Esteemed actor Usman Baba Pategi, widely known as Samanja Mazan Fama, has passed away at the age of 84. The renowned film actor, based in Kaduna, breathed his last around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday. Mohammad Usman, one of his sons, confirmed the sad news, disclosing that his father is survived by two wives.
“He departed at the age of 84, leaving behind two wives and 12 children,” Mohammad revealed.
The funeral prayer took place at 10 a.m. at a mosque in Kabala Costain, Kaduna.
In the 1960s, Usman Baba Pategi enlisted in the Nigerian Army, responding to a call from an Army captain during the Nigerian Civil War who was seeking volunteers in Northern Nigeria. He left the Broadcasting Corporation and underwent training at the Signal Training School, Apapa. Serving under General Sani Abacha and General Sani Sami, he eventually retired in 1985. Subsequently, he pursued a career in acting and drama at FRCN Kaduna, directing and writing movies. His name, Samanja Maza Fama, was a title signifying Sergeant-Major (SerMajor) reflecting his military background.
Pategi, alongside Chika Apala, known as (Zebrudaya), were honoured guests at the art theatre dinner hosted by the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP).
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