(178): Top 7 Kannywood Series of 2024

 Top 7 Kannywood Series of 2024

 

By Habibu Maaruf Abdu

For the Kannywood film industry, 2024 has been a remarkable year filled with unprecedented achievements and historic milestones. These include Ali Nuhu’s appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation and Rahama Sadau becoming part of the federal government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprise Program (iDICE).

However, while the year was marred by the losses of veteran actress Saratu Gidado (Daso) and singer El-Muaz Birniwa, it also witnessed the emergence of fresh talent and a notable improvement in film quality. Big-budget productions like Nanjala and Mai Martaba achieved significant feats; Nanjala debuted in Turkey and the United States, and Mai Martabawas selected as Nigeria’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards. Moreover, Sadau’s film Mamah was screened at the prestigious Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.

Interestingly, despite the above-mentioned films' successes, television and web series topped the charts in popularity throughout the year. Established series, such as Labarina and Manyan Mata, continue to reign supreme, with the latter’s instalment (Season 8, Episode 6) amassing over 1 million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release in January. This success has paved the way for numerous new series. The following are the top 7 among them. Please note that the established series were not considered for this list.

1. Garwashi

Garwashi is arguably the most topical and stimulating series of the year. It confronts critical social issues such as widowhood, moral decay, reckless marriages and irresponsible parenting. The story mainly centres on Asmau/Ma’u (Fiddausi Yahaya), a widow who faces unrelenting adversity due to the cruelty of her in-laws. Her situation is further exacerbated by the greed and heartbreaking indifference of her father. The series is captivating and deserves praise for its engaging writing, intense drama, and realistic portrayal of everyday life. The actors deliver convincing performances, particularly Abubakar Waziri (alias Bado), who plays Asmau’s irresponsible father. His rendition of the Sokoto Hausa dialect is ultimately impressive. 

Additionally, the roles of Baba Lami (Balaraba Abdullahi), Gaddafi (Kabiru Sani), and Sameera (Aisha Humaira), among others, are outstanding. Co-produced by Umar UK and Fauziyya D. Sulaiman and directed by Yaseen Auwal, Garwashihas garnered widespread acclaim, generated buzz, and trended on social media. Other cast members include Yakubu Muhammad, Maryam Yahaya, Isa Adam, Hadiza Muhammad, Sabira Mukhtar, and Rukayya Sharada.

2. Gidan Sarauta

Premiered in 2023, Gidan Sarauta achieved greater popularity in 2024, becoming one of the year's top series. This is because its episodes get no less than 600,000 views on YouTube weekly. The story follows a complicated love triangle involving two royal brothers, Prince Bello (Umar M. Shareef) and Prince Mu’azzam (Garzali Miko), and a poor daughter, Bintu (Mommy Gombe). Prince Bello initially hides his feelings for Bintu, treating her like a sister and even arranging her marriage to his brother Mu’azzam. Meanwhile, he marries Gimbiya Fa’iza (Aisha Najamu), his cousin whose father (also his uncle) holds the throne. The two couples live together in the royal household, where Bello and Bintu’s bond deepens despite being married to different partners. The drama escalates as Mu’azzam discovers their secret romantic exchanges, leading to intense confrontations and emotional fallout. The series features other compelling characters, such as Alhaji Mai Dala (Rabi'u Rikadawa), his wayward son Kaka (Daddy Hikima), and Tafida (Bashir Bala Ciroki), among others. It was produced by Abubakar Bashir Maishadda and directed by Ali Nuhu.

3. Allura Cikin Ruwa 

2 Effects Media’s Allura Cikin Ruwa revolves around Na’imatu (Ruky Alim), a charming young woman at the centre of attention with numerous men vying for her love. These include Maina (Yakubu Muhammad), Sadiq (Isah Feroz Khan), Dr Hashim (Adam A. Zango) and Alhaji Hadi Makama (Sani Danja). As the title suggests, Na’imatu is like a needle in a vast ocean, which Hausa wisdom says “only the fortunate can find”. Alhaji Hadi is that fortunate one, but he divorces her two days after marriage, adding complexity to the plot. Other characters in the series, such as Maina and his former wife (Fiddausi Yahaya), have interesting backstories that add depth to the narrative. The series features an ensemble cast, stunning visuals and evocative background music. It is also packed with twists and turns, which may hook the audience despite some minor flaws. Sani Danja produced the series, while Yakubu Muhammad directed it. Other casts include Aisha Najamu, Tijjani Faraga, Daddy Hikima, Amal Umar, Ramadan Booth, etc.

