Zuya, a respected cultural performer known for his energetic stage presence and devotion to traditional music, had only just returned from Lagos on October 16, 2025, where he performed at several cultural events. According to reports, he fell ill and collapsed shortly after eating a suspected poisoned meal.
He was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A close associate and fellow musician, Emma Wakili, confirmed the tragic news in a Facebook post, revealing that Zuya passed away around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
“It’s a dark day for our music community. John Mai Molo has left us too soon,” Wakili wrote.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of death, but Zuya’s body has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy, as investigations continue.
Fans and fellow artists across northern Nigeria have since taken to social media to mourn the loss of the cultural icon, describing him as a custodian of tradition and a unifying voice for Hausa music.