A leading Hausa actress, Saratu Giɗaɗo, has died in circumstances that the movie industry described as “very shocking.”
Gidado, also known as Daso, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Kano early this morning after taking her dawn meal, Iftar, in readiness for the final day of the Ramadan fasting.
Relatives who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity said the actress had been suffering from occasional bouts of illness but didn’t show any sign that it was debilitating.
“Saratu, who was best known for her comical and villainous roles in the movies, went to bed peacefully after the Iftar meal in preparation for today’s fasting, but never woke up,” Fim magazine, the industry’s leading publication, reported while breaking the shocking news.
The New Citizen reports that Gidado has won many awards and accolades for her roles and career spanning three decades.
Preparations are in top gear for her burial later today in accordance with Islamic tradition.
The news of Daso’s death has greatly shocked Kannywood, the Hausa film industry, as well as her solid fan base, with most people praying for the peaceful repose of her soul.
