Poet Hassy: Poetry, Peace and the Power of Voice
By Jerry Adesewo
In Nigeria’s vibrant spoken-word and creative advocacy space, Hassana Shehu Magaji, popularly known by her artistic name Hassy, is steadily emerging as one of the country’s most compelling young voices. A poet, TEDx speaker, peace advocate, and public health professional, Hassy represents a generation of Nigerian women using creativity not merely for artistic expression, but as a powerful instrument for dialogue, unity, and national reflection.
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For Hassy, poetry is far more than performance. It is a bridge—connecting art with advocacy, emotion with empathy, and creativity with nation-building. Through carefully crafted verses, she explores themes of peace, identity, and resilience, reminding audiences that words can heal wounds, inspire courage, and rebuild bridges in a society often divided by misunderstanding.
Behind the applause and recognition, however, is a deeply reflective young woman who believes that the most meaningful art comes from honesty and purpose.
“Beyond the stage lights,” she says, “I am a daughter of faith, resilience, and rhythm—someone who feels deeply and turns pain into poetry instead of silence.”
From Quiet Beginnings to Public Voice
Hassy’s journey into poetry began quietly. Before the recognition and national appearances, she was simply a young woman who believed words had the power to bring meaning to life’s experiences. Like many artists, her creative journey grew from introspection and the gradual realization that her voice deserved space.
The turning point, she explains, came when she accepted that believing in herself was not optional but necessary.
“It did not happen overnight,” she reflects. “It unfolded through patience, disappointment, and growth. In that process, I discovered that believing in myself is the greatest favor I owe myself.”
That realization became the foundation of her artistic identity. Rather than waiting for validation, she chose to grow into the voice she once wished someone else would give her.
Today, that voice resonates across multiple platforms, blending poetry with advocacy and civic engagement.
A Poet Shaped by Purpose
Born Hassana Shehu Magaji, Hassy has developed a distinctive reputation as a “military poet,” a creative voice closely connected to Nigeria’s security and civic communities. Her poetry often reflects the human stories behind national service, offering emotional insight into the lives and sacrifices of soldiers who defend the country’s peace.
Her background as a Public Health graduate also shapes her perspective. Hassy sees poetry not only as an art form but also as a tool for community awareness, social responsibility, and empowerment.
“Informed communities are empowered communities,” she says. “When people understand their health, their rights, and their responsibilities, they become active participants in building a better society.”
Through this lens, her work addresses issues such as peacebuilding, youth empowerment, gender equity, and national unity, positioning poetry as a platform for civic dialogue.
Overcoming Creative Barriers
Like many young creatives in Nigeria, Hassy’s journey has not been without challenges. One of her biggest obstacles has been navigating spaces where artistic expression—especially spoken-word poetry—is sometimes undervalued.
The challenge can be even more pronounced for young women attempting to assert themselves in public cultural spaces.
“One of my toughest challenges has been navigating spaces where creativity is undervalued, especially as a young Nigerian woman,” she says.
Her response was to invest in herself and remain authentic.
“I honed my craft and stopped shrinking to make others comfortable. Growth came when I chose courage over doubt.”
There were moments of uncertainty, nights when she wondered if the path she had chosen was worth it. What kept her going, she says, was a sense of purpose larger than personal success.
“I realized my voice is not just for me. It is for every girl watching silently, wondering if she too can rise.”
Poetry on National Platforms
Over the past few years, Hassy’s work has carried her across significant cultural, civic, and institutional platforms across Nigeria. Her performances have become a regular presence at events where art intersects with public conversation.
Among her most notable appearances are:
- TEDx Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi
- African Military Games 2024, hosted at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja
- Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) 60th Anniversary
- Africa Defense Industries Conference, Abuja
- Kaduna State Economic and Investment Summit 2025
- Pandora Awards 2023, celebrating excellence across Nigeria’s 36 states
- Made in the North Festival in Kaduna and Abuja
She has also performed at Nigerian Army Day celebrations, military-civil engagement events, and several cultural forums that bring together artists, policymakers, and civic leaders.
Through these engagements, Hassy has demonstrated how poetry can function as a bridge between civilians and military communities—humanising stories often overlooked in national discourse.
Creativity Meets Collaboration
Hassy’s work has also intersected with Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural sectors. One notable collaboration involved actress Rahama Sadau and the Arewa International Film Festival Committee, where she contributed to a spoken-word promotional project endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.
Her artistic journey has also taken her to platforms such as the Bauchi Young Creatives Forum Anniversary, the Purple Women’s Forum, and the Bauchi State 46th Anniversary celebrations, where she used poetry to celebrate culture, identity, and civic responsibility.
Through these collaborations, she continues to demonstrate that art can transcend barriers and inspire conversations that shape society.
Redefining Impact
Despite growing recognition, Hassy measures success differently from many performers.
For her, impact is not defined by the size of an audience or the scale of applause.
“Impact is the message that says, ‘Your words changed me,’” she says.
Often, the most meaningful feedback comes from young girls who tell her that hearing her poetry gave them confidence to express themselves.
“That,” she says, “is the real impact.”
The Nigerian Woman Today
When asked what it means to be a young Nigerian woman today, Hassy speaks with quiet conviction.
“Being a young Nigerian woman means carrying strength and softness at the same time,” she explains. “It means navigating challenges with grace while dreaming boldly in a society that sometimes tells you to dream smaller.”
Among the many challenges Nigerian girls face today, she believes the most important resource they need is voice.
“When a girl has a voice, she can demand opportunity. When she has a voice, she can call for protection. Voice is power.”
Inspired by Strength
Hassy credits much of her inspiration to her mother, whose determination to pursue education and personal growth despite family responsibilities left a lasting impression.
“She showed me that a woman is stronger than she imagines,” she says.
She also draws inspiration from global and Nigerian female leaders such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as well as everyday Nigerian women—entrepreneurs, mothers, and creators—who continue to break barriers in their own spaces.
A Voice Still Rising
For all her achievements, Hassy’s journey is only beginning. Her work continues to evolve at the intersection of art, advocacy, and youth empowerment, placing her among a new generation of creatives shaping conversations about peace, identity, and national unity.
In a country where many young women are searching for platforms to express themselves, voices like hers offer a powerful reminder: sometimes the most meaningful leadership begins with the courage to speak.
For Hassana Shehu Magaji—Poet Hassy—that voice is still rising.
This article qas fieat published in the March edition of OurNigeria News Magazine.