A veteran Hausa actor, Malam Abdullahi Shu’aibu (popularity known as Ƙarƙuzu or Abdu Kano), has died.
He died in Jos, Plateau State, after a protracted illness.
Family sources said Ƙarƙuzu, who was in his 70s, will be buried tomorrow morning after funeral prayers at his residence located on Haruna Haɗeja Street, in Jos.
His death was received with shock in Kannywood, the Hausa film industry.
Ƙarƙuzu was one of the highly popular Hausa television actors of the 1980s. He went on to play key roles in later Kannywood films.
In an interview he granted to an online TV blogger in August 2023, he said he had been acting for over 43 years before illness forced him to retire.
In the interview, he narrated his poor living condition occasioned by deteriorating health and acute poverty.
He cried out for help, lamenting how at that late stage of his life he didn’t even have a house of his own but was living in a rented quarters.
He also revealed that he had since gone blind.
Following these revelations, some in the film industry and outside went to his rescue, with ace footballer Ahmed Musa buying him a N5.5 million house and donating N500,000 cash to him.
In a tribute tonight, Sani Muazu, a frontline actor who said he had known the deceased for over 40 years, described him as “an exceptional talent who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian film industry.”
“His versatility as an actor was unmatched, effortlessly transitioning between comedic and serious roles with ease,” Muazu added.
“One of my most cherished memories of working with Ƙarƙuzu was on the hit radio drama, Karambana – a dawo lafiya. Paired alongside the iconic Kasimu Yero and the legendary Hausa pop singer, Sani Ɗan’indo, Ƙarƙuzu, who played the role of Liba, brought his unique energy to the project, which became an instant sensation among truck drivers and freelance workers.
“Before then and even after, we worked together on several film projects, including the early version of the movie Amina, where he played the role of Sankira along with Pete Edochie shot around 1998.
“What struck me most about Ƙarƙuzu was his resilience and dedication to his craft. Despite facing numerous life challenges, including health issues, he continued to act well into his old age, inspiring countless young actors and actresses along the way.
“As we bid farewell to this Nigerian film icon, I pray that Allah SWT grants his soul eternal rest in Jannat Firdausi. May his family, friends, and the entire Nigerian film industry find the strength and fortitude to bear this immense loss.”
In another tribute, the Kannywood Film Industry Guilds and Associations (KAFIGAN), sent its heartfelt condolences, describing Ƙarƙuzu as “an iconic figure whose talent transcended generations.”
In a press release signed by Al-Amin Ciroma, its Director of Media and Public Affairs, on behalf of its Director-General, Hon. Adamu Bello (Ability), the association said: “For decades, he graced the screen with a unique blend of comic and serious roles, leaving an indelible mark on Kannywood.
“Despite battling ailments in his later years, he remained a pillar of inspiration to many.
“His passing has created a vacuum that will be incredibly difficult to fill.”
Bello expressed his deep sadness over this loss and prayed that the Almighty Allah grant Ƙarƙuzu eternal rest in paradise and give his family, colleagues, Hausa film industry and the entire Hausa-speaking communities in Nigeria and the Diaspora the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
