In 2016, Kannywood actors stepped up their acting game by several notches. While some actors displayed better and improved acting skills compared to previous years, others made their production and directorial debut. Each year, several actors venture into Kannywood film industry, but only a few of them stand out. In Kannywood, these actors called the shots, held the ace and were much loved by their teeming Instagram fans. PREMIUM TIMES presents Kannywood’s top 10 most valuable actors of 2016.

1 – Ali Nuhu –

Popularly called the King, Ali Nuhu, is no doubt Kannywood’s most enterprising actor. With Over 337,000 Instagram fans, this University of Jos, Geography graduate is clearly Kannywood’s leading man. He was the first Kannywood actor to be verified on Twitter. He starred in the most number of films than his Kannywood peers in 2016. A recipient of the 2015 Afronolly Awards in the United Kingdom, he was also invited as special guest for the awards this year. This movie star is also an astute businessman. He hosts the first video on demand website for viewing and lending his films online. He is also the CEO of FKD Records, a label that signs talented Kannywood actors including Nafeesat Abdullahi, Rahama Sadau and Nuhu Abdullahi. Not a few are aware that the 42-year-old star is a polyglot; he speaks Hausa, English, Hindu, and French fluently. Some of his outstanding movies this year include, Muradin raina, Akasi, Matar Bahaushe, Mu’amalat, Gobarar Mata, Bani Bake and Gamu Nan dai.

2 – Sadi Sani Sadiq –

You can’t help but admire Sadi Sani Sadiq’s impressive acting skills and charm. At 35, this
skilled actor has done pretty well for himself. Sadiq, who came to limelight in 2013, got the lead role in Danmarayan Zaki, a film that featured Kannywood big actors and actresses.

Popularly called Gambo in Kannywood, this flamboyant screen actor fits perfectly into any role. Highly sought after by Kannywood producers, he is married to Murja, younger sister of former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema. In 2016, Sadiq won the best actor in the Kannywood awards and BON award for best actor in December. Sadiq was spectacular in the movies Wani Gari, Mati da Lado, Hanyar Kano, Takanas Ta Kano, Ruma and many others. He has over 206,000 fans on Instagram.

3 – Adam Zango –

Popularly called the Prince of Zango, Adam Zango occupies the number three spot on our countdown. A fine producer and actor, Zango is known for his unique dance and music skills. A great actor, he was phenomenal in 2016. He is the co-owner of White House Musical Records, and the head honcho of Prince Zango productions. He was the lead actor in the film Hindu. He was also outstanding in the movies Rabin Raina, Basaja, Gwaska, Uzuri, Yar’Amana to mention but a few. He has a flourishing Instagram fan base of 270,000.

4 – Rabiu Rikadawa –

Rabiu is dubbed the father of fathers in Kannnywood, because of the fatherly roles he takes up in movies. Also popularly known as Dila, meaning squirrel, from his early days of acting, Rabiu delivered standout performances in the movies Takanas Takano, Akasi, yar’adaidaita, Bashi hanji ne and Zinaru. The actor, who produced his second movie, Ihsan in 2014, has over 60,000 fans on Instagram.

5 – Suleiman Bosho –

Suleiman Bosho was tipped as the next Ibro of Kannywood because of his uproarious approach to acting.
Very hilarious, Bosho stood out as Kannywood’s most entertaining actor all year round. He won several awards and recognition for his comical acting style. Although he is still struggling to make an impact on Instagram, with 3000 fans, he was exceptional in the movies, Basaja, Kujerar tsakar gida, Mahaukaciya, Masu Gudu Su Gudu

6 – Nuhu Abdullahi –

Nuhu Abdullahi is unarguably one the most promising Kannywood actors today. At 26,
Abdullahi has produced and starred in some Kannywood’s blockbusters, like Baya da Kura. He won the 2015 City People Best Supporting Actor award. Abdullahi also produced a film titled ‘Ana wata ga wata’ and featured in his yet to be released first Kannywood English film ‘There is a way’.

He has over 120, 000 fans on Instagram.

7 – Yakubu Mohammed –

This Kannywood singer turned actor was sensational this year. Although he was not quite visible in mainstream Kannywood, he was a screen delight in the Ebonylife TV Kannywood series ‘Son of the caliphate’.  He was also at his best in the movies, Har da Mijina, Mijin Kaddara, and many others. He has over 142,000 followers on Instagram.

8 – Falalu Dorayi –

With over 121,000 Instagram followers, Falalu Dorayi, remains one of Kannywood’s most
respected directors and actors. This year Dorayi was incredible; he acted impressively and hilariously in the films Dankuka, Ramlat, Hudu Bazara, Na Hawwa, Umar sanda and many others.

9 – Ado Gwanja –

Ado Gwanjo is one Kannywood actor who lights up the screen any day and any time.
In the movie, Dankuka, this fine actor delivered a sterling performance. According to film analysts, Dankuka is Kannywood’s greatest movie in 2016 hands down. A newbie on Instagram, he has over 2000 fans. 2017 looks promising for the actor what with the release of the second installment of his 2016 hit movie, Dankuka.

10 – Ahmad Ali Nuhu –

A chip off the old block, Ahmad, is the son Kannywood’s veteran actor, Ali Nuhu.
A child star, he was nominated in the best child actor category in the Kannywood awards, which was held in January. Although a young lad, he is fast attaining superstar status. He was a clas act in the recently released film, ‘Khalifa’. Ahmad starred alongside Adam Zango in the film. A Blue Boat Milk brand ambassador, he was at his best in the films Carbin Kwai and Akan idona. He has over 57,000 fans on Instagram.