The history of Hausa people

Hausa are the largest ethnic group in sub-Saharan Africa. And their Afro- Asiatic language Hausa is the most spoken language in sub-Saharan Africa after Swahili.

The population of Hausa people

Numbering approximately 80 million, the Hausa are centred in the Sahelian and sparse savannah regions of southern Niger and northern Nigeria. But a significant number can also be found in the western, central and eastern African countries of Gabon, Senegal, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea,Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Algeria, Chad, Sudan, Cameron, Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic.

However, During the second half of the last millennium the Hausa founded Islamic empires. And they were recognized among the then wealthiest and culturally advanced in the world. And greatly influenced Europe’s emergence from the dark ages. Also, their principal cultural centers are Katsina, Sokoto and Timbuktu.

The traditions of hausa people

The Hausa people have a long tradition as traders dating from centuries ago. Thus, they controlled trans-Saharan trade with North Africa. Even today they are primarily traders, pastoralists, and farmers. But it is for their well established equestrian culture that they are known today.

Because For centuries, horses have been an important part of their lives. And feature prominently in their cultural festivities and celebrations adorned with colorful fabrics and bronze ornaments.

Their horses are predominantly of the Dongola-Barb breed from Dongola in Northern Sudan. But they were interbred with Arab horses and ridden by their acclaimed horsemen and women.

As mentioned earlier hausa people are popular in their trades. They are mostly business owners, farmers, weavers, or combination of both. However they also have many more traditional occupations apart from those mentioned in this article.

Thus, there’s no surprise that the Africa richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote is Hausa from Kano state in northern Nigeria.