FAME, FORTUNES, FAREWELLS IN NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN 2024
FAME, FORTUNES, FAREWELLS IN NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN 2024 The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with Nollywood delivering box office hits and Nigerian artistes dominating global music charts, the nation witnessed some of the most talked-about weddings and controversies that made headlines. In this feature, Weekend Trust takes you on a journey through these highlights, celebrating the stories that made this year unforgettable. Gone but not forgotten Saratu Gidado – Daso In April 2024, the Hausa film industry was plunged into mourning with the announcement of the sudden death of famous actress Saratu Gidado also known as ‘Daso’. The actress died in her sleep at her home in the Kano metropolis. John Okafor (Mr Ibu) John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, was a celebrated Nigerian actor and comedian known for his roles in over 200 Nollywood films. Born on October 17, 1961, in Umunekwu, Enugu State Nigeria, he became a household name through his comedic portrayals that resonated with audiences nationwide. Tragically, Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, in Lekki, Lagos State, after a prolonged battle with diabetes. El-Mu’az Birniwa In early December 2024, famous Kannywood singer Muhammad Mu’azu Birniwa popularly known as El-Muaz Birniwa died. The singer, according to sources close to the Hausa filmmaking industry, slumped while playing a football match in Kaduna. The match was said to have been organised to celebrate the marriage of one of his colleagues in the industry Auta Waziri who is also a singer. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Inside life of Nigerian inmates awaiting trialHow Southern Kaduna cultural festival is reviving lost bonds Amaechi Muonagor Amaechi Muonagor was a veteran Nigerian actor, comedian, and producer, known for his roles in films such as “Aki na Ukwa,” “Karishika,” and “Igodo.” In 2016, he was reported to be suffering from diabetes, which led to his withdrawal from the film industry. In 2023, he suffered a stroke that resulted in partial paralysis of his left leg. He passed away on March 24, 2024, due to kidney failure, at the age of 62. Fati Slow In May 2024, veteran Kannywood actress Fatima Usman popularly known in the Hausa entertainment industry as Fati Slow died. The actress who has been in the entertainment sector for over two decades died in a town called Adasha which is close to Sudan after a protracted illness. The death was announced by her colleague in the entertainment industry Mansura Isa when she posted the news on her verified Facebook account. Charles Olumo (Agbako) Alhaji Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, known professionally as Charles Olumo or Agbako, was a veteran Nigerian actor from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Born in July 1923, he began his acting career in 1953 and became a prominent figure in Yoruba-language films. He passed on October 31, 2024, at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over seven decades. Onyeka Onwenu Onyeka Onwenu was a multifaceted Nigerian entertainer, known for her work as a singer, actress, journalist, and politician. As a musician, she was celebrated for soulful hits like “One Love” and “You and I.” Onwenu’s extensive career made her a cultural icon in Nigeria. She passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 72, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s entertainment industry. Dayo Adewunmi (Sule Suebebe) Veteran Nollywood actor Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known by his stage name Sule Suebebe, was renowned for his roles in Yoruba-language films. He passed away on June 12, 2024. Most streamed artistes of the year Asake Asake was named as the most streamed Nigerian artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa on Spotify wrapped in 2024. His hit songs like “Fuji Vibe” and “Active” continued to dominate playlists but locally and internationally.…
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