Extracted from:
FASIHIYA BINTA LABARAN
Fati Nijar Da Waƙoƙinta
By
Abu-Ubaida Sani
Halima Daura Kabir
Abdullahi Bashir
Reference
Sani, A-U., Kabir, H.D., & Bashir, A. (2024). Fasihiya Binta Labaran (Fati Nijar Da Waƙoƙinta). SAS Publishers. ISBN: 978-978-795-635-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19513195
2.0 Introduction
Presenting a comprehensive history is an extremely difficult task, especially when it has not been documented as events were unfolding. The difficulty increases when it concerns someone with a multitude of life engagements and interactions with various people, as is the case with Binta Labaran. Nevertheless, this chapter has made every effort to compile important information regarding Hajiya Fati's rise in the world of music.
2.1 The Beginning of
Fati Nijar's Singing Career
Singing was the first profession that Binta Labaran pursued.
Before she began singing, she had no specific occupation. Instead, she was
solely dedicated to religious studies, particularly the study of the Holy
Qur'an. Embracing the profession of singing brought her great reward. For
instance, she has already performed the Hajj pilgrimage, fulfilling her
religious obligation. She has also taken care of her parents. Beyond that, this
profession has enabled her to own houses and cars, as Bashir and others (2010
p. 8) have stated.
Hajiya Fati did not inherit singing as a family tradition. She
simply grew up with her natural talent. Since it became her means of
livelihood, she immersed herself in it completely. In summary, she began
singing in circumstances that Gusau (2008) described as organic—that is,
starting to sing without inheriting the tradition from anyone or replicating it
by following a master.
2.2 Her Early Songs
Initially, Fati Nijar did not sing her own original songs. She
began by singing film soundtrack songs that she was commissioned to compose.
This means she was given the structure and style required for the songs,
matching the storyline of the film in which the song would appear. The first
song she sang in this manner was titled Al'amarin Hassan Yana Bam
Mamaki (The Matter of Hassan is Truly Surprising).
Later, Hajiya Fati developed her career by singing her own
independent songs. These types of songs were composed according to her
preferences, and she would then promote them. The earliest in this format were:
a. Girma-Girma (Greatness)
b. 'Yan Matan Arewa (Northern Girls)
She opened the song Girma-Girma with a
self-introduction, saying:
I give thanks to you, my beloved ones,
Greatness, greatness, Allah is the Greatest,
Let us uphold trust and emulate the character of the Messenger of Allah.
Ehhh Binta Labaran, that is my nickname and my name,
Fati Nijar is what some people call me,
I bow to you all, my beloved ones,
I greet you Abubakar Sani and my brother ALA.
In these two stanzas, one can observe the influence of her
Islamic education. She also mentioned the name by which she was originally
known before her nickname overshadowed it—Binta Labaran—and then explained the
nickname given to her, Fati Nijar. Another point to note in the song is her
long-standing professional relationship with Aminu Ladan Abubakar (ALA), whom
she even referred to as her brother.
Furthermore, her early songs also demonstrate the influence of
her study of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings and how she engaged with them.
Among such songs is Dan Amina Fiyayye (Son of Amina, the
Excellent One). In the song, she says:
Chorus: Ya Rasulullah, Ya Rasulullah,
Son of Amina, the excellent one, greetings to you, my Messenger.
I call upon the Creator with my soul and my face,
Knower of my secrets, answer my request,
I will seek help from you, O King of generosity,
Do not let me lack understanding when I praise my Messenger.
A thousand more salutations to my Messenger,
Al-Mustafa Muhammad, the father of Nana's child,
This is the one I hold as the foundation of my hope,
Son of Amina, greetings to you, Mustafa, my Messenger.
In the salutations, O Great Lord,
I pray that You include the family of the Great One,
The lineage of Fatima Bint Zahara, daughter of the Great One,
Like Hassan and Hussain, the sons of my Messenger.
