Today, Instagram is not just a photo-sharing platform; it determines who is who even among the biggest, most famous, and most influential men in Hausa movie cinema. Hausa film actors used their Instagram handles as a strong and important tool to connect and relate with their fans across the country.
Kannywood, which is the Hausa-language film industry of Northern Nigeria, is a subset of the larger Nigerian cinema known as Nollywood. It is based primarily in Kano and produces movies in the Hausa language.
While finding real-time Instagram follower counts for all Kannywood actors can be incredibly difficult, as the follower counts constantly fluctuate rapidly as a result of trends and other factors, here are the most followed Kannywood actors in the month of June based on general trends and the latest available on Instagram.
Ali Nuhu, 3.1 Million Followers
Ali Nuhu, who remains the “King of Kannywood,” consistently has the highest number of followers. He was born March 15, 1974, in Maiduguri, Borno State, and grew up between Kano and Jos. After completing his secondary school education, he moved to Jos, where he pursued a degree in Geography from the University of Jos and swiftly went into acting.
Ali Nuhu has a far-reaching history compared to any other Kannywood actor. His influence spans decades, and this is because his acting is not limited to only Kannywood but extends to the Nollywood industry of the southern part of Nigeria. Ali Nuhu has appeared in more than 500 Nollywood and Kannywood films and earned numerous accolades. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of all time in the history of Hausa cinema and has been described as the most successful Hausa film star in the world.
Based on the available data on Instagram, Ali Nuhu, by June 2025, has over 3 million followers, possibly approaching 3.5 million or even more in the subsequent months to come.
Adam A. Zango 1.6 Million Followers
Adam A. Zango is a true multifaceted talent in Kannywood, who plays roles as an actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, producer, and director. Born on October 1, 1985, in Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Adam A. Zango endured significant challenges and had to fight his way to the top. He stands tall today among the elite in the entertainment business, proving that he didn’t become a star overnight after all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
With 1.6 million Instagram followers to his name, Zango has starred in and directed blockbusters like Gwaska, Babban Yaro, and Basaja.
Zango engages and relates with his fans on Instagram more deeply than many actors on this list. His feeds frequently revolve around his present feelings, self-reflection, society, behind-the-scenes glimpses and extensive travel.
Ado Gwanja, 1.7 Million Followers
Ado Gwanja, whose stage name is derived from his real name Muhammadu Ado Sani, is widely known as a talented street singer and method actor. He grew up in Kano, where he received informal training in various film roles. Gwanja is best known for his musical dramas and his infectious dancing energy.
His very important break on screen came with the film Kicimilli, a movie where he played the role of Reza, a troublesome cross-dresser.
Ado Gwanja’s exceptional blend of comedy, drama and music has earned him a whopping 1.7 million followers. Similarly, he has found increased fame and fortune as a Hausa singer, frequently performing at expensive wedding events and dinners. It’s no secret that he is a ladies’ man, and his songs are widely accepted by his female fans.
His Instagram feed is full of content of comedy and laughter, filled with funny video clips, comedy, and pictures of his family is also a frequent way for him to show love and appreciation for his loved ones.
Sani Musa Danja, 1.1 Million Followers
Sani Musa Danja is a veteran actor and a leading force in modern Kannywood. He was born in 1980 in Kano State. It was reported that he pursued a degree in Theatre Arts at Bayero University Kano before joining Kannywood in the early 2000s.
Danja is well known for leading and producing most of his films alongside his childhood friend and fellow actor, Yakubu Muhammad, together they own the 2 Effects Empire. He is also recognized for his dedication to fixing expensive movie sets and his distinctive comedic persona.
He commands 1.1 million followers, thanks largely to his friendly personality and strong political affiliations. His Instagram feed, like many of his colleagues, includes some of his video clips, moments of politics and philanthropic activities.
Sadik Sani Sadik, 1.0 Million Followers
Sadik Sani Sadik is a talented and versatile actor who, like many others, he began his career in supporting roles in Hausa films. He later established himself firmly among the leading men in the industry. Sadiq establishe a strong performances in comedic roles such as Mati da Lado and Halacci, among many other successful movies.
Sadik was born on April 10, 1987, in Jos, Plateau State, and holds a Diploma in Mass Communication from Kaduna Polytechnic (according to some sources).
His Instagram handle reflects a gentle family guy, featuring many pictures of his family, gym sessions, short clips from movies, and advertisements for various products online. Presently, Sadik has about 1.0 million followers on Instagram.
Lawan Ahmad, 1.0 Million Followers
Actor Lawan Ahmad started his career in Kannywood long before many of the actors on this list, but he started getting strong performances in recent years which have firmly counted him among the leading men in the Hausa cinema entertainment world. His recent producing efforts have been even more successful with the popular YouTube Hausa film series Izzar So, in which he co-produced and starred, making him a strong force in the industry.
Lawan Ahmad was Born in Kano State, he completed his secondary school education and also studied at the Federal College of Education (Technical).
Yakubu Muhammad, 950k Followers
Yakubu’s entertainment career began with singing and songwriting before he started appearing in roles alongside his childhood friend and actor, Sani Musa Danja. He is one of the very few Kannywood actors who has also appeared in Nollywood and English dramas, such as Sons of the Caliphate. Together, he and Danja established the film production company 2 Effects Empire.
Yakubu Muhammad was born on July 15, 1980, in Gwarzo, Kano. His acting skills demonstrate a depth and versatility that are superior to many who appeared on screen long before him.
Umar M. Shareef, 900k Followers
Umar M. Shareef is a rising star blessed with both acting and singing talents. He has appeared in many leading romantic roles. Shareef was born in 1990, in Fagge, Kano. He is a graduate of Mass Communication from Bayero University. It is safe to say Shareef’s journey into entertainment has been a successful ride to date, as he is consistently mentioned among the rising stars in the Kannywood industry.
Umar M Shareef is a famous Hausa love singer and an actor in the Kannywood industry. He has an excellent relationship with all Hausa actors in Kannywood, especially Ali Nuhu, who played a significant role in bringing the actor to prominence. He has also received awards from various organizations.
Umar M. Shareef has successfully built a following of over 900,000 followers with his popular songs and engaging beats.
Nuhu Abdullahi, 890k Followers
Nuhu Abdullahi was born on January 1, 1991, in Kano State, after completing his Diploma from Federal College of Education, Kano. He entered Kannywood starting with small roles, eventually growing into supporting and leading roles in movies like Sarki and Almajiri. Nuhu is another rising star in the current Kannywood setup. Although he recently faded from the spotlight temporarily, his strong performances in both leading and supporting roles have captured the hearts of loyal Hausa movie fans.
Abdul M. Shareef, 692k Followers
Abdul M. Shareef joined Kannywood industry after completing his B.A in Theatre Arts from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He quickly rose through the ranks through his mostly famous roles of honest police officers or the good guy characters.
Abdul M. Shareef is a renowned Kannywood actor, model, screenwriter, and producer from Rigasa, Kaduna, Nigeria.
He started his journey in the entertainment industry through music alongside his brother Umar M. Shareef, but officially transitioned into Kannywood films in 2012, gaining early recognition with the movie “Makashinta”.
Over the years, he has starred in several hit films including Jinin Jikina, Yar Agadez, Dattijo, Gamu Nan Dai, Bazan Barki Ba, Yaki a Soyayya, Mujadala, and Hakki.
