Here are the entertainers that died in 2023

The Nigerian entertainment industry, known for its captivating sounds of Afrobeat music and the enthralling performances in its movies witnessed the death of several celebrities in 2023.

This report honours their legacies and celebrate the lives they lived.

Here are the entertainers that passed away in 2023:

1. Peace Anyiam- Osigwe

Trailblazing filmmaker, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, died on Tuesday, January 10, in a hospital in Lagos State.

Anyiam-Osigwe, who was also the President of the Association of Movie Producers, founded the Africa Film Academy in 2005, with the award ceremony reputed to be one of the most recognised awards for Africans in film-making. In 2020, she emerged as the National President of The Association of Movie Producers.

2. Sunday Akanbi Akinola

Veteran actor, Sunday Akanbi Akinola, who became popular for his role as “Mogaji “ in the series “ Feyikogbon” which aired on NTA channel 7 in the southwestern Nigeria in the 1980’s, died on January 9, 2023 of kidney failure at the age of 80.

3. Femi Ogunrombi, aka Papa Ajasco

Femi Ogunrombi who played the role of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series, died on January 14, 2023.

His character in the TV comedy series was known for his portly belly and hitting his head while saying “Ojigbigbigbi.”

4. Favour Daniels

Nigerian comedian and actress, Favour Agiounim Daniels, who gained popularity through her skits on social media, passed away at the age of 26 on February, 5 2023. She allegedly died in a boat accident.

5. Ojo Arowosafe

Veteran Nollywood actor, Ojo Arowosafe, popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, died on Tuesday, March 7, at the age of 66, after a protracted illness. Fadeyi Oloro is popularly known for his oratory skills in reciting Yoruba incantations. He rose to fame after acting the movie ‘Arelu’ in the late 80’s. He also acted in movies like Inubibi, Anike Olufa and Akoni mefa among others.

6. Obinna Nwafor

Veteran actor and movie producer Obinna Nwafor, also known as Saint Obi, passed on at the age of 57 on May 7, 2023. The thespian passed on after battling with an undisclosed ailment. He was laid to rest on August 18, 2023, in his hometown, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.

In 2001, he produced his first movie titled, ‘Take Me to Maama’. He also acted in many movies including, ‘State of Emergency’, ‘Sakobi’, ‘Goodbye Tomorrow’, ‘Festival of Fire’, and ‘Heart of Gold’.


7. Adedigba Mukaila

Veteran actor Adedigba Mukaila, best known by his stage name ‘Alafin Oro’, died on May 13, 2023.

8. Murphy Afolabi

Popular Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Murphy Afolabi, passed away on May 14, 2023, just a few days after celebrating his 49th birthday. He was said to have fallen down in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, that Sunday morning.

Born on May 5, 1974, Murphy began acting at a young age. The actor shot to fame following his role in the movie ‘Omo Rapala.’