For Nigeria’s entertainment sector, 2023 was a rollercoaster year filled with both joy and sadness, especially in the music and film industries. Looking back at the year, both exciting things happened and bad things happened that affected the industry for a long time.

Demise of Notable Figures:

The entertainment community mourned the loss of several prominent personalities throughout the year:

1. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (Jan. 10, 2023): The National President of the Association of Movie Producers and founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
2. Sunday Akanbi Akinola (Jan. 9, 2023): A veteran actor known for his role as “Mogaji” in the series “Feyikogbon.”
3. Femi Ogunrombi (Jan. 14, 2023): Renowned for playing Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series.
4. Favour Daniels (Feb. 5, 2023): A 26-year-old comedian and actress who gained popularity through social media skits.
5. Ojo Arowosafe (March 7, 2023): Known as Fadeyi Oloro, a veteran Nollywood actor, passed away at 66 after a protracted illness.
6. Saint Obi (May 7, 2023): Obinna Nwafor, a prominent Nollywood actor, died at 57 after battling an undisclosed ailment.
7. Murphy Afolabi (May 14, 2023): A Yoruba actor and filmmaker who passed away days after celebrating his 49th birthday.
8. Chikezie Uwazie (May 14, 2023): A Nollywood actor who died after undergoing brain surgery in the U.S.
9. Chris Mba (May 3, 2023): A legendary pop singer famous for hits like ‘Funky Situation’ and ‘Baby Don’t Cry.’
10. Afeez Agoro (June 15, 2023): Popularly known as the tallest man in Nigeria, he passed away after a prolonged illness.
11. Mohbad (Sept. 12, 2023): A fast-rising Nigerian singer, whose death at 27 sparked protests in Lagos with the hashtag “Justice for Mohbad.”
12. Oluyemi Adeyemi ‘Suara’ (Sept. 24, 2023): Known for his role in the 2001 Wale Adenuga hit series, ‘Super Story.’

Grammy Awards and Achievements:

While the industry mourned, it also celebrated remarkable achievements:

1. Tems’ Grammy Win (Feb. 5, 2023): Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, became the first female Nigerian artiste to win a Grammy Award in the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ category.
2. 2024 Grammy Nominations: Nigerian music stars, including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Olamide, received nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Ailing Nollywood Actors:

The year also brought attention to the health struggles of seasoned Nollywood actors:

1. Mr. Ibu (John Okafor): The comic actor faced critical health conditions, undergoing seven surgeries, and having one of his legs amputated.
2. Amaechi Muonagor (Dec. 2023): The veteran actor sought support due to paralysis affecting his left leg and left hand.
3. Ifeanyi Ezeokeke: Known for his role as ‘Ugo Shave Me,’ he requested financial help due to an undisclosed illness lasting over two years.

A more optimistic and successful 2024 is something stakeholders and fans anxiously await as the sector looks back on the highs and lows of 2023.