• My INSIDE KANNYWOOD (In Leadership Weekend)
  
  Kannywood Mourns Ahmed S. Nuhu
  
  SUNSET AT NOON
  
  
  By Al-Amin Ciroma
  
• Sallah and 1st January are happy days in which people celebrate Ed el-Kabir and New Year when joy and happiness is shared among friends and relatives.1st January 2007, brought darkness to people of Kannywood as a result of the sudden death of one of the most successful and shining super-star hausa movie actor, Ahmed S. Nuhu, who died in a ghastly car accident. It was reported that the accident was as a result of the burst of the car’s tyre. He was in on their way to Maiduguri from Azare to stage a gala for Sallah . The gala was organized by movies producer Dan’azumi Baba Chediyar ‘Yan Gurasa. Ahmed was with his three close friends, Hamza and Baba, who also died instantly with him, ‘Singer Boy’, who was also with him is presently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
  
  The death of Ahmed was announced by his mentor, Ali Nuhu, who confirmed to our Sub-Editor, Nasir gwangwazo, in a phone call that “Ahmed has died in a car accident. We are on our way to Azare to receive the corpse,” Ali said in a weak voice.
  
  As the media houses broke the news in Kano, many people gathered at Ali Nuhu’s house for confirmation. However, in a very short time, phones of the stakeholders of the Industry became so busy as fans started calling to confirm the incident.
  
  In the evening, hundreds of people surrounded Ali Nuhu’s house for Ahmed’s funeral. No doubt, the death of Ahmed hit hearts of people just as the death of Late Balarabe Muhammad did. In fact, he died the same way he did in a car accident.
  
  Before the arrival of his corpse, people in the house were weeping and crying, especially female actresses such as Fati Fagge, Binta Ishaq and Zainab Umar, who fainted.
  
  After a long wait, the corpse arrived. People rushed to the body and prayed for him.
  Producer Adamu Sani Yunusa, who was among those who brought the corpse from Azare told our reporter, Maje El-Hajeej, that, “We were on our way to Katsina, I received a phone call from Baballe Hayatu, informing me about the incident and he asked me to bring the official car of the Guild of Film Actors. We went there (Azare) and collected the corpse from police after clearance. Ali Kwara assisted us with a car to carry the body.”
  
  About the issue of the corpse of the other victims, he said, “We discussed with their parents, and they asked us to leave the bodies there for burial. The dead body of Ahmed arrived Kano around 9 pm. That is why it was decided to postpone the funeral till dawn.”
  When Adamu Sani was asked about the actual cause of the accident in a radio interview with Hausa service of VOA, which monitored the incident in Abuja on Tuesday, he said, “We were informed by the police officer in-charge that it was seemingly a tyre burst.”
  
  After the corpse was prepared in the night, his mother stood before the body in tears praying for the deceased and said, “God witnessed that you never offended me during your life time… I forgive you, Ahmed..!”
  
  Before Ahmed died, he had no fear for death order than to die and leave his mother behind as he told Leadership Hausa in October 2007, “I have only one fear on the day of my death, that is my mother! I imagine the situation she might find herself in because she loves me so much!”
  Ahmed is survived by wife, Hafsat Shehu, who is also a star actress. She is presently pregnant.
  The next morning was so cold but that did not stop hundreds of people from coming out to attend the funeral.
  
  Ali Nuhu was sitting on a mat receiving condolence. Adam A. Zango kept himself in an isolated room inside the house, sitting alone with a dark face. Sani Danja, who is the Chairman of Guild of Film Actors, could not make eye contact with people when he arrived in his jeep, he silently sneaked into the house, in the same mood as Shehu Hassan Kano and others. Most of the directors, producers, writers, singers, cameramen and rest of them went to the room where the corpse was kept. Some of them were Aminu Sheriff (Momoh), Hafizu Bello, Baba Karami, Isa Bello Ja, Isa A. Isa, and Rabiu Musa, who came all the way from Wudil town, a distance of many kilo meters from Kano. Some of the fans were opportuned to reach the corpse in the room and prayed for him.
  
  Before the corpse was brought out for official prayer in accordance with Islamic rite, producer Najjashi S. B. Jakara and Baba Karami announced to the public that ‘whoever has any debt with Ahmed should let it be known for settlement before he is buried’.
  Later, the corpse was brought out of the house for the formal prayer. All eyes were shedding tears! Most of the female actresses such as Farida Jalal, who were standing upstairs watching the scene started shouting and crying, “May the soul of Ahmed rest in perfect peace! May your good character follow you to heaven!”
  
  After the Chief Imam led the formal prayer, people escorted the corpse en masse in different types of vehicles to the graveyard of Tarauni in Tarauni Local Government area in Kano metropolis, where late director Tijjani Ibrahim was buried some years ago.
  S. Nuhu’s elder brother, Abdurrahman, described Ahmed as ‘a man of the people’. He said, “Ahmed is a person of good character. May his soul rest in peace.”
  
