Top 10 richest in Kannywood: The wealthiest Hausa actors and their net worth
Nigeria has one of the largest film industries in Africa. Kannywood is the second-largest movie genre in Nigeria's film industry. The scene produces films and TV shows in the Hausa language. These are the top 10 richest actors in Kannywood.

Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Richest Kannywood actors
- 10. Lilin Baba - $33,000 to $50,000
- 9. Umar M Shareef - $165,000
- 8. Nuhu Abdullahi - $400,000 to $500,000
- 7. Garzali Miko - $500,000
- 6. Sadiq Sani Sadiq - $390,000 to $550,000
- 5. Sani Musa Danja - $800,000 to $5 million
- 4. Naziru Sarkin Waka - $820,000
- 3. Adam Zango - $900,000
- 2. Ali Nuhu - $2 million
- 1. Yakubu Mohammed - $20 million
- Who is the richest person in Kannywood?
- What is Rarara's net worth?
- Who is the richest between Ali Nuhu and Rarara?
- Who is richer between Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze?
- Who is the superstar in Kannywood?
- Who are the top 10 richest Kannywood female actors?
- Who is the Most followed Kannywood celebrity on Instagram?
- Who is the richest Kannywood actress?
- What is the most expensive film in Kannywood?
Key takeaways
- Some of the richest Kannywood actors include Adam Zango (net worth of $900,000) and Naziru Sarin Waka (net worth of $820,000).
- The richest actor on the list is Yakubu Muhammad, with an estimated net worth of $20,000,000.
- Ali Nuhu is widely regarded as the biggest superstar in Kannywood, often referred to as the "King of Kannywood".
Richest Kannywood actors
This list of Kannywood's richest actors is strictly based on individual net worth as of October 2025. We considered publicly available information from various sites when compiling this list.
The figures mentioned are estimates and might not reflect the exact current net worth of these actors. So, here are the top 10 richest actors in Kannywood in 2025.
Ranking | Actor | Net worth (as of January 2025) |
1 | Yakubu Muhammad | $20,000,000 |
2 | Ali Nuhu | $2 million |
3 | Adam Zango | $900,000 |
4 | Naziru Sarkin Waka | $820,000 |
5 | Sani Musa Danja | $800,000 - $5 million |
6 | Sadiq Sani Sadiq | $390,000 - $550, 000 |
7 | Garzali Miko | $500,000 |
8 | Nuhu Abdullahi | $400,000 - $500,000 |
9 | Umar M Shareef | $165, 000 |
10 | Lilin Baba | $33, 000 - $55,000 |
10. Lilin Baba - $33,000 to $50,000

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 2 January 1992
- Age: 33 years old (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Gwoza, Borno, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor, singer, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur
Lilin Baba is among the top 20 richest Kannywood actors in 2025. He was born Shu'aibu Ahmed Abbas and is a renowned actor, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is married to Ummi Rahab, a renowned Kannywood actress. Baba began his acting career in Hauwa Kulu and gained recognition in the TV series Wuff.
Lilin Baba is also a singer and songwriter. He has released hits including Arewa, Yarinya, Zauna, Matso, and Zo Gani. Baba has collaborated with music producers like Shadow and Garkuwa. As a businessman, he started by selling ice blocks in Kano. He later started dealing with the car and mortgage business in Abuja.

Read also
Omoni Oboli reacts as 'Love In Every Word: The Wedding' Sequel Hits Over a Million Views in Hours
There is no credible information about Lilin Baba's net worth, but most sources place it at $33,000 to $50,000.
9. Umar M Shareef - $165,000

Source: UGC
- Year of birth: 1989
- Age: 36 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Kaduna, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor, film director, and singer
Umar Shareef is a Nigerian actor and singer. He is one of the 50 richest actors in Kannywood. His notable work in the film industry includes Hafeez, Sareena, Madubin, Dubawa, and Mansoor.
Some of his songs include Inna Rasaki, Aisha, and Tsuntuwa. Unconfirmed social media reports place his net worth at around $165,000.
8. Nuhu Abdullahi - $400,000 to $500,000

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 3 January 1991
- Age: 34 years old (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Kano State, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor, producer, and politician
Nuhu Abdullahi is a renowned actor, director, and producer in Kannywood. He rose to prominence after appearing in the 2016 film Jinni Jikina. Since then, he has appeared in numerous films, including Kanin Miji, Baya da Kura, Mugun Zama, and Ana Wata ga Wata.
Nuhu Abdullahi debuted his acting career in 2009. He started as a film producer in Kannywood. His work as a producer includes Baya da Kura, Ana Wata ga Wata, Mugun Zama, Rana Tara, and Mujarrabi.
Nuhu has won several awards for his outstanding performances. The City People Entertainment Awards awarded him the 2015 Best Supporting Actor in Kannywood. Nuhu Abdullahi's net worth is alleged to be around $400,000 to $500,000.
7. Garzali Miko - $500,000

