Veteran Kannywood actress, Zainab Zee Diamond, has died after a prolonged illness.
Zainab reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, September 7, 2026, shortly after the Fajr prayer, following an extended period of medical treatment.
Her family confirmed her death in a statement, expressing grief over the loss and informing her colleagues, friends and fans.
The family also used the Islamic expression, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” meaning “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”
News of the actress’ death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, filmmakers and fans across the Kannywood industry.
Zainab was a familiar face in Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry centred largely in Kano and popular across northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Her colleagues and admirers have taken to social media to mourn her death, with many recalling her contributions to the Hausa entertainment industry and the memories she created for audiences over the years.
Details of her burial arrangements had not been officially announced as of the time of filing this report.
The family is expected to release further information on the funeral arrangements.
