Veteran Kannywood Actress Wasila Isma’il Dies at 46

Veteran Kannywood actress Wasila Isma’il has died at the age of 46 following a prolonged illness.

Her ex-husband, Al-Amin Chiroma, confirmed her death in a social media post on Sunday, stating that she passed away at the Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria Hospital in Kaduna after battling illness.

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

He added that the actress died on Sunday after a long illness, and she is survived by her children.

Wasila Isma’il was a well-known figure in the Kannywood film industry, recognised for her strong performances in Hausa-language films.

She began her acting career in 1998 with Jinin Masoya and rose to fame in 1999 after starring in the popular film Wasila, directed by Yakubu Lere alongside actor Ali Nuhu.

Born in Kaduna, she became a household name following the success of the film, which helped establish her prominence in the industry.

In an earlier interview, she revealed that the film was initially titled Jamila but she requested a name change to “Wasila” to avoid potential personal backlash, a request the director accepted.

Following news of her death, fans and colleagues have taken to social media to mourn her, describing her as a talented actress whose contributions to the Hausa film industry will be remembered.