”Kannywood is distorted mirror of Hausa society” – Prof. Abdalla

Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has raised concerns over Kannywood’s portrayal of Hausa culture, stating that the industry often misrepresents traditional values and customs.

The dual professor made this known in an exclusive interview with SolaceBase TV.

Professor Adamu emphasized that Kannywood, like literature, is a mirror of society, offering filmmakers a platform to interpret societal events.

“Kannywood reflects literature. It reflects what people do. It’s adobe, a mirror of the society,” he said.

However, he noted that the content and narratives in Kannywood films are often distorted, leading to misrepresentations of Hausa traditions and heritage.

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He pointed out that although the Hausa people have a rich history dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, Kannywood sometimes fails to portray this culture accurately.

“Kannywood has a perception that cultural representation is about artifacts and memory,” Professor Adamu explained.

He criticized the tendency to rely on Indian film templates, particularly the use of singing and dancing, which he argued are not integral to Hausa daily life.

“Singing and dancing are only part of Hausa culture when they’re tied to a ceremony or specific occasion, not as a casual pastime,” he said.

According to Professor Abdalla, the overemphasis on romantic storylines and musical scenes in Hausa movie productions often detracts from the seriousness of the stories being told.

He also highlighted that while filmmakers argue they are simply giving audiences what they want, the result is a diluted portrayal of Hausa culture.

He concluded by stressing the need for Kannywood to offer more authentic narratives that genuinely reflect the traditions, culture, and history of the Hausa people.