Rukayya Dawayya Biography
Rukayya Umar Santa, popularly known as Rukayya Dawayya, was born on October 17, 1985, in Kano State, Nigeria.
She began her acting career in 2000 with the movie “Dawayya”, which brought her fame in the Kannywood film industry.
Rukayya studied Arabic in Saudi Arabia and earned a Diploma in Communication from Bayero University Kano.
In 2012, she married businessman Alhaji Adamu Teku, and they have a son named Umar, born during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
However, the couple reportedly separated around 2014. Beyond acting, Rukayya founded Dawayya Movies, became active in politics supporting the APC, and expressed interest in a future political career.
She is also recognized for her social work, including charity and Islamic education.
Throughout her career, she has won multiple awards, such as the Best Actress awards at Kannywood and MTN Kannywood Awards, and serves as a brand ambassador for MTN Nigeria and Starcomms.
She remains active on social media, engaging fans via Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Rukayya Dawayya Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rukayya Umar Santa |
| Stage Name | Rukayya Dawayya |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Kano State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Occupation | Actress, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, Politician |
| Years Active | 2000 – Present |
| Education | Diploma in Mass Communication (BUK); Arabic Studies (Saudi Arabia); Jammaje Institute |
| Notable Film Debut | Dawayya (2000) |
| Production Company | Dawayya Movies |
| Notable Films | Dawayya, Gidauniya, Sarauniyar Kyau, Ummi Sambo, Kun Yi Sake |
| Marital Status | Previously married to Alhaji Adamu Teku |
| Children | One son, Umar (born during Hajj) |
| Parents | Father: Malam Umar Santa; Mother: Not publicly known |
| Political Affiliation | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Political Activities | Campaigned for Buhari and northern governors (2019) |
| Awards | MTN Kannywood Best Actress; City People Entertainment Best Actress |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $378,000 |
| Social Media (TikTok) | @dawayya – 313k+ followers |
| Legacy | Pioneer in Kannywood, political influencer, mentor to young actresses |
Rukayya Dawayya Age
As of 2025, Rukayya Dawayya is 40 years old. She was born on October 17, 1985, in Kano State, Nigeria.
Rukayya Dawayya Early Life and Education
Rukayya Dawayya was born on October 17, 1985, in Kano State, Nigeria. She is of Fulani descent, with her father hailing from Matazu, Katsina State, and her mother from Borno State.
She completed her primary and secondary education in Kano before traveling to Saudi Arabia to study the Arabic language.
After returning to Nigeria, she earned a Diploma in Communication from Bayero University Kano (BUK).
Additionally, she attended the Jammaje Institute of Higher Learning to further her education.
Rukayya Dawayya Career
Rukayya Dawayya started her acting career in 2000 with the film “Dawayya”, which gave her the stage name she is popularly known by.
She quickly rose to prominence in the Kannywood film industry, starring in many successful movies such as Gidauniya, Sarauniyar Kyau, Hajjaju, Kun Yi Sake, and Ummi Sambo.
Besides acting, she founded her own production company called Dawayya Movies, through which she produces films.
Over the years, Rukayya has become one of the most recognized actresses in Northern Nigeria, known for her talent and versatility.
Rukayya Dawayya Filmography
Dawayya
Gidauniya
Sarauniyar Kyau
Hajjaju
Kun Yi Sake
Ta Isa
Ta Fi Su
Halimatus Sadiya
Hawan Hawa
Zahra’u
Zato Ne
Nawwara
Ummi Sambo
Rukayya Dawayya Personal Life
In 2012, Rukayya married Alhaji Adamu Teku, a businessman based in Abuja. Their union was marked by an elaborate ceremony and was widely discussed in the media.
They have a son named Arafat, born during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
However, the marriage ended in 2014, with Rukayya revealing that her ex-husband had previously divorced over 15 women, making her the 23rd.
In November 2022, Rukayya remarried Alhaji Isma’ila Na’abba Afakallah, the Executive Director of the Kano State Censorship Board.
Their wedding took place at the Tishama Jumu’at Mosque in Kano, ending months of speculation about their relationship.
Beyond her personal life, Rukayya is actively involved in politics, supporting various candidates and initiatives across northern Nigeria.
She has expressed interest in pursuing a political career and has been involved in campaigns in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
Rukayya Dawayya Politics and Social Work
Rukayya Dawayya has actively engaged in Nigerian politics, particularly within the northern states.
