“Mai Dalilin Aure,” a standard matchmaking observe in Hausa tradition, has shifted from a cultural customized to a industrial enterprise. Initially meant to assist folks discover marriage companions, matchmaking in Kano now spans web and social media platforms, drawing a various clientele and offering revenue for a lot of operators.
In Kano, a rising variety of matchmaking companies mix conventional and trendy strategies to attach potential companions, Weekend Belief reviews.
Aminu Hangama, a matchmaker, famous that many purchasers come after experiencing heartbreak. “Individuals include particular preferences, and we discover matches that meet these. Now, even dad and mom deliver their kids’s photographs, hoping for an acceptable match. Our shoppers embrace younger singles, divorcees, and widows,” he mentioned.
Beforehand supplied for free of charge, matchmaking providers have advanced to incorporate session charges, with operators like Hangama establishing enterprise fashions which have facilitated quite a few marriages throughout the state.
Adamu Haladawa, a veteran within the business with over 30 years of expertise, remembers a time when matchmaking was carried out discreetly by aged girls who organized conferences with out involving younger {couples} immediately.
“They used to go to households with photographs of secluded younger girls to search out appropriate suitors. At this time, persons are overtly turning to matchmakers,” he mentioned, attributing the business’s enlargement to excessive demand.
The sector has additionally embraced know-how, with matchmaking websites reminiscent of Halal Matchmaking and Muslim Matchmaking gaining traction.
Malam Rabi’u Ado, a matchmaker based mostly in Kano, started his work with signposts displaying his contact info however now operates totally on social media.
“We promote with out footage to keep up discretion. people both name or go to us, and we provide a collection of profiles,” Ado mentioned. He has facilitated over 250 marriages prior to now eight years and considers matchmaking his important revenue supply alongside his civil service job.
Nonetheless, matchmaking isn’t with out challenges. Ado recounted an incident the place a misunderstanding between shoppers from Niger Republic led to police involvement, costing him a property. Regardless of such dangers, matchmaking providers stay fashionable however face social skepticism.
Malama Binta Mahadi, who launched her matchmaking web site after serving to her sister discover a husband, mentioned that matchmakers usually encounter harsh judgment. “We hold shoppers’ info non-public, but folks typically accuse us of selling promiscuity. Our web site has been reported a number of occasions, however we stay dedicated to our work,” she mentioned.
Shoppers of those providers embrace people like Aminu Isah, who, after a failed marriage, turned to a matchmaker and ultimately discovered a brand new companion. At this time, he and his spouse are elevating two kids collectively. One other shopper, Malama Ussaina, realized solely after marriage that her mom had organized her match by way of a matchmaking agency.
The observe has even acquired backing from spiritual leaders. Sheikh Ali Dan Abba, Chief Imam of the Millati Ibrahim Mosque in Kano, has affirmed that matchmaking aligns with Islamic rules when carried out ethically.
“The method doesn’t violate spiritual guidelines so long as the intent is towards lawful marriage. We urge operators to behave with honesty and integrity,” he suggested.
