Hausa literature

Hausa literature emerged in the early 20th century with a competition in Nigeria that led to the publication of Muhammadu Bello's Gandoki in 1934. This novel blended Hausa oral traditions with Islamic history and experimented with form and content, influencing later Hausa writers.1

Written Hausa may date back to the 14th or 15th century, with Arabic script used from the late 15th century. Early poets wrote in Arabic, and by the 19th century, the Hausa language was also written in an Arabic script called ajami. The Latin alphabet was introduced in 1903.1

Hausa poetry encompasses religious, secular, and mystical themes. The 20th century saw continued poetic traditions, addressing contemporary issues and Islamic teachings. Novels also developed, often mingling African and Western traditions, exploring themes of love, social issues, and fantasy. Drama has also been influenced by oral traditions, and in the 1980s, popular romance novels emerged, focusing on the experiences of Hausa women.1