Yakubu Mato, the Kannywood actor popularly known as Malam Nata’ala, has died on Sunday night after a prolonged illness.
One of the writers of the Dadin Kowa series, Fauziya D. Sulaiman, confirmed the sad development on her Facebook page.
Director-General of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) Ali Nuhu also mourned him on Instagram, writing, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihir raj’un, Allah ya jikan Malam Nata’ala. Ya sa aljanna ce makomar shi. Ameen,” which translates to “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on Malam Nata’ala. May his final abode be paradise. Amen.”
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Before his death, the actor was said to be receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
In August, Malam Nata’ala expressed gratitude to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, who reportedly donated toward his treatment, as well as to colleagues and fans who supported him during his illness.
Malam Nata’ala, who hailed from Potiskum in Yobe State, gained prominence for his role as an almajiri school teacher in the popular Arewa24 Hausa drama series Dadin Kowa.
His performance in the show made him a household name across Northern Nigeria
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans and admirers.Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family.