Beloved Kannywood actor Yakubu Mato, widely known as Malam Nata’ala, has passed away after a long battle with illness. The veteran entertainer reportedly died on Sunday night, drawing an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues across Northern Nigeria.
Malam Nata’ala rose to fame through his memorable role as an almajiri school teacher in Arewa24’s Hausa drama series, Dadin Kowa, where his lively and humorous performance won the hearts of viewers.
Confirming his death in a Facebook post, one of the series’ writers, Fauziya D. Sulaiman, wrote, “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, the late actor featured in several Kannywood films and comedy productions. Renowned for his wit and comic timing, he was best known for portraying a spirited Qur’anic teacher often caught between the antics of his two wives.
In recent months, his ill health had sparked widespread concern, prompting fundraising campaigns and support from the Yobe State Government as well as authorities in Niger Republic.
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Reacting to his death, the Yobe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ya Jalo Badama, described the loss as a major blow to both the entertainment and political circles.
She said, “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.”
The commissioner 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 a household name during the Chamama comedy era, alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro), long before the rise of Arewa24 productions.
Funeral details were yet to be made public at the time of filing this report.