In the 2019 elections, she campaigned for President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as for governors in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
She expressed confidence in her political influence, noting that all the candidates she supported emerged victorious.
Beyond her political endeavors, Rukayya has been involved in various social initiatives.
She has worked on projects aimed at renovating primary and secondary schools and has been active in philanthropy, assisting the underprivileged.
Additionally, she has expressed interest in running for elective office in 2023, aiming to represent her people positively at the state or federal level.
In 2021, Rukayya announced her intention to run for the presidency of the Kannywood Women Association of Nigeria (K-WAN), an organization founded in 2019 to promote and protect women in the film industry.
Rukayya Dawayya Awards and Recognition
Best Actress – MTN Kannywood Awards: Rukayya was honored with the Best Actress award at the MTN Kannywood Awards, celebrating her outstanding performances in Hausa-language cinema.
Best Actress – City People Entertainment Awards: She received the Best Actress accolade from the City People Entertainment Awards, recognizing her excellence in acting within the Kannywood industry.
Best Supporting Actress – Kano Censorship Awards: Rukayya earned the Best Supporting Actress award from the Kano Censorship Awards for her role in the film Kadaura.
Brand Ambassador Roles: Beyond acting, Rukayya has served as a brand ambassador for prominent companies such as MTN Nigeria and Starcomms Telecommunication, reflecting her influence and popularity.
Rukayya Dawayya Net Worth
As of 2025, Rukayya Dawayya has an estimated net worth of approximately $378,000.
This figure reflects her earnings from a prolific career in the Kannywood film industry, where she has acted in over 150 films and produced more than 20 through her company, Dawayya Movies.
Her income streams also include brand endorsements, political engagements, and entrepreneurial ventures such as her salon and spa business.
Rukayya Dawayya Official Social Media Handles
TikTok: @dawayya
YouTube: @rukayyadawayya1740
Facebook: Rukayya Dawayya Official
FAQs
1: Who is Rukayya Dawayya?
Rukayya Dawayya, born Rukayya Umar Santa, is a prominent Nigerian actress, film producer, entrepreneur, and politician, best known for her work in the Kannywood film industry.
2: When and where was Rukayya Dawayya born?
She was born on October 17, 1985, in Kano State, Nigeria.
3: Where did she grow up?
She was raised in Kano and had part of her education in Saudi Arabia.
4: What is her educational background?
She studied Arabic in Saudi Arabia, earned a Diploma in Communication from Bayero University Kano, and also studied at Jammaje Institute.
5: When did she start acting?
Rukayya began her acting career in 2000 with the film Dawayya.
6: What other roles does she hold?
Apart from acting, she is a film producer, entrepreneur, and active in politics.
7: What are some notable films she starred in?
Her popular films include: Dawayya, Gidauniya, Sarauniyar Kyau, Ummi Sambo, Ta Isa, Hajjaju, and Kun Yi Sake.
8: Is Rukayya Dawayya involved in politics?
Yes. She campaigned for President Buhari and several northern governors in the 2019 elections, all of whom won.
9: Is Rukayya Dawayya married?
She was previously married and is now divorced.
10: Does she have children?
Yes, she has one son.
11: Who are her parents?
Her father is Alhaji Umar Sanda, a respected businessman from Kano.
12: What awards has she received?
She has won awards, including Best Actress at the MTN Kannywood Awards and City People Entertainment Awards.
13: What is her estimated net worth?
As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at around $378,000.
14: Where can fans follow Rukayya Dawayya online?
TikTok: @dawayya
YouTube: Rukayya Dawayya Official
14: What is Rukayya Dawayya’s legacy in Kannywood?
She is regarded as a trailblazer and role model in Northern Nigeria, with over 150 acting credits and more than 20 films produced under her company, Dawayya Movies.
Conclusion:
Rukayya Dawayya is a celebrated figure in Kannywood, known not only for her captivating acting skills but also for her resilience, versatility, and influence.
Born on October 17, 1985, in Kano State, she rose to fame with her debut in the film “Dawayya”, which later became her stage name.
With over 150 films to her credit, she has played a vital role in shaping Northern Nigerian cinema.
Beyond the screen, Rukayya is a graduate of Bayero University Kano, a political campaigner, and a businesswoman running a salon and spa.
She has received numerous awards, including Best Actress honors, and boasts a significant presence on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Her estimated net worth is around $378,000, reflecting her success in entertainment, business, and public engagement.
Discover more from Labaran Yau
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
