Singing in 5 languages sets me apart – Jamila Kogi

Jamila Kogi is a singer, filmmaker, actress, and producer in the Hausa film industry, Kannywood. She sings in English, Hausa, Nupe, Egbira and Kakanda, and her latest English single, ‘Come Along,’ is still trending on YouTube. Here, she talks about singing in multiple languages, her plans to feature Di’ja, and more. Excerpts: Weekend Magazine: How […]

Jamila Kogi is a singer, filmmaker, actress, and producer in the Hausa film industry, Kannywood. She sings in English, Hausa, Nupe, Egbira and Kakanda, and her latest English single, ‘Come Along,’ is still trending on YouTube. Here, she talks about singing in multiple languages, her plans to feature Di’ja, and more. Excerpts:

Weekend Magazine: How did you venture into the film and music industry?

Jamila Kogi: I started during my school days at Federal College of Education (FCE), Zaria. I contacted one DJ Nuhu and told him I wanted to become a singer. He later tested me in a studio and I did well, so much that they thought I had been in the music industry for a while. I did my first song, which was ‘Aje Makaranta’ (‘Go to School’) in Hausa Language. Since then, I never looked back because I am the type who strives to give my best in whatever I do. My main drive is to entertain people. I also see music as a business, so I don’t joke with it.

WM: Who are your role models?

Kogi: They are many. They include Ashiru Nagoma, Umar M. Shareed, Aminu Ala, and Ahmad Alancy. M female role models are Zuwaira Isma’il, Fantimotin Waka, Zubaida Mu’azu, Fati Khali, among several others. But Hadiza Bello, popularly known as Di’ja stands out due to her courage and boldness. I have learnt dedication and steadfastness from her.

WM: Would you say you give as much attention to acting as you do to singing?

Kogi: I have featured in a number of movies, the most popular being ‘Indon Birni’ alongside Hadiza Gabon and Jamila Nagudu. But recently, due to other engagements and shows, I hardly find time to feature in movies. Music and shows are consuming much of my time. But I like acting and producing films.

WM: You recently released songs in Nupe and Egbira. Do you think singing in multiple languages gives you an edge?

Kogi: Yes. I am not only doing songs in Hausa language. I also sing in English. My last English song, ‘Come Around,’ is still trending. I also sing in Nupe, Egbira and my mother tongue, Kakanda from Kogi State. I had my Primary education in Kogi State, my secondary education in Minna, Niger State, and my higher education at FCE Zaria. My songs are getting a lot of attention. I don’t know if there is any musician in northern Nigeria or the entire country who sings in five languages.

WM: Do you think women in northern Nigeria are exploring the music industry as much as they should?

Kogi: We are not many, and this is so because northern female singers are shying away from the industry. They think they cannot do it, perhaps due to inferiority complex. Most of the females think they are better off playing the roles of backup for their male counterparts. I don’t think it’s right. If men can do it, why not us? I think females can also do it, and probably even better. The only thing is that we need to give the males their deserved respect and recognition because they are ahead of us.

WM: You recently released a music video on Ali Nuhu. What kind of relationship do you have with him?

Kogi: Sarki Ali Nuhu is a father figure in the Kannywood industry. He is very kind and good to upcoming artists. I have very strong respect for him, so much that I have nothing to say about him except thanks and to wish him the very best and continued success.

WM: How do you view the fights and crises within the industry lately?

Kogi: It isn’t good for all of us. It can consume us all. I pray that God brings an end to it all and lasting peace to our industry.

I will like to call on the leaders of the industry to kindly do the needful. Some people are just trying to tarnish the hard-earned image and reputation of Kannywood. They should be dealt with. They don’t even respect the seniors, let alone their mates, just because they have made some money. Music for me is a business. I don’t have any enemy, just friends.

WM: What would you like to say to your fans?

Kogi: I appreciate their untiring support and prayers. They are very wonderful people and I am nothing without them. I am calling on them to keep trusting me and I will never disappoint their trust and love. I love them all.

I encourage my colleagues to live in peace where ever we find ourselves, fear God in whatever we are doing and be fully dedicated to our course. We should also stay away from controversies and help those who are coming up.