Entertainment

Iyabo Oko, 12 Entertainers Who Have Passed Away This Year

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2023

As the first half of the year comes to an end, the entertainment industry has indeed suffered some heavy blows, as quite a number of practitioners have been lost to the cold hands of death, with the most recent being a veteran actress, Sidikat Odukanwi, aka Iyabo Oko. Saturday Beats takes a look at the departed

Sidikat Odukanwi

A veteran actress, Sidikat Odukanwi, aka Iyabo Oko, had battled with ill health for some years, which made her solicit financial assistance at a point.

Announcing her death on Thursday, June 29, 2023, her daughter, Bisi Aisha, wrote on Instagram, “It is well, mummy. Rest in peace, Wurami.”

Recall that the actress was rumoured to have died in 2021 and 2022. However, in an interview with Saturday Beats in September 2021, Oko refuted the claims. She said, “I am doing fine. I am not dead. I am very much alive. I won’t die (yet). It is not my portion.”

In another interview, one of her daughters, Olamide, had told Saturday Beats that her mother was diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke. She had said, “What affected my mum was the fact that she was not going for her medical check-ups. She lives very far from the hospital. When she had her last ‘attack’, I had to get a motorcycle to convey her to the junction before I could get a cab to pick her. She was diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke some years back. The first health scare happened about five years ago, but she did not want anyone to know about it.”

Brymo Uchegbu

Another veteran actor, Brymo Uchegbu, aka Don Brymo, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023. The 56-year-old Anambra State-born role interpreter was said to have died in his sleep.

Confirming the news, his colleague and friend, Mayor Ofoegbu, wrote on Facebook, “Plan for tomorrow but live for today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I wrote those lines on my WhatsApp status yesterday evening. My man, my five and six, Don Brymo Uchegbu, passed away in his sleep. I received the shocking news this morning and had to verify it from his family. It’s hard to say goodbye.”

Afeez Agoro

At 7ft 4 inches tall, Afeez Agoro was believed to be the tallest man in Nigeria before his demise on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. He reportedly died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, following some health complications.

Before his death, Agoro, who was also an actor, had undergone a successful hip surgery after he sought funds from members of the public.

Murphy Afolabi

A popular actor, Murphy Afolabi, passed away on May 14, 2023, in Lagos. This was nine days after he celebrated his 49th birthday on May 5. The actor had suffered a fall in his bathroom before he died that morning.

Chikezie Uwazie

Another actor, Chikezie Uwazie, died in the United States of America after he reportedly underwent a second brain surgery. His colleague, Obey Etok, revealed the news on Instagram on May 14, 2023. She wrote, “I cannot imagine I am posting this. Chikezie Uwazie is gone after a second brain surgery. I’m so shocked (sic) to get this news this evening.

“I thought you told me you were going to the States for greener pastures. You promised to come back some years back, but I did not see you. I cannot believe you are gone, but God knows best. Rest on, Chyko.”

Mukaila Adedigba

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the movie industry was thrown into mourning following the demise of a veteran Yoruba actor, Mukaila Adedigba, aka Sikiru Adeshina. His death was announced by actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod.

Chris Mba

A veteran singer, Chris Mba, died on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital after a long battle with heart disease. He was known in the 1980s for his jerry curl and hit songs such as ‘Funky Situation’, ‘Baby Don’t Cry’ and ‘Love Everlasting’.

The General Manager of Premier Music, Michael Odiong, which Mba was signed to, broke the news on Instagram. He wrote, “The management of Premier Records Limited express sadness on the death of one of its artistes, Chris Mba, who passed away after a long battle with heart issues. We condole with the family and pray God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Saint Obi

A popular actor, Obinna Nwafor, aka Saint Obi, died on May 7, 2023, following an undisclosed ailment. He was said to have been embattled before his death.

The late actor and filmmaker was known for his roles in movies and TV series such as ‘State of Emergency’, ‘Candle Light’, ‘Sakobi’ and ‘Last Party’. He was a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Jos, Plateau State.

