Your name is Binta Labaran. Why do people call you Fati Niger?
Well! My name is actually Binta Labaran, but people know me in the music industry as Fati Niger. I was born and bought up in Maradi, Republic of Niger and I guess that is why people refer to me as Fati Niger. I had my Quranic education in Niger before coming to Nigeria and this is where I am today.
How did you find yourself in the Nigerian Hausa music industry?
Back in Niger, I happened to be so much obsessed with songs most especially those we sang with our peers at nights. So when I came down to Nigeria on a visit to my sister, I discovered that there is a thriving music industry in Kano. So I decided to give it a try; I sought for my sister’s advice and consent which she gladly gave me.
I went to Ali Baba’s studio where I met him and discussed my intention with him. He told me plainly that he will accept me and give me a chance only if I am willing to abide by the rules and regulations of his studio. He read them out to me and I accepted to abide by those rules, that was how I started and this is where I am today.
Did you face any form of discrimination in the industry, being a foreigner?
I can’t say I have faced any form of direct discrimination. But as human beings you can’t exclude us from some forms of envy in other related pressures. In fact, let us just let sleeping dogs lie and let bygone be bygone.
People were saying you have a gift of memorizing all your songs at heart during composing and recording sessions. How is that possible?
To me, if one has gone through the basics of Qur’nic education such things won’t be a problem. As a singer, I usually compose my songs during the night when there is less noise. Moreover, now that we are in the IT world, I normally record my songs with my handsets and store them there for future use.
You have been described as an inspirational singer by most of your fans. What is the secret?
Honestly, I wouldn’t know, but I believe with God everything is possible. However, I can’t precisely say to you now that I have any secrets, I can’t say that.
Which song do you think brought you to limelight?
Actually, I cannot state a single song and say this song was the song that brought me to limelight, but I can proudly state that my Hausa movie songs are the songs that made Fati Niger known by many. Songs like Sa’a, Gobe da Nisa and others are some of my songs that I believe made me popular.
How many songs you have recorded?
Oh! You see I have been involved in composing songs for politicians and also some songs for adverts. So I don’t think I can give you exact figures of my songs but I am sure they are more than 3, 000 though I do not have records of all my songs.
Does Fati Niger have the intention of producing an album?
I have already produced two albums; the first was Girma-Girma and then ‘Yan Matan Arewa. And now I am working on other two albums Nigeria da Niger and ‘Yar Gata.
Do you have the intention of venturing into other aspects of the entertainment industry?
Yes, I have already concluded consultations and plans have gone far for the take off of a movie production outfit. I have already opened my production office in Kano and soon we will start operations full time.
When is Fati Niger going to get married?
You see, marriage is not for us to decide so I can’t tell you that I m getting married on so and so date or on so and so time. God knows better.
Ok, is Fati in any relationship?
No! I am praying for the right one to come.
What is your message to your fans?
I want to say a big thank you to all my fans without whom I wouldn’t have been where I am today. Their support is all what I need and I will continue to make them happy by entertaining them with good songs that touch and change lives for the better.
