By Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta
Nigerian artiste, Bilal Villa, says the music industry in northern Nigeria has yet to reach its full potential and has called on stakeholders to work together to develop it.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, Villa said more collaboration was needed to project the region’s talent and culture to the world.
The singer said his goal was to use music to put Nigeria and Africa on the global stage.
“I want to represent Nigeria and Africa globally and show the world that Northern Nigeria has talented people who can achieve great things,” he said.
Villa, who has spent eight years in music, said his time on TikTok strengthened his commitment to promoting meaningful Hausa music globally from Nigeria.
He said social media innovations, especially TikTok, had created new opportunities for artistes to showcase Hausa culture, language and traditions to wider audiences.
He explained that he started his music career about eight years ago before joining TikTok, where he gained followers and used the platform to promote his work.
He said the popularity he gained there encouraged him to return fully to music and find new ways to connect with his audience.
According to him, the journey has not been without challenges.
He, however, said the challenges had strengthened his determination to continue pursuing his musical career and use his platform to inspire young people.
Villa described his music as different because it focuses on meaningful and educative messages.
“My goal is to entertain audiences while also teaching and inspiring listeners,” he said.
The artiste said Kano remains a major source of inspiration for him, citing the achievements of prominent indigenes such as business mogul Aliko Dangote.
“I believe that if someone from Kano can become something great, I can also achieve something meaningful through music one day,” he said.
He noted that he had taken steps uncommon among some established artistes, including collaborating with other Nigerian musicians and using digital platforms to promote his work.
Villa urged young artistes in the North to remain focused, embrace innovation, and create content that positively represents their culture. (NAN)
