Nigeria’s entertainment industry has endured a painful year, losing celebrated actors, musicians, comedians and creative talents whose work brought laughter, inspiration, excitement and unforgettable memories to millions of people
From veteran Nollywood figures who helped shape the Nigerian film industry to gospel musicians whose songs touched lives across churches and communities, the deaths recorded in 2026 have reminded Nigerians of the fragility of life and the lasting influence of those who dedicate themselves to entertaining others.
As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, friends, families and fans, iReport247 News takes a look at some of the entertainers whose deaths have been reported this year.
Nollywood mourns its stars
The Nigerian film industry has experienced significant losses in 2026, with the deaths of performers from different generations and backgrounds.
Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara
The death of Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, was among the painful losses recorded in February. The actress was known for her supporting roles in Yoruba-language films, where her expressive performances helped bring many characters to life.
Although she was not always the central figure in the productions she appeared in, her contribution to Yoruba entertainment earned her recognition among audiences.
Bamidele Oluwatope, known as Okemesi
Comic actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died on February 24, according to published reports.
He built a following through his energetic performances, distinctive humour and ability to combine English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect. His work connected with audiences who appreciated comedy rooted in Nigerian languages and everyday experiences.
His death represented a loss not only to Yoruba cinema but also to the growing community of online entertainers.
Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi
Veteran actress and filmmaker Oby Kechere was another name reported among Nollywood’s losses. She became widely recognised for her role as Ms Koi Koi in the comedy film Aki na Ukwa.
Beyond acting, she contributed to the industry as a producer and director. Her career demonstrated the many ways creative professionals contribute to the development of Nigerian cinema.
Alexx Ekubo
Alexx Ekubo was also included in published 2026 reports about Nollywood deaths. The actor became a familiar face in contemporary Nigerian films and gained wider recognition following his participation in the Mr Nigeria competition.
His screen presence, professional experience and work across different productions made him a recognisable personality among Nollywood audiences.
Patrick Okoye and Feso Oyewole
Actors Patrick Okoye and Fesogboye Oyewole, popularly known as Feso Oyewole, were also named among the industry’s losses.
Their careers formed part of the wider network of performers whose work helped sustain Nigerian film production over the years.
While the deaths of leading stars often dominate public discussion, the contributions of experienced supporting actors and character performers remain an important part of the industry’s history.
Kola Oyewo
The reported death of veteran actor, dramatist and scholar Kola Oyewo marked another significant loss for Nigerian theatre and film.
Oyewo was respected for his contributions to stage performance, cinema and theatre education. His work in productions such as The Gods Are Not to Blame and Saworoide helped preserve and popularise Nigerian dramatic traditions.
His legacy extends beyond the roles he played to the students and younger performers who benefited from his experience.
Taiwo Adeshina, known as Elegbeje Ado
Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, was another veteran performer whose death was reported in June.
His work across Yoruba-language productions contributed to the storytelling tradition that continues to attract audiences in Nigeria and abroad.
Temitope Osoba
Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba was reported to have died on August 5. She built her career through Yoruba-language productions and also worked in film production.
Her death added to the industry’s concerns about the loss of creative talent, particularly when performers still have much they may wish to contribute to their profession.
Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo
The reported death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, was another major moment of mourning for Yoruba cinema.
With a career spanning decades, Ogogo became one of the familiar faces of Yoruba-language film. His performances helped bring traditional stories, family dramas and contemporary social themes to audiences.
His influence on the industry was reflected in the tributes that followed his reported passing.
Source for the Nollywood names and career summaries: Pulse Nigeria’s report, “10 Nollywood actors Nigeria has lost between January and August 2026.”
Gospel music loses influential voices
Nigeria’s gospel music community has also mourned the deaths of singers whose songs formed part of worship services, concerts and personal moments of prayer.
Bunmi Akinnaanu-Adeoye, known as Omije Ojumi
Bunmi Akinnaanu-Adeoye, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, reportedly died on January 12, 2026.
