In a post dated December 12, 2023, the revelation surrounding the pivotal role of Alhaji Sani Lamma in Kannywood has ignited a wave of sympathetic reactions. Some, mistakenly assuming his demise, offered prayers, while others lamented the lack of recognition for his foundational contributions to the Kannywood industry.

As a linchpin in the industry's inception, Sani Lamma played a crucial role, with his unwavering commitment and determination instrumental in shaping the vibrant industry we see today. Despite his early importance, he confined himself to selling video tapes and providing guidance from his humble shop in Gwammaja, Kano. Every aspiring Kannywood filmmaker sought guidance from him, making pilgrimages to his invaluable but modest shop.

I reached out to Sani Lamma, facilitated by Ahmad Salihu Alkanawy, to confirm his existence on this planet. A meeting was arranged at his shop on Wednesday, December 13, where, despite being 70 years old (born in 1953), he exhibited remarkable strength and agility, marking a joyous reunion after 22 years.

During our meeting, Sani Lamma, a charming and pleasant gentleman, shared captivating stories of cinematic culture from the 60s to the 1980s that drew him into the world of Kannywood. We delved into discussions about my book and his fellow Fountainhead colleagues, promising more insights in future updates.

Regrettably, his original shop, now closed due to ownership disputes, led to the relocation of his archives to an upstairs shop in an adjoining mini-mall, originally known as Gidan Ɗan Buzu. The sight of archival tapes, accumulating dust in this digital age of YouTube sharing, is a poignant reminder of the valuable slice of Kano's popular culture history they represent. Explore the images capturing this visit to witness a poignant chapter in the annals of Kannywood's evolution.