Sani Musa Abdullahi, professionally known Sani Musa Danja is a prominent Nigerian entertainer known for his work across Kannywood and Nollywood as an actor, producer, director, singer, and dancer. Born on April 20, 1973, in Fagge, Kano State, he has built a career spanning over two decades with more than 50 films. His achievements include traditional honors and industry awards recognizing his cultural impact.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sani Musa Abdullahi |
| Date of Birth | 20 April 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Fagge, Kano, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Kano State |
| Partner | Mansura Isah |
| Children | Four (4) |
| Occupations | Actor, Producer, Director, Singer, Dancer |
| Net Worth | $800,000 USD |
Early Life and Career
As the eldest of seven children born to Alhaji Musa Abdullahi and Hajiya Risikat, Sani grew up in Fagge, Kano, earning his childhood nickname “Danja” for his determined personality. His education progressed steadily through Yan Sanda Special Primary School (1979-1980), Government Junior Secondary School Kawaji (1985-1989), and Rumfa College (1989-1991).
He later earned a National Certificate in Education at Federal College of Education Kano, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration in 2004.
Career
Sani Musa Danja launched his professional journey in 1999 with the Kannywood film Dalibai while still a student, quickly gaining traction through consistent roles that showcased his range. Early standout appearances included Ganga (2000), Sakace (2005), Maslan (2005), Aure na mutumcina (2006), and Dare da wawa (2006), where he portrayed diverse characters from leads to supporting parts.
He expanded beyond acting into production and direction, helming projects like Manakisa, Kwarya tabi Kwarya, Jaheed, Nagari, Wasiyya, Harsashi, Gidauniya, Daham, Jarida, and Matashiya. These ventures demonstrated his full creative control, from scripting to execution, solidifying his status as a multifaceted filmmaker in the Hausa industry.
In 2012, Danja made his Nollywood debut with Daughter of the River, marking a pivotal crossover that broadened his audience reach. This led to prominent roles in major productions such as Battle on Buka Street (2022, as Kareem), Wives on Strike: The Revolution (2017), Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020, as C.S.P. Bala), Kawayen Amarya (2018, as Kalifa), and Almajiri (2022, as Papa Salihu). Recent credits include Miss PJ (2024, Inspector Garba), The Kiss of Death (2024, Father), and Allura Cikin Ruwa (2024, as Hadi Makama, where he also served as executive producer).
His dual proficiency across Kannywood and Nollywood, combined with skills in singing and dancing, has sustained his relevance over 25 years, with consistent bookings in high-profile films and production leadership.
Personal Life
Danja is married to Mansura Isah, and they have four children. In 2009, he survived a serious motor accident on the Kano-Kaduna road, sustaining fractures but returning stronger to his career.
Sani Musa Danja Net Worth
His estimated net worth reaches $800,000, derived from acting, production, and endorsements over 25 years in the industry.
Filmography
Danja’s portfolio includes over 50 films from 2000 to 2024 across both industries.
| Film Title | Year | Role/Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ganga | 2000 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Albashi (The Salary) | 2002 | — |
| Gwanaye | 2003 | — |
| Sakace | 2005 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Maslan | 2005 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Daham | 2005 | — |
| Aure na mutumcina | 2006 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Dare da wawa | 2006 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Sabon shafi | 2008 | Auwalu |
| Ni’ima | 2008 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Mu rike amana | 2008 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Muruci | 2008 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Budurwa | 2010 | — |
| Kukan Zaki | 2010 | — |
| Kamaruz zaman | 2009 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Yar agadez | 2011 | — |
| Hadhafi | 2011 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Bani Adam | 2012 | — |
| Gani Gaka | 2012 | — |
| A Cuci Maza | 2013 | — |
| Blue Flames | 2013 | — |
| Fitattu | 2013 | — |
| Da Kai zan Gana | 2013 | — |
| Duhun Daji | 2013 | — |
| Newman Street | 2014-2015 | Usman |
| Dan Magori | 2014 | — |
| Duniyar nan | 2014 | — |
| Hanyar Kano | 2014 | — |
| Idemili | 2014 | Ojiofor |
| Dark Closet | 2015 | — |
| Daga Allah ne | 2015 | — |
| Once Upon a Time | 2015 | — |
| The Other Side | 2016 | — |
| Buri uku a duniya | 2016 | — |
| Kowa Dalin | 2016 | — |
| Zahra | 2017 | — |
| Wives on Strike: The Revolution | 2017 | — |
| iBelieve | 2018 | Danladi |
| Kawayen Amarya | 2018 | Kalifa |
| In Love and Ashes | 2018 | Nuhu |
| Fantastic Numbers | 2018 | — |
| Coming from Insanity | 2019 | — |
| Gold Statue | 2019 | Jato |
| Ana Barin Halak | 2019 | — |
| Akeelah | 2019 | Sani |
| Nimbe: The Movie | 2019 | Abu |
| Kawaye | 2019 | — |
| Omo Ghetto: The Saga | 2020 | C.S.P. Bala |
| Online | 2021 | — |
| Amina | 2021 | Soldier |
| The Garbage School | 2021 | Sani Musa Danja |
| Fanan | 2021 | Alhaji Sammani |
| Charlie Charlie | 2021 | Alhaji Umar |
| Badamasi | 2021 | Portrait of a General |
| Almajiri | 2022 | Papa Salihu |
| Ba Ni (Mud Clan) | 2022 | — |
| Battle on Buka Street | 2022 | Kareem |
| réBIRTH | 2022 | — |
| Wedding in Nigeria | 2022 | — |
| Aisha | 2022 | — |
| Invaders | 2022 | — |
| Onyeegwu | 2023 | Coach Kazeem |
| The Kiss of Death | 2024 | Father |
| Miss PJ | 2024 | Inspector Garba |
| Allura Cikin Ruwa | 2024 | Hadi Makama |
Awards and Nominations
In 2013, Danja won the Icon of Entertainment Award at the Kannywood Awards for his industry impact. April 2018 brought his turbaning as Zakin Arewa by Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubaka, honoring his Kannywood contributions. He earned a 2021 Best of Nollywood Awards nomination for Best Actor in Badamasi.
