Music icon, Danmaraya Jos, dies at 69

One of the most celebrated musician from Northern Nigeria Adamu Wayya is dead.

Wayya, who is best known as Danmaraya Jos, was aged 69.

The announcement of his death was made by his close associate, Ladan Salihu – who is  the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) – on his Facebook.

According to Salihu, “Inaa Lillaahi Wa Innaa ilaiHir raaji'un. One of Nigeria's foremost Hausa musicians, poet, philosopher and philanthropist, Dr Adamu Danmaraya Jos has answered Allah's call about an hour ago.

“He died in Jos after a protracted illness. When I visited him two weeks ago, he spoke passionately about the Unity of the North and of one Nigeria. I remember when he insisted that my late father gave out the his (Danmaraya's) adopted daughter's hand in marriage some 15 years ago.

“We shared many moments. He was to me a brother and a friend. I am devastated. But I am proud he lived a very useful life, transforming society through music and silently through Islamic endeavours. May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaws. Amin. For the record he was a recipient of the National Honours of MON, OON and United Nations Peace Medal.”

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has described the deceased as custodian of culture and tradition.

In a condolence message released by his media office,  Atiku eulogized  the virtues of the late traditional musician.

The former Vice President said  that for many decades, Danmaraya defined music and entertainment on the Plateau and across the length and breadth of Nigeria becoming an icon of our traditional music, and custodian of its culture and tradition.

He recalled that Dan Maraya Jos used music to contribute to national unity, peace and stability by preaching togetherness and common brotherhood of all Nigerians in the many beautiful lyrics he sang through the ages, adding that he would be sorely missed.

Atiku said further that the late Dan Maraya Jos lived a simple life, and a life of moderation which is the reason for his long life. He regretted that to pass away at this time is a big loss to Nigerians who would sorely miss the harmony and joy which he generated through his music.

He urged the people of Plateau State, and indeed all Nigerians to take his death as an expression of the will of God and honor his memory by living together in peace, harmony and unity.

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