4. Darasi

Produced by Sadiq Shanawa and directed by Abubakar S. Shehu, Darasi stands out for its relatable themes, strong performances, and reasonable production quality. The series follows the lives of fresh graduates: Kabiru (Ibrahim Yamu Baba), Marwan (Shamsu Dan Iya), Sadiq (Sadik Shanawa), and Salma (Mommy Gombe), each navigating the challenges of life after graduation. However, Kabiru’s story turns dark after being heartbroken by his love interest, Rabi (Amal Umar), who leaves him for a wealthy son, Shehu Hutu (Abdul S. Tynkin). This betrayal drives him to join a secret cult, aligning himself with powerful influencers such as the corrupt politician Alhaji Audu Maye (Ali Nuhu) and the immoral tycoon Alhaji Maliya (Tanimu Akawu). As the story expands, events become intricately woven. The series is quite popular. It garnered widespread pre-release buzz thanks to promotional photos of Mommy Gombe and other cast members wearing NYSC attire.

5. Wata Rana a Kano 

Wata Rana A Kano is a 5-episode mini-series that addresses the pressing issues of thuggery and phone snatching, which have recently surged in certain areas of Kano State. It is exclusive to Arewa24 TV, unlike many other series that are also available on YouTube. The series exposes the heartlessness of corrupt politicians and their role in fuelling gang violence. It also explores the importance of community involvement in aiding security operatives in combating the problem. Besides its timely thematic relevance, Wata Rana A Kano stands out for its top-notch production quality. The cinematography is exceptional, with realistic portrayals of violence and bloodshed that leave a lasting emotional impact. Many viewers have confessed to crying during a particular scene where the character of Abba Jago (Daddy Hikima) kills Hassan (Adam A. Zango). Produced by Abubakar Bashir Mai Shadda and directed by Kamal S. Alkali, the series also features Mommy Gombe, Umar M. Shareef, Abdurrazak Sultan, Alhassan Kwalle, Abba El-Mustapha, Ali Nuhu, and others.

6. Zafin Nema

Sadik Sani Sadik and Tahir I. Tahir, known for their iconic roles in the Mati franchise as Mati and Lado, respectively, reunite in the topical comedy-drama titled Zafin Nema. The series explores themes of materialism and ambition through the story of two young men, Ilu (Sadik Sani Sadik) and Rabe (Tahir I. Tahir), from a poor background. The duo faces humiliation in their village, Tungan Barau, due to their poverty. Rabe’s father attempts to arrange his son’s marriage to Tala (Mommy Gombe), but her father rejects the proposal despite their familial ties. Similarly, Ilu loses his love, Saude (Maryam Yahaya), to the wealthy Alhaji Dangana (Shehu Hassan Kano). Driven by a desire for wealth, respect, and revenge, Ilu and Rabe embark on a journey to the city. Their misadventures unfold as they foolishly pursue get-rich-quick businesses. The series seamlessly weaves together humour and substance. The actors also deliver excellent performances. It was co-produced by Abdul Amart and Tahir I. Tahir and directed by Yaseen Auwal. Other casts include Al’amin Buhari, Jamila Nagudu, Minal Ahmad, Bello Mohammed Bello, Hajara Usman, Alhassan Kwalle, etc.

7. Umarni 

The series Umarni primarily deals with the issue of wife-mother-in-law relations in Hausaland. It explores the complex and often tense relationships, including jealousy and conflicts between them. In the series, Hajiya Binta (Saratu Daso) reveals her jealousy when her son Ahmad (Bilal Mustapha) prepares to marry his beloved Madina (Bilkisu Safana). She reduces the substantial trousseau he plans to take for the wedding and forbids him from living with his wife in their newly built home. Her intimidation continues while the couple lives with her in the family household.

On the other hand, Salma (Sameera Sister) treats her mother-in-law (Asma’u Sani) poorly. Her husband, Sadik (Garzali Miko), initially sides with his mother but is eventually convinced to see her faults. The story evolves as new themes, characters, and conflicts are introduced. The series is generally enjoyable.

Umarni is likely the last film to feature the late veteran actress Saratu Daso. However, the rest of the cast comprises mostly rising stars who nonetheless deliver satisfactory performances. Seikh Isa Alolo directed it, while Naziru Dan Hajiya is the producer. Its second season, which runs during the writing of this review, was co-directed by Tijjani Mai jama’a.