Fadeyi Oloro

Veteran actor, Ojo Arowosafe, aka Fadeyi Oloro, was another talent that kicked the bucket this year. He had battled ill health for years before he passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the age of 66.

His death was confirmed by an actor and comedian, Bayegun Oluwatoyin, aka Woli Arole, who wrote on Instagram, “(I am) so happy I reached out to you and we played our part, and laughed together. (I am) so happy we were able to show our support. Rest in peace the legend, Fadeyi Oloro. Let’s check up on people when they are alive. Let’s show love when people can feel it. Let’s help when it can be seen.”

Favour Daniels

Favour Daniels, an actress and skit maker, passed away on February 5, 2023, after she was involved in a boating accident. She was 26.

Femi Ogunrombi

An actor, Femi Ogunrombi, who once played the role of ‘Papa Ajasco’ in the popular sitcom, ‘Papa Ajasco and Company’, passed away on January 14, 2023.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

An Imo State-born filmmaker and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, Peace Osigwe, died on January 9, 2023, in a hospital in Lagos.

Her death shook in the industry, as many practitioners offered their condolences.

Sunday Akinola

Yet another veteran actor, Sunday Akinola, aka Baba Feyikogbon, passed away on January 9, 2023, at the age of 80 after suffering kidney failure. He gained prominence when he featured in a sitcom titled, ‘Feyikogbon’, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

He had sought financial assistance from the public in 2019 when he said he needed N30m to travel abroad to treat kidney failure and hypertension.

He also stated that his career only made him popular, without making him wealthy.
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Entertainment

5 Records Michael Jackson Set That Remain Unbroken

Published

2 days ago

August 30, 2025

Editor

Michael Jackson widely known as the “King of Pop,” was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer whose influence reshaped the music and entertainment industry.

Rising to fame as a child with the Jackson 5, he went on to achieve unprecedented global success as a solo artist. With groundbreaking albums like Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, Jackson became the best-selling music artist in history, blending pop, rock, and R&B in a style uniquely his own

Beyond music, he revolutionized music videos with cinematic works such as Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean, and his signature dance moves including the iconic moonwalk—set new standards in performance.

Despite controversies in his personal life, his artistry, humanitarian work, and cultural impact continue to inspire artists worldwide

Beyond being known as the ‘King of Pop,’ he also holds five records that remain unbeaten; here are they:

1. Best-Selling Album of All Time (“Thriller”)

Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982) remains the best-selling album in history, with over 70 million certified copies sold worldwide (and over 100 million claimed). No album has surpassed it globally.

2. Most Grammy Awards Won in a Single Night (Male Artist)

At the 1984 Grammy Awards, Jackson won 8 Grammys in one night for Thriller and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This remains a record for a male artist (only tied, never beaten).

3. First Artist to Top Billboard Hot 100 in 5 Different Decades

Michael Jackson is the only artist to have No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in five different decades (1960s with the Jackson 5, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and posthumously in the 2000s).

4. Most Successful Music Video of All Time (“Thriller”)

The thrillerr short film is still considered the most successful music video ever, recognized by Guinness World Records. It was the first music video inducted into the National Film Registry (U.S. Library of Congress).

Entertainment

Colleagues, Fans Pour Tributes As Funke Akindele Marks

Published

1 week ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Nollywood star Funke Akindele was showered with warm tributes on social media on Sunday as colleagues, protégés, and fans marked her 48th birthday, praising the actress-producer for her friendship, mentorship and contributions to the film industry.

Akindele, best known for her comic creation Jenifa and the popular television series and films that grew from it, has long been celebrated as a mentor and role model to younger talents.

On Sunday, however, tributes poured in beyond her screen achievements to highlight her enduring friendships and influence on emerging entertainers.

In a viral post, skitmaker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, and acclaimed as Akindele’s adopted son, paid tribute to Akindele with a birthday song and an affectionate caption that referred to her as “Grandma Sonia” and “OLUFUNKE Ayotunde.”

