The death of Sheriff Rabiu Usman-Baba, a famous religious singer based in Kano, who died on Thursday in his Kano residence, was received with shock.

The famous musician who was in his early fifties became famous in the late eighties and early nineties.

His songs were mostly praised songs for the Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon him and songs which shaped people’s attitudes towards religious inclinations.

After a protracted illness, the deceased left behind a wife and many children.

Many residents were shocked to receive the news of his death and extended prayers for the repose of his soul.

Some residents who spoke with NAN expressed optimism that the deceased had received mercy, having died in the Holy month.

Malam Wada Abdulhamid said that the singer had brought a new era of religious praise singing in the Hausaland and that was what made him famous.

“I can recall that he started singing with heavy musical instrument which was new then and he became famous amongst youths.”

Women in Kano also mourn the deceased as Hajiya Hassana Abubakar said she even wept when she received the news of his death.

The social media also was flooded with prayers and pictures of the deceased where many people quoted some parts of his songs and offered prayers for him.

Daily Nigerian with NAN report.