The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), in collaboration with Pleasant College of Advanced Studies (PCAS), has announced plans to hold an international conference focused on the songs of Alhaji Dauda Adamu Kahutu, widely known as Rarara, a well-known praise singer linked with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The conference, titled “Studies on the Songs of Alhaji Dauda Adamu Kahutu Rarara,” will run from October 2 to 9, 2025, at the university’s campus in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. Sessions are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. daily.
“We are inviting the general public to join us as we examine the socio-political, cultural, and economic dimensions of Rarara’s songs,” the organisers said in the invitation letter.
Participants at the conference will include academics, researchers, students, political observers, and cultural critics from within and outside Nigeria.
The event will explore themes such as the use of Rarara’s songs in political campaigns, his role in political hero-making, modern advertising, and cultural integration in Africa.
Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu of Bayero University Kano is expected to deliver the keynote address. Other lead paper presenters include Professor Ibrahim Garba Satatima of Bayero University and Professor Salisu Garba Karge of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Alhaji Ahmad Rufai, a former official of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), will chair the event. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, is listed as the Special Guest of Honour, while the state’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Sani Muhammad Musa, will serve as a Special Guest.
The organisers are currently accepting abstract submissions until August 30, 2025. Abstracts must not exceed 300 words and should follow academic standards, including methodology, findings, and keywords.
Papers may explore subjects such as stylistics in Rarara’s songs, media technology’s role in his popularity, and gender or societal issues reflected in his lyrics. Presentations will be accepted in Hausa, English, Arabic, and French.
According to the organisers, selected papers from the conference will be peer-reviewed and published in a book of proceedings, which will be made available for purchase.
Registration fees are ₦30,000 for regular participants, ₦15,000 for students, and ₦25,000 for virtual participants. Registered attendees will receive conference materials, certificates, and daily refreshments.
“Through this gathering, we hope to explore the musical, ideological, and historical significance of Rarara’s songs as they relate to governance, identity, and resistance in Northern Nigeria and beyond,” the organisers added.
