In a poignant loss for the entertainment industry, veteran Nollywood actor Usman Pategi, fondly known as “Samanja,” has passed away at the age of 81. Theatre consultant Husseini Shaibu shared the somber news on Sunday through a Facebook post, marking the end of an era in Nigerian cinema.
The cause of Pategi’s death remains unknown, adding an element of mystery to the departure of the actor who rose to national prominence in the 80s for his role as Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series depicting the lives of soldiers in the barracks.
Shaibu expressed, “Journey Well Sir…. Good Night Samanja!” recalling his last encounter with the revered actor in Lagos in 2019 when Pategi received the Fellowship of Theatre Arts (FTA) from the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners.
Tributes poured in on Shaibu’s Facebook post, with fellow actors like Okey Ogunjiofor reminiscing about the departed legend, 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, the son of the late King Etsu Usman Patako, left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Renowned for his roles in iconic films like “Samanja,” “Zaman,” and “Duniya Iyawa Ne,” the actor, writer, and director was celebrated for his unique blend of Hausa, English, and pidgin English in his performances. His legacy as a trailblazer in Kannywood cinema will continue to resonate in the hearts of fans and fellow industry professionals.
