Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry centered in Northern Nigeria, continues to flourish with its unique storytelling, vibrant culture, and fast-growing talent base. From veteran stars to rising celebrities, 2025 has been another big year for Kannywood.

Below is a complete and updated list of the top actors and actresses in Kannywood as of 2025, ranked based on popularity, career impact, recent works, and influence.

Top 10 Kannywood Actors in 2025

1. Ali Nuhu

• Nickname: King of Kannywood

• Profession: Actor, Director, Producer

• Why He’s Top: Still the face of Kannywood in 2025, Ali Nuhu remains a fan favorite with blockbuster films and leadership roles in promoting Hausa culture through cinema.

• Recent Projects: Fataken Dare 2, Gidan Badamasi (season 3)

2. Adam A. Zango

• Nickname: Prince of Kannywood

• Profession: Actor, Musician, Director

• Recent Buzz: Returned to the spotlight in 2025 with a musical movie that topped streaming charts in Northern Nigeria.

• Style: Romantic, action-packed roles with strong youth appeal.

3. Sani Danja

• Also Known As: Sani Musa Danja

• Profession: Actor, Musician, Politician

• Why He’s Top: Blends Kannywood with politics and music. Still commands massive respect and fanbase in 2025.

4. Yakubu Mohammed

• Profession: Actor, Singer, TV Host

• Recent Projects: Leading roles in cross-industry films with Nollywood actors.

• Specialty: Family drama, motivational roles.

5. Umar M. Shareef

• Profession: Actor, Singer

• Why He’s Trending: Gained attention in both music and film in 2025. Starred in romantic and emotional roles, popular with female fans.

6. Nuhu Abdullahi

• Profession: Actor, Politician

• Popular Roles: Youth drama and coming-of-age stories.

• Influence: Prominent in youth-focused projects and mentorship programs.

7. Lawan Ahmad

• Profession: Actor, Producer

• Career Note: Strong contributor to Kannywood’s growth behind the scenes in 2025, known for producing socially conscious films.

8. Ali Artwork

• Profession: Actor, Comedian

• Fan Base: Known for comedy skits and humorous roles in Kannywood movies. Huge social media presence.

9. Nazifi Asnanic

• Profession: Actor, Singer

• Why Popular: Merges film and Hausa music with deep cultural appeal.

10. Mustapha Nabraska

• Profession: Actor

• Why He’s Noticed: Emerging actor with major roles in family and rural-themed Hausa films.

Top 10 Kannywood Actresses in 2025

1. Rahama Sadau

• Profession: Actress, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

• Big Win: Starred in both Nollywood and Kannywood films in 2025. Also expanding her skincare and fashion brands.

• Style: Versatile—can act in romantic, action, and social awareness roles.

2. Maryam Booth

• Profession: Actress, Fashion Influencer

• Comeback: Reclaimed her place in the spotlight in 2025 with major roles and red-carpet appearances.

• Fan Favorite: Known for emotional and dramatic roles.

3. Fati Washa

• Profession: Actress

• Top Roles: Seen in multiple leading romantic films in 2025. Her performances are known for being powerful and relatable.

4. Hajara Isah

• Profession: Actress, Producer

• Why She’s Here: Produced several successful Hausa films that gained traction on YouTube and Arewa24.

5. Hadiza Gabon

• Profession: Actress, Brand Ambassador

• Popular For: Strong female lead roles and roles centered on women empowerment. Also known for charitable causes.

6. Jamila Nagudu

• Profession: Actress

• Known As: “Queen of Kannywood Comedy”

• Why She’s Popular: Leads in comic and family-centered movies. Still a household name in 2025.

7. Rukayya Dawayya

• Profession: Actress, Philanthropist

• Why Listed: Popular among older fans and women. Featured in 2025 on women-focused film projects.

8. Momee Gombe

• Profession: Actress, TikTok Influencer

• Trendy Factor: Youth appeal, strong presence on social media. Featured in several 2025 web series and skits.

9. Zee Pretty (Zulaihat Ibrahim)

• Profession: Actress, Model

• Why Rising: Known for fashion-forward appearances and participation in modern Kannywood productions.

10. Halima Atete

• Profession: Actress, Producer

• Specialty: Strong, independent female roles. Also contributes behind the scenes with story development.

Conclusion

Kannywood in 2025 continues to thrive with stars who not only entertain but also represent culture, values, and innovation. From the legendary Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau to fast-rising names like Momee Gombe and Mustapha Nabraska, these actors and actresses keep pushing the Hausa film industry to greater heights.

Whether you love comedy, drama, romance, or social commentary, these Kannywood stars deliver the magic in every scene.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the most popular Kannywood actor in 2025?
Ali Nuhu remains the most influential and respected Kannywood actor as of 2025.

Q2: Who is the richest Kannywood actress in 2025?
Rahama Sadau leads in wealth due to her acting, brand deals, and fashion businesses.

Q3: Which new Kannywood actors are rising in 2025?
Mustapha Nabraska and Zee Pretty are gaining massive attention this year.

Q4: Do Kannywood stars act in Nollywood too?
Yes, many stars like Rahama Sadau, Yakubu Mohammed, and Ali Nuhu act across both industries.

Q5: Where can I watch Kannywood movies?
Try platforms like YouTube (Kannywood TV), Arewa24, and Hausa cinema apps.