Iconic Hausa musician, Dan Maraya Jos, is dead.
Dan Maraya Jos, whose real name was Adamu Wayya, died today, June 20, 2015, in Jos, Plateau State after a protracted illness.
His death was announced by his close friend and associate, Ladan Salihu via Facebook.
“Inaa Lillaahi Wa Innaa ilaiHir raaji’un. One of Nigeria’s foremost Hausa musicians, poet, philosopher and philanthropist, Dr Adamu Danmaraya Jos has answered Allah’s call about an hour ago,” Salihu, the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), wrote on his Facebook page at about 4pm.
“He died in Jos after a protracted illness. When I visited him two weeks ago, he spoke passionately about the Unity of the North and of one Nigeria. We shared many moments. He was to me a brother and a friend. I am devastated. But I am proud he lived a very useful life, transforming society through music and silently through Islamic endeavours,” he added.
Dan Maraya’s last known public performance was at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fund raising dinner in Abuja before the 2015 general elections.
He will be buried within the next 24 hours in accordance with Muslim rites.