He posted, “Happy Birthday Grandma Sonia, lyami Olufunke Ayotunde…Words can’t express how much | appreciate you. You’ve always been more than just a godmother to me, you’ve been a source of strength, love, and unwavering support.

“Thank you for the countless ways you’ve shown me kindness, for believing in me, and for always being there, no matter what. I’m incredibly grateful for your presence in my life…Enjoy your day, lya Beji, Alase gbogbo FaanTV, JENIFA Kan, Lefty Miii,”

Popular actress Eniola Badmus, posting as @eniola_badmus on Instagram, described the box-office star as “more than just a friend,” calling her a “playmate, my gist partner, my safe place” and a source of joy.

“Thank you for all the memories and for making life so much brighter,” Badmus wrote, praying that the new year brings Akindele “endless joy, success, and blessings.”

Another well-wisher, @tobimakinde, lauded Akindele as a “true trailblazer, luminary and exemplar of excellence,” wishing her “greater strength, peace, and overflowing joy” and praying for continued success and good health.

Fans across platforms joined in the celebrations, sharing clips, photos and messages under birthday posts, with many praising her career achievements and role as a mentor in Nollywood.

@Metalistix commented, “Happy 48th Birthday, Funke Akindele! Congratulations to you on this special day. Many of us grew up watching you in our teens, and we’re still watching and celebrating you as adults – and we know we’ll continue cheering you on even in old age. Cheers to a beautiful life, more success, and endless joy. Keep shining, Funke!”

@Tina_rayx described Akindele as “The Wizkid of Nollywood. Number 1. Nobody comes close. Aura upon Aura.”

@TowFunFun posted, “Happy birthday to the most successful actress in Nigerian history. The mother of many of us.”

Meanwhile, the creator of Jenifa used the occasion to reveal details of her next big project.

In a birthday message to fans, she announced her upcoming film Behind the Scenes, set for release in December 2025.

She said, “It’s my birthday today, and I feel so fulfilled. I’m graciously grateful to God for the grace to keep telling our stories… I’m using this special day to reveal my blockbuster movie, which premieres in December 2025, Behind The Scenes.”

Entertainment

How Toke Makinwa’s Pregnancy Unveiling Sparked Social Media Frenzy

Published

1 week ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Nigerian media personality, entrepreneur and actress, Toke Makinwa, sent shockwaves across the internet exactly a week ago after unveiling her pregnancy, a revelation that has since dominated conversations both online and offline.Newspaper-inspired merchandise

For over a decade, Makinwa has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognised media figures. From her early days as a presenter on Rhythm 93.7 FM’s ‘The Morning Drive’, to her widely followed YouTube vlog, Toke Moments, and her best-selling memoir ‘On Becoming’, she has built a reputation for candour, glamour and resilience.Newspaper-inspired merchandise

At 40, she has grown into an entertainment powerhouse, with endorsements, acting roles, and businesses that have cemented her influence across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle spaces.

Over the years, Toke Makinwa’s views on relationships have often sparked debate. Following a high-profile divorce from entrepreneur Maje Ayida in 2017, she became vocal about self-worth, financial independence and rethinking traditional expectations of marriage.

While she once remarked that “marriage is not an achievement,” she later admitted she remained open to remarriage but only on her own terms.

In her exact words, she remarked, “As independent women, do you think that we have glamorised this notion of being independent? Yeah. It’s tough, I won’t lie. Let me break it down. Forget the cameras. At this point in my life, if I have the opportunity to be the second, third, fourth or fifth wife, I will take it.”

This history of outspoken reflections made her pregnancy announcement more striking to fans and critics alike.

The pregnancy unveiling
Ahead of her Instagram unveiling, Tribune Online on Tuesday, August 12, exclusively reported that the actress is pregnant and nears delivery. Digital edition of the newspaper

Following the report, Makinwa took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce what she called “the biggest project of my life.”

