Bauchi-born musician John Zuya, popularly known as John Mai Molo, has died under distressing circumstances.
He reportedly died on Saturday morning, in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State after consuming a meal suspected to be poisoned.
Mai Molo had recently returned from Lagos on October 16, where he performed at several cultural events. Shortly after eating at home, he fell ill and collapsed. He was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Fellow musician and close friend Emma Wakili confirmed the death on Facebook, saying, “It is confirmed that John Zuya passed on this morning at 7:00 a.m. His body has been placed in the mortuary as we move forward with the investigation.”
He later added, “One of the most terrifying and painful moments of my life has been losing John Zuya. More than a friend, he was a brother. We shared dreams, made plans, and believed in a future full of promise. Now, he’s gone.”
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, with Bauchi State police examining the possibility of food poisoning as the cause.
John Mai Molo was celebrated for his mastery of the molo, a traditional stringed lute and his efforts in preserving northern Nigeria’s indigenous music. He performed at weddings, festivals and community events, earning admiration and love from fans and fellow musicians alike.
