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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.

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The daughter of Nigerian legendary singer, 2Baba, and Annie, Isabel Idibia, has disclosed that her parents’ separation obviously affects her.

Recall that 2Baba announced his separation from Annie Idibia in February 2025 and got married to Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru.

Isabel, during an interview on Friday with Yanga FM, responded to questions about the impact of her parents’ separation.

Isabel admitted that the marriage breakup affected her, but things are now getting better.

The interviewer asked in Pidgin English: “Can we say the separation wey Papa and your Mama get, affect you?”

She answered: “I mean obviously yes, but things are getting better day by day.”

In other news, Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, better known as AY, has spoken about the possibility of 2Baba divorcing his wife cum Edo State lawmaker, Natasha.

AY made this known at Daddy Showkey’s 50 years on stage concert in Lagos.

While disclosing that 2Baba was his neighbour before his relationship with Natasha, the comedian cum Nigerian filmmaker explained that Natasha relocated 2Baba to Edo State and Abuja.

AY also playfully mocked 2Baba regarding his ongoing marital crisis with Natasha, hinting at the singer’s possibility of ending the marriage and returning to singlehood.

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Former Big Brother Naija housemate Kess has opened up about the challenges contestants may face after leaving the reality television show, saying life can become significantly more complicated once the cameras stop rolling.

Kess made the observation while reacting to recent comments by fellow former housemate Danboskid, who publicly discussed some of the personal difficulties he has experienced since leaving the show.

According to Kess, the challenges associated with life after BBNaija are not necessarily determined by whether a contestant wins the competition or exits without the grand prize.

He explained that the experience of being on the reality show can change a contestant’s life in ways that may bring additional pressure and expectations after returning to the outside world.

Kess said the transition from the highly publicised environment of the BBNaija house to normal life can be difficult, particularly as former housemates have to deal with increased public attention and expectations.

His comments came after Danboskid, whose real name is Daniel Olatunji, spoke about his current circumstances and acknowledged that things had not gone as smoothly as he would have wanted.

Danboskid reportedly said he was tired of trying to maintain an image created for him by others and wanted to be more open about his actual situation as he works towards rebuilding his life.

The former housemate also made it clear that he was not seeking pity or financial assistance, but would welcome genuine advice and support.

Reacting to the development, Kess suggested that Danboskid’s experience was an example of the difficulties some reality stars can encounter after leaving the programme.

He maintained that participation in BBNaija can bring opportunities and visibility, but can also introduce pressures that contestants may not have experienced before appearing on the show.

Kess’s remarks have drawn attention to the often-overlooked realities of life after reality television, as former housemates attempt to turn their newfound popularity into sustainable careers and personal stability.