Veteran Kannywood actor Samanja passes away at 81

Veteran Kannywood actor Usman Pategi, also known as “Samanja,” has passed away at the age of 81.

The cause of his death is not yet known.

His death was confirmed by a close associate, Shaibu Husseini.

Husseini referred to the actor’s passing as the dimming of a light in the industry.

“The actor who rode to national prominence in the 80’s playing Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series (about the life of Soldiers in the barracks), titled ‘Samanja’, reportedly passed on around midnight on Sunday.

“The last time I saw Samanja was in Lagos in 2019 when he was awarded the Fellowship of Theatre Arts (FTA) by the Israel Eboh-led National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners.

“Journey Well Sir…. Good Night Samanja!,” he said.

Some actors also took to the comment section of the post to pay their tribute to the deceased.

Okey Ogunjiofor said, “The Legends who made our early days sweet are departing gradually. May his soul rest in peace”.

Usman Pategi was a prominent Nigerian actor, writer, and director.

Born on May 20, 1942, into the royal house of Pategi Emirate in Northern Nigeria, he was the son of Etsu Usman Patako, the late King of Pategi.

Pategi became well-known for his roles in popular Hausa films like “Samanja,” “Zaman,” and “Duniya Iyawa Ne.”

He was noted for his ability to blend Hausa, English, and Pidgin English in his performances.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans in the wake of his passing. May his soul rest in peace.