The Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has been struck by a devastating wave of deaths among its prominent actors and actresses in the year 2024.
1)Deji Aderemi.
The string of losses began on January 4th with the passing of veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known by his stage name Olofa Ina. The 73-year-old succumbed to a battle with cancer in Lagos.
2) Ethel Ekpe.
A month later, another iconic actress, Ethel Ekpe, died on February 7th after a long struggle with the same disease. Ekpe was well-known for her role as 'Segi' on the classic NTA sitcom "Basi and Company".
3)Sisi Quadri.
The tragic trend continued in March, with the deaths of two more stars. On March 1st, 44-year-old Yoruba actor Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, better known as Sisi Quadri, passed away.
Mr. Ibu.
This was followed just a day later by the demise of revered comedian John Okafor, fondly called Mr. Ibu, at the age of 62.
5)Amaechi Muonagor.
The industry was struck by another blow three weeks later, with the death of veteran actor Amaechi Muonagor on March 24th. Muonagor had been battling kidney disease for an extended period and had recently appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to fund a much-needed transplant abroad.
6)Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu.
The somber procession of losses continued in the following months. On March 7th, actress Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, known for her role as 'Esther' in the popular TV series "Jenifa's Diary", passed away.
7)Zulu Adigwu.
Veteran actors Zulu Adigwu also died on the 23rd of june, 2024.
8)Dayo Adewunmi.
The somber toll continued into June, with the passing of seasoned performers, On June 12th, Dayo Adewunmi, better known by his stage name Sule Suebebe, breathed his last.
9) Junior Pope.
Popular Nollywood actor John Odonwodo, better known as Junior Pope died in 2024. The 43-year-old actor died alongside four others on April 10, 2024 when their boat capsized in the River Niger while returning from a movie shoot.
10) Stella Ikwuegbu.
veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Ikwuegbu, who passed away in June 16, 2024. Her death was disclosed by movie producer, Stanley Ontop, on his official Instagram page.According to him, Ikwuegbu died after a prolonged battle with leg cancer.