Among the companions of the Messenger, I will not neglect them
either,
Because they played a great role with the son of the noble one,
They supported the Messenger for the sake of the Lord,
I pay homage to you, my great beloved ones.
Now I will return to praising my Messenger,
Because He remains my means of salvation,
He has become a covering for me and my family,
May Allah increase love for the Messenger, my Prophet.
O Messenger, the Prophet of salvation, I see your praise,
Leader of the world, holding the right hand,
If You accept from me, by Allah I am honored,
Father, please grant me Al-Mukhtar, my Messenger.
Another source of income through singing for Fati Nijar is
advertising. Like other prominent singers, she can compose songs to promote
products. One of the notable advertising songs that Binta Labaran performed was
for G. Cell. She sang this song for the telecommunications company G. Cell
during the company's early entry into the market (around 2001). In one stanza
of the song, she says:
G Cell belongs to everyone, it was made for rural and urban
areas,
Here is a new means of communication for villages and cities,
One that transmits clear signals that bring good news,
G Cell is now available in three states, we have made a promise,
We will connect the entire country because G Cell belongs to everyone.
2.3 Fati's Rise and
Prominence in the Music Scene
Binta Labaran is among the contemporary singers. Scholars have
not reached a consensus on the exact name to call their genre of music. This
has led to various labels being used, including:
a. Modern songs
b. Modern oral songs
c. Two-way songs[1]
d. Studio songs
e. Recorded songs
Regardless of the terminology, these songs deserve to be called
contemporary. They emerged with modern times. The studio musical instruments
are borrowed from foreign cultures, especially Western ones. In summary, one
can say that Binta Labaran is a contemporary singer, and her songs can be
referred to as "contemporary songs."
Fati has become very famous in the music world. Her name has
spread throughout the Hausa-speaking regions. She has also become a role model
and source of inspiration for many young women. The way she manages musical and
singing activities alongside other artists demonstrates the peace and harmony
that exists among them. A major example is how she collaborates on duet songs
with other artists. Among such duets she has performed are political songs and
a tribute song for the victims of the Jos crisis.
The collection of songs she has produced further demonstrates
the growth of her artistry in the music field. She is highly respected among
fellow musicians.
2.4 Challenges in
Fati's Life Struggles
As mentioned earlier under section 1.2.5, Fati Nijar began
facing life's challenges from childhood. The first challenge was being made to
work hard because she was not lazy. Then she began facing envy and jealousy
from her peers due to the gift of singing that Allah had bestowed upon her.
Another significant challenge Fati Nijar faced was the struggle
to build a life in Nigeria. It was a new environment for her. With the help of
Allah, she built a new life, making new friends and professional associates.
On the other hand, it is well known in Hausaland that all
singers and those in the film industry face challenges of criticism and
condemnation. This challenge is more pronounced for women. It includes
accusations of promoting immorality and undermining religious teachings and
cultural values.
Despite the multitude of challenges Fati Nijar faced, she did
not lose heart. She continued to strive toward realizing her dreams. Gradually,
she became prominent and highly recognized among musicians. Her fame spread
throughout Hausaland and across social media platforms on the internet.
2.5 Conclusion
Indeed, "If you hear about someone, it is not without
reason." Binta Labaran has followed a life path characterized by
excellence and artistry. She has struggled through life, even leaving her
homeland to settle in Nigeria. As for the life challenges she has faced, one
can truly say that beauty comes at a cost—the reward was worth the effort.
Extracted from:
FASIHIYA BINTA LABARAN
Fati Nijar Da Waƙoƙinta
By
Abu-Ubaida Sani
Halima Daura Kabir
Abdullahi Bashir
Reference
Sani, A-U., Kabir, H.D., & Bashir, A. (2024). Fasihiya Binta Labaran (Fati Nijar Da Waƙoƙinta). SAS Publishers. ISBN: 978-978-795-635-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19513195
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