Recently released songs of a Kannywood actor and singer, Ado Isah Gwanja, have set the internet on fire as his fans took to their different social media platforms to display their dancing talents, even when he didn’t announce any contest to that effect.
Gwanja had released a hit single titled ‘Warr’ sometime this year and the song became a hit instantly, especially on the social media.
The song, which is being seen as a remix of a famous Hausa traditional singer, the late Mamman Shata’s, song became a household name, as well as anthem to various social events around the northern states. He was so quick in releasing the song’s videos, which went viral as well.
It was on record that the song, ‘Warr’ was the most trending audio in the history of the Hausa music industry and the first Hausa song to reach one million streams without an official video being released. The song is said to have also set another record of being the only Hausa single song with two millions streams across digital platforms within 1 month.
While ‘Warr’ is having a good day, the singer released another single titled ‘Chass’, and the song, as expected, also went viral, creating a serious attention within the social media, especially among female fans, and as such, generated a serious debate between socialists and Islamic scholars in Hausa-speaking states.
The manner and approach to Gwanja’s song by female fans have drawn the attention of many concerned people from all sets of life endeavours. While few are applauding the singer’s talent and initiative, many others are condemning his approach and the choice of his lyrics in the songs, and as such, they found the songs offensive to Hausa culture and traditions.
The ‘Sama Mata’ crooner was born on January 22, 1990. His songs are very popular, especially among women and youths in northern Nigeria.
It was gathered that Gwanja first appeared in films in 2017 and later discovered his talent in filmmaking. Although he recently spent a lot of time in the music industry, Gwanja acts in Hausa films.
His songs, which are mostly in tune with promoting women, enjoy huge patronage from them as he is always in the list of invited singers to grace high-profile women’s events within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
However, his recently released singles are being considered vulgar by some traditionalists and Ulamas. As a result of this, several caution and advisory messages have been made for the artist to see and hopefully adjust.
The internet has become a centre where Gwanja’s songs are being criticised. He has been accused of sending female fans wild with his songs.
“Fear God, Ado. You should know that we will all be accountable for our deeds in the hereafter. You have a family, and I know you wouldn’t want someone to send them as wild as you have sent out sisters and daughters, all in the name of trying to earn a living. Remember, God is watching you,” one of the social media posts on the songs reads.
Another person stated, “It is unfortunate that our young women have gone wild on the social media. If it is not ‘Warr’, it is ‘Chass.’ Haba, the songs have completely made our sisters and brothers shameless and irresponsible. Check your social media and you will agree with every word I have used. Gwanja is doing great damage to our social, religious and cultural norms.”
The two songs have been rated as the most listened to and most sought for Hausa songs in recent months.
However, despite all the criticisms, both songs have been enjoying huge popularity, especially among female listeners.
It was reliably gathered that Ado Gwanja is currently preparing to shoot the ‘Chass’ video, which will soon be released, just as he did with ‘Warr.’
Attempts to get the singer react to the series of criticism against his songs proved abortive as calls to his mobile phone lines were not going through. However, sources close to the artist revealed that he is very busy working on ‘Chass’ videos and another yet to be released single.
‘Chass and Warr’ were released into the entertainment sector in the second quarter of 2022.
Some of Gwanja’s most popular songs are Kujerar Tsakar Gida, Mamar-Mamar, Dakin Bakuwa, Asha Rawa-rawa, Kilu ta Ja Bau, Kidan Mata.
In another development a Kano State Upper Shari’a Court sitting in Bichi local government of the state, presided over by Dr. Bello Musa Khalid has requested commissioner of police, Kano command to conduct an investigation, against one Mr 442, Safara,u, Ado Gwanja and 5 other suspected accomplices for allegedly singing songs and TikTok acts which directly or indirectly promote immorality, adultery, fornication, an act that contravened Kano State norms and values
The court order was sequel to the complaint by Barrister Badamasi suleiman Gandu and five other Kano based legal practitioners before the Court.
Others suspects include, Dan Maraya, Amude Booth, Kawu Dan Sarkim, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, Ummi Shakira, Samha M. Inuwa and Babiyana.
Shedding light on the matter, the state Public Relations Officer, Shari’a Court Division, Muzzammil Ado Fagge explained that the Judge decision was predicated on order 12, sub 1 of Kano State Shari’a Court Civil Procedure Rule 2021.
Similarly, in a fresh development the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) had issued a statement banning playing of Ado Gwanja’s ‘Warr’ song in all Radio stations based on the song’s lyrics which is said to be promoting promiscuity. In a statement with reference number NBC/KDZ/NGR/Vol.IV/2022 dated September 2022 NBC stated that ‘The song was laced with unwholesome words and portrayal of drunkenness as an acceptable way of life,” it stated.
