Examining the Decline of Hausa Storytelling Tradition Among Urban Youth in Sokoto Metropolis

The oral storytelling tradition, known in Hausa as labaru, has been a cornerstone of cultural transmission in Hausa communities for generations. In contemporary urban settings, however, this tradition faces significant pressure from digital entertainment, mobile devices, and changing household dynamics. This study examines the extent and causes of decline in Hausa oral storytelling among urban youth in Sokoto Metropolis, assessing the implications for cultural continuity and language vitality. A descriptive survey design was employed, collecting data from 220 youth respondents between the ages of 15 and 30 through structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions with 30 youth participants and interviews with 15 community elders and cultural practitioners supplemented the survey data. The study measured frequency of storytelling participation, awareness of traditional story types, and preferences for alternative entertainment. Findings reveal that more than 70 percent of urban youth respondents report rarely or never participating in traditional storytelling sessions, attributing this to smartphone use, television, and changing family structures in which grandparent-grandchild cohabitation is declining. Knowledge of classical Hausa story characters and narrative conventions is significantly lower among younger respondents. The study recommends establishment of Hausa storytelling clubs in secondary schools, community storytelling festivals supported by Sokoto State Ministry of Culture, and digital archiving of storytelling sessions as a preservation strategy. Keywords: Hausa storytelling, Labaru, Urban youth, Sokoto, Cultural decline.