Popular Kannywood actor Yakubu Mato, widely known by his stage name Malam Nata’ala, has passed away after a prolonged illness.
According to reports, the veteran actor died on Sunday night, marking the end of a long battle with ill health. Mato was best known for his memorable role as an almajiri school teacher in Arewa24’s hit Hausa drama series “Dadin Kowa”, a performance that earned him widespread admiration across Northern Nigeria.
Confirming his death in a Facebook post, one of the writers of Dadin Kowa, Fauziya D. Sulaiman, wrote:
“Innalillahi wa’inna ilaihi rajiun, just now the news of the death of Malam Nata’al. May Allah forgive him, may Allah make his sickness an apology.”
Before his rise to fame through Dadin Kowa, Mato appeared in several Kannywood productions and was celebrated for his comedic roles, often portraying a boisterous but humorous Qur’anic teacher caught between domestic troubles involving two wives.
His deteriorating health had drawn public concern in recent months, prompting fundraising campaigns and intervention from both the Yobe State Government and authorities in Niger Republic.
In a condolence statement, Yobe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ya Jalo Badama, described his death as a significant loss to both the Kannywood industry and the political community.
“Mahaluki Na Ta’ala was a respected figure known for his immense contributions to the entertainment industry and his active participation during the campaign of His Excellency, Governor (Dr) Mai Mala Buni CON.
His passing is a great loss not only to the film industry but also to the APC family and the entire people of Yobe State.”
She extended condolences to the government and people of Yobe State, as well as the Potiskum Emirate Council and Potiskum Local Government Area.
Originally from Yobe State, Malam Nata’ala was also a prominent figure during the Chamama comedy era, where he performed alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro) before transitioning to Arewa24’s television productions.
Details of his burial arrangements were yet to be announced as of press time.
Advertisement
