For decades, Nigeria’s film industry, sometimes known as Nollywood, has served as a beacon of entertainment and cultural expression. Nollywood, with its wide cast of outstanding performers and intriguing stories, has grabbed the hearts of people in Nigeria and around the world.
However, the beginning of 2024 has brought a sad tone, as the industry has had to say goodbye to several of its most beloved actors. The untimely deaths of these actors have left a vacuum in the hearts of fans and colleagues, and their contributions to the film industry will be greatly missed. This article pays respect to seven Nollywood performers whose deaths have been lamented since the beginning of the year.
1. Olofa Ina (Deji Aderemi)
The year began on a sad note, with the death of legendary Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, also known as Olofa Ina. He died on January 4, 2024, at the age of 73. The thespian, known for his contributions to the Yoruba cinema industry, died of cancer in Lagos State. His death mourned the loss of a revered icon whose performances had an indelible impact on Nollywood.
2. Ethel Ekpe
Ethel Ekpe, a veteran actress, died on February 7, 2024. Ekpe, best known for her role as ‘Segi’ in the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom ‘Basi and Company,’ died from cancer. Her death at the age of 60 was a big loss to Nigeria’s entertainment sector, where she was a well-known and beloved figure.
3. Sisi Quadri
On March 1, 2024, Yoruba actor Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, well known as Sisi Quadri, died, which shook the Nollywood community even more. He was only 44 years old. Sisi Quadri, known for his colorful performances, died unexpectedly, and colleagues and admirers alike lamented his loss. Tributes flooded in, with actress Abiola Bayo writing on Instagram: “You will be deeply missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in complete peace.”
4. Mr. Ibu
Nollywood comedy actor John Okafor, often known as Mr. Ibu, died at the age of 62. His death was announced just a day after Sisi Quadri’s, shocking the entertainment industry. Mr. Ibu was well-known for his comedic parts, which brought laughter to numerous homes. His impact as a significant character in Nollywood’s comedy genre will live on for years to come.
5. Amaechi Muonagor
Amaechi Muonagor, a 62-year-old Nollywood actor, has away due to a prolonged illness.
Morris Monye, a social analyst, announced this on Sunday via his X Twitter. Muonagor was believed to have kidney failure and was undergoing dialysis.
He was an actor and producer. In 2016, he was nominated for the AMVCA 2017 Best Actor in a Comedy.
6. Junior Pope
Pope Odonwodo, a Nollywood actor also known as Junior Pope, has died.
On Wednesday, April 10, filmmaker Samuel Olatunji announced his death.
He stated the star and three others died when their boat capsized.
“Four performers, including Jnr Pope, fell into the Anam River on their way to a location, and their bodies were discovered.
“What a sad day for Nollywood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Olatunji wrote on his Instagram page.
7. Zulu Adigwe
Zulu Adigwe, the renowned Nigerian actor best known for his performance in the 1986 sitcom ‘Basi and Company’, died on Tuesday April 23.
Adigwe spent his early years in Enugu State. He eventually moved to Austria, where he finished his elementary and secondary school.
His passion in performing began at the age of seven. He had his first television debut in ‘Basi and Company’, where he played the principal character, Mr. B.
The ace actor also sang the series’ theme song, and an album named ‘Mr. B Makes His Millions’ was produced by Polygram Nigeria in 1990.
Adigwe was known for his paternal and regal roles in Nollywood films. He appeared in several films, including ‘Living Abroad’, ‘Checkmate’, ’45 Minutes’, and ‘City of Kings’.
