“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. – Rumi”

We remember the life of Matthew Alkali who played ‘Dareng’ on Nigeria’s Northern telenovela, Halita.

Alkali met his in 2020 demise on a film set in a village near Keffi, Nasarawa State.

There had been rumours that the actor had died from complications related to COVID-19, however they were debunked when Nigerian film maker Dambo Atiya released a statement that read:

"ATTENTION! FAMILIAR GROUNDS WILL LIKE TO SWIFTLY ATTEND TO THIS FALSEHOOD BY @kemiolunloyo. First of all our condolences again to the family of late Matt Alkali. It is sad that the facts of this situation have been turned around to mislead the general public on the death of this amazing young actor. MATT ALKALI was not filming on the HALITA set as Familiar Grounds Media officially closed set mon 23rd in conforming with the plea by Govt. All cast and crew of Halita were disengaged. MATT ALKALI had stopped filming about a month ago. 2. The "set" he was working on was a different film project by some independent producers from Masaka in Karu. He was said to be on the location of the project since Sunday. 3. Alkali Matt had blood clot condition for a long time, something he had managed with othordox medcine. But sort local traditional solution recently, I spoke with him on phone just on Sat. 3. He was not at the AMVCA. 4. And even if he had a contact with anyone with COVID 19 here in Abuja he will still be in the incubating period. (If he did come in contact with the virus, it was not on the set of HALITA or through anyone on that project as it is speculated. 5. Kemi as a journalist did not contact me the Executive Producer or Mr Bem the Series Producer for clarifications before going to press with this malicious publication, her journalistic competence at this point is questionable. 6. Untill she has solid proven facts that his death was caused by COVID 19 or he came in contact with anyone with it, this is a figment of her imagination, fiction at best. 7. Familiar Grounds Media offered to carry an autopsy to know what happend to him, his family's wish was they are not interested, they will like to bury their son in peace. This can be verified from the officials at the FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER KEFFI which by the way is the hospital he was taken to. I am sure our dear madam journalist did not know that talk more of calling to confirm the facts. 8. MATT ALKALI will be transported home on fri for a burial on Sat. If the authorities or Miss Kemi is willing to perform an autopsy please there is a window of opprotunity for that to happen. DIMBO ATIYA Exec. Prod. HALIT"

Alkali's acting career began at 15 as part of a local church drama group, with his career taking off in 2010 after being introduced to a film producer.

During his career, he featured in several movies and worked with top-notch producers and directors. Some of the movies he featured in are ‘Six Pack’, ‘Trace’ and most recently. ‘Halita’.

He was not only a talented actor but also a singer, bass guitarist, songwriter and model. His work will live on to immortalise him.

Watch Halita daily on Novela Magic, DStv channel 165. If you want to join our Novela Magic fam conversations on the shows, find Novela Magic on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #NovelaMa