Citation: Abu-Ubaida Sani & Ahmad Ibrahim Khalil (2025). Beyond Entertainment: A Critical Analysis of Hausa Films' Impact on Cultural Practices. Glob Acad J Linguist Lit; Vol-7, Iss-4 pp-75-82. 75 Global Academic Journal of Linguistics and Literature Available online at https://gajrc.com/journal/gajll/home DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/gajll.2025.v07i04.002 ISSN 2706-9028 (P) ISSN 2707-2541 (O) Beyond Entertainment: A Critical Analysis of Hausa Films' Impact on Cultural Practices Abu-Ubaida Sani 1* , Ahmad Ibrahim Khalil 2 1 Department of Languages and Cultures, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria 2 Department of English and Literature, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria *Corresponding Author Abu-Ubaida Sani Department of Languages and Cultures, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria Article History Received: 02.06.2025 Accepted: 30.07.2025 Published: 02.08.2025 Abstract: This study examines the socio-cultural impact of Hausa films on language, fashion, and social behavior within Hausa society, analyzing how cinematic portrayals influence real-world practices. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research combines content analysis of 16 influential Hausa films (1980–2020), in-depth interviews with filmmakers and cultural experts, and observational fieldwork documenting the adoption of film-inspired trends in daily life. The findings reveal that while Hausa films serve as important vehicles for entertainment and social messaging, they increasingly incorporate foreign cultural elements, leading to a dilution of authentic Hausa traditions. The study identifies significant film-induced trends, including the hybridization of fashion styles, the normalization of new linguistic expressions, and the imitation of both constructive and destructive on-screen behaviors. Critically, the paper highlights the paradoxical nature of these influences - while some foster cultural innovation and economic opportunities, others risk eroding moral values and social cohesion. Based on these findings, the study recommends greater collaboration between filmmakers, cultural custodians, and academics to ensure films balance creative expression with cultural preservation. It further advocates for policy measures to promote socially responsible content and media literacy programs to cultivate critical audience engagement. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the need to harness the transformative potential of Hausa film industry while mitigating its unintended negative consequences on cultural identity and societal norms. Keywords: Finafinai (films), Al’ada (Culture), Hausa, Cultural Influence, Language Change, Fashion Trends, Social Behavior, Kannywood, Media Impact, Nigerian Cinema. Copyright © 2025 The Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided the original author and source are credited. 1.0 INTRODUCTION This study briefly traces the history of theatrical performances before examining the emergence of modern drama in Hausaland and the beginnings of Hausa filmmaking. Several researchers have investigated the origins of Hausa cinema, though their findings vary slightly due to gaps in historical records. Scholars who have commented on the evolution of Hausa films in their works include Yimi (1981), Gidan Dabino (2001), Ali (2004), and others. Additionally, this paper highlights certain cultural shifts attributed to Hausa films. The aim is to document these changes without passing judgment on their merits. Furthermore, the study reviews the impact of Hausa films (alongside other modern Hausa Research Article