The first half of 2024 saw the loss of several beloved celebrities in the entertainment industry, leaving family, friends, fans and communities in mourning. Among them was Onyeka Onwenu, a legendary Nigerian singer and actress whose impact on the entertainment industry was profound. As we remember her legacy, we also reflect on the lives and contributions of other notable figures who passed away during this period, each leaving behind a unique mark on the world.
Here are 14 celebrities who sadly left us in the first half of 2024.
- Olofa Ina
Veteran actor, Deji Aderemi, better known as Olofa Ina passed away on 4th January at the age of 73 after battling an undisclosed illness. He was born on 15th May 1950 and formed an acting group called the Olofa Ina Theatre Group in 1972 before beginning his career in film in 1980.
- Jimi Solanke
Actor and dramatist, Jimi Solanke, passed away on 5th February at age 81 after a brief illness. The veteran actor, born in 1942, began his artistic journey with the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by Wole Soyinka in 1961. He appeared in films such as Kongi’s Harvest, Sango, and Shadow Parties, among others.
- Ethel Aderemi-Ekpe
Actress and media personality Ethel Aderemi-Ekpe passed away on 7th February after a battle with cancer. Ethel was known for her role in Basi and Campany, a television drama aired on NTA.
- Fatima Bintu
Kannywood actress Fatima Sa’id, also known as Fatima Bintu, passed away on 11th February 2024 after a battle with an undisclosed illness.
- Sisi Quadri
Actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji better known as Sisi Quadri passed away on 1st March after he was rushed to a hospital in his home town in Iwo, Osun state after suffering persistent hiccups which were caused by kidney-related issues. Before his passing, he starred in the Netflix movie, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre amongst several movies that brought him to the limelight.
- Mr Ibu
Veteran actor, John Okafor better known as Mr Ibu passed away on 2nd March after suffering cardiac arrest. Before his passing, Mr Ibu was hospitalised and underwent two amputations after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries to keep him alive.
- Andy Best
Nollywood veteran producer Ikechukwu Nnadi better known as Andy Best passed away on 19th March after an undisclosed illness.
- Jumoke Aderounmu
Actress, Jumoke Aderounmu passed away on 6th April 2024. Jumoke played the role of Esther in Funke Akindele’s comics series ‘Jenifa Diary’.
Jumoke’s death caused controversies on social media after her younger brother, Adeola took to social media to blame Funke Akindele for her death.
- Zulu Adigwe
Veteran actor, Zulu Adigwe passed away on 23rd April. The cause of his death wasn’t revealed. He was laid to rest on 30th May 2024.
- Amaechi Muonagor
Veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor passed away on 24th March at the age of 61 after battling diabetes for over 10 years, kidney failure, and a stroke which led to partial paralysis.
- Junior Pope
Actor, John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo, better known as Junior Pope passed away on 7th May in a boat accident. His death has continued to cause a rift among his colleagues who have been pointing accusing fingers at themselves over his death.
- Sule Suebebe
Veteran actor, Dayo Adewunmi, better known as Sule Suebebe passed away on 12th June after battling illness for a long period. Before his passing the actor advised men to take care of their families and treat women better. He lamented that he was abandoned by his wife, children, extended family and concubines because he treated them badly.
- Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran actress, Stella Ikwuegbu passed away on 16th June after a long battle with leg cancer.
- Lara Odubo
Television presenter, actress, fashion designer and singer Lara Odubo passed away on 28th July. Reports revealed she had been ill for some days before her passing.
- Onyeka Onwenu
Music Icon, Onyeka Onwenu passed away on 30th July at the age of 72.
Onyeka was confirmed dead at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos after she collapsed shortly after she performed at the 80th birthday celebration of her friend, Stella Okolie, the founder of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. The official cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.