In the year 2023, the entertainment industry witnessed several deaths in Nollywood and the music industry. While some passed away due to illness, others died mysteriously, throwing the industry into deep shock.
Here, we take a look at some of the celebrities that have died in 2023 and the legacies they left behind.
January 2023, unfortunately, began with the passing of one of Nollywood practitioners Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe died on Tuesday, January 10, in a hospital in Lagos State.
Anyiam-Osigwe founded the Africa Film Academy in 2005, with the award ceremony reputed to be one of the most recognised awards for Africans in film-making.
In 2020, she emerged as the National President of The Association of Movie Producers. On the 19th edition of this year’s AMAA, Peace was highly recognised for her contribution to the movie industry and several tributes were paid to honour her.
Also in January, veteran actor Sunday Akanbi Akinola who became popular for his role as Mogaji in the series Feyikogbon which aired on NTA channel 7 in southwestern Nigeria, died of kidney failure at the age of 80.
On January 14, actor Femi Ogunrombi who played the role of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series was announced dead. His character in the TV comedy series was known for his portly belly and hitting his head while saying “Ojigbigbigbi.”
The month of February came with the death of comedian and actress Favour Daniels who died at age 26. She allegedly died in a boat accident.
Veteran actor Fadeyi Oloro, died on Tuesday, March 7, at the age of 66, after a protracted illness. Fadeyi Oloro is popularly known for his oratory skills in reciting Yoruba incantations. He rose to fame after acting in the movie Arelu.
Another big blow to the entertainment industry was the death of Obinna Nwafor better known as Saint Obi who died at the age of 57 on May 7, 2023. The actor passed on after battling with an undisclosed ailment. He was laid to rest on August 18, 2023, in his hometown, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.
In 2001, he produced his first movie titled, Take Me to Maama. He also acted in many movies including, State of Emergency, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Festival of Fire and Heart of Gold.
While the industry was still trying to get over the shock caused by Saint Obi’s death, another actor Murphy Afolabi died a few days later.
Murphy Afolabi passed away on May 14, 2023, just a few days after celebrating his 49th birthday. He was said to have fallen down in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, that Sunday morning. Born on May 5, 1974, Murphy began acting at a young age. The actor shot to fame following his role in the movie Omo Rapala.
Ada Ameh, Sola Onayiga, other Nollywood stars that have died in 2022
The industry was thrown into panic again a few months later following the shocking death of singer Mohbad who died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27 under questionable circumstances, with videos of the singer being bullied and assaulted resurfacing after his demise. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing at the time of filing this report.
Other celebrities who died in 2023 are veteran actor Adedigba Mukaila who died on May 13, musician Chris Mba, who died on May 3 after a long battle with heart issues.
Actor Chikezie Uwazie died on May 14 after undergoing brain surgery, Afeez Agoro Oladimeji who was widely regarded as the tallest man in Nigeria, passed away on June 15 after a prolonged illness, actress Cindy Amadi who is known for her role in the lesbian-themed movie titled Ife, died in September, actor Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi, popularly known as Suara in Super Story, died on September 24, actor Don Brymo who died a month after Saint Obi and another actor Natty Bruce who passed on in November.
