Bamihan Becomes 1st Northern Nigerian Artist to Become a Medical Doctor
Azi Bamison Ishaku, known to fans as Bamihan, has achieved a rare and commendable feat, graduating as a medical doctor from the University of Jos while simultaneously rising as one of
Northern Nigeria’s most promising alternative music stars.
Source: Twitter
Admitted in 2016, Bamihan’s journey through medical school is nothing short of challenges that should inspire others to pursue their dreams even when it means going against the norms or what the society defines as norms. Balancing the demands of clinical rotations, national exams, and rigorous coursework, he simultaneously grew a thriving music career, establishing himself as a trailblazer in the northern entertainment space.
His viral hit “Wayyo (Dadi Kasheni)” captured the hearts of millions across TikTok, Facebook, and digital streaming platforms, eventually earning the attention of Nigerian rap heavyweight Ice Prince, who featured on the remix. The track remains a staple in Northern clubs and playlists, with its official visuals already released on YouTube, “Wayyo” still enjoys widespread love at weddings, events and public settings in the north and some part of Nigeria especially where northerners reside the most.
“This has been a journey of perseverance, sleepless nights, and unwavering faith,” he shared through his management team. “Graduating as a doctor is a major milestone, and I give all glory to God for starting and finishing with me. I hope to bring healing and hope, whether through my hands as a physician or my voice as an artist.”
Despite pressures from family, society, and academic institutions to treat music as merely a "hobby,” Bamihan stayed true to both passions. “There were times medical exams clashed with music video shoots, studio sessions, or even major gigs,” he recalled. “I struggled with identity, wondering if I was a musician who studied medicine or a doctor who made music. But both are who I am.”
He notes the financial burden of juggling two demanding careers, medicine with its tuition, and music with its cost-intensive demands for gear, branding, lessons, and consistency. More critically, the mental fatigue of long nights studying medicine and surgery, followed by emotionally draining songwriting sessions often pushed him to the brink. “But it was all worth it,” he says with quiet pride. Remarkably, Bamihan completed medical school without ever repeating a class or having to resit and exams, a testament to his discipline.
Alongside his success in music and academics, Bamihan is the pioneer of a genre he calls “Afro-Sharholiya”, a unique blend of Hausa storytelling, alternative sounds, Afrobeats, and hip-hop influences. His style has not only defined a new musical identity for Northern youth but also placed him on the map as a cultural innovator.
With millions of plays across digital platforms, his sound has carved out a fresh lane for Northern artists seeking global relevance. The doctor has promised more music is on the way, including his long-anticipated album "SARKIN MAYU" , and an extended play "MOBILE CLINIC", projects that delves into identity, resilience, and modern Northern youth culture.
Now a qualified doctor and a celebrated artist, Bamihan’s dual achievement marks a first of its kind in Northern Nigerian entertainment, showing that talent and intellect can thrive together.
As Bamihan dons the white coat and prepares for life after medical school, he does so with a microphone in one hand and a stethoscope in the other. In doing so, he sends a powerful message to Northern Nigerian youth: your dream doesn’t have to choose one path, you can pursue all of who you are.
Source: Legit.ng
