The evolution of Kannywood has always revolved around storytelling and local drama, both on screen and off screen. In 2025, Instagram has become an easy channel, a window, where stars allow fans and followers inside their private lives and hobbies. The most followed actresses are not just popular for their acting and good looks; they are influencers.
Platforms like Instagram enable celebrities to capture the hearts of millions around the globe. Through Instagram posts alone, these selected actresses reveal how they capture the hearts of many in one way or another. This happens through homemade short video clips, selfies, outings, and quotes about life and daily struggles. They also use captures and shots from movie sets or behind-the-scenes footage. Award shows are also typical among the Instagram feeds of these few actresses on such an exclusive list. Below are the top ten.
Rahama Sadau
@rahamasadau – 3.4 million followers
She leads the list. Her presence has consistently topped that of any other actress in the Kannywood industry. Rahama Sadau is a crossover sensation. She is a popular face in Kannywood, Nollywood, and even Bollywood cinema. Her energy and vibrant attitude across three major industries make her unsurprising as the leader of such a list, a feat no other Nigerian actress has yet achieved.
Sadau was born on December 7, 1993, in Kaduna State. After completing her primary and secondary education, Sadau earned a degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. From that point onward, her career in theatre flourished. She achieved her breakthrough role in the Hausa drama Sai Na Dawo, then starred in Ni Da Kai. From that moment, Sadau experienced a clear path to success, consistently becoming an A-Lister among Nigerian celebrities. She received honors at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Actress Kannywood and also garnered EbonylifeTV nominations.
Her activities revolve around fashion tutoring, behind-the-scenes film shots, self-reflection, and advocacy for youth and women empowerment. With an impressive 3.4 million followers, Rahama’s influence on Instagram cannot be overstated. She attracts and pulls followers into her Instagram feeds, showcasing her activities, methods, preferences, emotions, award nights, and happy times with her family.
Hadiza Aliyu Gabon
@hadizagabo – 2.9 million followers
From Gabon with love. Hadiza Gabon is a semi-veteran actress admired for her acting and emotional depth. Her 2.9 million followers, placing her second on this exclusive list, demonstrate her significant impact. No one could have predicted Gabon would influence ten, let alone hundreds or thousands of people, yet she has done so. Hadiza Gabon’s 2.9 million Instagram followers result from her acting skills, friendly persona, and memorable, heartfelt Instagram presence in a journey connecting with fans and critics alike. Her charitable works and efforts received a warm reception and abundant praise, particularly during the Pandemic lockdown. Her big heart and kind gestures will surely remain in the memory of fans and the public. Her feed includes costumes, shared time with family, red carpet appearances, and many other posts.
Nafisat Abdullahi
@nafisatabdullahi – 2.3 million followers
Nafisat Abdullahi is another actress who broke through into the spotlight and remained at the top consistently before receding from the Hausa big screen. This occurred due to disputes with the censorship board and disagreements with fellow actors and actresses. Still, a list of this caliber would not be complete without personalities such as her. Nafisat Abdullahi was born on December 17, 1992, in Jos, Plateau State. She holds a degree in Human Resource Management from Abuja University. Her deeply emotional roles and “bad girl” persona in various movie appearances complement her strong performances. Her Instagram vibe is full of energy. She also shares her lavish style and partying, with private jet captions and travel posts among her favorite feeds.
Maryam Booth
@maryambooth – 2.2 million followers
A child actress who transitioned into a full-time actress, Maryam Booth is another face long synonymous with Hausa moviegoers. From her early appearances in Dijen Gala to the present day, Booth has appeared in many films, both Kannywood and Nollywood, notably the Nollywood film series, Sons of the Caliphate. Maryam Booth is the daughter of actress Zainab Booth. She was born on April 27, 1993, in Kano State. After her secondary school education, she earned a degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University. With a whopping 2.2 million Instagram followers, it is accurate to state that Maryam Booth’s feeds are relatable, enjoyable, and imaginative. Maryam often uses her platform to discuss mental health, sobriety, and self-care. Her feeds and captions frequently feature short gratitude messages, such as “Alhamdulillah.”
Maryam Yahaya
@maryamyahaya – 2.0 million followers
Maryam Yahaya was born on November 1, 1997, in Kano State, claiming the number five slot with 2.0 million followers. Maryam Yahaya secured film roles in many big projects at a very early age from the start of her career. For her, breaking into the entertainment universe seemed effortless. Achieving 2.0 million followers on Instagram is not an easy feat, by any means. Her feeds, like those of many others, include video clips from film sets, behind-the-scenes footage, personal time with friends, and makeup sessions.
Fati Washa
@fatiwasha – 2.0 million followers
Fati Washa, at number six, is another leading actress excelling in romantic roles, portraying housewives, and other significant characters. Her acting skills appear unconventional, but this does not diminish her consistent delivery of strong performances. Her serious acting abilities and emotional depth are undeniable. Her Instagram activities typically revolve around behind-the-scenes encounters, outings, personal time, and advertisements. Makeup sessions and short film clips also frequently appear in her Instagram activities.
Hafsat Idris
@hafsatidris – 1.7 million followers
Hafsat Idris is another actress who captivates 1.7 million followers. Her good looks may have initially surprised fans and the general public, but her acting skills and serious approach to the business solidified her image and status. Although she has been less active on screen lately, she focuses more on advertising food and costume products, a consistent pattern in her Instagram feed. Behind-the-scenes clips, footage from film sets, and family time are also visible in her feed.
Aisha Aliyu Tsamiya
@aishatsamiya – 1.5 million followers
Aisha Tsamiya, at number eight, rarely appears on screen these days, but her strong acting performances and emotional depth in films such as Dakin Amarya, among many others, will remain in the hearts of fans for many years to come. She possessed remarkable energy and vibrant performances during her peak years, appearing on the big screen of Hausa cinema. Her feeds remain lively with behind-the-set clips, film set footage, and personal moments with family.
Jamila Nagudu
@jamilanagudu – 950k followers
Jamila Nagudu is an acclaimed actress known for her versatile performances on screen. These range from portraying a leading lady in romantic roles to a married woman, a troubled housewife, a working married woman, and a “boss lady.” Her comedic roles are so numerous and so good that even her devoted fans cannot choose a favorite among them. Her feed includes time with family, captions, and messages relating to her fans.
Asmau Rufai
@asmaurufai – 920k followers
Rounding out the list is Asmau Rufai, an actress who may be new to the business and a novice. However, her appearance on this exclusive list clearly indicates her intention to stay. She possesses talent and good looks; her seriousness assists her, and her Instagram presence is compelling even to her least connected fans. Behind-the-set clips, footage from movie sets, personal time, and self-reflection are all seamlessly blended into her feeds.
