Tribute to an unrivalled Arewa comedy Icon

The well-known face on our television screens, passed away after a protracted illness at Annur Hospital, Kano. The comedy iconthat bears the stage name Dan Ibro,died at the age of 43 years. Before his demise last Wednesday, he was one of the success stories in the Hausa cinema, otherwise referred to as Kannywood, especially for his leading roles in many movies. Ice Tun Yana Danye (Bend a stick when it is still fresh), JahilciYa Fi Hauka (Ignorance is worse than madness),Kauran Mata(Hero among women), Hassana da Hussaina(Hassana and Hussaina), Ibro Ebola and Karangiya (Controversy), to mention but a few.   
I have always been very fascinated by his films because with Dan Ibro on the screen, there is never a dull moment – one needs no other antidote to sorrow or distress. He was a specialist in arousing laughter. Certainly, he was not the pioneer of comedy in the northernpart of the country. Tumbuleke and Boloko preceded him in the profession.But it’s no exaggeration to say that he hasoutdone them all.He was one of a kind, who arrived like an alien because of his creativity, but ended up touching many. His improvisational skills became a model for a new generation of stand-up comedians. The post-Dan IbroKannywood is forever less brighter, colourful and humorous.
Dan Ibro was born in Danlasan in Warawalocal government area of Kano State in 1971. He had both his primary and secondary educationin the same town. He attendedTeachers College Wudil, from where he was recruited into the Nigerian Prisons Service in 1991. He rose to the rank of Inspector before he retired and ventured into acting. He had been acting right from his secondary school days but became prominent after he left the prisons service. He is survived by his parents, four wives and 17 children.
Malam Dare who served as Ibro’s manager for years said: “Rabilu took ill in Kebbi State during a political rally. We had to abandon the campaign tour and return home when he complained that he wasn’t feeling fine. After two days he was taken to India where he was diagnosed with a kidney problem. He returned to Nigeria after spending a few days in the Indian hospital and he seemed to have gotten better, only to fall sick again after a few days. We rushed him to a private hospital in Kano where he was pronounced dead.”
My one-off encounter with the deceased was in Kaduna some timein 2008. It was after we parted that I recognised him. This might not be unrelated with his humble nature.
He was jailed several times for acting in movies believed to be violating KanoState Censorship Board.
Ibro was a hardworking, talented, self-reliant,and passionate person who offered substantial contribution to the growth of Kannywood. May his soul rest in perfect peace!