Entertainment
Prominent Entertainers Nigeria Mourned In 2023
In 2023, the Nigerian entertainment industry mourned the loss of several remarkable talents, leaving behind a legacy worth celebrating.
1. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe:
Renowned filmmaker and President of the Association of Movie Producers, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, passed away on January 10, 2023, leaving behind a rich contribution to African film-making.
2. Sunday Akanbi Akinola:
Veteran actor Sunday Akanbi Akinola, famous for his role as “Mogaji” in the ’80s series “Feyikogbon,” succumbed to kidney failure on January 9, 2023, at the age of 80.
3. Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco):
Fondly remembered for his role as Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series, Femi Ogunrombi passed away on January 14, 2023, leaving fans to cherish his iconic “Ojigbigbigbi” moments.
4. Favour Daniels:
Nigerian comedian and actress Favour Daniels, known for her social media skits, tragically died at the age of 26 on February 5, 2023, in a boat accident.
5. Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro):
Veteran actor Ojo Arowosafe, popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, renowned for his oratory skills in Yoruba incantations, passed away on March 7, 2023, after battling a prolonged illness.
6. Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi):
Veteran actor and movie producer Obinna Nwafor, aka Saint Obi, bid farewell on May 7, 2023, after a battle with an undisclosed ailment, leaving behind a notable filmography.
7. Adedigba Mukaila (Alafin Oro):
Veteran actor Adedigba Mukaila, widely known as ‘Alafin Oro,’ passed away on May 13, 2023, leaving behind a memorable contribution to the Nigerian entertainment scene.
8. Murphy Afolabi:
Yoruba actor and filmmaker Murphy Afolabi, who celebrated his 49th birthday just days before, passed away on May 14, 2023, after an unfortunate fall in his bathroom.
9. Chikezie Uwazie:
Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie, who underwent brain surgery in the United States, sadly passed away on May 14, 2023, as announced by colleague Obey Etok.
10. Chris Mba:
Veteran pop singer Chris Mba, known for hits like ‘Funky Situation’ and ‘Love Everlasting,’ succumbed to heart issues on May 3, 2023.
11. Afeez Agoro Oladimeji:
Popular Nollywood actor Afeez Agoro Oladimeji, recognized as the tallest man in Nigeria, passed away on June 15, leaving behind a unique presence.
12. Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad):
Nigerian artiste Mohbad, aged 27, faced questionable circumstances leading to his demise on September 12, 2023, with videos of bullying and assault resurfacing posthumously.
13. Cindy Amadi:
Nollywood actress Cindy Amadi, known for her role in the movie “Ife,” passed away in September 2023, as disclosed by the producers of the film.
14. Oluyemi Adeyemi (Suara):
Veteran Nollywood actor Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi, popularly known as Suara, left the stage on September 24, 2023, after making a mark in the 2001 Wale Adenuga hit series, ‘Super Story.’
Entertainment
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
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The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Entertainment
Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
READ MORE: Davido Announces 2025 Album 5IVE, Drops Single ‘Funds’
The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Entertainment
Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives
Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
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The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.