Yakubu Mato, the Kannywood actor popularly known as Malam Nata’ala, is dead.
Ali Nuhu, the director general of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), confirmed Mato’s demise in a tribute post via Instagram on Sunday.
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, he wrote.
Mato reportedly died on Sunday after a prolonged illness at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
His health condition had drawn public concern in recent months, prompting fundraising efforts and support interventions, including assistance from the Yobe state government.
Several colleagues and notable personalities have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.
Fauziya D. Sulaiman, one of the writers of a film Mato featured in, mourned his passing in a Facebook post, writing: Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. I just received the news of the death of Malam Nata’al. May Allah forgive him and make his illness a means of mercy for him.
In a statement via Facebook, Ya Jalo Badama, Yobe commissioner for women affairs, described the actor as a respected figure who contributed greatly to the entertainment industry and supported Yobe governor Mai Mala Buni’s campaign.
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, the post reads.
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.
May Allah Subhanahu Waataala Grant Him Jannatul Firdausi To Be His Permanent Destination Amen Thumma Amen.
The Honourable Commissioner extends her deepest sympathy to the government and people of Yobe State, the Potiskum Emirate Council, and the entire Potiskum Local Government.
Nata’ala, who hailed from Potiskum in Yobe state, rose to prominence for his role as an almajiri school teacher in the popular Arewa24 Hausa drama series Dadin Kowa.
His portrayal in the series made him a household name across Northern Nigeria.
