By Aderoju Israel
Quite a number of prominent individuals in Nigeria have lost their lives in 2021. The Nigerian entertainment industry, in particular, has so far witnessed painful deaths. Some died from COVID complications or health issues, others old age.
We’ve pooled together some of the Nigerian celebrities who have passed on since the beginning of the year.
1) Sound Sultan
Popular rapper, Lanre Fasasi, aka Sound Sultan, died on Sunday, July 11.
The multi-talented musician died after a long battle with throat cancer, at the age of 44.
His elder brother, Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee, confirmed the heartbreaking incident on his Instagram page. “To Allah we belong and to him we shall return,” he wrote.
2) Sadiq Daba
Veteran broadcaster and Nollywood actor, Sadiq Daba, died on Wednesday, March 3.
He battled with leukemia and prostate cancer before his demise. The ace broadcaster went public with his illness in November 2017.
His last movie appearance was in Kunle Afolayan’s movie , ‘Citation’ which was released in October 2020.
3) Rachael Oniga
Veteran actress, Rachel Oniga, breathed her last on Friday, July 30.
The ‘Owo Blow’ actress began her acting career in 1993.
In her career, she also featured in popular films and drama series like The Wedding Party, 30 Days in Atlanta, Doctor Bello and the popular Wale Adenuga’s television series, Super Story, to mention a few.
4) Bruno Iwuoha
Veteran actor, Bruno Iwuoha, died on Friday April 10, after a prolonged battle with diabetes, at the age of 68.
Iwuoha hailed from the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area in Umunumo Umuanunu, Imo state.
5) Dokta Frabz
Ace Nigerian producer, Ayorinde Faboro aka Dokta Frabz, reportedly died of gunshot in the US. He was aged 35.
News of his death fast spread on social media on February 27, as other celebrities dropped their condolence messages.
6) Folake Aremu ‘Orisabunmi’
Veteran Nollywood actress, Folake Aremu popularly known as Orisabunmi, lost her life on January 6, at the age of 60.
The late actress achieved fame in the 80s when she starred in the TV series Arelu, alongside her ex-husband, Jimoh Aliu also known as Aworo, and the likes of Fadeyi Oloro.
7) DJ Babus
Popular Nigerian celebrity disk jockey, DJ Babus, died from COVID-19 complications on January 29.
Born Babatunde Bello, the Lagos-based DJ, had a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. He also founded his own company known as Crates and Vinyl Entertainment.
8) Ada Jesus
Nigerian comedienne, Mmesoma Mercy Obi, popularly known as Ada Jesus, gave up the ghost on April 21, after a protracted battle with kidney disease.
Her death came after her face-off with Rita Edochie, and Prophet Odumeje, a controversial clergyman, was resolved.
9) Abiodun Aleja
Nollywood actor, Abiodun Aleja, lost his life on Friday, May 21.
Aleja took ill and was admitted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) where he had his last breath
He was a contributor to several Nollywood flicks and a collaborator with Kunle Afolayan and Tunde Kelani.
10) Victor Olaotan
Veteran actor Victor Olaotan, best known for his role in the Nigerian TV series ‘Tinsel,’ died on Thursday, August 26.
The 69-year-old was bedridden for five years after he was involved in a ghastly accident in 2016.
In 2018, the actor requested financial aid to facilitate his treatments outside the country, after two years of being incapacitated. Shortly after, Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, agreed to settle his bill of about N39m.
11) Ifeanyi Dike
Veteran Nollywood actor, Ifeanyi Dike, died on Friday, August 27, after a long battle with a kidney-related ailment.
Dike had been hospitalised and colleagues were raising money for medical treatment. He was the Board of Trustees Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
News of his death came shortly after Victor Olaotan’s death.
12) Sir Victor Uwaifo
Legendary highlife musician, Sir Victor Uwaifo, aged 80, was confirmed dead on Saturday in Benin City.
The news of his death was disclosed by Uwaifo Peter de Rock, who is said to be one of his children, via his Facebook page.
The music icon, popular for releasing the hit tracks, “Joromi” and “Mammy Water”, was a multi-instrumentalist and a renowned virtual artist.
