- Kannywood Actor Umar Ascon Dies After Prolonged Illness
- Actor known for Alhaji Lado Mai Barkono role in Garwashi.
- Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan also dies at 73.
Kannywood actor, Umar Ascon, popularly known for portraying Alhaji Lado Mai Barkono in the long running television series Garwashi, has died after battling a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed by Kannywood producer and neighbour, Abubakar Yahaya Matinko.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the actor reportedly died on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano.
Ascon is survived by his pregnant wife and two daughters.
His funeral prayer was held at Al Masjlisul Islami Mosque near Gade Gade Filling Station, where he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Before joining the Kannywood film industry, Ascon was a businessman who operated at the Hotoro Depot in Kano.
He later gained recognition through his role in the television series Garwashi and appeared in other Hausa films, including Wata Shida and Manyan Mata.
The actor was widely known among fans of Hausa movies for his memorable roles and contributions to the growth of the Kannywood industry.
Meanwhile, veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, Toun Soetan, popularly known as Evangelist Shouet, has also died at the age of 73.
The respected evangelist and gospel music minister was widely recognised as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has remained widely sung in churches across Nigeria.
Reacting to her passing, a former Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria, Kunle Bakare, described the late singer as a spiritually gifted minister whose music carried powerful messages.
“The late gospel music player will also be remembered for her music college, where she trained so many gospel music players, most of whom are reigning today,” Bakare said.
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