Nigeria:Prominent Nigerian Entertainers Lost in 2023
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
In the realm of Nigerian entertainment, 2023 marked a year of profound loss as the industry bid farewell to several luminaries. Let’s pay tribute to their impactful legacies and celebrate the vibrant lives they led.
1. **Peace Anyiam-Osigwe**
– A pioneering filmmaker and President of the Association of Movie Producers, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, passed away on January 10 in Lagos. She was instrumental in founding the Africa Film Academy in 2005.
2. **Sunday Akanbi Akinola**
– Renowned actor, Sunday Akanbi Akinola, known for his role as “Mogaji” in the ’80s series “Feyikogbon,” succumbed to kidney failure on January 9 at the age of 80.
3. **Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco)**
– Femi Ogunrombi, famous for portraying Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series, passed away on January 14, 2023.
4. **Favour Agiounim Daniels**
– Comedian and actress Favour Daniels, known for her social media skits, tragically lost her life at the age of 26 in a boat accident on February 5.
5. **Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro)**
– Veteran actor Ojo Arowosafe, popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, departed on March 7 at the age of 66 after battling a prolonged illness.
6. **Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi)**
– Actor and producer Obinna Nwafor, also known as Saint Obi, passed away at 57 on May 7 after battling an undisclosed ailment.
7. **Adedigba Mukaila (Alafin Oro)**
– Actor Adedigba Mukaila, renowned as ‘Alafin Oro,’ passed away on May 13, 2023.
8. **Murphy Afolabi**
– Yoruba actor and filmmaker Murphy Afolabi passed away on May 14, 2023, shortly after celebrating his 49th birthday.
9. **Chikezie Uwazie**
– Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie passed away on May 14 after undergoing brain surgery in the United States.
10. **Chris Mba**
– Veteran pop singer Chris Mba, known for hits like ‘Funky Situation’ and ‘Baby Don’t Cry,’ succumbed to heart issues on May 3, 2023.
11. **Afeez Agoro**
– Afeez Agoro Oladimeji, the tallest man in Nigeria and a notable actor, passed away on June 15 after a prolonged illness.
12. **Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad)**
– Nigerian artiste Mohbad, known for hit songs like ‘Ko Por Ke,’ died on September 12 under questionable circumstances.
13. **Cindy Amadi**
– Nollywood actress Cindy Amadi, famous for her role in the lesbian-themed movie “Ife,” passed away in December 2023.
14. **Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi (Suara)**
– Veteran Nollywood actor Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi, popularly known as Suara, died on December, 2023.
Let’s remember these individuals for their invaluable contributions to the Nigerian entertainment landscape.
