If you’ve spent any time around Nigerian Pidgin speakers, especially close to the Hausa people, you’ve probably heard the word banza thrown around. It’s one of those words that immediately catches your attention because of how strongly it’s used. In simple terms, we would deep into the meaning of it. Let's go
What Does Banza Mean in English?
Banza is an Hausa words, which can also be used as pidgin English and it’s used to describe something that has little to no value. That is something useless. When you say something is "banza," you’r calling it useless, senseless, or something that just doesn’t matter.
In conversations, it’s often used to dismiss a person, a plan, or even an idea. If someone is saying something that seems like a waste of time or effort, banza is a good go-to word. It carries a bit of force, though, so use it carefully and more playfully.
Pronunciation
Banza pronounced as BAN-zah it has Hausa accent with the emphasis on the first syllable. The "a" in both syllables is pronounced like the letter "a" in "father."
How to use the Hausa word "Banza" in pidgin expression
Here are a few real-life examples of how you might hear "banza" used in everyday Pidgin conversation.
1. No do that banza work again, e no dey pay.
If someone is wasting their time doing something that’s clearly not going to get them anywhere or profit them, this phrase is used to tell them to stop. It’s like saying, "Stop doing that pointless thing."
Example:
Person Emmanuel: "I go try make this project work, I go do am small-small."
Daniel: "No do that banza work again! You sabi say e no go work.
(Meaning: Stop doing that useless work! You know it’s not going to work.)
2. That na just banza talk
When someone is speaking nonsense or saying things that are clearly untrue, "banza" is the word to use. It’s a way of dismissing whatever they’re saying as rubbish.
Example:
John: "I hear say dem go give us free food today.
James: That na just banza talk. No mind am."
(Meaning: "That’s just nonsense. Don’t listen to them.")
3. Banza! I no wan hear am again!
When you’re frustrated with something or someone, you can use "banza" to show you’re done with the situation. It’s a way of expressing that you’ve had enough.
Example:
Daniel: I go talk to am tomorrow, I go beg am.
James: Banza! I no wan hear am again! You don beg tire.
(English meaning: Nonsense! I don’t want to hear that again! You’ve begged enough.)
4. That your plan na banza plan.
If someone comes up with a plan that doesn’t make sense or isn’t realistic, calling it "banza" is a quick way of saying it’s a bad idea.
Example:
John: I wan start business with just 5,000 naira.
James: That your plan na banza plan. How you go manage?
(English meaning: "That plan of yours is rubbish. How are you going to make it work?)
5. No follow that banza person.
Sometimes, you can use "banza" to refer to a person who’s not worth your time—someone who’s always involved in trouble or causing problems. You’re basically warning someone to stay away from that person.
Example:
John A: I don meet this guy, he go show me how to make money quick.
James: No follow that banza person. E no get anything good to offer.
(Meaning: Don’t follow that foolish person. They have nothing good to offer.)
Why Do We Use Banza in pidgin English?
Banza is one of those words in Nigerian Pidgin that really gets the message across in a friendly conversation. Whether you’re dealing with a bad plan, someone’s dumb idea, or just something that’s clearly not going to work, it is the perfect word to express your frustration.
