IGBOZURUOKE FORUM

Wanzam is the local name for a traditional barber in Hausa communities. This barber is also involved in bone setting, circumcision, and horning (the use of animal horn to extract contaminated blood that causes body pain). Because they are usually travellers, they always carry a bag called Zabira, which contains locally made knives (aska), razor blade, soap, and water used for shaving and circumcision, among other things.

However, some wanzams confine themselves to a rented shop or under trees where they can easily be seen or attract patronage from locals. Also, some of them who have mobile phones are able to arrange meetings with their customers.

Most traditional barbers and their customers are elderly as the youth prefer modern barbers whose techniques are less cumbersome. This may likely affect future relevance of the Wanzam.

But Malam Hamidu, a wanzam said the profession is mostly hereditary and as such the possibility of it fading away is low. A native of Zabira area in Sokoto State metropolis, he added that he inherited the profession from his maternal grandfather about 25 years ago. To prove how much of a source of livelihood it is, he pointed out that he trained and married off five daughters, and takes care of two wives. “I make between N400 and N600 daily, which is enough to provide my family with basic needs,” he explained.

“First, we believe Allah sustains us, as such there is no need for comparison because we are not in any way competing with modern barbers. Second, we can do some things which they can’t, such as circumcision. We also give local herbs and provide many more services to our customers,” said.

The wanzams have an association where they discuss their problems, and Hamidu admitted that they are facing some challenges and are in dare need of government support, but this could only be possible if they remain united.

Malam Aliyu Bello, a traditional barber, said it is a family profession and he started when he was 17 years old. He described it as a profitable business.

“I am currently preparing for my wedding and I don’t have any other business other than barbing,” he said, adding that there are not many youths involved in it because it is hereditary.

A customer, Malam Umar Abubakar said he prefers traditional barbing because “if they barb my hair it takes weeks before I am due for another, but the modern method doesn’t last long and it causes rashes.” He also pointed out that wanzams use a new blade for each person, and apart from the satisfaction he gets, traditional barbing is the cheapest.

“With N50 they will barb my hair, but with a clipper I must either pay N100 or N150, and if they power the salon with a generator, they charge up to N300,” he said

Daily Trust