Veteran Kannywood Actor, Malam Nata’ala Is Dead

Veteran Kannywood Actor, Malam Nata’ala Is Dead.
The Dadin Kowa star had earlier sought public help for cancer treatment.
His death renews calls for better welfare for film practitioners.

The Kannywood industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Hausa actor Malam Nata’ala, fondly known as Mata Na Mato. The veteran performer, a native of Potiskum in Yobe State, reportedly passed away after a long battle with a life-threatening illness.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Malam Nata’ala, whose real name was Mata Yakubu, gained fame for his outstanding performance as an almajiri-school teacher in the widely acclaimed Arewa24 television series Dadin Kowa. His death marks another painful loss for the Hausa film community, which has recently faced several tragedies.

Before his passing, the actor had taken to social media to seek public support, revealing that he was battling cancer and struggling to cover his medical expenses. In a heartfelt appeal made in August 2025, he disclosed that he spent about ₦250,000 every three weeks on treatment, excluding additional hospital bills and medication costs.

His plight caught widespread attention after he received a ₦27 million donation from Niger Republic’s President, Abdourahamane Tchiani, to support his medical care. Despite the assistance, Malam Nata’ala’s condition reportedly worsened in recent weeks before his death was confirmed.

Colleagues and fans have taken to social media to express grief and celebrate his contributions to Kannywood. Many described him as a humble and devoted actor who portrayed the struggles of ordinary people with depth and sincerity.

Veteran Kannywood Actor, Malam Nata’ala Is Dead

His death has reignited discussions about the welfare and healthcare of actors within the Northern film industry, where many practitioners often face similar challenges without structured support systems.