The Cable
Death, they say, is inevitable. The loss of several great talents in the Nigerian entertainment industry is one of the issues that defined the year 2021.
From Rachel Oniga to Sadiq Daba, Nigerians watched, helplessly, how some of their favourite celebrities died one after the other in the outgoing year.
Below are 10 notable celebrities who passed away in 2021.
1. Sound Sultan
When news first broke that Sound Sultan was diagnosed with throat cancer, many struggled to come to terms with it.
The musician, born Olanrewaju Fasasi, also downplayed the rumours and promised “to tell my story by myself.”
But he didn’t live to tell his story. The multi-talented artiste died from lymphoma — a type of blood cancer that starts in the white blood cells.
As expected, tributes poured in from Nigerians, his colleagues, Orji Kalu, President Muhammadu Buhari, Baba Dee, his elder brother, and a host of others.
The rapper was eventually buried in the US and his death was one of the most-discussed issuesfor the year.
2. Rachel Oniga
Rachel Oniga died of heart-related ailment on July 31.
A top-notch actress who knew her onions, Oniga dazzled the screen of movie lovers for years until her shocking death.
Her demise elicited touching tributes from her colleagues and various groups. Oniga’s illustrious journey came to an end when she was buried on August 27.
However, her heroics has continued to fetch her commendations while her death also dominated conversations for 2021.
3. Baba Suwe
On numerous occasions, the comic Yoruba actor was a victim of death rumours on social mediadue to his health challenges.
But on November 22, Baba Suwe, born Babatunde Omidina, finally bid the world farewell, after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.
His ordeal with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also took centre stage again until his eventual burial at his home in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state.
4. Victor Uwaifo
In August, a report of the death of Victor Uwaifo sent the social media platforms into a frenzy.
Uwaifo, better known as ‘Guitar Boy’, passed on after battling an undisclosed illness.
Fans, music lovers, and several others including, Adams Oshiomhole, ex-governor of Edo state, penned glowing tributes to celebrate his legacies in the country’s music landscape.
Godwin Obaseki, Edo governor, also immortalised the writer, sculptor, and instrumentalist by naming a newly built creative hub for music and filmmaking in the state after him.
5. Victor Olaotan
Victor Olaotan, the ace actor, died in August after a prolonged illness caused by a ghastly road accident in 2016.
Olaotan was popular for his role as the lead actor of ‘Tinsel’, the popular Nigerian soap opera. But the 2016 accident left him battling for his life — including soliciting financial aid.
His death came as a shock to many movie lovers who witnessed his heroics on the screen during his heydays…
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