Damn it feels good to be a Hausa

Sannu!  I’m studying Hausa, a language spoken by millions of people in Nigeria, Niger, and elsewhere.  My Hausa class made this music video for Africa Language Night at Harvard.  All of the editing was done by our fantastic Hausa instructor.

Below is the translation of the music video.

NARRATOR.
Danjuma came to KD town
From the bush he came to look for work
He was walking, then he saw a beautiful girl
Then he stopped and greeted her. (True!)

DANJUMA.
Zuleykha is a girl from Sarki neighborhood
She’s as beautiful as a dream
She has both Islamic learning and Western literacy
And she can make Indomie noodles. (Really!)

Zuleykha you’re the queen of my heart.
I’ll do anything for you. (That’s just it!)
Zuleykha I love you, please marry me
If you’re my wife, you’ll never have problems. (That’s the truth!)

CHORUS
The story is here for us to hear it
Slow down, slow down, it’s not over yet
Slow down, slow down, it’s not over yet

ZULEYKHA.
Come on, look at this guy, he has no shame
Seriously, he’s trying but I’m making fun of him,
I’m a student, he’s a village boy
He’s making me laugh, but really, I don’t have time.

Yes, in KD Town I was born
Since childhood I’ve been searching for knowledge
Check my clothes, native wear
Check my earrings, gold
Don’t waste my time!

Go ahead
DANJUMA.
I’m grateful to God that I’m Hausa
Early in the morning I get up to do my prayers
I’m always respectful of my culture,
Ask anyone, I’m a true Hausa (for sure!)