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Remembering Legends: Nollywood, Gospel, and Media Icons Who Died In 2025

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The Nigerian entertainment and media industry experienced a year of profound loss in 2025, bidding farewell to several legends whose talents left lasting impressions on film, music, comedy, and journalism.

Fans, colleagues, and stakeholders have been reflecting on the contributions and legacies of these icons.

Asa Koko

Veteran Yoruba actor Asa Koko passed away on January 30, 2025, after battling illness for over two years.

SEE ALSO: ‘I Almost Died’– Funke Akindele Breaks Silence On Personal Struggles

Filmmaker Kunle Afod confirmed his death on Instagram, describing him as a key figure in Yoruba cinema whose distinctive acting style earned him recognition over a decade-long career.

Pat Ugwu (Sugar Girl)

Nollywood actress Patience Ugwu, popularly known as Sugar Girl, died on February 5 at the age of 35.

Known for films like Lack of Money and Port Harcourt Lady, she also ran a fitness and beauty business. Actor Emeka Okoye expressed his shock on Instagram, calling her death “frightening and unusual.”

Columbus Irosanga

Veteran actor Columbus Irosanga, famous for his native doctor roles in Nollywood films, passed on February 6, 2025.

He also served as a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, contributing decades of experience to film and television.

Anike Agbaje Williams

Broadcast pioneer Anike Agbaje Williams died on February 27 at 88 years old in Ibadan, Oyo State.

She was the first face on African television in 1959 and the first voice on the continent’s inaugural commercial radio station, leaving an enduring mark on African broadcasting.

Nkechi Nweje

Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje passed away on March 21 after a brief illness. Known for her emotional roles and strong screen presence, her passing prompted widespread grief across social media.

Bolaji Olanrewaju (Big Bolaji)

Gospel singer and pastor Big Bolaji died on April 19 at the age of 50 after a short illness. Widely respected in the gospel music and church communities, his music inspired many across Nigeria.

Kayode Peters

Film and theatre producer Kayode Peters passed away on June 28 in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness. Colleagues remembered him as a dedicated mentor and creative force in the industry.

Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran)

Veteran Yoruba actor Chief Kanran died in August 2025, leaving behind a legacy of humour and memorable performances in stage and film productions.

Adetola Samad (Sanku)

Comedian and skit maker Sanku died on September 1 in a car accident along Ogbomoso Road, Oyo State, which also injured several passengers.

Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu 

Broadcast journalist at Arise TV, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, was tragically killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence on September 29, aged 29.

Dan Agbese

Veteran journalist and columnist Dan Agbese, one of Nigeria’s most influential media figures, passed away at 81 in November 2025, leaving a legacy of integrity and mentorship.

Allwell Ademola

Nollywood actress and producer Allwell Ademola died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 43.

Hours before her death, she posted a heartfelt video on Instagram, praying for strength to see through the year.

Her sudden passing left fans and colleagues in shock.

The year 2025 will be remembered not only for the creative milestones achieved in Nigeria’s entertainment and media industry but also for the immense talent lost.

These legends may be gone, but their contributions, memories, and legacies will continue to inspire future generations.

Entertainment

Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66

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Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66.

Hassan reportedly died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after battling cancer.

The actor’s death was announced by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, in an emotional video circulating on social media.

SEE MORE: BREAKING: Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo Reportedly Dies at 40 After Health Battle

In the video, Kira, who was visibly distraught, repeatedly said, “My daddy is dead,” as she announced the passing of her father.

The development came days after Kira and her sister, Haleemah, disclosed that the veteran actor had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

The sisters had appealed for public support as the family sought treatment options for their father.

Hassan was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly in Yoruba-language productions, where he established himself as one of the veteran actors with a long and influential career.

 

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Davido Set to Headline London’s Crystal Palace Bowl Concert

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Davido Promises To Forge Ahead Despite Grammy Setback

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to headline the “Davido & Friends” concert at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on Friday, August 14, 2026.

The highly anticipated concert is part of the Palace Bowl Presents summer festival series in the United Kingdom.

SEE MORE: Fresh Trouble For Davido As Alleged Daughter Accuses Singer of Threats

Davido had earlier announced the event on his social media platforms, describing it as his first-ever festival performance in the UK and his only outdoor show in London this summer.

The singer will be joined on stage by a lineup of artistes including Omah Lay, Black Sherif, Gabzy, T x C, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Ecool, Morravey and Boi Chase.

According to the official Palace Bowl Presents website, the event is scheduled to begin with doors opening at 3 p.m., while the concert is expected to end at 10:30 p.m.

Ahead of the performance, Davido on Wednesday shared promotional artwork for the concert on his Instagram Story, featuring a “SOLD OUT” banner and expressing his excitement about the upcoming London show.

The sold-out event is expected to attract fans of the Nigerian music star and other Afrobeats performers for an evening of live music at the iconic Crystal Palace venue.

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2Baba, Annie Spark Reunion Buzz With Surprise Instagram Move

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2Baba, Annie react to her brother's allegations

Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, and his estranged wife, Annie Idibia, have sparked fresh speculation about their relationship after following each other again on Instagram.

The development has caught the attention of fans, coming more than a year after 2Baba publicly announced their separation and revealed that they were filing for divorce.

Checks on Monday showed that the former couple, who had previously unfollowed each other on Instagram, are now following each other again.

SEE ALSO: 2Face Remarries, Holds Traditional Wedding With Natasha Osawaru (Photos)

The move has triggered speculation across social media, with some fans wondering whether the development could signal a possible reconciliation between the two.

Annie has also reportedly reverted to the name Annie Idibia on Instagram after recently changing it to Annie Macaulay, adding further fuel to the growing speculation.

However, neither 2Baba nor Annie has confirmed that they are planning to reconcile or revive their marriage.

The latest development comes after years of public scrutiny surrounding the couple’s relationship.

2Baba announced in January 2025 that he and Annie had been separated for some time and were “currently filing for divorce.”

The announcement generated widespread reactions, particularly given the couple’s long and sometimes turbulent relationship.

The singer initially deleted the post amid claims that his Instagram account had been hacked but later confirmed that he was responsible for the announcement.

2Baba and Annie’s relationship dates back to the early years of the singer’s career. Annie featured in the music video for his hit song African Queen, and the pair eventually got married in 2013.

They held two wedding ceremonies, with their traditional wedding taking place in Akwa Ibom State and their white wedding held in Dubai.

Their marriage subsequently faced several public controversies, including disputes surrounding 2Baba’s relationships with other women and his children from previous relationships.

In 2021, their marital crisis attracted significant public attention after Annie accused 2Baba of travelling to the United States to spend time with Pero Adeniyi, the mother of some of his children.

Despite the challenges, the couple remained together and renewed their vows in 2023 to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.

Their relationship later suffered another major setback, eventually leading to 2Baba’s separation announcement in 2025.

Following the separation, 2Baba went on to marry Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru.

While the latest Instagram connection does not confirm a reunion, it has nevertheless reignited discussions about the possibility of 2Baba and Annie making peace.

 

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