Meet Umar M. Shareef’s Siblings: Abdul M. Shareef, Mustapha M. Shareef, and Mukhtar M. Shareef

In Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry based in Kano, the Shareef family has emerged as one of its most influential forces.

At the center of this legacy is Umar Muhammad Shareef, popularly known as Umar M. Shareef, whose talent as a singer, songwriter, and actor has earned him a devoted following across northern Nigeria and beyond.

Born on April 8, 1989, in Rigasa within the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Umar grew up in a devout Muslim household, where faith, culture, and family values shaped his upbringing.

He is of Hausa ethnicity and was introduced to both Quranic and formal education at an early age, later advancing to degree studies at Kaduna State University, where he balanced his religious grounding with academic achievement.

Umar’s artistic journey began in childhood, when he participated in local cultural events and nurtured his love for music in his Hausa-speaking home.

By the early 2010s, he had become a household name in Kannywood, celebrated for his soulful songs, such as “Rayuwata,” and for film roles that blended romance, drama, and Hausa cultural depth.

His rise was not a solitary one; creativity is woven into the Shareef family itself. Umar’s brothers—Abdul M. Shareef, Mustapha M. Shareef, and Mukhtar Muhammad Shareef—are also active in the entertainment industry, building a family reputation for artistic excellence.

Though details about his mother remain private, she continues to be a steady presence in their Kaduna home, especially following the passing of their father, Malam Muhammad, in March 2020.

Abdul M. Shareef

As the eldest of the spotlight-sharing trio, Abdul M. Shareef (full name: Abdul Muhammad Shariff) was born on December 10, 1986, making him just a year older than Umar—a fact that’s sparked playful debates among fans about sibling hierarchy.

Hailing from the same Rigasa neighbourhood in Kaduna, Abdul burst into Kannywood in 2012, initially dipping his toes into music alongside his brother Umar before fully embracing acting as his calling. “I have always loved filmmaking and acting,” he once shared, emphasizing that his entry was self-made, free from Umar‘s rising fame.

At 38 years old, Abdul is a Kannywood renaissance man: actor, model, screenwriter, producer, and occasional musician with a staggering 697,000 Instagram followers (@abdulmshareef).

His filmography boasts standout roles in Mujadala (2018), Izzatu (2020), and Wuff!! (2021), where his chiselled looks and nuanced performances have earned him “African Movie Star” status.

Off-screen, Abdul‘s personal life mirrors his professional versatility. He’s married to the elegant Maryam Malika, often hailed as Kannywood’s “best Muslim couple,” and they share a bustling household with children that fans adore from viral family clips.

Collaborations with Umar, such as the duet in “Rayuwata,” showcase their brotherly synergy, blending music and cinema in ways that keep Hausa audiences engaged.

Mustapha M. Shareef

If Abdul is the face and Umar the voice, Mustapha M. Shareef is the mastermind pulling strings from the director’s chair. As an actor, scriptwriter, and producer, Mustapha embodies the technical wizardry that elevates Kannywood productions.

Active on Instagram (@mustaphamshareef), where he shares glimpses of sets and collaborations, Mustapha has directed family projects like the music video for Umar‘s “Fure,” featuring Abdul—a testament to their collaborative spirit.

Mustapha‘s work extends to high-profile trailers and films, such as the 2021 promo for Kudiri on Kannywood Exclusive TV, showcasing his eye for storytelling rooted in Hausa culture.

He’s also no stranger to the acting spotlight, appearing in various roles while mentoring emerging talents. In a 2020 interview clip, Mustapha reflected on the industry’s growth, crediting Kannywood’s evolution to directors like himself who prioritize authenticity.

Though details on his personal life remain more private compared to his brothers’, Mustapha‘s contributions ensure the Shareef name echoes in every frame and script.

Mukhtar Muhammad Shareef

Rounding out this trio is Mukhtar Muhammad Shareef, the sibling who prefers the wings to the stage but remains an integral part of the family’s tight-knit circle.

Mukhtar‘s presence is felt in heartfelt social media shoutouts, such as an August 2025 birthday tribute from family members tagging @mukhtarmsharif on TikTok, wishing him prosperity and a long life.

Born into the same creative Kaduna household, Mukhtar shares the Shareef ethos of resilience and faith, often appearing in family fun moments shared by Umar and Abdul.

Though specific professional details are scarce—Mukhtar may contribute behind the scenes or pursue paths outside the limelight—his role as a supportive brother shines through in celebrations like weddings and dinners that unite the clan.

In a family where entertainment is a shared language, Mukhtar represents the grounding force, reminding fans that not all stars seek the spotlight.