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: September 1993
- Age: 32 years old (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Kano State, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and director
Garzali Miko is a talented young Hausa actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and director. He has been an active member of the Hausa music and movie industry.
Miko has earned widespread recognition and awards for his acting. Some of his works include Rariya, Dan Marayan Zaki, and Halacci. His songs include Mai Sona, Fatima, Baby, and So Na Amana. Garzali Miko's net worth is alleged to be $500,000.
6. Sadiq Sani Sadiq - $390,000 to $550,000

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 2 February 1981
- Age: 44 years old (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor
Sadiq Sani Sadiq is a Nigerian actor from Jos, Plateau State. He has made a name for himself in Kannywood and Nollywood at large.
Sadiq is a Journalism graduate from the prestigious University of Jos. He rose to prominence after appearing in Kenneth Gyang's 2012 film Blood and Henna alongside Nafisat Abdullahi and Ali Nuhu. The actor has appeared in over 80 films, including Addini Ko Al'ada, Jari Hujja, Dare Daya, and Labarina.
The City People Entertainment Awards honoured him in 2014 and 2017. Additionally, the Jos native was nominated for the 2015 Kannywood Award for Best Actor. Sadiq Sani Sadiq's net worth is alleged to be between $390,000 and $550,000.

Read also
Nigerian military breaks silence on capture of IPOB strongman 'Gentle De Yahoo', video emerges
5. Sani Musa Danja - $800,000 to $5 million

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 20 April 1973
- Age: 52 years (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Fagge, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor, producer, director, singer, and dancer
Sani Musa Abdullahi, popularly known as Sani Danja or Danja, is a prominent Nigerian film actor, producer, director, singer, and dancer. He works in both Nollywood and Kannywood.
Sani Danja started his acting career in Nollywood in 2012 after appearing in Daughter of the River. He has acted in numerous films, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Wedding in Nigeria, and Battle on Buka Street. He has produced two films, Kawayen Amarya and Ana Barin Halak, and has appeared in over 50 films throughout his career.
Besides acting, Danja is a gifted singer and songwriter. Most of his songs have been used in the Hausa film industry. He is also the Chairman of the Guild of Artists in Northern Nigeria. Sani Danja's net worth is alleged to be approximately between $800,000 and $5 million.

Read also
Nigeria’s billionaire shake-up: Abdul Samad Rabiu dethrones Adenuga as Dangote soars toward $30bn
4. Naziru Sarkin Waka - $820,000

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 4 September 1986
- Age: 39 years (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Kano, Nigeria
- Occupation: Musician and actor
Sarkin Waka is one of the talented male actors in Kannywood. He is a renowned Hausa actor and musician known as Northern Nigeria's King of Hausa music. The Kano State actor comes from a family of actors; his elder brother is Kannywood actor Musbahu M. Ahmad.
Sarkin Waka launched his music career in 2001, before a single music studio existed in his state. He made his professional acting debut in 2018 when he starred as one of the main characters in the Hausa TV series Labarina. Sarkin Waka's net worth is estimated at $820,000, as per unconfirmed social media reports.
3. Adam Zango - $900,000

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 1 October 1985
- Age: 40 years (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Zango, Kaduna State
- Occupation: Actor, singer, producer, and director

Read also
"No Leave, No Transfer": BBNaija’s Tacha completes Guinness World Record attempt for most makeovers in one day
Adamu Abdullahi, professionally known as Adam Zango, is a renowned Kannywood actor, singer, producer, and director. He is currently considered the best film director in the Hausa film industry.
The Kaduna State native began his film career in 2000 when he starred in Raga, directed by Mansoor Sadiq.
His role in Babban Yaro made him a household name, and this film was a turning point in his life. The actor has appeared in over 50 films and established himself as a prominent Kannywood actor. Some of his works include Matsayin So, Wata Rayuwa, Zarar Bunu, and Sai Wata Rana.
The actor has won many awards, including the Africa Movie Award, MTN Award, and City People Movie Award. According to social media reports, Adam Zango's net worth is alleged to be between $900,000.
2. Ali Nuhu - $2 million