  Most of Ahmed’s colleagues continuously recalled their last moments with him.
  Rufa’i Nasidi, a Producer and Chairman of Al-Naseed Universal Concept, said, “My film, Musharaka, which was written by Nasir S. Gwangwazo, was the last film Ahmed did in this world. Immediately after shooting the film, he travelled to Sokoto and later turned back to Azare and Maiduguri, where he died along the way. I discussed with him about the shooting of Kambun So 2, and we arranged to go to the forest of Falgore to shoot the songs of the film. Unfortunately, I went to check out the trailer of Musharaka and the person I went to meet received a phone call with S. Nuhu’s line number but with an unknown voice, asking whether he knows the person who has the number. He answered ‘yes, it’s Ahmed’s’ and the person said I’m a police officer. I called because you are the last person Ahmed called on his phone’s call register. He answered yes, I had a phone conversation with him less than thirty minutes ago. Then the police officer said, ‘Ahmed is dead’.
  
  “We did not believe the news at that moment because we were shocked, so we rushed to Ali’s house, even though I knew Ali was not in town. He traveled to Niger Republic. It was earlier planned that Ahmed will go with him but he refused to go, due to his appointment with the people of Maiduguri.”
  
  It was reported that Ahmed told Fati Fagge that he would never drive his car again and that he would not drive in the night again because of the rate of armed robbery in the nation. It could be recalled that a few days ago, armed robbers attacked him as reported in this paper.
  The death of Ahmed is a big blow to those who he left behind as he will always be remembered for his good habits, excellent manners and good interaction with everybody.
  
  The audience of Hausa movies will always remember one of the most popular films of Ahmed, Sarmadan, which was also written by Nasir S. Gwangwazo, in which Bala Anas Babinlata directed him to enter into a coffin (he dies in the film). In the story of Sarmadan, Ahmed died and later reappeared. But this time, Ahmed will never return to life after his death on 1st January, 2007. Perhaps, ‘Sarmadan’, in Hausa language, means ‘Forever’.
  
  SEVENTH DAY PRAYERS
  
  Ahmed S. Nuhu--Gone too soon
  
  The death of star actress Asma’u Jama’are, who featured as ‘Zainab’ in one of historic and famous films of the Kannywood, entitled Ki yarda da ni, was the first that astonished the industry in 2000. Her beautiful performance in most movies attracted many fans and gave her much publicity. She died after a protracted ilness. Her death was a shock to colleagues and fans of the industry. Asma’u was indeed a love-for-all star in her time.
  
  The second ‘dark-death’ which hit and shocked the industry was that of movie director, Aminu Hassan Yakasai. Most of the stakeholders of the industry described Yakasai as one of the the founders and pioneers of the modern Kannywood. He recruited and pioneered many projects in the industry, he also assisted in establishing most of the biggest and earliest movie projects. His death occurred in a ghastly car accident on his way to Katsina from Kano. He is remembered as the ‘man of sacrifice in the industry’.
  
  Another great shock that occurred was the death of the legendary director, Tijjani Ibrahim. Besides coaching most of the star actors, Ibrahim is known to be the brain behind today’s Kannywood that gave him the opportunity to become so popular. Despite the fact that he never appeared in any movie, he maintained a cordial relationship with his colleagues, given his good manner of interaction.
  
  His sudden death occurred as a result of a heart injury. History will never forget this supportive pillar of the Hausa movie industry.
  
  U.S.A. Galadima, a veteran movie director of international recognition, was also a big loss to the industry. He groomed so many people during his time. His sudden death occurred in yet another car accident. He perished at the time when he the industry needed him most. He was one of the professional practitioners in the Hausa film industry’.
  
  Another death which shocked the world of Kannywood was that of star-actress Balaraba Muhammad Kaduna, who also died in her peak. She died on her way to Kano from Kaduna, also in a car accident. She died with a smile on her lips, as she was on her way back from her wedding ceremony.
  
  Balaraba passed away a few hours after her wedding Fatiha, after she married star actor, Shu’aibu Lawan (popularly known as ‘Kumurci’). Her amiable interaction with fans made her the most popular product produced by Kannywood. She was the cool type, and whenever she felt offended, Balaraba would exercise patience. She will forever be remembered as a ‘person with respect for all’.
  
  Memories of Aisha Musa Kaduna (popularly known as ‘Shamsiyya), will forever be fresh in Kannywood and in the minds of fans of the Hausa movie industry. Her death came as a result of prolonged labour, two years after she married ex-national football player, Ali Nayara. Shamsiyya brought a lot of innovation into the industry. Mostly known for her humane and cordial relationship, she carried her fans and colleagues along. People admired her style of acting. She was considered as ‘one of the most productive actresses in Kannywood’.
  
