In the heart of our Zongo communities, culture lives loud on the streets, in our language, in our food, and in the little habits that make up everyday life. If you know, you know. If you don’t, well, welcome to the neighborhood!
“You are a Muslim as long as you speak the Hausa language.” That’s the stereotype we often hear. It’s not true, of course, but it shows how deeply rooted language is in our identity. In Zongo, Hausa isn’t just a language but also a passport to belonging.
We debate celebrity net worth like it’s national policy, yes, you heard that right! Whether it’s Christian Ronaldo, Shatta Wale or the latest Social media sensation, the arguments start at dusk and can last till dawn.
Sources? Unverified.
Conviction? Unshakable.
That’s the Zongo Spirit!
The word you’re not allowed to say out loud? “DUURI”(the female genitalia). That’s right, the most dreaded word on the street isn’t what you’d expect. Say it out loud and you’re guaranteed a mix of laughter, side-eyes, and someone yelling “astaghfirullah!”
“Colour” = Girlfriend. Yes, you heard that right. Ask someone about their “colour,” and they won’t bring out a paint chart. She’s probably rocking a TikTok filter and just left the salon.
Sundays are for Awurey and Suuna. Marriage and naming ceremony events are the pulse of our weekends. You’ll hear loud music, see beautiful fabrics, and watch cash rain like confetti.
“Wallahi” is more than a word. Every statement, promise, lie, or exaggeration is sealed with “Wallahi.” It’s our verbal signature, though sacred, but occasionally overused.
The best Tuo Zaafi(TZ) and waakye joints?
Right next to an open drain.
Questionable hygiene? Maybe.
Unmatched flavor? Absolutely.
We take our risks for the real taste of the street.
Buying gold chains? That’s our version of long-term investment. Forget stocks and bonds, drip comes first. Because looking fresh is a form of wealth too.
And saving money? Savings in Zango are directly threatened by the next “awurey” or “suuna”. As soon as someone announces an event, say goodbye to your emergency fund. We show up big for love, for community and for tradition.
Written by Shaibu Sulleyman
Writer, technologist, and founder of Shared Voices.
This article was first published in Februaury, 2019. It is now archived here on theshaibu.com to preserve its message and make it accessible to a wider audience.