There is a sad story in the dynamic realm of Nigerian showbiz, where talent thrives and creativity knows no bounds.
It’s a story of stars whose radiance graced the stage and screen, capturing the hearts of millions nationwide. Yet, amidst their burgeoning careers and promising futures, fate intervened all too abruptly.
We look at 13 stars whose lives were cut short but whose impact on the industry will always be remembered.
Dagrin
Hip Hop singer, Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun better known as Dagrin passed away at the age of 25 on 22nd April 2010 in a ghastly car crash.
He was one of the lyrical geniuses in the Hip-Hop world who is recognized for paving the way for indigenous rap music in Nigeria. His life was a tale of a promise unfulfilled. His music still echos the sorrows his passing brought to the hearts of his fans.
Olamide David
Talent child actor, Olamide David passed away at the age of 15 on 18th of January 2016 after he suffered abdominal pain during a football match with his friends.
He bagged an award for Best Male Actor Award at the 2015 edition of Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the movie Cobweb.
Okwy Chinonso Chukwujeku
Comic Actor, Okwy Chinonso Chukwujeku better known as Boss-Man passed away on 4th September 2017 at the age of 27 after he suffered an asthma attack.
He was a gifted soul who brought joy and laughter to many with his talent. His death is a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability.
Nelson Gold
Fast-rising Nollywood actor and model, Ezeora Nelson Oluchukwu better known as Nelson passed away at the age of 26 on 15th June 2018.
Nelson, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka reportedly slumped on a movie set and was rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead. He starred in movies like The Black Widow, The Child, The Johnsons and The House Help.
Kodak
Love Divine better known as Kodak was a dancer who captivated all who watched her with her phenomenal skills.
However, on Wednesday 29th April 2020 at the age of 20, tragedy struck when she passed away after she was electrocuted while charging her phone at the residence of music director, Clarence Peters.
Kodak was a gifted artist taken too soon; her departure is a sober reminder of the fragility of life’s most precious moment.
Ngozi Chiemeke
Actress, Ngozi Chiemeke passed away at the age of 19 on Tuesday, 7th December 2021 after she was shot dead by unknown gunmen at her Point of Sales (POS) shop in Delta State.
Stanley Okoro
Nollywood comic actor and MC Stanley Okoro better known as Rabbi or Junior Ibu passed away at the age of 28 on 11th August 2021 after suffering from severe food poisoning shortly after he concluded a shoot in Enugu.
He was featured in movies such as My Calaba Wife, Johnny Goes to School, The Prophet, and The Visitor, amongst others.
Ada Jesus
Actress and skirt maker, Mercy Mesoma Obi Nnadi better known as Ada Jesus passed away on 21st April 2021 at the age of 23 after she suffered a cardiac arrest.
Her journey was that of incredible strength following a long battle with kidney disease embroiled in controversies with Anambra-based pastor, and the general overseer of The Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, better known as Odumeje, and veteran actress, Rita Edochie.
According to reports, Ada Jesus had accused Odumje of performing fake miracles on her when she was ill. However, instead of forgiving her when she asked for forgiveness, she was cursed.
Brakin Face
Social Media influencer and comedian, Onomuakpokpo Ogheneochukome better known as Brakin Face passed away at the age of 23 on the first of October, 2021.
According to reports, Brakin Face died in his sleep as he was said to have gone to bed healthy but didn’t wake up. The Delta State Police Command recovered his decomposing body in his house a few days after he passed.
Chinedu Bernard
Actress, Chinedu Bernard passed away at the age of 20 on 22nd April 2022.
According to reports, Chinedu slumped and passed away while cleaning the Chapel of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in the Federal Housing Estate of Enugun State.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria demanded an autopsy be carried out to ascertain what caused her death.
Rico Swavey
Reality TV star, Patrick Fakoya better known as Rico Swavey passed away at the age of 29 on 13th October 2022.
Rico Swavey was involved in a ghastly accident on Tuesday 11th October 2022 at Abraham Adesanyan Road in the Ajah area of Lagos State. He was a musician and actor who participated in the Big Brother Naija reality TV show in 2018.
Rico is the first housemate from the reality TV show to die.
Favour Daniels
Skit maker, Favour Daniels passed away at the age of 26 on Sunday, 5th February 2023.
Her tragic death occurred when the boat she was travelling in alongside her friends capsized and she drowned. Her elder sister announced her demise on Instagram.
Mohbad
Singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba better known as Mohbad passed away at the age of 27 on 12th September 2023.
Mohbad’s death sparked outrage and protest in Nigeria and abroad after video clips of how he was bullied by his former record label boss, Afeez Fashola better known as Naira Marley and his aid, Sam Larry flooded the internet.
Surprisingly, a copy of his petition to the Nigerian Police also leaked online. This made people conclude that he would have been alive if proper steps had been taken by the police to protect him against his bullies.
His death took another dimension after an investigation was launched into his death. Aside from bullying, it was revealed that he was treated by an unregistered Nurse after he sustained an injury in his hand following a fight with his childhood friend, Stone Boy.
While investigations are still ongoing and the autopsy result is yet to be released, his father, Mr Aloba has continued to call for justice for his son. He is also demanding for DNA to be carried out on his grandchild, Liam.
Tell us in the comment section, how did you react to the death of these young stars?
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