For industry watchers and players, 2023 was an intriguing year for the Nigerian entertainment industry as the year was characterised by scintillating incidences and some unpleasant occurrences, especially in the music and film industries.
A retrospective look at the year highlights both shocking and thrilling moments that defined both the music and motion pictures genres of the entertainment industry:
Demise of artistes
The year started with the shocking news of the death of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the national president of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), on January 10 in Lagos.
Anyiam-Osigwe, popularly called “the Queen of Nollywood Films”, was the founder of the globally acclaimed film award ceremony Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
Also, veteran actor, Sunday Akanbi Akinola, died on January 9 at the age of 80.
He became popular for his role as Mogaji in the series Feyikogbon which aired on NTA channel 7 in southwestern Nigeria in the 1980s.
Ace actor, Femi Ogunrombi, who played the role of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series, died on Jan. 14, 2023.
Ogunrombi’s character in the TV comedy series was known for his portly belly and hitting his head while saying “Ojigbigbigbi.”
On February 5, Nigerian comedian and actress, Favour Daniels, who gained popularity through her skits on social media, reportedly died in a boat accident aged 26.
Another sad news that hit the industry was the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Ojo Arowosafe, popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro on March 7 at the age of 66 after a protracted illness.
The death of Nollywood’s foremost superstar Obinna Nwafor, alias Saint Obi, was another sad incident that shocked the industry in 2023.
The ace thespian died on May 7, at the age of 57, after battling with an undisclosed ailment, and was buried on August 18 at his hometown, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.
Popular Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Murphy Afolabi, passed on May 14 some days after celebrating his 49th birthday.
Murphy, who began acting at a young age, came to stardom with his role in the movie Omo Rapala.
Also, ace Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie died on May 14 after undergoing brain surgery in the U.S.
Legendary pop singer, Chris Mba, died on Wednesday, May 3.
The musician, who was famous in the 1980s for his jerry curl and hits like ‘Funky Situation’, ‘Baby Don’t Cry’, ‘Making My Way’ and ‘Love Everlasting’, died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Popular Nollywood actor, Afeez Agoro, widely regarded as the tallest man in Nigeria (7ft 4in), passed on June 15 after a prolonged illness.
The intimidating height of the actor, who featured in many movies, attracted stares wherever he went.
The death of fast-rising Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, on September 12 was another shocking news for the industry.
The artiste died at the age of 27 under questionable circumstances, with videos of the singer being bullied and assaulted resurfacing after his demise which sparked protests in Lagos State with the hashtag “Justice for Mohbad”.
He was known for his hit songs ‘Feel Good’, ‘Peace’, ‘Ponmo’, ‘Beast and Peace’, ‘Sorry’ and ‘Ko Por Ke’ among others.
Nollywood actor Oluyemi Adeyemi, popularly known as ‘Suara’ for his role in the 2001 Wale Adenuga hit series ‘Super Story,’ also died on September 24.
Grammy Awards
It was not only deaths that the industry recorded as Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, became the first female Nigerian artiste to win a Grammy award as she won the Best Melodic Rap Performance category at the 2023 ceremony which took place on February 5.
Tems won her first Grammy award for her part in Future’s 2022 hit single ‘Wait For U’ featuring Drake.
Nigerian music superstars, Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake and Olamide have received nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards scheduled to hold on February 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United States.
Ailing Nollywood actors
In 2023, there were reports of seasoned Nollywood actors grappling with critical health conditions, with some opting to solicit for financial help from their fans and well-meaning Nigerians.
These actors, who have thrilled Nigerians with their acting skills over the years, are now turning to fans and well-wishers for support as they face life-threatening health challenges.
The shocking news of the ailment of comic actor John Okafor, popularly as Mr Ibu, came to the public when he shared a video soliciting funds and prayer from Nigerians over his health.
According to confirmed reports the actor has undergone seven surgeries but to keep him alive, one of his legs has been amputated and he is currently recuperating.
Also, veteran Nollywood actor Amaechi Muonagor made a heartfelt plea for support over health challenges.
The 61-year-old actor disclosed that he is contending with paralysis, which has significantly affected his left leg and left hand.
Another thespian, Ifeanyi Ezeokeke, recognised for his role as ‘Ugo Shave Me’ in Nollywood has turned to social media to request financial help because of an undisclosed illness that has afflicted him for over two years.
As 2024 evolves stakeholders and waters of developments in the industry are hoping for more positives than negatives.
Written by Joshua Olomu
