Veteran Kannywood actor Yakubu Mato, widely known by his stage name Malam Nata’ala, has died after a prolonged illness, his family and colleagues said late Sunday.
Mato, who gained national recognition for his role as an almajiri schoolteacher in Arewa24’s Hausa drama series Dadin Kowa, passed away on Sunday night. The news of his death was confirmed by Dadin Kowa writer Fauziya D. Sulaiman in a Facebook post, in which she prayed for his forgiveness and peaceful rest.
The late actor, originally from Yobe State, appeared in numerous Hausa-language productions before his rise to fame on Dadin Kowa. Known for his comedic portrayals, Mato often played the role of a loud but good-natured Qur’anic teacher juggling domestic conflicts between two wives.
In recent months, reports of his deteriorating health drew public sympathy and prompted fundraising campaigns, with support said to have come from both the Yobe State Government and officials in Niger Republic.
Reacting to his death, Yobe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ya Jalo Badama, described Mato’s passing as “a great loss to the film industry and the political community.” She praised his contribution to Kannywood and recalled his involvement in campaigns for Governor Mai Mala Buni.
“Malam Nata’ala was a respected figure known for his immense contributions to entertainment and his active participation in community service,” she said in a statement.
Mato was a well-known figure during the Chamama Comedy Era, alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro), before becoming a household name on Arewa24.