  Kannywood witnessed yet another death, that of one of her elders, Mallam Mustapha Muhammad, popularly known as ‘Malam Mamman’ or ‘Danhaki’. His tremendous support to the industry will never be forgotten. Despite his old age, he never turned down an invitation when called upon to perform. He will be remembered for his hard-work and dedication. Kannywood indeed lost an elder statesman.
  
  Series of other notable deaths occurred in the industry, that of Baffa Yaro (a.k.a ‘Yautai’), Umar Sabo (a.k.a. Katakore) and Shu’aibu Idris (a.k.a ‘Kulu’) which are all unforgettable. These actors worked diligently in making the industry what it is today. May their gentle and respective souls rest in perfect peace.
  
  In addition, the sudden death of Ahmed S. Nuhu seemingly became new to the industry on the basis of some facts. Nuhu gave up the ghost at his prime. He was the only actor with the ability to play any role given to him. Whenever Ahmed was criticised, he will simply smile and say: “I consider all those criticisms as challenges. Criticisms are to correct my mistakes.
  
  He was among the few actors who maintained their marriage till the end of their lives. On the day he died, before he left his house, he called his lovely wife, Hafsat Shehu, and asked her to assess his mode of dressing, he was smiling and his wife gave him excellent compliments. He kept calling her on phone whenever he covered a considerable distance, until he reached Wudil town where he stopped to buy yams after which, he called to tell her that he had bought some yams for her. Those were the last words he said to his lovely wife before he departed this world. No doubt, it will take Kannywood a long time to fill this vacuum.
  
  What they KANNYWOOD Stars say about him
  
  •Yakubu Mohammed (Lyricist and playback singer): “It is going to be difficult to get a subtitute for Ahmed S. Nuhu in Kannywood. We have lost a dear friend and colleague. May Allah (S) grant him Aljannat-Firdausi and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
  
  •Adam A. Zango a.k.a ‘Usher’ (Actor): His death came to me as a shock. We were supposed to go the Republic of Niger together for a performance on sallah day, but he declined saying that he had already promised his fans in Maiduguri that he will be there to celebrate sallah with them. Ahmed was indeed more than a friend, he was my brother. May his soul rest in peace.
  
  •Abubakar Yusuf Ladan (Actor and Radio Presenter): ‘We are indeed from Allah and unto Him our final journeying’, Ahmed is gone but his memories will be with us till the end of time. I cherish the lifestyle of this young man, he was a model, a great actor with talents, I advice the up coming actors to emulate him. May Allah (S) shower his blessings on him and give his family, relations and friends the strength and fortitude to bear the loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
  •Abubakar Araba (Close associate): Ahmed will forever be remembered in the industry. We love him because of his kindness and sense of humour. May his soul rest in perfect peace, amin.
  
  •Rashida Bello (Actress): Ahmed was a very obedient young man, he respected us as mothers in the industry. Ahmed used to always come to me, especially if we are on set and it is too late for me to get a taxi back home, and say, ‘Mama, don’t worry, I will take you home in my car.” May his gentle soul rest in peace, amen.
  
  •Zaharaddin Sani Husaini (Actor): I envy Ahmed’s lifestyle because of his practical intelligence and sense of understanding. He was a brother and friend to all. We will surely miss him, but he will forever remain blessed. We pray to Allah the Almighty to grant him Aljannatul-firdausi and also give his family the fortitute to bear the loss.
  
  •Ismail Koli (Actor, Producer): Ahmed was truthful. No one complained that he was dishonest. He was my mentor, may his soul rest in perfect peace.
  
  •Shamsiyya Habib, a.k.a. Kansakali (Actress): Ahmed gave me his support like a blood brother. He was one of the pillars behind my success in the industry. I pray to Allah (S) to grant him eternal bliss and give his wife, Hafsat Shehu, resilience to bear the loss.
  
  •Abubakar Yarima (Lyricist and Play back singer): I was shocked when I heard the sad news of his death. I classify Ahmed S. Nuhu as one of the pillars of the industry, I pray to Allah (S) to give us his substitute and may Allah, the Almighty, grant him aljannat.
  •Abdullahi Tasiri (Actor): May his soul rest in peace. Ahmed was indeed a friend in need. I always remember his kindness and love for all. May Allah grant us the fortitude to bear the loss.”
  
  •Saminu Mohammed Mahmood (director): I advice all his friends, relatives and fans to continue praying for him. Ahmed is somebody we cannot forget easily. May his soul rest in peace.”
  
  •Yakubu Lere (Producer): Ahmed lived a simple life, he respected elders and even his colleagues. We had a misunderstanding between us, but shortly before his death, we resolved it amicably. He was the simple type. I had arranged to have an exclusive interview with him to be published in my monthly Gidauniya magazine, he had even submitted his pictures to me, but as we all know, we propose, God disposes at will. So I will use this opportunity to advice our young actors in the industry to replicate this young man. May his soul rest in peace.