Nigerian Singer, Actor Die Same Day
Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of two popular figures; Kannywood actor Yakubu Mato, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala, and live-band singer Akinloye Tofowomo, also known as Akiin Shuga.
Malam Nata’ala, who earned fame for his role in the Hausa TV drama Dadin Kowa, died on Sunday after a prolonged illness at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
His health had earlier sparked concern among fans, prompting public fundraising efforts and government support.
On the same day, news also broke of the passing of Akiin Shuga, the lead singer of the Shuga Band, who died at the age of 50 in New Brunswick, Canada.
His family announced that he passed away on October 30 but confirmed the news on Monday, November 3.
Akiin Shuga, a polio survivor and music entrepreneur, was celebrated for redefining live performance in Nigeria.
He was also the founder of the Shuga Limb Foundation, which supports people with limb challenges.
Tributes have continued to pour in for both entertainers, as fans, colleagues, and public figures mourn their deaths, describing their passing as a huge loss to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
