4 Nollywood Actors Who Passed Away Since the Start of 2024

For decades, Nigeria’s film industry, sometimes known as Nollywood, has served as a beacon of entertainment and cultural expression. Nollywood, with its wide cast of outstanding performers and intriguing stories, has grabbed the hearts of people in Nigeria and around the world....CONTINUE READING

However, the beginning of 2024 has brought a sad tone, as the business has had to say goodbye to several of its most beloved actors. The untimely deaths of these actors have left a vacuum in the hearts of fans and colleagues, and their contributions to the film industry will be greatly missed. This article pays respect to four Nollywood performers whose deaths have been lamented since the beginning of the year.

1. Olofa Ina (Deji Aderemi)

The year began on a sad note, with the death of legendary Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, also known as Olofa Ina. He died on January 4, 2024, at the age of 73. The thespian, known for his contributions to the Yoruba cinema industry, died of cancer in Lagos State. His death mourned the loss of a revered icon whose performances had an indelible impact on Nollywood.

2. Ethel Ekpe

Ethel Ekpe, a veteran actress, died on February 7, 2024. Ekpe, best known for her role as ‘Segi’ in the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom ‘Basi and Company,’ died from cancer. Her death at the age of 60 was a big loss to Nigeria’s entertainment sector, where she was a well-known and beloved figure.

3. Sisi Quadri

On March 1, 2024, Yoruba actor Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, well known as Sisi Quadri, died, which shook the Nollywood community even more. He was only 44 years old. Sisi Quadri, known for his colorful performances, died unexpectedly, and colleagues and admirers alike lamented his loss. Tributes flooded in, with actress Abiola Bayo writing on Instagram: “You will be deeply missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in complete peace.”

4. Mr. Ibu

Nollywood comedy actor John Okafor, often known as Mr. Ibu, died at the age of 62. His death was announced just a day after Sisi Quadri’s, shocking the entertainment industry. Mr. Ibu was well-known for his comedic parts, which brought laughter to numerous homes. His impact as a significant character in Nollywood’s comedy genre will live on for years to come.