The Hausa film industry which is known as Kannywood is based in Kano State of Northern Nigeria, the most populated and arguably the most conservative state in the whole of Nigeria. Kannywood, like any other film industry, revolves around many controversies be it their storytelling, depictions and portrayals, outspoken nature, or scandals, among a plethora of reasons.
As a Muslim-dominated industry, Kannywood actors and actresses already knew from the start that any foul play, wayward attitudes, vulgar expressions, swearing, or curse words had little or no room at all, even in the name of acting.
Below are the top 10 controversial Kannywood actors of all time.
- Adam A. Zango
Adam A. Zango, also known as Prince Zango, comes from Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria. An actor, film producer, singer, dancer, and writer.
Zango is a versatile entertainer who started his career very early. It was reported that Zango showed interest in acting, singing, and dancing as early as his secondary school days. Zango first got his nod into the industry as a music composer before he made his case for acting and production, among other prominent roles.
Zango’s controversies include taking advantage of young aspiring female actresses; he was frequently reported to have employed them without the consent of their parents. At one time, Zango claimed to have taught Kaduna youths how to dress smartly, prompting an angry response from some of those youths, who caught him on the streets and beat him mercilessly.
Zango’s many female partners and many appearances also didn’t help secure him a good and gentlemanly image within the industry. A serial divorcee, Zango was also reported to have easily divorced his spouses over the years. His long-time on-and-off feud with famous co-star and rival Ali Nuhu always got unlimited media attention as two of the biggest Kannywood actors going at each other will always be a hot topic.
- Al’Ameen Ibrahim
Al’Ameen Ibrahim, also known as G-Fresh, is an aspiring actor, musician, and TikTok influencer whose young career is overshadowed by silly and unnecessary feuds on social media. G-Fresh is a subject of mockery from many female rivals, especially his former wife, actress and social media influencer Sadiya Haruna, fellow TikTok user Murja Kunya and former lover Alpha Charles Borno.
Many women, including the aforementioned ones, accused G-Fresh of being a pimp and a liar, among other infamous names and though not proven, rumours, they say, carry an element of truth. G-Fresh’s outspoken nature that often sounds very silly did not help his case. In his very short and brief career, G-Fresh might soon top future lists of Hausa film actors causing controversies, and as things stand, he’s definitely in the driving seat to make it to the top.
- Tijjani Asase
Tijjani Asase, famously known as Ganda or Damusa is a semi-veteran actor with a career spanning more than two decades. A character actor who also excels in comedy roles, thanks to his many portrayals as Dandaba (Thug or Hoodlum). Asase’s career was long free from controversies until lately, when he decided to turn his back on the director of his acclaimed YouTube series A Duniya.
Events leading to his departure from the acclaimed series are not as clear as day, but the shadowy nature of the departure, as well as his subsequent silence even after so much scrutiny from the public, only proves the guilt surrounding him. As a veteran Kannywood actor, Asase’s devotion to popular Hausa political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara caused a stir and raised eyebrows, especially when Asase was reported saying Rarara was a father figure to him. Many fans and critics believed that Asase was exaggerating his words for material gain.
- Sulaiman Bosho
Sulaiman Bosho is a Hausa film comedian and actor whose over-the-top and overacting style is a subject of ridicule. Bosho’s portrayals are almost always that of a disgraced old man in society, a corrupt ward or district head, or a troublesome middle-aged individual making him predictable to audiences even before they get to watch a film he is part of. As a character actor, Bosho’s use of vulgar words and offensive gestures often causes controversy. His family once sued him, saying he brought shame to the family first, by choosing to become a Hausa film actor, and secondly for his controversial and shameless portrayals. Bosho is a carefree individual who doesn’t seem to be distracted by every word on the street against him. Maybe this is the sole reason why he won’t budge to change his style and character portrayals any time soon.
- Ali Nuhu
Ali Nuhu, popularly known as Sarki (King) or Sarki Ali (King Ali), is widely regarded as the greatest film star in the North. Nuhu is a committed actor, producer, director, and filmmaker with a career nearly reaching three decades. If this list weren’t about controversial actors but rather the best ones, then readers would surmise Nuhu to be at the very top even before reading it.
Nuhu’s controversies stem from reported nepotism, which is using his power, connections, and influence to give out film roles to those dear to him, even if they don’t merit it. Reports of infidelity from many sources against Nuhu were never proven, though his long-standing feud with fellow actor Adam A. Zango is nothing new.
- Sadik Sani Sadik
Sadik Sani Sadik is a very versatile and talented actor from Jos, known for his outspoken nature and strong off-screen persona. In an industry where many actors and actresses, past and present, claimed to practically teach good morals to their audiences over the years since its inception, came Sadik Sani Sadik, who boldly and clearly stated some mouth-watering facts.
The actor once made it clear that he didn’t become an actor to teach morals and good values, or that he didn’t join the industry to teach people such values. The actor added that he is in the business just to entertain. His words might sound bold, intimidating, and unapologetic, but a closer look at the same comment reveals the raw honesty in it. His words surely polarised the Hausa film industry and thanks to me, they were right; a word is mightier than a sword.
- Naziru Ahmad
Naziru Ahmad, popularly known as Sarkin Waka, isn’t really an actor except for his appearance in the Arewa24 TV series Labari Na (My Story), which he co-produced. Sarkin Waka’s turbulent relationship with many actors and actresses in Kannywood is widely known, prompting other controversial actors within the industry to accuse him of infidelity, especially actress Fati Slow though the matter was resolved and they quickly buried the hatchet.
Sarkin Waka was involved in another controversy after clashing with actress Nafisat Abdullahi, who made some derogatory comments on almajirai as well as the polygamous nature of Hausa land that is, men marrying more than one wife. Naziru Ahmad was involved in a heated argument with the actress, sending powerful punchlines against her. He was praised for his vigilante efforts this time around, albeit for good reasons.
- Tahir Fagge
Tahir Fagge is a veteran Kannywood actor and also the eldest on the list, with a career spanning three decades. The notion that age is just a number isn’t always the case, as age comes along with certain responsibilities. As a sane person ages, they will leave their past life, choices, and mistakes behind and concentrate on being a better person or a better version of themselves.
For actor Tahir Fagge, that doesn’t seem to be the case. A Gala House video highlighted him dancing irresponsibly amidst teenage girls in Niger Republic. Instead of keeping mute and receiving the backlash responsibly, he came up with an equally pathetic excuse explaining why he appeared in the video. Fagge simply and shamelessly explained that he appeared in the video because he needed the money. Anything for money?..
- Ado Gwanja
Ado Gwanja a Hausa comedian, character actor, and musician, is another fellow known for his innovative styles of singing and dancing. His fans are predominantly women, and it is not a secret that all he does to entertain is in the name of the ladies. Gwanja started his Kannywood career as a character actor, mostly portraying cross-dressers, but he found more success as a performing singer.
The reason why Gwanja finds himself on this list is his functions at wedding events they are often characterised by his tendency to act in ways that are not socially or morally acceptable. Women and even men who enjoy his antics will beg to differ, but the truth is always bitter. Gwanja may not be as controversial as other folks above him in the list, but he is not better.
- Dauda Kahutu
Dauda Kahutu, better known as Rara or Raran Waka, is a political singer who has a penchant for releasing hit after hit studio records for political figures praising or dissing them alike. Dauda Kahutu is a menace to democracy. His innovative work has only contributed to the indiscipline and immorality Nigerian politics is suffering from.
