Artists, Covid-19 and Community Sensitization in Northern Nigeria: A Thematic Analysis of Zainab A. Baba’s Song ‘Korona Bairos’

Abstract

For many years, traditional Hausa singers of Northern Nigeria such as Alhaji Musa Dankwairo, Mamman Shata, and Dan Maraya Jos, used their artistic skills for community sensitization about diseases, pandemics, societal ills, political contestations, and economic challenges. This tradition is sustained up to the 21^st century by both established and upcoming artists in the region, especially with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. On this basis, therefore, this paper provides a thematic analysis of Zainab A. Baba’s Song ‘Korona Bairos’ as a form of community sensitization in Northern Nigeria about the nature, symptoms, dangers, and preventive measures relating to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Hinging on both primary and secondary sources, as well as through the adoption of a historical methodology, this paper argues that, Zainab A. Baba, a Northern Nigerian Hausa female artist played a significant role in community sensitization about Covid-19. The paper also finds out that though other Hausa singers produced songs on a similar topic, her song is more comprehensive and chronological as it discusses the nature of the virus, its features, dangers, and preventive measures apart from the fact that it is also the most aesthetically famous one during the lockdown period.

Keywords: Covid-19, Lockdown, Music, Hausa Songs, Community Sensitization, Northern Nigeria.