Renowned traditional musician, John Zuya, widely known as John Mai Molo, who was celebrated for promoting Hausa traditional music and cultural heritage, reportedly died on Saturday morning, October 18, 2025.

According to close associate, John had just returned from Lagos on October 16, after a series of performances at cultural events.

According to close associate, Jeremy Nyuwa who confirmed John Zuya’s passing via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Finally confirmed the passing away of John Zuya the legendary Zaar (Sayawa) musician. The Zaar tribe is shaken by this unspeakable tragedy.

“His hit song, Shawarana zuwa sarakunawa, “a bar matasa su mori duniya” among many others, lives on and popular with the youths. RIP,” Jeremy said.

Zuya had recently returned from Lagos on October 16, 2025, where he performed at several cultural events before his tragic passing.

John Zuya passed away on October 18, 2025, after allegedly consuming poisoned food at home in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

He was rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, where he was pronounced dead around 7:00 a.m.

His body has been deposited in the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy as investigations continue into the cause of death.