Zainab Abdullahi, widely known by her stage name Zainab Zee Diamond, has passed away after a long battle with illness that kept her under medical care for an extended period.
The veteran actress died in Kaduna State, Nigeria, in the early hours of Monday, September 7, shortly after the Fajr prayer.
Her family announced the news using the Islamic phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” a reflection of her Muslim faith and a sign of the community’s grief.
Who was Zainab Zee Diamond?
Zainab was a celebrated figure in Nigeria’s Hausa-language film industry, affectionately known as Kannywood.
Her performances earned her a loyal following across northern Nigeria and beyond, where audiences grew up watching her bring memorable characters to life on screen.
She rose to particular prominence through her appearances in the widely watched Hausa-language series Labarina, where she portrayed two beloved characters, Maman Bintalo and Talatuwa.
The roles cemented her status as one of the most recognisable faces in Kannywood, and her on-screen presence left a lasting impression on generations of viewers who grew up with the series.
Beyond her acting, Zainab was deeply respected for the way she used her craft to champion Hausa culture, traditions and values.
Colleagues and fans consistently praised her dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of her community through storytelling.
Her legacy is that of a trailblazer, one of the veteran figures who helped build the local film industry into the thriving industry it is today. She leaves behind a body of work that will continue to entertain and inspire audiences long after her passing.
Tributes pour in
News of her passing sent a wave of sorrow through the Kannywood community, with actors, filmmakers, musicians and fans all coming forward to express their grief.
Musician Real Buroshi Mawaka Sokoto was among those who publicly mourned her death, a sign of just how widely she was respected across the Nigerian entertainment landscape.
@Balkisu Jibril:
“May the Almighty Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”
@Zaynab Sulaiman Giwa:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah be pleased with her soul.”
@Yakubu Yisa:
“May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”
@Ibrahim Ustaz Biliyaminu:
“May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
@Itz Abdul Kwandare:
“May Almighty Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. Amen. 🙌”
