The Hausa Peoples
The Hausa peoples occupied the plains of the northern region of present-day Nigeria. Although each of the Hausa communities had their distinctive features, they were all conscious of their ethnic and cultural unity that drew its source from the famous Bayajidda (Abuyazida) legend. Bayajidda had seven ‘legitimate’ sons. These founded the Seven States (or Hausa Bakwai ). These were Biram, Daura, Katsina, Zaria, Kano, Rano, and Gobir. Interesting fact: Members of the Hausa family were allocated special tasks. Gobir: War Leader Daura and Katsina: Trade Chiefs Kano and Rano: Industry Zaria: Chief of Slaves (and other labor needs.) However, Bayajidda had seven other illegitimate sons by a slave girl named Gwari. These brought about the existence of the States of Zamfara, Kebbi, Gwarri, Yauri, Nupe, Yoruba, and Kwararafa. They were infamously tagged Banza Bakwai (loosely translated as “Impure Seven”.) Although Hausa nations were always conscious of their brotherhood, they nev...