The rich arts and cultural heritage of Kano Emirates resurrected on Saturday, when the four Emirates of Kano, Rano, Karaye and Gaya gathered in traditional regalia and displayed the cultural cum traditional creativities that uphold the age-long identity of Kano as the base of tradition and arts in northern Nigeria.
The three-day colourful event which brought together residents, tourists, visitors, diplomats and friends of the ancient commercial city was held at the spacious Kano Trade Fair ground located along Zoo Road, in the heart of Kano city.
The event was the maiden edition of KANFEST (Kalankuwa) a festival of arts and culture that was designed to celebrate the rich heritage, creativity, and identity of the people of the state.
The festival which started on Saturday with fanfare, is slated to end on Monday. The historic event became a melting pot of tradition and creativity, as it brought together artists, cultural groups, investors, and visitors from across Nigeria and around the world.
Themed “Preserving The Past, Inspiring The Future,” KANFEST otherwise known as Kalankuwa in local parlance, was a testament of the state government’s firm commitment to preserving the cultural values, promoting creative innovation, and building bridges between the past and the future. The festival was aimed to make culture a tool for peace, unity, tourism, and economic growth across Kano state.
Indeed, the festival proved the fact that the people of Kano are proud custodians of history, as Kano indigenes, but young and old came with their various artistic prowess to bring history alive in the ancient commercial city. Several guests who graced the occasion were sighted having the unique opportunity to see, taste, and feel Kano’s soil, and to experience the finest cultural traditions on one stage as many artistic, traditional and cultural activities such as wrestling and leather craftsmanship were being displayed.
Indeed, KANFEST became a festival beyond entertainment, it is structured as a cultural rebirth, honouring Kano’s heritage and empowering the future. The festival proved the fact that culture remains the cardinal identity of Kano people. Events at the opening ceremony of the festival gave credence to the fact that Kano and its people are on the verge of reviving their heritage, creating opportunities for cultural industries, and attracting new investments to Kano. It actually showcased Kano as the cradle of Hausa civilization.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on Saturday, Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf promised to sign an Executive Bill that will make KANFEST annual event. He said: “I must say that I am highly delighted to be in your midst today as we mark yet another milestone in the history of our beloved state with the official opening of the first edition of Kano Festival of Arts and Culture popularly known as KANFEST and literally called Kalankuwa in Hausa. Let me state here that Kano is a state deeply rooted in history, arts, culture and heritage. For centuries, our city has stood as a centre of learning commerce, creativity and civilisation. The craftsmanship of our people, the richness of our traditions and the resilience of our forefathers are what made Kano the pride of the Sudan region and a reference point in Africa’s map.”
Governor Yusuf further stated that: “As you can testify, even prior to our election, we made it clear that in our blueprint, we made a commitment to revive and reposition our culture. Information and culture are not merely as a matter of right but as a means of restoring the dignity of our people, strengthening our identity and recreating economic opportunities through cultural interface. In line with that commitment, our administration has embarked on several projects and programmes aimed at reviving Kano’ lost glory and safeguatding its ongoing heritage.”
Governor Yusuf also promised to revive the lost glory of the ancient Kano walls, the Dala Hills, the Gidan Makama museum and other historic monuments that give Kano the thick status of ancient commercial city and the landscape of tourism that attract researchers, students and tourists from across the globe. The Governor also informed his audience that his administration has already restored and rebuilt the first colonial residential office in Kano located within Government House. “This structure is a living testimony of the early interactions between traditional authority and colonial administration. Its preservation is crucial to understanding Kano’s political and administrative history. In the same vein, we undertook the general renovation of the ancient open dye pits, one of the oldest surviving traditional dye centres in the world.
“These dye pits have existed for over centuries, and are still in use today, attracting visitors and tourists from around the world. I am happy to say that by renovating and modernizing those dye pits, we are preserving and edging all the cracks by supporting local economy and cultural gravity. Another milestone is the ongoing renovation of Maginot, the Tunnel Channelling, which has served as a vigorous hub for our traditional leather industry for generations upon generations. This project seeks to modernize the facility, empower leather workers, and enhance local competitiveness of Kano’s leather product, which remains the finnest in Africa. Let me say again that beyond the monuments and buildings, we are also planning to reclaim and restore the ancient Dala Hills, the Kano City Walls, the Tunnel Gates, and the associated sites, one of the most remarkable architectural legacies of pre-colonial Africa. Again, I am happy to say that this is the wall that was constructed over 700 years ago by our forefathers.”
Governor Yusuf maintained that Kano was a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and civilisation. “Our goal is, therefore, to preserve it as an enduring heritage and a source of pride for future generations. In addition, our administration is committed to supporting our team of traditional craftsmen and artisans through modern empowerment and training programmes designed to help them enhance their skills and access wider markets across the globe. We deliver by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques so our artisans can compete cooperatively with their peers anywhere across the globe. This initiative is part of our broader vision to make culture, not only a heritage to preserve but also a viable industry to develop.”
Governor Yusuf further expressed happiness that the famous Kano Dubar has been recognized by UNESCO as among the world’s greatest cultural heritage. “This recognition by UNESCO places Kano on the global stage and reinforces the importance of our traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity. In celebration of this honour done to the good people of Kano state by UNESCO and in recognition of the Dubar’s significance to our socio-economic and intellectual life, I hereby grant an Executive Order to the four Kano Emirates, namely: Kano, Rano, Gaya and Karaye to continue organizing the annual Durba festivals in their respective Emirates. By the grace of Allah, the Kano state government, as well as, all the chairmen of the 44 Local Government Areas will continue to support you fully to ensure all the tradition is preserved and can be showcased to the world.”
While officially flagging off the Kano festival, Governor Yusuf urged Kano residents to celebrate in peace and harmony. “Let it serve as a platform to celebrate who we are; a proud people of history; a proud people of culture; and a proud people of creativity. Let it also remind us that our heritage is not a relic of the past, but a living asset for the future generations yet to come. We shall live like a people with culture and a people with identity. We will, therefore, continue to massively embrace the promotion of arts, culture, tradition as vital instruments of social cohesion and new engagement to our economy. By the grace of Allah, we shall make Kano, once again, the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria and indeed the pride of the African region. Let me seize this opportunity to thank all those invited guests and special guests, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and their representatives, as well as other important dignitaries, including our revered traditional rulers, and religious leaders.”
The opening ceremony of the maiden Kano festival kept Kano agog as beautiful cultural displays including the traditional Durba procession took the centre stage. The four Emirs all came in their full traditional regalia, using the beauty of tradition to light up the Kano city. Palace guards came with their Dane guns which produced sounds that added spices to the festival. All the four royal fathers were present with their entourage, including the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Mohammed Mahraz Karaye; Emir of Rano, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar; Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaya; and the chairman of Kano Council of Emirs who is also the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11.
Speaking on behalf of other Emirs, the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Emir Muhammad Sanusi 11, expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for reviving the lost Kano cultural heritage. He also thanked the Governor for his full support to the traditional institutions in the state and promised that the Emirs will play their expected roles towards ensuring that Kano’s art and culture are revived and preserved.