Source: UGC
- Date of birth: 15 March 1974
- Age: 51 years (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor, director, film producer
Ali Nuhu is a Nigerian award-winning actor, director, and film producer. Due to his immense contribution to the Hausa film industry, he is renowned as the King of Kannywood.
Nuhu attended the Asian Academy of Film and Television in Noida, Delhi, where he earned a filmmaking course. Nuhu was also trained in Transmedia Storytelling at the University of Southern California Department of Cinematic Arts and Acting for the Camera in Los Angeles.
Nuhu began his acting career after completing his education. He made his acting debut in 1999 with the film Abin Sirri Ne. However, his role in the movie Sangaya propelled him to fame. The Nigerian actor has appeared in over 500 Nollywood and Kannywood movies, such as Sitanda, Carbin Kwai, and Last Flight to Abuja.
Nuhu has received many accolades, including the Africa Movie Academy Award, the City People Entertainment Award, and the Nollywood Europe Golden Award. Ali Nuhu's net worth is estimated to be $2 million.
1. Yakubu Mohammed - $20 million
- Date of birth: 25 March 1973
- Age: 52 years old (as of October 2025)
- Place of birth: Gombe, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actor, producer, director, singer, and scriptwriter
Yakubu Usman Shehu Abubakar El-Nafati, professionally known as Yakubu Mohammad, is a famous Kannywood actor, producer, director, singer, and scriptwriter. With over 50 movie credits, the Hausa actor has become a household name in Nigeria.
He has been featured in films like Lionheart, Beyond the Veil, Sons of the Caliphate, and MTV Shuga. Yakubu has also been nominated for the City People Entertainment and Nigeria Entertainment awards.
Mohammad is an actor, singer, and songwriter. His songs have been featured in numerous Hausa films, including Jarumai, Kwalli, and Hanta Jini. Yakubu Mohammed's net worth is estimated to be $20 million.
Who is the richest person in Kannywood?
According to this list, Yakubu Mohammed is the richest Kannywood actor. He has an estimated net worth of $20 million.
What is Rarara's net worth?
Rarara's net worth is reportedly between $100,000 and $200,000. However, the Kannywood actor has not confirmed these reports.
Who is the richest between Ali Nuhu and Rarara?
According to this list, Ali Nuhu is richer with an estimated net worth of $2 million, compared to Rarara's $100,000 to $200,000.
Who is richer between Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze?
Osita Iheme is allegedly richer than Chinedu Ikedieze, with an estimated net worth of $5 million compared to Chinedu's estimated $3.6 million. Both Nigerian actors gained fame for their roles in the 2002 film Aki na Ukwa.
Who is the superstar in Kannywood?
Ali Nuhu is widely regarded as the biggest superstar in Kannywood, often referred to as the "King of Kannywood". His decades-long career and prolific output have made him the most influential and successful actor in the Hausa-language film industry.
Who are the top 10 richest Kannywood female actors?
While a definitive top 10 richest list is not publicly available, prominent Kannywood actresses like Hadiza Aliyu and Rahama Sadau are consistently mentioned as some of the wealthiest.
Who is the Most followed Kannywood celebrity on Instagram?
Rahama Sadau is the most followed celebrity on Instagram in Kannywood. At the time of this writing, she has over 3.4 million followers.
Who is the richest Kannywood actress?
There is no single consensus on the richest Kannywood actress, but popular names frequently mentioned are Hadiza Aliyu Gabon, Rahama Sadau, and Jamila Nadu.
What is the most expensive film in Kannywood?
Hindu is reportedly the most expensive movie in Kannywood. It has many special effects, and a village had to be created. The budget of the film was over N20 million.
Kannywood is a crucial contributor to the Nigerian film industry. The section produces TV shows and films in both Hausa and English. Kannywood has nurtured talent and produced some of the wealthiest actors in Nigeria. The above is a list of the top 10 richest in Kannywood.
Legit.ng published an article about the richest men in Africa. Africa has produced numerous successful people. The wealthy men of Africa have diverse income streams and have invested in the oil, agriculture, technology, and mining sectors.
The African continent is diverse and rich in talent and business opportunities. It has nurtured numerous billionaires who have invested in businesses that have solved various African problems. Discover the wealthiest men of Africa and what they do.
Source: Legit.ng
Naomi Karina (Lifestyle writer) Naomi Karina has been a digital content writer for more than two years. She joined the Legit team in August 2022. She graduated Bachelor of Commerce from KCA University in 2012. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resources from the IHRM and a Diploma in Marketing from Kenyatta University. She is a content creator who enjoys writing about various topics such as biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Naomi finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She expanded her skills in 2024 by undertaking the Google News Initiative course.
Kola Muhammed (Copyeditor) Kola Muhammed is an experienced journalist, editor and content strategist who has overseen content and public relations strategies for some of the biggest (media) brands in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 10 years of experience in writing and editing.





