Adamu Wayya, best known as Danmaraya Jos, one of the most famous Nigerian musicians from the north is dead. He was aged 69.

In an announcement by his close associate, Ladan Salihu, the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), on his Facebook wrote:

“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.

“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. I remember when he insisted that my late father gave out the his (Danmaraya’s) adopted daughter’s hand in marriage some 15 years ago.

“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. May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaws. Amin. For the record he was a recipient of the National Honours of MON, OON and United Nations Peace Medal.”