10 notable Nigerian entertainers who died in 2021

As we mark the end of 2021, some of Nigeria’s topmost and finest entertainers died during the course of the year.

In this report, Eelive.ng takes a look at some of notable Nigerian entertainers who lost their lives in 2021

1. Folake Aremu ‘Orisabunmi’

2021 began on a sad note in the Nigerian movie industry after news broke out that veteran Yoruba actress, Folake Aremu ‘Orisabunmi had died. She passed away on January 5th at the age of 60.

President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, aka Baba Latin, confirmed the news of her death in a statement.

Renowned for playing the role of a priestess and good witch in movies; Orisabunmi‘s acting career started in the 80s. She was discovered by her ex-husband while she was teaching in Kwara State.

Also, Some of her famous television dramas include Arelu, Oluwerimagboojo and Ayanmo Eda.

2. Ernest Asuzu

On January 26, Nigeria lost Ernest Asuzu, an actor in the movie industry.

Asuzu died after a year-long health battle. This newspaper reports that the actor slumped and died in the evening of January 26.

Asuzu began his an acting career in the ’90s and rose to prominence after starring in Another Campus Queen. After which he starred in Labista, a movie that won him Best Supporting Actor at the African Movie Academy Awards.

3. Sadiq Daba

On March 3, it was reported that veteran actor Sadiq Dada had died.

 Daba died after a long and excruciating battle with leukemia and prostate cancer.

His acting career came to prominence in the late 1970s, after starring in Cockcrow at Dawn. Daba made waves on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in the 1980s.

Furthermore, he featured in several TV series and Kunle Afolayan’s films, including –October 1, and Citation.

In 2015, he also won Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1.

4. Ada Jesus

In April, Nigerian comedienne Mmesoma Mercy Obi better known as Ada Jesus died of kidney disease.

The 22-year-old comedienne died at an Abuja-based hospital on April 21.

Before her demise, the comedienne made several allegations against several people, including veteran actress, Rita Edochie and Anambra-based prophet, Chukwuemeka Odumejeje.

She alleged Anambra-based prophet, Chukwuemeka Odumeje of conniving with Rita Edochie to stage fake miracles. Ada Jesus further alleged that she helps Edochie get men to sleep with her.

5. Obama DMW

In June, One of Davido’s close associates, Habeeb Uthman also known as Obama DMW, passed away.

Obama DMW died after driving himself to a hospital in Lagos for treatment following complains of breathing difficulty.

Before his death, Obama DMW was also a music executive cum artiste manager and founded his music label Obama Music Worldwide (OMW).

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage described Obama DMW as a peacemaker, hot stepper among other attributes.

6. Sound Sultan

In July, Olanrewaju Fasasi , Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter better known as Sound Sultan, passed away at age 44.

A statement by Dr Kayode Fasasi on behalf of the Fasasi family indicated that the rapper died after a long battle with cancer.

The rapper was buried in New Jersey, United States, according to Islamic rite.

He was regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria.

Sound Sultan’s career in show business started in the 1990s, when he hosted shows to raise money for studio sessions.

He released his first single “Jagbajantis” in 2000, which was a hit in Nigeria. After independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artists, he signed for Kennis Music.

7. Rachel Oniga

Still in July, Rachel Oniga, Nollywood actress, passed away at the age of 64.

Music producer and singer, Samklef, breaking the news through his Instagram page, wrote “Sad news another legend is gone. Rip to my childhood actor @racheloniga May her soul Rest In Peace. Nollywood lost an angel.”

She began her acting career in 1993, shortly after her divorce.

Rachel Oniga featured in notable Nigerian films such as Sango, a movie scripted by Wale Ogunyemi, produced and directed by Obafemi Lasode and Wale Adenuga’s television series, Super story.

8. Victor Olaotan

In August, Nigerian actor Victor Olaotan died at the age of 69.

Before his death, the actor had been incapacitated for five years, due to a car accident that happened along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

In 2018, the actor requested financial aid for his treatments outside the country. This was after two years of his incapacitation. Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, agreed to settle his bill of about 39 million naira.

Famous for his grey hair and beard, he was a prolific actor both on stage and television. The 69 year old was best know for his character as Fred Ade Williams on the Mnet soap “Tinsel”.

9. Sir Victor Uwaifo

Also in August, Sir Victor Uwaifo, a legendary highlife musician and guitarist passed away.

The veteran musician died at the age of 80 in his house in Benin after a brief illness.

Sir Uwaifo was a Nigerian musician, writer, sculptor, and University lecturer. He’s also the first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria.

The iconic artiste is also the first professional musician to be awarded with the National Merit Honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

His tracks “Joromi” and “Mammy Water” were hits even till his demise.

10. Baba Suwe

In November, Nigerian comic actor, Babatunde Omidina better known as Baba Suwe, passed away.

The President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Producers Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan also known as Mr Latin, broke the news of his death.

He told Punch “It has been confirmed that Baba Suwe is dead. I just got off the phone with his son who confirmed that the actor is dead. I don’t have much details about his death.”

Adesola Omidina, also confirmed the news of his father death through Instagram.

Omidina began acting in 1971 but came into the limelight after he featured in a movie titled, ‘Omolasan’, a film produced by Obalende.

He became more popular after he featured in Iru Esin, produced by Olaiya Igwe in 1997. He had also featured in and produced several Nigerian movies such as Baba Jaiye Jaiye, a movie that featured Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo.