Mamman Shata, born Mamman Ibrahim Yaro in 1923, was an esteemed musician hailing from the northern part of Nigeria. He captivated audiences across West Africa for over half a century with his versatile music, which encompassed various themes such as politics, agriculture, culture, religion, and more. This comprehensive feature story delves into the life and legacy of Mamman Shata, highlighting his early years, musical career, political endeavors, and lasting impact on Nigerian society.

Early Life and Education:

Mamman Shata was born into a Fulani family in Musawa, a village in present-day Katsina State. His father, Ibrahim Yaro, hailed from the Fulani community of Sanyinna in the Sokoto region, while his mother, Lariya, belonged to the Fulata-Borno, a group that migrated from the Borno Empire after the 1804 Jihad. Growing up, Shata attended an Islamic school, where he received the customary training in Islamic etiquettes that all children in his community underwent.

The Origin of “Shata”:

During his youth, Mamman Shata earned the nickname “Shata” from his relative, Baba Salamu. The name originated from Mamman’s habit of sharing his profits from selling kola nuts with strangers he encountered on his way home or at the market. When asked about his earnings, Mamman would reply, “Na yi shata da su,” meaning that he had given it away. Impressed by his generosity, Baba Salamu affectionately called him ‘Mai-Shata,’ signifying one who selflessly squanders his gains. Additionally, Shata was involved in the sale of a local sweet called alewa.

Mamman Shata Early Music Career:

Initially, Mamman Shata’s father disapproved of his son’s aspirations to become a musician, as it was regarded as a form of begging or praise-singing known as ‘en roko.’ Despite societal expectations for young men to pursue farming or trading, Mamman persisted in singing for enjoyment alongside other youths in his village at the ‘dandali’ village centers. As time passed, Shata’s exceptional talent became evident, distinguishing him as the most gifted musician in his community. However, he and his peers engaged in music purely for amusement rather than financial gain.

Mamman Shata Career Breakthrough:

Eventually, Mamman Shata abandoned his sweet-selling business and devoted himself entirely to music and praise-singing. This decision propelled him to travel extensively to various villages in the Musawa area. Upon the invitation of Abdullahi Inde, a prince of Musawa and a Native Authority official, Shata settled in Bakori. It was in Bakori where he married his first wife, Iya, and experienced the tragic loss of their daughter, Amina, in infancy.

Shata’s fame began to soar in 1952 when he performed at a prestigious wedding ceremony, the “Bikin ‘Yan Sarki,” where twelve prominent Kano princes were married. From then on, he established his base in Funtua, a cosmopolitan town not far from Bakori, which remained his home for almost four decades.




https://arewahouse.com/mamman-shata-a-musical-legend-from-northern-nigeria/

Legend

Benson n Hedges