The Nigerian film industry is in mourning as veteran Nollywood actor, Usman Pategi, popularly known as “Samanja,” has passed away at the age of 84.
The news of his demise was shared by theater consultant Husseini Shaibu on Sunday via Facebook, leaving the Nollywood community and fans saddened. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Husseini Shaibu conveyed the heartbreaking news, saying, “I have been reliably informed that light has dimmed on the veteran actor, Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known as Samanja Mazan Fama.”
The iconic actor gained national recognition in the 80s for his role as Samanja in the now-defunct NTA drama series titled ‘Samanja,’ which depicted the lives of soldiers in the barracks. According to reports, he passed away around midnight on Sunday.
Recalling a significant encounter in 2019 when Pategi was honored with the Fellowship of Theatre Arts (FTA) by the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, Shaibu reflected, “The last time I saw Samanja was in Lagos in 2019 when he was awarded the Fellowship of Theatre Arts (FTA) by the Israel Eboh led National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners.”
Fellow actors, including Okey Ogunjiofor, expressed their condolences in the comments section. Ogunjiofor paid tribute, saying, “The Legends who made our early days sweet are departing gradually. May his soul rest in peace.”
Born on May 20, 1942, into the royal house of Pategi Emirate in Pategi, Northern Nigeria, Pategi was the son of the late King of Pategi, Etsu Usman Patako.
The prolific actor, writer, and director rose to fame through his roles in popular Hausa films like ‘Samanja,’ ‘Yusuf’s Ladan’s Zaman,’ and ‘Duniya Iyawa Ne.’ Pategi was celebrated for his unique style, seamlessly blending Hausa, English, and Pidgin English in his performances.
