INTERVIEW: How I study politicians before singing for them — Tijjani Gandu

Popular Kano-based singer Ahmad Tijjani Hussaini, widely known as Tijjani Gandu, has spoken about his journey into music, political singing and the inspiration behind some of his most influential songs that have shaped public discourse in Northern Nigeria.

He stated this in an exclusive interview with SolaceBase TV, where he described music as a divine gift that transformed his life from humble beginnings into national recognition.

Tijjani Gandu also shared insights into his creative process, political alignments, relationships with fellow musicians and the challenges that come with fame.

The singer, who is known for socially conscious songs of social admonition (fadakarwa) as well as political anthems linked to prominent politicians in Kano State, explained how his music remains closely tied to character, context and public engagement.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us how your music journey began?

My name is Ahmad Tijjani Hussaini, popularly known as Tijjani Gandu. Some people also call me Mai Yar Maye, from one of my songs, while others call me Mai Abba Gida-Gida, which is a popular song I sang for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Music is a gift from God. If it is in you and the time comes for it to be popularize, you will surely do it. That was exactly my experience. I started singing in a studio, and that journey led to my breakthrough in 2011 with the song Yar Maye, which means a drunk woman. Although it was not my first studio song, it was the one that made me widely known.

What inspired me was that I initially sang just as a trial, but God destined that I would earn from it and become famous. That was how the journey began and has continued to this day.

At that time, I used to work in studios where I drew village scenes, bukka (traditional rooms), or kalangu drums using wood. It was there that I met singers, and that environment pushed me to give singing a serious try.

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Why did you develop interest in political singing?

Initially, I started as a wedding singer. Later, I sang songs praising the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In fact, songs about the Prophet were the first I sang, although the first one I recorded in a studio was for weddings.

I also sang a condolence song and later Yar Maye, which is a song of social admonition meant to caution society. After that song, people encouraged me to continue doing such meaningful music, which led to the release of my Kundi album. It included songs like Halin Bakinciki, Ta Tuba and Ina Mafita. All of them are songs of social admonition.

I later ventured into political singing because of Engineer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. Since then, I have remained involved in political music.

Who is your role model in singing?

I do not have a single role model. However, there are many singers whose styles I admire. There are both big and small artists whose songs, once you hear them, you naturally fall in love with the music.

Did you receive any formal training in music?

No, I have not received any formal training. What I received were suggestions and advice.

When you start something, people who have passed through similar journeys may call you and tell you they see a future in what you are doing.

They advise you on how to adjust and avoid certain challenges they experienced. I received many such pieces of advice.

How many songs have you recorded so far?

I cannot say exactly. The years are many, and the songs are many. Some are wedding songs that you even forget you recorded. Sometimes, I only remember some of them when I hear them being played.

Which of your songs would you describe as the most famous?

Among my songs of social admonition, my most famous and favourite is Yar Maye. In politics, for Kwankwaso, it is Muje Zuwa Farin Sarki. For Governor Yusuf, it is Abba Gida-Gida. Generally, all these songs trended widely and circulated across different platforms.

Why is there a change in the way you sing for politicians?

Yes, because when I am asked to sing for someone, I study the person carefully. Some people are bold and energetic. Senator Kwankwaso, for instance, mobilises youths and inspires bravery, so his songs must reflect that spirit.

Governor Yusuf, on the other hand, is calm and reserved, so his songs must also reflect that nature. Every person’s character must be considered. If you sing a calm song for Kwankwaso during a political campaign, it may not fit, except it is a congratulatory or birthday song. For politics, the drum must be beaten well.

What is your relationship with opposition singers like Rarara?

It is normal and cordial. We share the same profession. I have a healthy relationship with him and with other singers as well. Sometimes we meet in other states during work engagements. We do not hold grudges or avoid one another because of politics.

What would you say are your major successes and challenges?

I have achieved a lot. I have met clerics, traditional rulers, politicians and leaders who know me because of my music or want to relate with me. I thank God for that.

As for challenges, no successful journey is without them. When you grow beyond where you used to be, some people may attack your personality or misunderstand you, no matter how humble you are.

Some people exaggerate who you are, while others downplay you. But there has been no serious challenge that discourages me.

You often use the word ‘Gida’ in your songs. Why is that, and did you coin the name ‘Gida-Gida’ for Governor Yusuf?

The word Gida is always on my mind. Even if I was not the first person to call him Gida-Gida, my song played a major role in popularising it.

Maybe the name existed before, but people often say “ko wane gida akwai Abba”—meaning every home has a father. After my song, the phrase became popular again.