Hausa comedian Tumbuleke dies in Kaduna at age 86

Veteran Hausa comedian Alhaji Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, widely known by his stage name Tumbuleke, has died in Kaduna at the age of 86. He passed away on Tuesday afternoon following a prolonged illness.

Gwarzo was a prominent figure in Hausa-language entertainment, most notably for his performances in the popular comedy programme ‘Gidan Kashe Ahu’. The show was broadcast via the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) during the 1980s, establishing him as a household name for Hausa-speaking audiences.

His son, Tukur Sani Gwarzo, confirmed the death and noted that funeral prayers were held at the family residence on Zaria Road in Kaduna on the day of his passing. Tributes have since emerged from fans, colleagues, and family members on social media, mourning his contribution to the development of Hausa comedy.