Musa Muhammad is a young and committed artist who believes in exploring his God-given talent as a musician. Although he is physically challenged, Musa said he’d rather sing than beg on the streets. In this interview, he talks about his journey into the Hausa music industry, amongst other issues.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Musa Muhammad, popularly known in the entertainment industry as Musa Mai Magana. As you can see, I have problems with my legs and I cannot walk without the help of the crutches. Although I am physically challenged, I don’t go out to beg like most people in my situation do. I strongly believe in maintaining my dignity as a human. I hate people belittling others. I was told the problem with my legs started while I was a toddler and my parents did all they could to see me walk right again but to no avail. While growing up, I started with a phone charging business before graduating to the sale of phones. I am also a musician.
Why music?
As I said earlier, I never liked begging simply because one has a form of deformity or the other. I was born in Kaduna State and while growing up, I was always involved in one trade or the other.
People used to tell me that I had the talent of being a good musician, but I believe in doing something that will encourage those with issues similar to mine not to give up. My first song went wild in Kaduna as many radio stations kept playing it. Within a short period, my name became a household name in the Kaduna State entertainment circle. I later adopted the stage name ‘Musa Mai Magana’.
Have you ever begged?
No, and I will never by God’s grace. Begging, to me, is just an abuse of self worth. It is the highest form of disgrace that one could subject himself to. You see, there are so many people like me who are out there begging not because they really wanted to, but because they lack support from the public on their chosen careers.
If the government, at all levels, would help people with disabilities, there would be a reduction in the number of beggars on our streets. Let me tell you, even if I’m assured that I will make N1 million daily begging, I will never do it because it’s a disgrace to me.
What are the challenges you faced as an upcoming musician?
I have waited for a long time to be asked this question. There are a lot of people like me who have experienced what I have experienced and many others who have had bitter experiences. In other entertainment sectors, you will find out that those who have made it are always at the forefront in assisting the upcoming ones to also make a name.
Many artists have had their breakthrough with the assistance of other artists. Unfortunately, we do not have such artists here in the Hausa music industry. There may be someone, but I have never met that person. The Hausa entertainment industry lacks such individuals who will back you up to go places. I am not exaggerating but I am saying things from experience.
When it became clear that I had every chance of making it big in the industry because people like my songs, all I needed was for a prominent artist to feature me. That is what I’ve not gotten till today, and I have been in the industry for more than five years.
Does that mean you have given up trying?
No, not at all. Music is what I have to do and I am optimistic that someday, I would be there with or without the assistance of anyone.
Whatever you may find yourself doing in this world, there is a need for someone who has been there before you to support you in it.
As a musician, I can recall that there were few artists who have tried to support upcoming artists in the Hausa entertainment sector. They did what they thought was required of them and they allowed the upcoming artists to keep crawling.
Unfortunately for me, I have tried to get some of these artists to support me but I couldn’t because they feel I may grow above their level. I know it is not going to be easy, but I am determined to succeed.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Ahead of those that do not want me to be where I should be. As I said earlier, I won’t stop, I will keep trying and who knows? I might one day prove to the world that you are only disabled if you believe you are disabled.
I know I don’t have the right to decide or tailor my future the way I would want it to be, but I am confident that with the efforts I am making, the sky will be my starting point. I am not after being famous, I’m rather after being successful.
If you are to make an album this year, what will it be all about?
I will do an album on brotherhood, cooperation and self worthiness. We have to understand who we are, where we are coming from and where we are heading to. These are what define an individual.
However, making albums is not what one should focus one as a musician. What really matters is that these albums make a difference in the lives of fans. I am of the school of thought that believes that music is a classroom that teaches good or bad.