Maryam Yahaya Biography
Maryam Yahaya is a Nigerian actress born on July 17, 1997, in Kano State. She started her acting career in 2016 and gained fame in 2017 with the movie Mansoor, directed by Ali Nuhu.
Since then, she has starred in many Kannywood films, including Mariya, Hafiz, and Sareena. She has received multiple award nominations, including Best Promising Actress at the City People Entertainment Awards. Maryam remains a well-known figure in the Hausa film industry.
Maryam Yahaya Wikipedia
- Full Name: Maryam Yahaya
- Date of Birth: July 17, 1997
- Place of Birth: Kano State, Nigeria
- Age: 28
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Profession: Actress (Kannywood)
- Languages: Hausa
- Acting Debut: 2016
- Breakthrough Movie: Mansoor (2017)
- Famous Movies: Mariya, Hafiz, Sareena, Gidan Kashe Awo
- Awards & Nominations: Best Promising Actress (2017) – City People Entertainment Awards, and Best Actress (2018) – City People Entertainment Awards
- Challenges: Faced health issues in 2021, competition in Kannywood
- Marital Status: Not publicly married as of 2025
- Net Worth: $1000
- Instagram: @real_maryamyahaya
- Facebook: Maryam Yahaya Official
- Twitter: @Officialmaryamy
Maryam Yahaya’s Early Life And Education
Maryam Yahaya was born on July 17, 1997, in Kano State, Nigeria. She grew up in Kano, where she developed a passion for acting from a young age, inspired by Kannywood stars like Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau.
For her education, she attended:
- Yelwa Primary School for her basic education
- Bokab Barracks Secondary School in Kano for her secondary education
After completing her schooling, she pursued her dream of acting and joined the Kannywood film industry in 2016, starting with minor roles before rising to fame in 2017 with Mansoor.
Maryam Yahaya Family
Maryam Yahaya was born on July 17, 1997, in Kano State, Nigeria. Her parents are Alhaji Ibrahim Bello and Rukayya Bello.
Maryam Yahaya Rise To Fame
Maryam Yahaya rose to fame in 2017 after starring in the Kannywood movie Mansoor, directed by Ali Nuhu. Originally, the lead role was meant for another actress, but Maryam’s impressive audition earned her the part. Her outstanding performance in the film made her a household name in the Hausa film industry.
Following Mansoor, she starred in several hit movies, including Mariya, Gidan Kashe Awo, and Hafiz. Her talent and dedication earned her award nominations, such as Best Promising Actress at the City People Entertainment Awards. Since then, she has remained one of the top actresses in Kannywood.
Maryam Yahaya Background
The day and the name Mansoor are difficult to forget, whether or not she remembers the exact date. Mansoor, an FKD production, was the subject of Maryam Yahaya’s first significant acting role.
Ali Nuhu, the man in charge, decided to proceed with the plan after actress Balkisu Shema, who was supposed to play the lead role, failed to show up for an unspecified reason on December 19, 2016.
Maryam Yahaya was cast in the lead role after a quick audition. That wasn’t as simple as I just stated because a lot of things had to happen before Maryam’s status as a regular backup singer abruptly changed to that of a superstar.
As per customary with all other Kannywood film sets, one of the assistant directors, Alfazazee Muhammad, opened the proceedings with a prayer.
Just before that, I observed how other people arrived at the set, utilizing various mobilities from various regions both inside and outside of Kano.
Individuals such as Alfazazee, Umar M. Shareef, and others were from Kaduna; the previous evening, I traveled from Gombe.
This demonstrated the wisdom of dedication, at least from many of us who were aware of our tasks.
Scene 8, the first shot, marked the start of the actual shooting. That day, if I forget anything, it won’t be from the list I just gave.
The producer, Naziru Dan Hajiya, made several odd movements before the opening scene, as I noted.
He looked dejected as he made several phone calls. Shortly after, there was a small conversation, followed by a few inquiries concerning the logistics, lodging, transportation, and general well-being of the actors and crew, among other things.
Balkisu Shema was finally dropped by Ali Nuhu due to a no-show and no-call infraction.
Out of about fifteen actresses, he called all of them in and chose only two; he gave them lines to rehearse and timed them as well.
