Hairat Abdullahi has been behind several Kannywood hit songs and she’s one of the few female Hausa singers making waves in the Hausa entertainment industry. In this interview, the singer speaks on the road to stardom, among other issues.
Who is Hairat Abdullahi?
I am an easy-going lady, born and brought up in Kaduna State, though my parents are from Nasarawa State. I did all my studies in Kaduna State and I have a certificate in Nursing/Midwifery from a nursing school based in Kaduna State. Presently, I am a song writer as well as a singer in the Hausa entertainment industry.
Why sing when you can practice as a nurse?
I didn’t actually plan to be a singer; as you are aware, destiny has things in store for everyone, things you have no plans for. It all started when I was waiting for my nursing school result. I accompanied a neighbour of ours to one of the studios in Kaduna, he was into music recording then and while at the studio, the female vocalists brought to the studio couldn’t do what they were asked to do and my neighbour asked me to give it a try, which I did.
Surprisingly, I gave them what they wanted and did the job perfectly. They were so happy with my performance and they kept calling me to do one song or the other. That was how my journey into music began. At the initial stage, no one knew my face but my voice became a street anthem, and at that point in time, I had no desire to take music as a career.
When did you decide to make a living out of music?
Gradually, my voice became very popular to the extent that people in our house listened to my songs without knowing that I was the one that voiced the song. I can remember one day, I was with my late father when the radio station he was listening to played one of my songs and from the look on his face he liked it.
So, when it became imminent that I would go into music fully, I went to seek his consent and it was then that he realized I have been singing all this while without his knowledge.
At first, he refused to give his consent but told me to hold on till after he had concluded his findings on Hausa female singers. During that period, almost everyone in my family opposed my decision to become a singer. However, after days of consultations, my father called me and told me that he has given me the go ahead. He reminded me of the need to be a good ambassador of the family as well as to protect and guard my integrity. That was how my journey began.
I put aside my nursing certificate and fully ventured into music in 2013; and as God will have it; I have never regretted doing that.
Do you have any intention of practicing nursing?
Nursing is a skill I acquired and I believe it is with me and will remain with me. However, for now, I can’t say I have plans to return to nursing. The only thing I can assure you is that whenever I quit music, I will surely practice nursing.
When will you quit music?
Honestly, I can’t say precisely when.
Did you face any challenge when you started doing videos for your songs?
I faced a lot of it, but I am aware that nothing comes without its own peculiar challenges. When I started doing videos, people were telling me that I stand to lose chances of having real suitors and that I would also lose my credibility as a woman.
I never took them seriously and I went ahead and did my videos. These videos were what made me who I am today. People got to know my face and appreciate all the work I have been doing. I always tell people that I am happy. I never allowed what people assumed to draw me back on what I am determined to achieve.
How did you manage practicing within what is termed as a male dominated sector?
It wasn’t easy at all. Some people looked me straight in the face and told me that I will only be posting my songs on WhatsApp as I will not be able to make it in the industry, but that didn’t deter me, rather it made me more determined to prove them wrong.
Mention some of your songs?
Of course, there are songs like, ‘Abin Da Ya Ke Rai’ – a song track in the film ‘Mansoor’, Rariya, Dace, Ruwan Dare, Aminta Da Juna in the film ‘Gwaska Return’, among many others.
Do you have an album?
Yes, I have three albums so far and currently, I am working on an EP album that will soon be released into the market.
How many awards have you won so far?
I have won several awards and to be candid, I cannot mention all of them. I won the best artiste of the year award organized by Tozali TV, among many other awards.
Are you married?
No, I am not and I have never been married before.
Are you into any serious relationships?
Yes, I am.
Is your man in the entertainment industry?
No, he is not. With patience everyone will get to know him soon.
How would you want to be remembered?
I would want to be remembered for the contribution I made to the development of the Hausa entertainment industry as a female singer. I am sure even when I leave the industry, people would want to remember me for my songs that put smile on the faces of many people.
Would you continue singing after marriage?
That depends on my husband’s wish; however, I don’t think I will continue singing after my marriage. Probably, that will be the time for me to further my education and practice my nursing career.
