Veteran Kannywood actress Wasila Isma’il has died at the age of 46 after a long illness.
Her former husband, Al-Amin Chiroma, confirmed her death in a social media post on Sunday. He said she died at the FOMWAN Hospital in Kaduna.
The actress, who was born in Kaduna, was widely known for her roles in Hausa films and rose to prominence after starring in the 1999 film Wasila, directed by Yakubu Lere alongside Ali Nuhu.
She began her acting career in 1998 with the film Jinin Masoya.
In an earlier interview, she explained why the film’s title was changed from Jamila to Wasila.
“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,” she said.
Fans and colleagues have since taken to social media to mourn her, praising her contributions to the Kannywood film industry.