Kannywood actress Wasila Isma'il dies at age 46

Veteran Kannywood actress Wasila Isma’il died at 46 after a prolonged illness.

Her former husband, Al‑Amin Chiroma, confirmed the actress’s death in a social media post on Sunday, stating that she passed away at FOMWAN Hospital in Kaduna.

Born in Kaduna, Wasila was best known for her performances in Hausa films. She rose to prominence with the 1999 movie Wasila, directed by Yakubu Lere and featuring Ali Nuhu.

She launched her acting career in 1998 with the film Jinin Masoya.

In a previous 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 taken to social media to mourn her, praising her contributions to the Kannywood film industry.