TRIBUTE
Legendary actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba, who since 2017 had been fighting a losing with prostate cancer and leukaemia, eventually succumbed to death by these ailments on Wednesday, March 3. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes
This was how it used to be like back then: Nigerian Television Authorityâs estimated 30 million viewers would hear Bongos Ikwueâs sonorous voice and know that it was time for Cockcrow at Dawn. That voice, which was accompanied by the strum of his guitar, had the effect of a pheromone on families across Nigeria, keeping them glued to their television sets.
Cockcrow at Dawn â which shared the same title as its music â used to feature many colourful characters, among whom was Bitrus. And the character Bitrus â played by Abubakar Sadiq Daba who died on Wednesday, March 3 â had remained evergreen in the television audienceâs memory.
Sadiq Daba, renowned actor and broadcaster, dies at age 69
A little over three years after announcing his recuperation from prostate cancer and leukaemia in a London hospital, renowned actor, broadcaster, producer and director, Sadiq Abubakar Daba died on Wednesday evening in Lagos. For more than four decades, Dabaâs name has been engraved in public consciousness, thanks to his role as âBitrusâ in the rested Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) soap opera, âCock Crow at Dawnâ. As one of the few professionals who could give a good account of themselves either on live stage or on television and silver screen, Daba plied his trade with admiration. At the emergence of the Nigerian film industry, Daba was also not afraid to offer his experience and versatility.