Umar Muhammad Shareef, popularly known as Umar M Shareef, is a prominent Hausa romantic singer, actor and filmmaker whose emotionally resonant love songs and on-screen performances have made a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s Kannywood film and music industries.

Umar M Shareef was raised in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and his deep cultural grounding within Hausa society shaped much of the tender, direct style that would later define his music. Public records list differing birth dates for him, with some sources citing 8 April 1989 and others December 1986, but his roots in Kaduna and his standing as one of Kannywood’s most recognisable voices remain undisputed.

He first rose to prominence through his music, earning admiration as a romantic vocalist whose songs became staples in Kannywood films and wider Hausa popular culture. His vocal style, tender, melodic and direct, helped establish him as one of the genre’s most trusted names when it comes to speaking to everyday Hausa experiences of romance, faith and social life.

Beyond music, Umar M Shareef has built an extensive acting career within Kannywood, appearing in productions including the 2017 drama film “Mansoor,” directed by Ali Nuhu, in which he starred in the title role. His crossover between music and film has made him one of the more versatile figures in Northern Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Umar M Shareef remains a regular presence at major Arewa entertainment events, recently performing alongside fellow Kannywood stars Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau at the Arewa Turn Up show. With a discography of well over one hundred songs and continued acting credits, he stands as one of the most consistent and recognisable names to come out of Kaduna’s music and film scene.