She became widely known through her song Omije Ojumi, which resonated with many Yoruba-speaking Christians. Her music often focused on faith, prayer and dependence on God.
Her death prompted tributes from fans and fellow gospel musicians who remembered her contribution to Christian music.
Taiwo Adegbodu of Adegbodu Twins
Taiwo Adegbodu, one half of the gospel music duo Adegbodu Twins, reportedly died on March 1.
Together with his twin brother, Kehinde, he helped build a following in Yoruba gospel music. Their songs combined Christian messages with Yoruba musical traditions, reaching audiences through church programmes and gospel events.
His passing was a painful loss for listeners who had followed the duo’s music over the years.
Toun Soetan
Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan reportedly died in March at the age of 73.
Her musical career spanned more than four decades. Songs such as Train Up Your Child and Darling Jesus reflected her emphasis on Christian teachings and worship.
Her contribution extended beyond performance, as she also had a background in teaching.
Onos Brisibi
Gospel singer and songwriter Onos Brisibi reportedly died on March 23 at the age of 55.
Her voice featured on Nigerian film soundtracks, including Domitilla and Blood Money. She also worked with musicians such as Lagbaja and Daniel Wilson.
Her career illustrates the connections between gospel music, popular music and the Nigerian film industry.
Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings
The gospel music community was struck by another loss in October following the reported death of Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, known professionally as Toluwanisings.
His family announced his death on October 15, stating that he had died the previous day at the age of 41. He was known for energetic praise songs that blended contemporary gospel sounds with Yoruba influences.
Songs associated with him include Eleda, I’m Not Alone, A Very Big God and Unreserved Praise.
His death prompted tributes from fans, colleagues and other entertainers. His family had not disclosed the cause of death in its initial announcement.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria, “Toluwanisings, Omije Ojumi, other gospel singers Nigeria lost in 2026,” published October 15, 2026.
Comedians and online entertainers deserve remembrance too
Nigeria’s entertainment industry is no longer limited to cinema screens, television and music stages. Comedians, skit makers and digital content creators have become important contributors to the country’s creative economy.
The death of Okemesi, who combined acting with online comedy, highlights the importance of including digital entertainers in any record of the industry’s losses.
These performers use humour, familiar expressions, indigenous languages and everyday situations to connect with audiences.
Their videos circulate widely on social media, creating communities of followers who may feel a strong personal connection to their work.
A comprehensive year-end remembrance should therefore include verified deaths among comedians, skit makers, theatre practitioners, broadcasters and other creative professionals—not only mainstream actors and singers.
Beyond fame: Families and colleagues left behind
Behind every headline about a celebrity’s death is a family dealing with grief, friends mourning a loved one and colleagues adjusting to the absence of someone with whom they shared professional experiences.
For fans, the loss may bring back memories of a favourite film, a song played at a family gathering, a comedy sketch shared among friends or a performance watched repeatedly over the years.
The entertainment industry also loses experience, creativity and knowledge when established performers pass away.
Veteran actors and musicians often carry stories about the development of their professions, while younger talents represent new directions for Nigerian creativity.
Remembering these personalities is therefore about more than listing names. It is also about recognising the work they contributed to the country’s cultural life.
A reminder of life’s uncertainty
The deaths reported in 2026 have prompted conversations about life, health, family and the pressures experienced by people working in the entertainment industry.
However, it is important not to speculate about the circumstances of any person’s death. Causes of death should be reported only when confirmed by families, authorised representatives or credible reporting.
The public should also be cautious about unverified social media announcements, particularly when the names of prominent entertainers are involved.
Their work lives on
Nigeria’s entertainment industry has grown through the contributions of performers working in different languages, genres and creative traditions.
From Yoruba cinema and English-language Nollywood to gospel music and digital comedy, their work has helped entertain audiences and tell Nigerian stories.
As the country remembers those reported lost in 2026, their films, songs, performances and creative achievements remain part of the memories they leave behind.
May their families, friends, colleagues and fans find comfort as they remember their lives and contributions.
Rest in peace to all the entertainers who have passed away in 2026.
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