Popular Kannywood actor Yakubu Mato, widely known as Malam Nata’ala, has died after a prolonged illness. He passed away on Sunday night.
Malam Nata’ala rose to fame for his role as an almajiri school teacher in Arewa24’s Hausa drama series Dadin Kowa, where his performance won the hearts of audiences across Northern Nigeria.
Writer Fauziya D. Sulaiman confirmed his death on Facebook, saying: “Innalillahi wa’inna ilaihi rajiun. Just now the news of the death of Malam Nata’ala. May Allah forgive him, may Allah make his sickness an apology.”
Before his breakthrough on Dadin Kowa, he appeared in several Kannywood productions. Known for his comedic talent, he often played a humorous Qur’anic teacher juggling domestic crises between two wives.
In recent months, his illness had sparked public concern, leading to fundraising appeals and interventions reportedly from the Yobe State Government and authorities in Niger Republic.
The Yobe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ya Jalo Badama, described his death as a major loss to both Kannywood and the political community. She noted his contributions to the film industry and his support for Governor Mai Mala Buni’s campaign, extending condolences to the government, people of Yobe State, the Potiskum Emirate Council, and Potiskum Local Government Area.
Originally from Yobe State, Malam Nata’ala was a notable figure in the Chamama comedy era, alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro), before the Arewa24 era.
