Created as a peace-building contest between the people of Argungu and nearby Sokoto in 1934, the three day festival culminates in an hour-long fishing frenzy, with up to 35,000 fishermen, teamed in pairs, plunging into the muddy Malan Fada River carrying hand nets and gourds for flotation. The pair that catches the largest fish in this bare-handed manner is the winner, claiming a prize equivalent to around US$8000 plus a minibus. In most years, fish exceeding 50kg in weight are pulled in from the river; in 2004 it took an 80kg catfish to make catch of the day.

Built in 1831, the building was named after Muhammed Kanta, who founded the Kebbi Kingdom in 1515. It was erected by Yakubu Nabame, a former Emir of Kebbi, and served as the Emirate's palace until 1942 when the British built a new administrative palace during the reign of Muhammed Sani. After the building became vacant, on July 1, 1958 it opened as a museum, offering an insight into the turbulent history of Kebbi State. The museum is divided into eleven compartments and has a notable collection of weapons, consisting of charms, spears, swords, wood, stones, bows and arrows, local guns and even drums on display.