Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting and devotion, has always been a period of spiritual reflection, communal bonding, and cultural expression among the Hausa people. One of the most cherished traditions associated with Ramadan in Hausa land is Tashe a vibrant and energetic performance that brings people together, entertains communities, and keeps the cultural heritage alive. However, in recent years, this age-old tradition has been fading, replaced by an eerie silence.

The once lively nights of Ramadan, filled with drum beats, songs, and theatrical performances, have now been reduced to a few scattered children roaming the streets without direction or coordination.

What went wrong? Is modern civilisation responsible for wiping away this rich cultural practice? Have societal changes and religious perspectives shifted the way Hausa communities celebrate Ramadan?

Tashe is a unique form of entertainment that has been a fundamental part of Hausa Ramadan for centuries. The word Tashe means “to wake up” in Hausa, referring to the practice of waking people for Sahur (pre-dawn meal) in a lively and engaging way. Historically, Tashe was more than just an act of waking people up; it was a theatrical performance that featured storytelling, satire, humour, and music.

During Tashe, groups of young boys and girls, sometimes adults, would dress in colourful costumes and move from house to house performing skits, singing traditional songs, and playing drums. Their performances often depicted social issues, history, or even Islamic teachings in a lighthearted and humorous way. In return, they received gifts, food, or money from appreciative audiences. It was a way of fostering communal bonds, passing down traditional knowledge, and making Ramadan nights lively and memorable.

For children, Tashe was a rite of passage. It gave them an opportunity to showcase their creativity, interact with their elders, and learn important moral lessons. For adults, it was a moment of nostalgia, a reminder of their own childhood experiences, and a time to engage with their community beyond the strict religious observances of fasting and prayer.

Despite its historical significance, Tashe is now at risk of complete extinction.

The advent of television, social media, and mobile phones has significantly changed how people entertain themselves. In the past, children and youth had few entertainment options, making Tashe one of the highlights of Ramadan. Today, kids prefer watching YouTube videos, playing video games, or chatting on social media rather than going out to perform Tashe.

Similarly, the communal lifestyle that supported Tashe has been eroded by urbanisation. In the past, neighbourhoods were tightly knit, and everyone knew each other. Nowadays, people live in isolated nuclear family setups, making it difficult for traditions like Tashe to thrive.

Another major reason for the decline of Tashe is the shift in religious perspectives. Some religious scholars argue that Tashe is not in line with the principles of Ramadan, which emphasise solemnity, devotion, and spiritual reflection. In some communities, there have been active discouragements against the practice, with some branding it as unnecessary or even inappropriate for the holy month.

While Tashe was traditionally a means of Islamic education through entertainment, some conservative Islamic groups now see it as a distraction from Ibadah (worship) and discourage people from participating in it. This perception has made many parents reluctant to allow their children to partake in the practice.

Security concerns have also played a significant role in the decline of Tashe. In the past, children could roam the streets freely without fear of harm. Today, with increasing reports of kidnapping, theft, and violence in some areas, many parents no longer allow their children to wander at night, even for cultural purposes. This has contributed to the disappearance of Tashe, as fewer children are willing or able to participate.

Traditional rulers and cultural custodians who once promoted Tashe and other cultural practices have lost their influence over time. With the weakening of traditional leadership structures, there is less emphasis on preserving indigenous practices like Tashe. Government institutions that should be promoting cultural heritage are also more focused on modern forms of entertainment, leaving traditions like Tashe to die out.

Despite its decline, all hope is not lost. Tashe can still be revived and adapted to modern times if concerted efforts are made to preserve and promote it.

The disappearance of Tashe is not just the loss of a simple entertainment tradition; it is the erosion of a key cultural heritage that has defined Ramadan in Hausa land for generations. While modernisation, religious perspectives, and security challenges have contributed to its decline, there is still hope for its revival. If properly adapted and promoted, Tashe can regain its place as a cherished part of Ramadan celebrations, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the joy, humour, and communal spirit that it brings.

The question now is: are we willing to make the effort to save Tashe, or will we let it fade into history, leaving our children with nothing but stories of what once was?

 

Abdullahi Adda’u Turawa wrote from Zaria, Nigeria.