Sokoto state: a glimpse into Hausa culture
Welcome to a visual journey through Sokoto State, Nigeria. These photographs aim to inform on the Hausa people, predominantly found in Hausaland, spanning northern Nigeria and southern Niger. As the largest ethnic group in Nigeria, making up about 30% of the country's population , their culture is both rich and influential. The Hausa language, part of the Afro-Asiatic family, is widely spoken, with over 25 million native speakers and many more using it as a second language across West Africa.
After graduating at Liverpool Polytechnic, School of Art in 1981. I found myself signing on in Renshaw Street along with the rest of the city. The Toxteth Riots were in July. I was chased and unemployed, and didn't see any future, so decided to embark on something radical, and in a way not radical as I had been brought up in Toxteth in a multi cultural community. We are tough, and as the saying goes, '' you can take the boy out of Toxteth but you can't take Toxteth out of the boy''. I got the plane out at Speke Airport which was a little like Casablanca, and arrived at Kano Airport and on to Sokoto State in search of a friend who resided in the State armed with my portfolio of work.
On my first day in Sokoto I was surrounded by Fulani women with water rings in their ears who had come in from the desert looking for husbands, and this was the beginning of a dramatic year in Nigeria.
A moment in time: 1982
These photographs offer a unique perspective, captured in 1982 while I was employed by the Sokoto State Government, Governor's Office, Graphic Arts Division. With the invaluable assistance of local staff, I documented both the everyday life and State festivals surrounding Ramadan, preserving a specific moment in time.
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My friends and colleagues who protected me, and introduced me to their culture in Sokoto State, and beyond.
If these photographs have sparked your interest, I encourage you to delve deeper into the Hausa culture. Discover the history, traditions, and artistry of this fascinating people. Expand your knowledge and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of our world.