After a short while, he called on whoever was ready among the two; they were all silent for a moment, and then one of them came out looking so anxious, but braver than the other I assume.
To help Maryam envision how the situation should look, Ali Nuhu and Yunusa Mu’azu rehearsed one of the lines. Alongside Umar M. Shareef, the co-lead actor, she descended.
The combo of self-esteem, improvisation, and a hint of mimicking made it incredibly compelling. Nuhu found precisely what she was searching for.
Ali Nuhu spoke swiftly, “Ke kinci Kawai,” meaning “you got it.” It was so amazing that even I was in shock!
Maryam’s standing instantly shifted; she entered the room as a backup performer and left feeling simultaneously dreamlike and starlike.
The set featured other sequences soon following the first one, however not in chronological order. Several scenes later, Shema decided to appear.
Was she running behind schedule? Was she on schedule? Or did she simply lose out on a fantastic opportunity—possibly the only one—to appear in FKD’s movie? These may have been the questions she’s been wondering since entering Yan Dutse, a private school located across from Kano Capital School.
To cut a long tale short, Shema turned to face Ali Nuhu and expressed her regret for whatever trouble she may have caused. Naturally, nobody was pleased with what she accomplished.
Who cares, though? “I’m happy with Maryam’s delivery of the exact service I need,” That’s what I thought was going through Ali Nuhu’s head at the time. Another way to put it is, “I don’t give a damn, I’m the boss here.” Yet Ali Nuhu treated Shema kindly.
He assured me that our relationship would not change and that everything was acceptable.
I am not holding you responsible for what happened. But we’ve already gone so far that there’s no turning back now (not exactly his words).
Shema found it difficult to feel this way because so many performers were vying for a role in an FKD film. Someone was given the opportunity, but they squandered it right away.
Surprisingly, Shema had no valid explanation for being late because her contract had already begun when her lodging, transportation, and meals were arranged.
Shema’s cold demeanor at the moment of the shock made me briefly pause before interviewing her. I decided to go for Maryam instead.
Goron Dutse is where Maryam Yahaya was born in Kano. After completing her elementary education in Yelwa, she relocated to Bokabo Barracks, where she completed her high school education.
She always wanted to be an actress, even as a young child. Maryam was influenced and captivated by the majority of Kannywood films she saw as a child.
Her parents are very rigid and conformist when it comes to moral upbringing, just like many other Muslim girls from northern Nigeria, yet she was able to persuade them to allow her to pursue an acting career.
In contrast to numerous other Kannywood actors, Maryam pursued her career on her own. Gidan Abinci was her debut movie, and then she starred in Tabo and Barauniya.
In all three of the aforementioned films, she merely had supporting parts. She played a revolutionary role in Mansoor.
Maryam is an adolescent actress in her youth. Despite only being nineteen years old, she appears much younger.
If Shema had arrived on time, maybe the story would have been different. If Maryam’s audition had been held before the other girls, I would have been writing a different piece.
Maryam is significantly shorter than the two actors (Shema and the other girl).
Shema and the other girl have brighter complexions than Maryam, which would have made them a great match for Umar M. Shareef, who has a fair complexion himself.
Maryam stands out from the other actresses, though, primarily because of her sang-froid.
She kept her composure and danced to the fresh music. She improved the more she looked into the camera. Throughout the Mansoor set, she brought forth her new role and pulled herself together.
Maryam got to know everyone and the atmosphere quite well. She was initially overly anxious, most likely due to the nearby individuals.
She was unable to hold back or look at individuals of the quality of Bashir Nayaya or Ali Nuhu without lowering her head.
Additionally, she found it difficult to avoid the customary surprise solidarity visits from well-known Kannywood figures like Usman Mu’azu, Nazifi Asnanic, Kamal Alkali, and Nuhu Abdullahi.
After leaving the cast of Mansoor, Maryam was cast in several forthcoming big-budget films.
She moved between cities, filming more movies in larger roles than supporting parts and ascending a new ladder in life.
She frequently shares photos and short videos of herself from the shoot on social media.
There are occasions when she uses a live video chat feature to interact with her followers while lying down on a sofa or a double bed from the interior of her three-star hotel room.
Maryam Yahaya Has Received Several Award Nominations
1. City People Entertainment Awards (2017): Nominated for Best Promising Actress
2. City People Entertainment Awards (2018): Nominated for Best Actress
While she has gained recognition for her talent, she continues to work hard in the industry, and more awards may come her way in the future.
