The year 2021 is coming to an end; unfortunately, some stars in the entertainment industry have fallen. The PUNCH highlights some deaths that shook the entertainment industry in 2021
Baba Suwe
Born Babatunde Omidina on August 22, 1958, the legendary thespian was an actor and comedian.
Omidina began acting in 1971 but came into the limelight after he featured in a movie titled, Omolasan, which was produced by Obalende. He became more popular after he featured in Iru Esin, produced by Olaiya Igwe in 1997.
The comic actor has been suffering a partial stroke since his ordeal with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency 10 years ago. He died on November 22, 2021.
Rachael Oniga
Actress, Rachel Oniga, was born on May 23, 1957. Although from Delta State, the legendary actress was born and raised in Lagos.
She began her acting career in 1993, shortly after her divorce. Oniga also worked briefly at Ascoline Nigeria Limited — a Dutch Consultant Company —before her first movie titled Onome. Her debut Yoruba movie was Owo Blow.
Over the years, Oniga has featured in notable Nigerian films such as Sango — a movie scripted by Wale Ogunyemi and produced and directed by Obafemi Lasode — and Wale Adenuga’s television series, Super story. Oniga died on July 30, 2021, from a heart-related ailment.
Sound Sultan
Multi-talented Nigerian entertainer, Olanrewaju Fasasi, fondly referred to as Sound Sultan, was born on November 27, 1976. He was a rapper, actor, model, curator, comedian, songwriter, among other things.
Sound Sultan’s career in show business started in the 1990s when he hosted shows to raise money for studio sessions. By 1999, he had won numerous local talent-hunt shows. He released his first single “Jagbajantis” in 2000, which was a hit in Nigeria.
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After the entertainer independently released other singles and featured in hit songs of other artists, he was later signed by Kennis Music.
He died on July 11, 2021, after he was diagnosed with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.
Sir Victor Uwaifo
Sir Victor Efosa Uwaifo was not only an entertainer par excellence, but he was also a national award recipient.
Uwaifo was a Member of the Order of the Niger. Born on March 1, 1941, he was a musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor. Moreso, he was a university lecturer, music legend, and the first Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria.
Uwaifo was the winner of the first gold disc in Africa (Joromi) released in 1965 and seven other gold discs in Guitar boy, Arabade, Ekassa series and Akwete music. He recorded under the name “Victor Uwaifo and His Titibitis”. Uwaifo’s hobbies included swimming, bodybuilding, gaming, reading and writing. He died on 28 August 2021 at the age of 80.
Nigerian music producer, Ayorinde Faboro, popularly known as Dr Frabz, hailed from Ekiti State. His interest in music started at age six when he learnt how to play the piano. Professionally, he started his career in 2006.
The ace music producer floated his music production company, N’sayne Entertainment. He worked with some of Nigeria’s A-list artistes and some of his notable works include the production of Wizkid’s Ayo album; Seyi Shay’s Seyi or Shay album; Davido’s Omo Baba Olowo album, to mention a few.
He died on February 26, 2021. However, details of his death has been sketchy as the iconic music producer died in the United States of America.
Ernest Asuzu
Popular Nollywood actor, Ernest Asuzu, died at 37. According to his wife, Jennifer, the thespian slumped and never woke up on January 26, 2021.
The actor came down with a stroke in 2015, which affected his speech. He was also bedridden for three years. This affected his acting career and he was off the screen for many years.
