The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into morning in recent times as it lost some of its greatest minds.
Some of the artists the industry lost were old hands at the game who had been entertainment enthusiasts as far back as in the 80s.
Daily Trust chronicles some of the finest artistes Nigeria entertainment industry lost recently.
Daso
A veteran actress in Kannywood, Saratu Gidado, popularly known as Daso, died on Tuesday.
According her relatives, she was found dead after she had gone back to sleep after Sahur (pre-dawn meal taken by fasting Muslims).
Daso was born on 17 January, 1968 in the city of Kano and died at the age of 56.
She made her debut in 2000 in a movie titled Linzami Da Wuta, produced by Sarauniya Movies.
Other hits that led to the late actress’ stardom include Nagari, Gidauniya, Mashi, and Sansani.
Olofa Ina
Popular Yoruba veteran actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina died in January, 2024.
He was reported to have died of cancer in Lagos State at the age of 73.
Olofa Ina was born on May 15, 1950 and started professional acting in 1980 years after forming his theatre group.
Samanja
Veteran actor, Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known as Samanja Mazan Fama, passed on at the age of 84.
He died in November, 2023. He is survived by two wives and 12 children.
Ethel Ekpe
Veteran actress Ethel Ekpe died on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in Lagos State.
She reportedly died after a long battle with cancer.
Ekpe was one of the artists in the industry who adorned the Nigerian entertainment screen for years.
She was well known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’.
Bono
A Popular Kannywood actor and director, Aminu Bono, died one Monday evening in November, 2023.
He had featured in so many Kannywood films with a career spanning more than two decades.
Aminu Siraj Bono was born in the ancient city of Kano.
He made his debut into the Kannywood film industry with Agola in 2017.
Sisi Qadri
In March 2024, the tragic death of a famous Yoruba Nollywood comedian, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, well known as Sisi Quadri was announced.
He died at the age of 44. Oyebamiji had celebrated his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023.
Mr. Ibu
John Okafor, the comic actor popularly known as Mr Ibu, died on March 2, 2024.
According to some reports, he died at a Lagos hospital at the age of 62.
Mr. Ibu was born on October 17, 1961 in Enugu State. The veteran actor was renowned for his comedic roles.
Amaechi Muonagor
Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor, died after a prolonged illness, at the age of 62.
He had been on dialysis and eventually died March 24, 2024 from kidney failure.
He died just a few days after a viral video where he solicited funds to help him have a kidney transplant.
Muonagor appeared in dozens of films, including Aki and Paw Paw.
