ReciteWithShetty: A New Era on Arewa TikTok -By Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim

As a Muslim and a media professional, I am excited to witness this unprecedented development in the world of Muslim TikTokers across northern Nigeria. Recite With Shetty is said to be the first-ever virtual Qur’anic recitation competition held in Nigeria, a groundbreaking initiative led by Maryam Shetty, a politician and former ministerial nominee.

The initiative has received wide commendation from Islamic scholars, like Mal. Aminu Daurawa, the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board.

TikTok, as we know, is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in Nigeria, thanks to its simplicity and accessibility. Anyone, regardless of his educational background, can watch and create content with ease. Its popularity soared during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when millions sought digital spaces for connection and creativity.

Widely known for her political posts often tagged #WeBelieve, she has now taken a new turn, transforming the Arewa TikTok space with a saintly narrative. What is even more fascinating is that participants are rewarded for their outstanding Qur’anic recitations, with cash prizes worth millions of naira, a contrast to the usual trends of dance and entertainment videos for gifts.

As a journalist covering ICTs in Nigeria, I find this initiative particularly impressive. It marks the beginning of a new era of positive digital expression across Arewa TikTok, a shift from the dominance of frivolous content to one that uplifts spirituality, discipline, and cultural values.

Many social media users don’t know that their online activities form part of their digital footprint, an enduring record of who they are online. When people constantly post meaningless or inappropriate content, it diminishes how they are perceived by potential employers, collaborators, or observers worldwide. But by engaging in initiatives like ReciteWithShetty, users can build a positive digital legacy, one that may even serve as sadaqa al-jariyah (good deeds continuing to multiply long after they are gone).

Of course, there have always been positive and creative content creators in northern Nigeria ranging from Islamic teachers to tech innovators, educators, and advocates. Yet, the majority of content still leans toward dance and mimicry of popular songs. Recite With Shetty signals a powerful shift from entertainment to enlightenment.

I am equally pleased that the initiative enjoys the endorsement of Hisbah and features credible judges who assessed recitations across different categories.

As someone deeply involved in journalism, I firmly believe that it takes communication to counter communication. Before resorting to force, we must respond to negative trends with strategic, value-driven communication.

My hope is that this project marks the beginning of many greater things to come from northern Nigerian TikTokers and that this positive momentum will continue long after the competition ends.

Maryam Shetty truly deserves commendation for this powerful and purposeful return to the social media scene after a long hiatus. I look forward to seeing more such initiatives not only from her but from others who share her vision for a morally conscious and progressive Arewa digital community.

Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim is a multiple award-winning investigative journalist and a 2025 Adejumobi Adegbite Fellow. He can be reached via awwalbinibrahim@gmail.com