Nigerian entertainers who passed in the first half of the year

As we move into the second half of the year, Daily Trust Saturday pays respect and gives honourable mention to the Nigerian entertainers who passed on to the afterlife in the first half of the year.

As the Nigerian entertainment industry celebrates its achievement and breakthroughs for the first half of 2022. It’s important to remember those those whom the industry lost in the first half of the year as these respective persons contributed to the growth and stability of the industry.

Nura Mustapha Waye

Nura Mustapha Waye was an actor, turned director in Kannywood industry that became popular since the breakthrough of his blockbuster web series, ‘Izzar so’. The director died on last Sunday morning without being sick prior to his sudden death. It was reported that he went to bed hale and hearty on Saturday night, and even prayed his dawn prayer.

The director ventured into Kannywood in 2001, and debuted in the movie ‘Waye’ as an actor and a musician, thus his nickname ‘Waye’ as the tradition in Kannywood of naming actors after their first movie.

Many Kannywood actors and other stakeholders, including Ali Nuhu, his friend Lawal Ahmad and many others mourned his death. In a viral video after his death, he was seen with a lady where she asked him to say something that she will post after he died, and answered with, “May God grant us paradise.”

Gbenga Richards: On Thursday, May 12, legendary actor Gbenga Richards was reported dead after battling an unexplained condition. According to accounts, the once lively actor, who was a force to be reckoned with in the 1990s and early 2000s, suffered from a number of ailments, and getting funding for his treatment proved difficult because he had fallen on hard times. Richards made his first appearance as an actor in 1977, when he represented Nigeria alongside Hubert Ogunde at the Second World Black and African Festival of African Culture (FESTAC). He also appeared in blockbuster films such as Sango, Mirror in the Sun, Betrayal by Love, Fighting Machine, and many others.

Tafa Oloyede: On February 1 2022, 69-year-old veteran actor Adewuni Adewoye, also known as Tafa Oloyede, passed away. Oloyede, who began acting under the guidance of Oyin Adejobi in 1974 and is best known for his roles in films such as Jaiyesimi, Ayanmo, Ekuro Oloja, Orogun, and Akanji Oniposi, would have turned 70 this year.

Romanus Amuta: Another veteran actor, Romanus Amuta, best known as Natty in the revived NTA comedy series New Masquerade, died on February 9 at the age of 79 following a long illness. New Masquerade, which was one of the most popular Nigerian operas in the 1980’s, also starred Chika Okpala (Zebrudaya), Claude Eke (Jegede Sokoya), James Iroha (Giringori), Christy Essien-Igbokwe (Apena), David Ofor (Clarus), and Lizzy Ovoeme (Ovularia).

Lari Williams: The death of veteran actress Lari Williams was confirmed on February 28. Following a protracted illness, the actor died at the age of 81. Williams, the first president of the Nigerian Actors Guild, died at his home in Ikom, Cross River State. He was also a poet, playwright, and participant in theatre production.

Oluweri Magbojo: Just as celebrities were ready to pay their respects to Lari Williams, it was announced that actress Shade Akin Taylor, also known as Oluweri Magbojo, had died. Shade was well-known for her theatrical makeup, particularly her curved brows. She starred in the film Oluweri Magbojo, in which she played the lead character.

Chinedu Bernard: On the evening of Friday, April 29, rising actress Chinedu Bernard fell while cleaning the Chapel of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Enugu. Rev Fr. Uchendu Chukwuma, the priest, and some parishioners hurried her to Enugu’s East Side Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Concerns were aroused, however, when images of the deceased in a hospital bed with bruises on her face were shared on Instagram, prompting Emeka Rollas, national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to demand an autopsy to determine the true cause of Chinedu’s death.

Francisca Choji: While the entertainment community was mourning Chinedu, the death of up-and-coming actress Francisca Choji was reported. Francisca’s body was discovered on May 1 at the Rayfield Resort hotel in Jos, Plateau State.

David Osagie: On May 4, actor David Osagie, popularly known as Sir David, died on set the day before. Ngozi Ezeh, his colleague, announced his death, noting that the actor was not sick. Sir David was most known for his reign as King of England. His films include My Sorrow, My Pain, Agunna, and Lost Battle.

Veronica Takor: Veronica Mngohol Takor, a promising actress, died on March 23. The actress’s body was discovered in a hotel room in Makurdi, Benue State. Veronica’s strange death occurred barely one week after her birthday. Veronica Mngohol Takor was a Benue State University (BSU) Markurdi 200-level Microbiology student. Takor Sarah, Veronica’s sister, disclosed that Veronica appeared in the film The Devil Must Blow, as well as other Benue films.

Dejo Tunfulu: Nigerians were taken aback by Dejo’s death. Many others didn’t believe the tragic news, hoping it was an April Fool’s joke, especially because he was seen attending an event just a few days before his death. Kunle Makinde Adetokunbo, also known as Dejo Tunfulu, passed away on April 1 after a brief illness. The comedian, writer, and producer appeared in films such as Hally The Drummer and Jide Jendo.

Rosemary Etim Bassey and Isiyaku Mohammed