VETERAN ACTOR SAMANJA IS DEAD
November 13, 2023
Fausiat Salako-Sanni
Veteran actor Usman Baba Patigi, popularly known as Samanja Mazan Fama, is dead. He was 84. Mohammad Usman, one of the late actor’s sons, confirmed his death.
The Kaduna-based famous Kannywood actor died around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday.
Mohammad Usman, one of the late actor’s sons, confirmed his death to the Media and revealed that he left behind two wives and 12 children.
As at the point of this report, the cause of his death is still unknown.
His son, however, said the funeral prayer would be held at a mosque in Kabala Costain, Kaduna.
If you are a fan of 80’s television programming, you would be familiar with the name Samanja.
Samanja Mazan Fama was an army officer with a signature moustache and a funny way of dishing out and receiving orders in English.
The word Samanja is a coinage of the military rank, Sergeant Major.
Patigi was a movie veteran and a war veteran, having fought in the Nigerian Civil War under the late former military ruler General Sani Abacha, who was then of a lower rank.
In a recent interview, the veteran actor said his performance was enhanced in the drama due to his military experience.
The Kwara State royalty was also said to have given up his claim to the throne to pursue his passion for entertainment.
Pategi was born on May 20, 1942, in Pategi, Northern Nigeria, into the royal house of the Pategi Emirate.
His father was the late King of Pategi, Etsu Usman Patako.
With a career spanning over three decades, he had successfully carved a niche for himself.
The well-known writer, director, and actor acted in several renowned Hausa movies, including Duniya Iyawa Ne, Yusuf’s Ladan’s Zaman, and Samanja. Pategi rose to fame in the film Samanja.
Prior to his untimely demise, this versatile artist was a true polymath, boasting a multitude of talents that encompassed acting, songwriting, musicianship, and filmmaking.
