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

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

100 Women In Nigerian History You Probably Don't Know But Should

3 minutes read

By Muhammed Bello

01 March, 2025

3 minutes read

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

Image of Barmani Choge

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