Exploring Dietary Habits through Hausa Royal Songs: A Study of Traditional Foods in Makaɗa Sa’idu Faru’s Compositions

Hausa oral songs, particularly royal songs, serve as profound reflections of cultural practices and values among the Hausa people of Nigeria. This study explores the cultural representation of traditional Hausa foods within the compositions of Makaɗa Sa’idu Faru, a renowned Hausa royal singer. The research aims to highlight how these songs portray dietary habits and culinary preferences, offering insights into the socio-cultural significance of food in Hausa society. The methodology employed a qualitative approach integrating document analysis of Hausa oral songs and semi-structured interviews with experts in Hausa culture and oral literature. Primary data included a selection of oral songs meticulously analyzed for thematic content related to traditional foods like fura da nono (millet dumpling and sour milk), honey, garin kwaki (cassava flour), and kunu (pap). Interviews with cultural scholars provided additional perspectives on the symbolic meanings and social contexts associated with these food references. Findings reveal that Makaɗa Sa’idu Faru’s compositions not only praise traditional rulers but also vividly depict the significance of specific foods in Hausa culture. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of Hausa cultural identity through its culinary traditions as documented in oral songs, emphasizing the importance of literature as a mirror of cultural expression and continuity.