Thank you all for your comments! Husna I agree with you that many would find the traditional instruments used in Hausa music boring, especially in these modern times of synthesizers that can mimic any sound, and computer music software. Do remember, though, that all traditional instruments are reflection of a the cultural heritage of a people and many communities strive to maintain them. I am sure you are aware that there many genres of music in Europe, for instance, ranging from Classical to World. The arrival of new musical form does not indicate the death or decline of others. The best form of fusion of new and old music in my view is in Malian music. Check out Ali Farka Toure (most especially his last album, SAVANE, released after his death in April 2006) and listen to the fusion of kora and blues guitar. Similarly, Adama Yolomba's MOUSOU is an incredible combination of the sound of Malian xylophone (don't know what they call it) and modern instruments.
I have put together a concert I call KUKUMA RAP coming up on 28th October 2006 at the British Council at 7.00 p.m. It is a world premier of Hausa Rappers jamming with Nasiru Garba Supa's band called AREWA. The Arewa would be playing kukuma, shantu, kalangu, duman garke, while the Rappers will be rapping on the beat -- all in Hausa! This is our way of combining the modern and the traiditional to show that they can in fact be combined. We are starting rehearsals on Wednesday next week during I will also introduce SHANTU RAP sol sequence -- where a rapper will overlay his voice to the sound of Shantu (and the Shantu is played by a female, who is also a brilliant Koroso dancer!)
Your comments also made remember one niece of mine who saw a CD labled DAN ANACE. She wanted to know if he is a new rapper, thinking that DAN stands for Daniel!
If you live in the Kano region, I can send you an invitation to the concert (and of course others too!). Just let me know via email at auadamu@yahoo.com, so that I send it to BC.
Other comments deal with the aspect of production and distribution of Hausa rap music. This indeed is a problem. Most of the rappers are youngsters (in their early 20s) who simply can't afford the kind of money needed to produce (i.e. record, market and release) a CD. We are talking about N60,000 to N100,000 (less than $800 range). They simply can't afford that kind of money because they are either students, or working in some poorly paid job. Further, piracy is another big problem. The moment they release a CD, the next thing you know, it is hijacked by Kofar Wambai (Kano) pirates and the rappers get nothing out of it.
Most of the rap songs are now in what I can "demo" versions -- they record them in studios like Sulpher and take the MP3 versions to radio stations, particularly Freedom Radio (
http://freedomradionig.com/). "Rainy Season" for instance, by Billy-O was a huge radio hit -- combining Hausa and English in a rap form (and to be performed at the Kukuma Rap concert!).
It is still abit tricky sending files to this forum, but I will try to upload samples of Lakal Kaney and others.
And the Hausa female rapper is Menne 710 -- she is not really Hausa as such, but the first Hausa female voice rapping. Her CD is easily available in Kano. It is called SOYAYYA NETASHI (Soyayya Na Ta shi). If you live in the Kano region, go to the Post Office, or the large roundabout near First Bank where the CD sellers hang out!
Abdalla