It's intriguing that only a few days ago, we were discussing general social media interaction, specifically referencing TikTok on Muhsin...
It's intriguing that only a few days ago, we were discussing general social media interaction, specifically referencing TikTok on Muhsin Ibrahim's page, with me arguing for deeper involvement across all platforms, whether for research or entertainment. Two incidents occurred during the second week of November 2025 that supported this viewpoint—and demonstrated the influence of social media in shaping agendas.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday, 11 November, 2025, when a tense exchange took place between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer, named Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, concerning an unauthorized building on a contested piece of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja. The event was recorded using a personal mobile phone and spread widely, offering news that traditional government-controlled media would not air. Raw. Intense. The footage led to a significant shift in how we view government officials and young Naval officers.
Of great importance to media studies, numerous humorous memes appeared across social media following the event, some significantly improved by AI image editing tools. A villain and a hero emerged, offering endless entertainment in a manner that traditional news channels would not attempt. This was enthusiastically supported by a broad divide between 57 and 24-year-old 'combatants.'
The memes precisely reflected the moment, the tension, and the entire conversation. By doing so, they present themselves as a grassroots form of political commentary. In this instance, they enabled people to describe the event beyond official or legal stories. The humor made the situation easier to understand, yet underneath the humor was a distinct public call for moderation from government officials and recognition of proper behavior by law enforcement.
In the past, conflicts involving influential individuals were reported through newspapers, radio, and television. These reports were often carefully managed to prevent offending the Government. In this case, the initial interpretation of events was carried out by regular users on platforms like X, TikTok, Reels, and WhatsApp. This highlights a shift in control over public discourse: from established media outlets to decentralized, user-generated content. Memes emerged as the main sources of meaning. Traditional media only caught up afterward. This event demonstrates that Nigerian online communities have developed a unique digital political style.
Northbound Bullet
When I conducted a series on the historical evolution of the Hausa Rap music genre, several of my contacts highlighted that I had missed recent advancements in the field. I concurred with their comments, explaining that my focus was on the historical exploration of the evolving forms of Hausa contemporary music. Well, it's time for an update.
The week revealed how OG Abbah, a rapper originally from Maiduguri but raised in Abuja, broke through the Hausaphone music scene with a runaway hit titled 'Wayyo Allah Na'. Although the song recently went viral, it was actually released on February 8, 2025, and initially went unnoticed. As a result, he posted it every day for over 220 days. On the 200th day, Blackchully, a tattooed female performer from Jos, performed it energetically. With 10.5 million followers, she gave him a significant free audience. That happened in October. By November, the song had become the viral hit of the year, especially known for its second verse (which Blackchully performed) that goes like this:
Where are you going? / Where is the place where you are going /
What is your name / Where are you from?
In foolish words, the words are true / Know that which is hidden /
Where is my father?
This passage includes swearing, but it functions more as an exclamation rather than something explicit. The sincere message of the song — "claim your success" — resonated instantly with listeners on a deeply personal level, surpassing the impact of any political track. The primary video for this verse, performed by OG Abbah and a group of friends, garnered 13 million likes. The song accumulated over 500,000 streams on music platforms between October and November 2025.
'Wayyo Allah Na' inspired dance challenges from Africa to Europe (one video showed a Santa Claus dressed in full costume dancing to it in a European town square). Another video featured twin, likely Muslim girls acting out the lyrics of the verse, but skillfully cutting off at the profane line!
This tremendous success captured the interest of notable figures in the Nigerian Afrobeats scene, including Mr. Eazi, Peller, Magnito, and Sabinus. Even in the north, seasoned and well-known rappers like BOC Madaki worked with OG Abbah to create a remix of the track. The latest information I received was that OG Abbah was heading to Lagos for a Christmas collaboration with Mr. Eazi, with a song set to be released afterward. This determination in consistently sharing his song over 200 times has finally yielded results. Thanks to Blackchully for the repost that helped it go viral.
The following month's trending star was the intense rapper Rumasa'u Adamu Muhammad from Kaduna. Her stage name is Rumerh. She appears to be deliberately positioning herself as a multi-genre artist (not exclusively Rap), which could enable her to attract wider audiences (both in Arewa and the broader Nigerian market).
Her use of the Hausa language combined with Afrobeats/Amapiano (similar to OG Abba's popular song, although her rhythm features a more authentic Hip-Hop beat) reflects a balance between local identity and global modernity: she is not only maintaining her linguistic heritage, but also embracing global and pan-African dance and mainstream trends. And clever lyrics, such as in 'Streibullet':
Somin also, the sky is not the limit /
Straight bullet from the North / Wallahi I'm not going to do that /
On the road, where there are many people, it is difficult to go /
In the North and in the South / What do you want from me?
[What is not done, is not done] /To be in a bad situation
Ana ta hayya hayya / Ni da bebi muna sha'ani /
…
On the basis of capacity, they are divided / Authority in it
Such confidence and declaration were also evident in this line from an earlier part of the song:
If you have to suggest / You have to use a BMW
From a feminist and gender studies viewpoint, her achievements highlight the growing influence of women's voices within Northern Nigerian music. The two Northern artists—OG Abbah and Rumerh—are currently sparking renewed interest in 'Aboki Music,' which had previously been limited to Hausa film soundtracks and political songs. Performing in Hausa, combined with Enghausa, yet incorporating an international rhythm, these artists are paving the way for Hausa music to be classified under various music platforms, including Apple Music as 'World Music'—a category that also includes renowned African musicians like Ali Farka Toure, Salif Keita, Youssou N'dour, and Oumou Sangare. This marks the start of a new era in Hausa popular culture.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
