The Hausa film industry, Kannywood, is in deep mourning following the death of veteran actress Malama Wasila Ismail. She passed away at the age of 46 on Sunday, May 24, after a prolonged illness, leaving behind her children and a remarkable legacy that shaped the industry for decades.
Confirmation of Death
Her former husband, Al-Amin Chiroma, confirmed the sad news on social media. He announced that Wasila Ismail died at the Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Hospital in Kaduna, where she had been receiving medical care. In a heartfelt post, he wrote: "Innalillahi Wainna Ilaihirrajiun. Wasila Isma'il is dead. She died at the Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria Hospital, Kaduna."
In another post on Instagram, Al-Amin offered prayers for her soul, asking Allah to forgive her and grant her a peaceful ending. He stated: "To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. Allah has taken the death of Malama Wasila Ismail. May Allah forgive her and grant us a peaceful ending. Amen."
Career and Legacy
Wasila Ismail was born in Kaduna, northern Nigeria. She began her acting career in 1998 with the film Jinin Masoya. She rose to fame in 1999 after starring in the film Wasila, directed by Yakubu Lere, alongside Ali Nuhu. The success of that film made her a household name and one of the most recognized faces in Kannywood.
Tributes from Fans and Colleagues
Following her death, social media was flooded with tributes from fans and colleagues who celebrated her contributions to Hausa cinema. Many described her as a talented actress whose work would not be forgotten. Some of the reactions include:
- @sadiqzazzabi: "To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on her soul."
- @fauziyya_d_sulaiman: "To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return, may Allah forgive her."
- @tahiritahir_abba: "May her soul rest in peace and may paradise be her final abode when ours comes may we die with faith."
- @surykmata: "May Allah forgive us and forgive us. Oh Lord, may today the joy of life never ends begin. May the prophet peace be upon him be upon him in paradise amen."
- @rahama_hassan_real: "May her soul rest in Jannatul Firdausi, indeed this is a big loss to us all, we love her but Allah loves her more."
Wasila Ismail's passing is a significant loss to Kannywood and her fans. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and actresses in the Hausa film industry.
