Umar Ascon, a Kannywood actor who played Alhaji Lado Mai Barkono in the long-running television series Garwashi, passed away after a prolonged illness.
Kannywood producer and neighbour Abubakar Yahaya Matinko confirmed Ascon’s death.
The actor reportedly passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
The film star is survived by his pregnant wife and two daughters.
Umar Ascon’s funeral prayer was held at Al-Masjlisul Islami Mosque, near Gade-Gade Filling Station, and he was laid to rest according to Islamic traditions.
Before entering the film industry, Ascon worked as a businessman at Hotoro Depot in Kano.
He later gained popularity in Kannywood for his role in Garwashi and appearances in other Hausa films such as Wata Shida and Manyan Mata.
Evangelist Shouet, a well-known Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, passed away at the age of 73.
The respected evangelist and gospel music icon was widely recognised as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, which has remained a church staple throughout Nigeria.
In response to her death, Kunle Bakare, former secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria, described the late singer as a spiritually gifted minister whose music conveyed deep messages.
“The late gospel music player will also be remembered for her music college, where she trained many gospel music players, most of whom are reigning today,” Bakare stated.
