The Pulse of Entertainment in Kano’s Historic Blend of Commerce, Faith, and Tradition

Kano state is acknowledged to be in North West expanse of the present day Nigeria. Though, the state is renowned of it matchless aptitudes and multi skills fitness on the trot of businesses accomplishments, commencing within and outside Africa.

The state is globally graded to be among the swift evolving state in the comportment of businesses. This boundless side view record in businesses has greatly concerned investors, entrepreneurs’ and customers ever since in the olden days of defunct transactions.

This has magnificently give rise to the birth of multiples activities such as innovative civilizations, cultures and beliefs of different people in the state.

Kano state is branded as culturally subjective state, which profoundly depended on adjudicating and running deeds, based on their arts and convictions. But with the advent of relationship between the Arabs that have been spreading goods and commodities’ to Africa, has increasingly led to the spread of Islam in the region.

Nevertheless, despite their outstanding record of accomplishment in businesses at both local, national and international province, Kano state should not just be limited to the business activities.

There are other stimulating trends in which the state should be recognised of, this include politics, sport, entertainment and another most alarming aspect is that, it should be known as likeable tourist destination.

Entertainment is worth an essential path in Kano state, they kanawa are exclusively known for their cultural music and dancing, which significantly fascinated varied cultures across Africa and beyond.

This earlier started as a result of what they called “Kirary” (admonition or Praises to their Emir), furthermore it was enjoined to what they also called “kaki” (whistle blowing) and then to poem recitation in what they called “Yabo or Qasida” this gradually excelled to music and “koroso” Hausa tribal dance.

The Kano State Cultural Troupe, a beacon of Hausa traditions and one of Nigeria’s foremost cultural ambassadors, continues to thrive on both national and international stages despite numerous challenges.

Kano is renowned of its vibrant Koroso dance-dramas, the troupe has showcased its cultural heritage at prestigious events, including the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and intercontinentally in countries like France, Turkey, and Romania in 2023 and many more countries over the years.

The troupe is not only preserving the rich traditions of Kano and the Hausa people but also adapting and evolving to meet modern challenges.

Koroso dance have significantly thrived globally, this has greatly impact positively on the Hausa culture and generated added recognition and respect to the Hausa people.

The koroso cultural activities is exceedingly valued in Africa, and all the Hausa speaking community, accepted the dancing style. This has made Nigeria to gain more respect within and African publics.

The koroso dancers engage in a full blown services of performance display in a team established in 1972.

It was established in 1972 by Mal. Umaru Kiru and Mal. Musa Lambu, the troupe originated by merging traditional Fulani and Hausa dance movements to form the Koroso Cultural Dance Group.

The Koroso dance, a colourful and rhythmic performance, using implements such as the Serewa (flute), ‘Yan Ganga, Kanzalgi, Duma, Kwarya, (calabash) and maracas lalajo, has captivated audiences, both locally and intercontinentally since the 1980s.

Their early acknowledgement was augmented by participation in noteworthy events like the National Festival of Arts and Culture in Kaduna and FESTAC ’77 in Lagos, which raised their profile on the global stage.

Nevertheless, once a major cultural highlight, the Koroso dance is now seeing reduced visibility and attention in contemporary settings. This shift prompts inquiries on the factors leading to Koroso’s reduced presence in modern entertainment.

“On that, I discussed the Koroso dance’s visibility challenges at Gidan Dan Hausa in Kano, where the dance is well known, however, a former Koroso dancer, Alhaji Nura Ahmad Sa’ad, now retired and working as a librarian in the reference section of Gidan Dan Hausa, noted there are no media affiliations or contracts aimed at increasing awareness of the Koroso dance, which may contribute to its reduced visibility”.

“He added that performances have stopped in theatre’s due to concerns about free mixing of genders, which some argue is inconsistent with Islamic principles”.

“I propelled to know about challenges faced by Koroso dancers, Sa’ad mentioned that the significant issue was a security threat. During a performance trip, dancers were attacked by armed robbers, though fortunately, no lives were lost and are proactive to that by providing dancers with escorts or military personnel to ensure their safety during travelling”.

“Another challenge the koroso dancers faces is lack of hospitality from certain audience during performance. It brings them great disappointment to showcase their talent without getting adequate enthusiasm from their audience”.

Furthermore, despite challenges such as inadequate hospitality and security concerns during international tours, the troupe has seen gradual improvements, allowing them to maintain their commitment to cultural exchange and preservation.

Public supports, among which is sponsorship coming under the leadership of the Executive Secretary Ahmad Abba Yusuf as well as Government funding which has been indispensable in supporting the troupe’s activities and enabling them to sustain operations and undertake international engagements remains indispensable and supportive to the out shine of their activities.

Further Initiatives, like Alura da Zare programs would be reintroduced this year willing to further contribute cultural preservation by educating younger generations about the significance of Hausa and Fulani traditions. Said by gidan-Dan-Hausa”

Conclusion:

In the face of modern challenges and evolving audience interests, the Kano State Cultural Troupe continues to thrive, driven by a commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s cultural legacy and are set to perform nationally and internationally.

This enduring spirit of joy and resilience ensures that the troupe’s legacy remains vibrant and influential on the world stage, and quit need audience, public, financial and government support to outrival.