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 never formed a lasting formidable political union. This is why they became prone to imperial ambitions of the other West African States such as Songhai and Bornu.

Nonetheless, the accounts of the foundation of the Hausa Bakwai and the Banza Bakwai explains the widespread reach of the Hausa language and the cultural affinities between the peoples of the leading Hausa States and their neighbors.

Blog Historian: Eunice Habila (B. A. History.)

Further References: 

• G. T. Stride and C. Ifeka, Peoples and Empires of West Africa, Thomas Nelson, Hong Kong, 1971.
• M. L. Arabu's Issues in Pre-Colonial Inter-State Relations: The Example of Hausa and Saharan States from the 16th to 19th Centuries in Kaduna Journal of Historical Studies, Department of History, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, September 2013.
• Y. U Magudu, Transportation and Trade in Pre-Colonial Kano, History Department Bayero University, Kano. September 2014.
• www. bradtguides.com/Kano- Bradt-Guides, accessed on 6/10/2020.
• https//africanexecutives.com, 15th May 2007, accessed on 7/10/2020.
• https://www.nigeriagaleria.com/business-economy-of -kano-state, accessed on 6/10/2020.