Mamman Shata

Alhaji (Dr) Mamman Shata (1923 – 18 June 1999) was a Nigerian Hausa singer, praise singer (griot), songwriter and oral historian. He was one of the greatest traditional musicians in Northern Nigeria, renowned for his philosophical songs, social commentary, and mastery of Hausa oral poetry.

Quotes

• "I ventured into music out of childish exuberance; I didn't inherit it from my parents. I took a long time singing without collecting a penny and even if I was given money, it was other praise singers who would collect it. I only started collecting money when I made music a career."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on how he began his musical career.

• "Nothing, virtually nothing! This is because it is always business as usual, the usual drumming and singing stuff which I do every day."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on whether performing still fascinated him.

• "There is no gathering, no matter the calibre of audience, that intimidates me because there is no gathering I have not witnessed."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on performing before different audiences.

• "Nothing has ever intimidated me regarding singing; in fact, I scare people away instead."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on his confidence as a performer.

• "I did not inherit it from my father and therefore will not decide the future of my children."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on whether his children should become musicians.

• "I am not interested in having any of my children as a musician. I don't want that, but if anyone insists, I will have no option than to let him."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on his children's career choices.

• "They are musicians and I am also a musician; therefore we bear the same name."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on his relationship with other Hausa musicians.

• "Some of them imitate my songs but I wouldn't say they are my boys unless they want to be referred to as such."
  • Mamman Shata speaking on younger musicians.

External links

• Mamman Shata on Wikipedia