Death, Fad’uwa or Fakuwa in classical Hausa, now mutuwa in modern Hausa, is the central issue of this discussion. “Death” is literally defined as cessation of physical life or extinction of anything. It is a total destruction and collapse of the general body system. It is therefore considered the terminal of the general activities of life. Scientifically, its remedy is yet to be discovered, and there is no identified cultural antidote to confront its scourge. In human culture, death remains an unavoidable battle and hence a serious debatable issue in literary revolution across the globe. In the field of research, it is everywhere and nowhere to be met physically or otherwise. The phobia of its unnoticed visit remains a severe wound in our minds. Thus, all the scientific and technological advancements of past centuries resonate with confrontations to its unassailable devices. The human inability to terminate death is a great challenge from time immemorial to date. To our surprise, in Hausa oral songs, death is constantly being revoked by its consumed victims and the victims were given a second chance to perform. In Hausa confrontational songs it is a popular style to elevate heroes in physical combat and consequently to meet their death in the fight. This is intentionally created to celebrate their names as heroes, and bids death farewell to give them a second life and the chance to perform again.
Author: Bunza, A.M.
