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Balaraba Ramat Yakubu: The Voice of Northern Nigerian Women Through Hausa Literature

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From early marriage to literary empowerment, Balaraba Ramat Yakubu’s journey reshaped women’s narratives in Hausa society.

A Trailblazer in Hausa Literature

Balaraba Ramat Yakubu stands as one of Northern Nigeria’s most influential literary voices. Born in 1959 in Kano State, she rose from a conservative background to become a powerful advocate for women’s rights and education through her writing. Her novels, written in Hausa, belong to a popular literary genre known as littattafan soyayya—literally translated as “books of love.” But beneath their romantic surface lies sharp social commentary on patriarchy, gender inequality, and the struggles of Northern Nigerian women.

She holds the distinction of being the first female Hausa-language author whose work was translated into English, bringing Northern Nigerian women’s experiences to a global audience.

Early Life and Education

Balaraba Ramat Yakubu was born into a traditional Hausa family in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Growing up in a society where women’s roles were often confined to domestic spaces, her opportunities for formal education were limited. She attended only a few years of primary school before being married off at the age of 13, an experience that would later shape much of her creative and thematic vision.

Her early marriage exposed her to the realities of polygamy, societal expectations, and gender inequality—issues she would later confront directly in her writing. Despite these obstacles, Balaraba nurtured a passion for storytelling and literacy. Her self-driven education and persistence transformed her into a writer of remarkable cultural influence.

Rise of a Literary Icon

Yakubu’s literary journey began in the 1980s, during a time when women’s voices were largely absent from the Hausa literary scene. The littattafan soyayya movement emerged as a new wave of popular fiction that blended love stories with moral and social lessons. However, Yakubu’s contributions went beyond mere entertainment. Her stories highlighted the daily struggles of women navigating marriage, poverty, and societal expectations.

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Her most famous novel, Alhaki Kuykuyo Ne (Sin is a Puppy that Follows You Home), became a landmark in Hausa literature. The novel tells the story of a woman mistreated by her husband, exploring themes of betrayal, justice, and moral accountability. It offered readers a bold critique of gender oppression and religious hypocrisy in Northern Nigeria.

In 2012, the novel was translated into English by Aliyu Kamal and published by the African Books Collective, earning Yakubu international recognition as a feminist literary pioneer.

Themes and Influence

At the heart of Balaraba Ramat Yakubu’s work lies a deep concern for women’s empowerment and education. She often uses her female characters to challenge societal norms and question traditional gender roles. Through her stories, she promotes literacy, independence, and self-awareness among women in Hausa society.

Her works also reflect her Islamic faith, merging moral teachings with social reform. She has stated that her writing seeks to “correct societal wrongs” by teaching moral lessons in a language and style that resonates with Hausa-speaking audiences.

Yakubu’s novels are often discussed in the context of African feminist literature. However, she identifies not as a Western-style feminist, but as a reformer working within her cultural and religious framework—a stance that has made her both respected and controversial within conservative circles.

Beyond Writing: Film and Cultural Work

In addition to her success as an author, Balaraba Ramat Yakubu is a screenwriter, producer, and director in the Kannywood film industry—the Hausa-language film scene based in Kano. Her transition from literature to film allowed her to reach wider audiences, especially women who could not read.

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Her screenwriting often mirrors her literary themes, portraying female characters who defy stereotypes and fight for dignity and justice. By working in film, Yakubu helped expand the visibility of women’s voices in a male-dominated industry, contributing to the cultural evolution of Northern Nigerian cinema.

Personal Life and Legacy

Balaraba Ramat Yakubu’s life reflects resilience and purpose. Having faced early marriage and limited access to education, she transformed personal adversity into creative power. Her stories continue to inspire women to pursue education and self-reliance, especially in communities where such ideals are often discouraged.

Today, she is celebrated as one of the matriarchs of Hausa literature and a pioneer of women’s writing in Northern Nigeria. Her influence extends beyond literature into social advocacy and cultural preservation. Through her writing, she gave a voice to countless women whose stories were previously unheard.

References

Yakubu, Balaraba Ramat. Alhaki Kuykuyo Ne (Sin is a Puppy that Follows You Home). African Books Collective, 2012.

Furniss, Graham. “Love, Romance and Popular Fiction in Northern Nigeria.” Research in African Literatures, Vol. 42, No. 4, 2011.

British Library. “Balaraba Ramat Yakubu: Hausa Writer and Filmmaker.”

BBC Hausa Archives, “Women Who Changed Northern Nigeria,” 2019.

Nigerian Tribune, “Balaraba Ramat Yakubu: The Woman Who Dared to Write in Hausa,” 2021.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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19 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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