Songs of Nostalgia

As I often do, I found myself stuck in a YouTube loop yesterday. It's a habit I dislike and hope to break someday (but not today, lol). I started watching random videos, and then I shifted to music – different genres, old songs. I navigated through various nations and languages, feeling like a bird migrating to new destinations.

Before I knew it, the algorithm had plunged me into the depths of nostalgia. It started playing Fulani songs, including Princess Khadija's, which I cherished as a kid. Then, it moved to Sarkin Fulanin Gombe's songs. I was then thrown into the pit of Niger Republic where the likes of Soghas' Samarin Shaho, Ɗankwali, etc. were busy making the furnace that I will be burnt into.

The algorithm continued to suggest songs, including Peak Asnanic's. One song, "Waƙar Ƙona gari," brought back vivid memories. I recalled how I reacted to it as a kid, realizing now that I've always been drawn to beauty. As far beauty is concerned, I will forever be her devotee. The song's lyrics and the actress's performance captivated me. I remembered watching the video repeatedly, fascinated by her Pakistani/Indian attire and the scene where she runs toward Ali Nuhu.

Asnanic's songs are truly exceptional. Another song, "Toron Giwa," loosely translated as "Elephant's Trunk," is a masterpiece. Its poetic lyrics and depth are unmatched by contemporary love songs. The depth, oh God! As Asnanic aptly captured: Zafi da Sanyi a ƙwaƙwalwa sunyo haɗewa, meaning Heat and cold converge in the Brain. I was so pumped. Every single word sprung out from the heart. I could feel each and everyone now. Isn't that amazing!

I continued to explore Asnanic's songs and stumbled upon "Sai Wata Rana." This song was moving, even though I didn't fully understand its meaning as a kid. Now, having experienced separation, I resonate with every word. Sometimes, some songs are meant for the future. We get to fully grasp it as times went by. Now I know what separation tastes like, how it can completely change one's life, and how one's life can never ever be the same afterwards.

I now resonate with every word said and had a teary eye, even though, I also cried as a kid listening to it, but this right here is different. It's from some part of me which I never knew existed. I also noticed and was nostalgic regarding the Kannywood itself. How innocent Nafisa delivered her role! How amazing Adam Zango did his! And how each of the men delivered to their fullest in each of those.

My brain yet again sent me the memories of how this song shaped our life. It was always on graduation day during cultural songs; Yaya Amira would come with her cultural clothing, solo, and sing this song. A cover in some way, but it is the same song. 

“Ashe sabo ya na da daɗi 

Amma in za ai rabo da zafi 

Ga shi za muyo rabo da juna 

Amma na sani Ni ban da laifi...” 

A song meant for the outgoing pupils reverberated through every corner, and people became excruciatingly silent,watching her as she sang and sang continuously.. about separation.

Knowing for a fact that separation isn't just something that happened in primary school only, it's something they can relate to. And thus they listen. I, on the other hand, was more interested in her delivery and is usually comparing her with Nafisa to see who did such better. God, we were so innocent! Every single event in one's life shapes him/her for the future. It's all designed that way.

The last song on the playlist was "Gari ya waye." This song was a staple of my childhood musical world. I remembered how we'd role-play the song after maghrib, when there wasn't light, and either we were waiting for it, or the generator would be powered by 8. I remembered Momi (RIP) and how she delivers the script enthusiastically with so much energy and happiness. I remember how happy we were. I remembered those moments of which we can't really bring back but will forever haunt us. I remembered how we do these for a lot of old Hausa songs in the house. I remembered how happy I was. But the moments passed, even though it hurts to remember it, it gladdens my heart that we all enjoyed it. 5 small kids just being kids. Life moves on indeed. Make every moment matter.

YouTube took me on a rollercoaster ride of nostalgia yesterday. The memories were bittersweet, but they reminded me to cherish every moment. Life moves on, and we can't bring back the past, but we can hold onto the memories and make every moment count. YouTube took me on a rollercoaster ride of nostalgia yesternight, and I was both haunted and relieved with the visions of yesterday.

Jimrau

28/03/25