How Young Poet, Yahuza Made Taraba Proud in Literature at HIASFEST 2024
By Ahmed Usman Jalingo
In the realm of poetry, a promising star emerged at the recent Hafiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIAFEST 2024), captivating the audience and clinching prestigious prizes for his exceptional literary prowess.
Yahuza Usman, a 17 years-old SS3 student of Almishkat Academy Jalingo, made a remarkable achievement by winning prizes at the event.
HIASFEST is among the most comprehensive and rewarding schools festivals in Africa, even without the contribution of the government. It instituted in 2019 by Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Kwatu to immortalise Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu, the late wife of Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, a famous businessman and Sardaunan Minna.
The festival served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of poets across diverse genres and styles. The categories include, on-the-spot poetry, on-the-spot hort story writing, on-the-spot literary essay writing, cultural dance, on-the-spot painting, quiz, craft, spoken word, contemporary songs and drama.
Yahuza’s extraordinary talent garnered attention, leading to the acquisition of notable prizes at the festival. These accolades not only symbolize the poet’s dedication and skill but also highlight his ability to evoke emotions and connect with the audience on a profound level.
The Star Boy (as he is fondly called) has secured 1st prize for the Nigeria Prize for Teen Authors (Poetry), 1st runner-up position in On-the-Spot Non-Fiction Writing, 2nd runner-up spot in the Spoken Word Category and was also awarded the title of Most Valuable Contestant (MVC) Male, a recognition bestowed after winning three prizes.
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The event which was organized by Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation between 17th to 20th January, 2024 took place at Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, Niger State.
A spoken word artist in Taraba State Faisal Sale Muri congratulated Yahuza for this landmark in the poetry world describing him as a talented boy who knows what he is doing.
“Really he deserved the prizes he won for the state at the festival. Whoever follows his works will tell you that the boy is performing extraordinarily. He always try to deliver message in his work.
“As a spoken word artist, I’m very much happy with the way now people are recognizing our talents. In the past especially here in the North, people don’t value our talents. They prefer music than our services.
“Absolutely, spoken word is the simplest way of sending messages across large section of the society especially in helping people to understand the reality of life. Said Faisal Sale Muri.
Another spoken word artist in the state, Fa’iza Yuguda Umar showered encomium on Yahuza Usman saying he made Taraba proud and called on people of the state to support spoken word artists to excel.
“I really feel good when I was told that one of us has made it in Minna Niger State. I’m very much happy for that. I observed that we have very few people with such talents and courage but the support is very minimal.
“However, we have zeal and passion towards spoken word regardless what people think or say about us. You know, in everything you do, there will be a lot of people who will criticise you.
“With all that, the boy has courage to keep trying and pushing to this level. People should understand that there are a lot of talents abound in our state that need recognition and support.”
HIASFEST serves as a pivotal moment in the career of this young poets, propelling them into the limelight and bestowing well-deserved prizes for their exceptional contributions to the world of poetry.
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