Barmani Choge turned music into a tool for women's empowerment

Image Credit: Katsina Post
A defining presence in Hausa music, Sa'adatu Ahmad, known as Barmani Choge, began performing at wedding and naming ceremonies in 1973, quickly gaining recognition for her bold and expressive style.
She played a key role in popularising the Amada genre, a traditional Hausa music style known for its rhythmic percussion and poetic lyrics. Her songs championed women's economic independence, urging them to take up trades and secure financial stability. She also explored themes of polygamy and motherhood, blending critique with celebration.
With wit and sharp observation, her lyrics examined family life and social expectations, advocating for female empowerment. Over five decades, she became a cultural icon in Northern Nigeria, her voice carrying the concerns and aspirations of generations of women.
Credits
Editor: Samson Toromade
Art Illustrator/Director: Owolawi Kehinde