Accompanied by radiant photographs of her growing bump, she described the journey as “the highest calling ever,” adding:

“Of all the projects I’ve embarked on in my life, this one trumps it all. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. God truly makes all things beautiful in His time.”

Her heartfelt caption, infused with gratitude and spirituality, immediately struck a chord with millions of followers.

Social media frenzy
The reaction that trailed Toke Makinwa’s unveiling was nothing short of explosive. Within two hours, her Instagram post had attracted over 20,000 comments. By the five-hour mark, the figure had crossed 40,000, as fans, colleagues and celebrities flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages.

At the time of writing this and barely 10 days after the unveiling, Toke’s Instagram post has 75,000 comments and continues to generate 75,000 reactions from fans and critics. Many hailed her story as inspirational, particularly as she is experiencing motherhood at 40, a milestone that challenged cultural expectations about timing and family.

Popular celebrities such as Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Iyabo Ojo, Adesua Etomi and others publicly celebrated the news, while fans reposted her images with beautiful captions describing her as a “beacon of hope” and a “symbol of divine timing.”

‘Unknown husband’ question
Yet, the wave of celebrations quickly gave way to speculations. Toke did not disclose the identity of the father, prompting thousands of curious and sometimes intrusive questions across social platforms.

Comments about who the “baby daddy” dominated the conversation for days. Controversial social media personality, Uche Maduagwu, weighed in with a question, somewhat rhetorical: “Toke, who gives you belle? Na married man or single, let’s know abeg.”

Another Instagram user, @halibut, commented: “Where is your husband? For you all you girls saying you can’t settle for less, can you see Toke Makinwa? She don settle for less, she no fit show her husband, maybe na gateman give her belle.” @Afroblog001 also wrote: “Thought you said you no need man for your life or na woman sperm did the job?”

The absence of clarity also gave rise to conspiracy theories. Some online users suggested she may have used a surrogate, pointing to the lack of earlier bare-belly photos. @shemstrends commented: “Why do I feel artificial and lowkey a surrogate, but however I’m feeling, congratulations to her.” Similarly, @the.halfcast wrote: “The Toke we all know will definitely want to show us the naked body of her tummy.”

The speculation gained traction until she eventually shut it down herself by posting a striking image of her bare bump.

As if that wasn’t enough, the announcement also attracted moral criticism.

Commentators questioned her decision to frame the pregnancy in spiritual terms while being unmarried, igniting heated discussions on the intersection of faith, motherhood, and societal expectations.

Popular social commentator Solomon Buchi wrote: “As a Jesus girl or Christian, we need to be very careful how we mix God with our personal decisions, decisions we have decided to pursue, whether they are Godly or not. Now I am not saying there is anything ungodly or not about having a child but you are having a child outside of wedlock, you are not married, and so there is just no need bringing God into that. There is no need spiritualizing it. Honestly you can give your testimony without implicating God’s word and His standard. Just say that you wanted to be a mother and now you are about to be a mother, or you are a mother already. There is no need to infuse God into it because, according to God’s standard, the only right way to be a parent is in the premise of marriage.”

Anothe Instagram user, @iamkennethudeh, also commented: “God’s standard is a good man and good woman to bear and raise children and live happily. Don’t normalise this abnormally for our young men and women, child without a father and you are even posting.”

While some viewed such remarks as judgmental, others felt they echoed long-standing cultural beliefs about marriage and parenting.

Throughout all the noise, Toke Makinwa has maintained her silence on the identity of her unborn child’s father, focusing instead on celebrating what she describes as a new and fulfilling season in her life

Beyond the Gossip

Beyond the frenzy, Makinwa’s announcement resonated because it spoke to broader themes: women defining family on their own terms, the intersection of faith and timing, and the pressure society places on female celebrities.

For many, her story reinforces that motherhood and fulfilment can come at any stage, irrespective of age or marital status.

As one fan wrote in a widely shared comment: “Toke’s journey is proof that delay is not denial.”