Entertainment Lifestyle Top Kannywood Production Firms in Kano: Leading Studios Powering Hausa Cinema Leyira Virtue BarisukaAugust 16, 202501.4K views If Nollywood is Nigeria’s Hollywood, then Kannywood is Nigeria’s pride of the North, and its beating heart is firmly in Kano State. For decades, this ancient city has been more than just a hub for trade, culture, and tradition. It has also been the creative engine room of Hausa-language films. When people think about Kannywood, they often picture the vibrant actors, the colourful sets, and the emotional storyline. But behind every scene you watch is a studio or a production house filled with scriptwriters, directors, editors, and camera crews who bring these stories to life. In this article, we’re going to explore the top Kannywood production companies, both the pioneers who laid the foundation and the modern powerhouses making today’s hits. We’ll name names, highlight the movies they’ve produced, and shine a light on how these Kano film studios keep the industry alive and thriving. Top Kannywood Production Companies They include: Gidan Dabino Video Production Maishadda Global Resources LTD Saira Movies RK Studios 1. Gidan Dabino Video Production CEO of Gidan Dabino This name is one that’s practically etched in the history of Hausa cinema. This cinema was founded by Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino, a Nigerian Hausa-language writer, author, publisher, journalist, film producer, director, and actor. He wrote for about three decades on various topics and has published fifteen novels. Before launching his own company, Ado was part of Tauraruwa Drama & Modern Films Production, the group behind the beloved classic In Da So Da Ƙauna. That film alone left a massive mark on Hausa-language storytelling. When Ado broke away to start Gidan Dabino Video Production, he kept the focus on heartfelt and authentic narratives. The studio gave us movies like: Cinnaka – a suspense-filled drama with strong moral lessons. Mukhtar – a family-centred film exploring loyalty and sacrifice. Kowa Da Ranarsa – a touching reminder that everyone has their fate. Gidan Dabino’s legacy isn’t just about the films; it’s about opening the door for professional Hausa filmmaking in a time when most productions were small, community-driven projects. The professionalism of this studio has made its products gain recognition, such as Juyin Sarauta being the most awarded Hausa movie for the years 2017 and 2018. 2. Maishadda Global Resources LTD CEO of Maishadda Global Studios, Abubakar Bashir Maishadda If we’re talking about modern commercial success in Kannywood, then Maishadda Global Resources LTD is the undisputed king. This film production company was founded and run by Abubakar Bashir Maishadda, aka Abubakar Bashir Abdulkarim, who is a Nigerian film producer who works in the Kannywood film industry. He has produced several films under his banner, featuring Kannywood stars such as Ali Nuhu, Sadiq Sani Sadiq, Maryam Yahaya, and many others. They’ve delivered some of the most popular, best-selling Hausa films of the last decade, including: Daga Murna (2015) Ana Dara Ga Dare (2018) Wutar Kara, Hafeez, Mujadala, Mariya, Hauwa Kulu (all 2019) The Right Choice (2020) is a big-budget co-production with Ali Nuhu and Kabiru Jammaje. Maishadda has mastered the art of blending traditional Hausa themes with modern cinematic appeal, pulling in audiences from both rural areas and city centres. 3. Saira Movies This movie studio is renowned for fast-paced, youth-friendly dramas and comedies; Saira Movies is making waves with films that appeal to younger Hausa audiences who are also Netflix-savvy. It is superheaded by Aminu Muhammad Ahmad, professionally known as Aminu Saira, who is a Nigerian filmmaker, director, and screenwriter. Saira worked as a businessman before entering the Kannywood film industry in 2006 with his debut film, Musnadi. This filmmaking studio has produced many movies, such as: Dare Da Yawa (2007) Jamila Da Jamilu (2009), Ga Duhu Ga Haske (2010). He continues to write and direct under his production name, Saira Movies. READ MORE: Ali Nuhu’s Top 5 Kannywood Films and How They Were Made Kannywood Is Telling Important Stories — Are We Listening? Meet the Rising Stars of Yoruba Cinema: Faces to Watch in 2025 4. RK Studios Ɗan Azumi Baba Ɗan Azumi Baba founded RK Studios after he left Garun Malam Video Club, the studio that produced Bakandamiyar Rikicin Duniya. If Gidan Dabino was the soulful storyteller, RK Studios was the bold experimentalist. They weren’t afraid to try new plot styles, camera techniques, or even controversial subjects. One of their defining works is Badaƙala, a daring production blending romance, intrigue, and cultural commentary. RK Studios became a Kano film studio that other filmmakers watched closely, learning how to push boundaries without losing audience connection. Beyond Studios: Institutions That Keep Kannywood Alive It’s not just production companies making Kannywood tick; Kano has training and support institutions that keep the talent pipeline flowing, such as: 1. Kannywood Foundation The Kannywood Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) established by industry elders to support and appreciate the development of Hausa films and other audio-visual media. The foundation focuses on the Kannywood film industry, a Hausa-language cinema based in Kano, Nigeria. Conclusion: Importance of Kannywood Studios These studios powering Kannywood aren’t just making movies, but they’re shaping Northern Nigerian culture, influencing public discourse, and giving Hausa speakers a mirror to see themselves on screen. Without them, the industry wouldn’t. It possesses the same structure, consistency, and professionalism that have enabled it to compete at both national and international levels. From the early days of Gidan Dabino to the blockbuster era of Maishadda, Kannywood’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep cultural pride. Kano is more than a city now; it’s also a film capital. And as long as these studios keep their cameras rolling, the Hausa film industry will continue to reach new heights. Showcase Nigeria Through Your Lens – Join Our Open Call for Creators Are you a photographer, videographer, or content creator passionate about capturing Nigeria’s beauty, from fashion runways and cultural festivals to tourist landmarks and local events? Our Open Call for Content Creators in Nigeria is your opportunity to get featured, collaborate, and bring authentic Nigerian stories to life. Whether you’re into travel, lifestyle, or visual storytelling, we want to see Nigeria through your eyes. Discover the Latest Buzz in Nigeria’s Entertainment Scene — Stay updated with breaking stories, celebrity news, and cultural happenings on our Nigeria Entertainment News page. FAQs 1: Which are the top studios powering Kannywood right now? Gidan Dabino Video Production, Saira Movies, RK Studios, and Maishadda Global Resources LTD are among the most influential. 2: Which Kannywood studio has the largest box office hits? That would be Maishadda Global Resources LTD, led by Abubakar Bashir Maishadda. 3: Are there new studios in Kano? Yes! Saira Movies is one of the many new studios fostering the production of Kannywood movies. 4: What kind of films does Kannywood make? Everything from love stories and comedies to action, historical dramas, and social commentary films in the Nigerian Hausa language.