Maryam Yahaya Has Faced Several Challenges
1. Breaking Into the Industry: Like many upcoming actors, she struggled to secure major roles at the beginning of her career. However, her breakthrough came with Mansoor in 2017.
2. Health Issues: In 2021, she faced a serious health condition that left her weak and hospitalized. This affected her career temporarily, but she later recovered and returned to acting.
3. Criticism and Controversy: As a popular actress, she has faced public criticism and scrutiny, especially regarding her personal life and appearance. However, she has remained focused on her career.
4. Competition in Kannywood: The Hausa film industry is highly competitive, with many talented actors. Staying relevant and getting lead roles requires constant effort and improvement.
Interesting Facts About Maryam Yahaya
1. Birthdate & Origin: She was born on July 17, 1997, in Kano State, Nigeria.
2. Acting Inspiration: She was inspired by Kannywood stars like Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau to pursue acting.
3. Breakthrough Role: Her rise to fame came in 2017 with the movie Mansoor, directed by Ali Nuhu.
4. Award Nominations: She was nominated for Best Promising Actress (2017) and Best Actress (2018) at the City People Entertainment Awards.
5. Health Struggles: In 2021, she suffered from a serious illness that kept her away from acting for a while.
6. Fashion & Style: She is known for her stylish outfits and has a strong social media presence.
7. Favorite Movie Genres: She enjoys acting in romantic and drama films.
8. Fluent in Hausa: Like most Kannywood stars, she speaks Hausa fluently and acts primarily in Hausa-language films.
9. Strong Fan Base: She has a large following on social media, especially among Hausa movie lovers.
10. Still Active: Despite challenges, she continues to be a leading actress in Kannywood.
Maryam Yahaya Movies
1. Mansoor (2017) – Her breakthrough movie, directed by Ali Nuhu
2. Mariya
3. Hafiz
4. Gidan Kashe Awo
5. Matan Zamani
6. Jummai Ko Larai
7. Gurguwa
8. Mujadala
9. Wutar Kara
10. Sareena
11. Jaruma
12. Tsakaninmu
13. Alaqa
14. Hikima
15. Lamba
Maryam Yahaya Social Media
Instagram: @real_maryamyahaya
TikTok: @maryam__yahaya
Twitter: @realmaryamyahya
Facebook: Maryam Yahya
Maryam Yahaya Instagram
Maryam Yahaya TikTok
@maryam__yahaya
Who is Maryam Yahaya?
Maryam Yahaya is a Nigerian actress known for her roles in Kannywood (Hausa-language) films.
When and where was Maryam Yahaya born?
She was born on July 17, 1997, in Kano State, Nigeria.
When did Maryam Yahaya start her acting career?
She started acting in 2016, playing minor roles before her breakthrough in 2017 with Mansoor.
What is Maryam Yahaya’s most famous movie?
Mansoor (2017), directed by Ali Nuhu, was her breakthrough film.
Has Maryam Yahaya won any awards?
She was nominated for Best Promising Actress (2017) and Best Actress (2018) at the City People Entertainment Awards.
Is Maryam Yahaya married?
As of 2025, there is no public information confirming that she is married.
Who are Maryam Yahaya’s parents
Her parents are Alhaji Ibrahim Bello and Rukayya Bello.
Has Maryam Yahaya faced any challenges in her career?
Yes, she struggled to get roles early on, faced health issues in 2021, and has dealt with public criticism and competition in the industry.
What languages does Maryam Yahaya speak?
She speaks Hausa fluently and acts primarily in Hausa-language films.
In conclusion
Maryam Yahaya is a talented Kannywood actress who rose to fame through hard work and dedication. Born on July 17, 1997, in Kano State, Nigeria, she started acting in 2016 and gained recognition in 2017 with Mansoor. Over the years, she has starred in many successful Hausa films and received multiple award nominations.
Despite facing challenges like health issues and industry competition, she remains a leading actress in Kannywood. Her passion for acting and strong fan base continue to keep her relevant in the industry. Maryam Yahaya’s journey is an inspiration to many young actors aspiring to succeed in the entertainment world.
Maryam Yahaya Best Photos
