came from different ethnic groups, nature has brought us together and we cannot escape from that. Therefore the interaction is significant in solving our socio-economic problems.
But what I have come to understand with the indigenous literature is that many of our people who are well educated in terms of western education feel ashamed to read their indigenous literature. To me this is purely inferiority complex. When I started writing in my mother tongue (Hausa language), my brother advised that I should write in English language. Another cousin of mine wrote a letter to me when she heard that I am in Hausa literary creative works advising me to disengage myself from that. Soby these one can see that the problem of indigenous literature is that our people do not recognise it; for the singular reason of being a local product. For instance the indigenous Hausa literature is the only language with millions of readers across the West African countries. Despite this advantage we are not utilising and encouraging it, the kind of support the earlier Hausa writers received during colonialism was no longer obtainable. The only thing that remains is criticism and condemnation, on which the writers were blamed for destruction of culture, while in reality the writers are reflecting what is happening in the society. The kind of literature during the period of Abubakar Imam and TafawaBalewa cannot be same with the contemporary literature. Similarly if you want to bring development in anything, you have to invest in it, because by investing in it then you could have a stake in it.
Africa is a great continent with various tribes and ethnic groups. In northern Nigeria, Kano State alone has over two hundred writers whowrite in the indigenous Hausa language. But many don’t know about them; as such do not appreciate their works, simply because of language barrier. Therefore African Literature and human Development is expecting so much from the convention, perhaps by giving room to review and assess what was so far achieved and the challenges ahead.
I expect, after this convention,to see a remarkable development in the publication of African literature. I know lack of publishing and printing houses, willing to promote young African writers, affect literary production in the continent more especially in Nigeria. The few writers that manage to get their works published through self-publishing have a problem of circulating their books, which may not go round the country. Even the so called giant publishers in the country lack international networking to coordinate the distributions and marketing of the African literature. This syndrome that is circulating in the veins of African publishing companies is not new to Nigerian authors, yet is ignoredin waiting for divine intervention.Although many attempts were made to improve the system but remained unsolved.
Writers and literature in developed countries are still booming despite the fact that electronics and internet have consumed many readers. Many people find pleasure to read books than to watch movies, some even argued that the films that were coined from books lack the original perception of the books. The question to ask here is how writers in developed countries enjoy the fruits of writing?
Nigerian writers abroad such as Helen Oyeyemiand some few at home like ChimamandaAdichie, HelonHabila and SegunAfolabi who have had their books published abroad recorded successes. I am sure their books were largely sold abroad than any of their books that were published and marketed in Nigeria. One of the bestselling books of HelenOyeyemiThe Icarus Girl which brought her a generous amount of money and fame was written on Nigerian experience, between Jessamy and a ghost Tilly Tilly. There are great stories to write on African heritage which can attract a worldwide readership.
Based on my own observation, the deterioration of reading culture in Nigeria and Africa had played a negative role in destroying the book industries. Our parents recount to us how they were instructed to read books every week since primary school age; this made reading culture a part of their daily activities. But what is happening to our contemporary parents and teachers? Nowadays parents prefer to buy games for their children or allow them to spend potential hours watching movies. How can they growth with reading culture? No doubt the poor academic performance for our students is still widening, but we keep crying while we are the initiators of the problem.
Let me go back to the western countries where we recognised their vibrant reading culture, which made their book industries relevant. Writers selltheir books simply because the people there read a lot, and are willing to learn from their works. If you go to railway stations or airports you could see people reading books while waiting for trains or flights. This is where reading behaviour is existing despite the fact that modernisation brought the “bookless revolution”.
I am very optimistic that things will change for the better, social changes do come with its new provisions. But we have to be cautiousin guiding how the change will be for our positive development, so that our book industries are put in proper perspective. This is a period when young writers are getting recognition very fast, and they are ready to take a leading role in literary development. But the truth of the matter is that the Association of Nigerian Authors as the biggest writers Association in the country should take a leading role in coordinating and reshaping the future of the book industries.
I suggested that an endowment should be opened to solicit for donations from multinational corporations such as NNLG, Chevron, Cadbury, MTN, GLO, Airtel and others. The fund should be used to establish a very strong and world class publishing company. Nigeria has celebrated writers abroad who would be happy to give their own contribution if they see the merit of the project. This proposed publishing company would play a role of empowering our young writers through workshops and other promotional activities. It would also publish and market their creative works at home and abroad.
The Association should embark on reading campaign throughout the country by collaborating with various agencies and media houses to bring back the glory of reading culture that haddeteriorated.Reading clubs should be supported and encouraged in our various schools throughout the nation. When there is love for literature in the continent it would help in reviving the reading culture, and will benefit writing industries. The teeming population of Africa alone can serve as a marketing centre for African literary works. If GSM companies can invest their capitals in Africa and make substantial profits there like their counterpart in developed countries.Whyshould literature be an exception?
Conclusively I am calling to the Association of Nigerian Authors to come to the aid of our literature, so that our voices can be echoed all over the world. It is high timewe made a move in order to follow the steps of development. The Association is doing well towards the betterment of literature in the country; it coordinated the introduction of new prizes and upgraded old ones; organised workshops, colloquiums and so on. But sincerely speaking it has to go beyond that, let’s face the challenges of poor reading culture and the lack of genuine publishing companies. Similarly, since we have understood the merit of indigenous literature, the national body should call for national workshops for indigenous literature to discuss the future of our literatures. The indigenous prizes for indigenous literature are equally important in bringing back the erstwhile glory of our continent. I am sure if things change for better in Nigeria, it would affect other African countries. The future for writers all over the world is bright; it should also be bright for African writers.
Zaharaddeen Ibrahim Kallah is the Branch Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors Kano State Branch.
dinik2003@yahoo.co.uk