The Nigerian music scene has been thrown into mourning following the shocking death of renowned traditional musician, John Zuya, popularly known by fans as John Mai Molo, who reportedly died after eating a poisoned meal in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to local reports, the late singer celebrated for his mastery of traditional melodies and cultural storytelling had only just returned from Lagos on October 16, 2025, where he performed at a series of cultural events and festivals.
Friends say he was in high spirits and spoke excitedly about upcoming projects that were meant to further promote indigenous Bauchi music to national and international audiences.
However, tragedy struck shortly after his return. Sources close to the family revealed that Mai Molo began feeling unwell after consuming a meal on Friday evening. His condition reportedly worsened within hours, and he collapsed suddenly, prompting neighbours and relatives to rush him to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi.
Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning, around 7:00 a.m. on October 18, 2025.
A fellow musician and close friend, Emma Wakili, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post, writing:
“We have lost a legend. John Mai Molo passed away this morning. May his soul rest in peace.”
His remains have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary pending an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, while the police are said to have launched an investigation into the suspected food poisoning.
Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes, describing John Mai Molo as a cultural icon who used music to preserve northern Nigerian traditions and uplift the Hausa folk sound.
His untimely death marks a devastating loss for Nigeria’s traditional music community, which continues to mourn a man many described as “the voice of the people and the soul of Bauchi.”
