Veteran Kannywood actress, Wasila Isma’il, dies at 46

Wasila Isma’il, a prominent actress in the Kannywood film industry, has passed away at the age of 46 following a protracted illness. Her ex-husband, Al-Amin Chiroma, confirmed her death on Sunday via a social media post, stating she died at the Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria Hospital in Kaduna.

Isma’il began her acting career in 1998 with the film "Jinin Masoya." However, she rose to widespread fame in 1999 with her starring role in the movie "Wasila," directed by Yakubu Lere and co-starring the popular actor Ali Nuhu. The success of this film established her as a household name within the Hausa film industry.

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Innalillahi Wainna Ilaihirrajiun. Wasila Isma’il is dead. She died at the Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria Hospital, Kaduna.

She had previously shared in an interview that the movie was initially intended to be titled "Jamila." However, Isma’il requested a change, fearing the name might negatively impact her reputation. The director agreed to her request, and the film was subsequently released as "Wasila."

News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media from fans and colleagues. Many described Isma’il as a talented actress whose significant contributions to Kannywood would be remembered. She is survived by her children.

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I didn’t like the name Jamila because I feared it might tarnish my name, so I asked for it to be changed, and the director agreed.