Kannywood actor, Umar Ascon, popularly known for portraying Alhaji Lado Mai Barkono in the long-running television series Garwashi, has died after battling a prolonged illness. Naija News learnt that Kannywood producer and neighbour, Abubakar Yahaya Matinko, confirmed Ascon’s demise. The actor reportedly died on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The movie star is survived by his pregnant wife and two daughters. Umar Ascon’s funeral prayer was held at Al-Masjlisul Islami Mosque, near Gade-Gade Filling Station, where he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites. Before venturing into the film industry, Ascon was a businessman operating at Hotoro Depot in Kano. He later gained recognition in Kannywood through his role in Garwashi and appearances in other Hausa films, including Wata Shida and Manyan Mata. In related news, veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, Toun Soetan, popularly known as Evangelist Shouet, has died at the age of 73. The respected evangelist and gospel music icon was widely recognised as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has remained a staple in churches across Nigeria. Reacting to her passing, a former Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria, Kunle Bakare, described the late singer as a spiritually gifted minister whose music carried deep messages. “The late gospel music player will also be remembered for her music college, where she trained so many gospel music players, most of whom are reigning today,” Bakare said.