The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has announced plans to host an international conference solely dedicated to analysing and celebrating the praise songs of Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara, a controversial musician known for composing political jingles for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
A circular issued by the university, which was seen by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, revealed that the event is being organised in collaboration with the Pleasant College of Advanced Studies (PCAS) and is scheduled to hold from October 2 to 9, 2025, at the university campus in Katsina.
The university described the programme as the “1st International Conference on the Songs of Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara”, with the central theme: “Studies on the Songs of Alhaji Dauda Adamu Kahutu Rarara.”
According to the circular released by the organisers, the conference will host a variety of academic presentations exploring a broad spectrum of sub-themes, all focused on the music of Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara and its influence within political and socio-cultural spaces in Nigeria and beyond. These papers are expected to examine Rarara’s songs through multiple academic lenses, particularly within the context of political propaganda and contemporary African discourse.
One key area of exploration will be Rarara’s role in contemporary African politics, where scholars are expected to analyse how his music has been used to shape political narratives, sway public opinion, and reinforce party loyalty, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The conference will also look into thematic approaches to Rarara’s songs, assessing recurring motifs, ideological undertones, and rhetorical devices that define his body of work.
Another critical focus is the use of Rarara’s music in political campaigns and propaganda, with particular attention to how his songs have been deployed to mobilise supporters, attack political opponents, and promote ruling-party agendas.
In a similar vein, presenters will assess the intersection of Rarara’s music with broader regional interests, including its implications for African unity, security, and integration.
Equally significant is the examination of the role of Rarara’s songs in constructing political heroes—how his lyrics have elevated political figures to near-mythical status among their supporters. Gender and social dynamics will also be interrogated, as scholars explore the portrayal of gender and society in Rarara’s songs, including potential biases, stereotypes, and sociocultural messages embedded within the music.
In addition to these sociopolitical dimensions, the conference will delve into musical and performance studies, evaluating the artistic composition, delivery style, and public reception of his performances. The influence of media technology—particularly social media, streaming platforms, and broadcast systems—in the dissemination and popularisation of his songs will also be analysed.
Finally, scholars will consider the philosophical and oratorical elements in Rarara’s work, exploring how his songs communicate complex ideas, moral narratives, or persuasive political speech within the framework of popular music in Northern Nigeria. Together, these sub-themes suggest an attempt by the organisers to legitimise Rarara’s controversial catalogue as a subject of serious academic inquiry.
Critics have slammed the university for promoting political sycophancy under the guise of academic inquiry, especially in a country where public universities face chronic underfunding, strikes, and decaying infrastructure.
The announcement reads:
“FEDERAL UNIVERSITY DUTSIN-MA in collaboration with PLEASANT COLLEGE OF ADVANCED STUDIES (PCAS)
1st Invites the General Public to the International Conference on the Songs of Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara
DATE: 2nd – 9th October, 2025
TIME: 10:00am daily
VENUE: Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State”
The university is calling for abstract submissions from scholars within and outside Nigeria, offering guidelines for paper structure and promising a Book of Proceedings and possible publication of selected papers through a “blind review” process.
Abstracts are to be submitted between June 30 and August 30, 2025. The conference languages are listed as Hausa, English, Arabic, and French.
Rarara rose to national prominence as a political praise singer for the APC and former President Muhammadu Buhari, and has since continued to churn out pro-government songs for President Tinubu.
His lyrics have often been described as inflammatory and divisive, with critics accusing him of weaponising music to push party propaganda while ignoring the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
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