A Heartbreaking Start to 2026 for Nigerian Entertainment
The Nigerian entertainment industry has been shrouded in grief during the first two months of 2026, as it mourns the loss of multiple talented figures. From tragic accidents to health complications, these deaths have left fans, colleagues, and families in deep sorrow, highlighting the fragility of life in the creative sector.
Sunshine: A Digital Star Gone Too Soon
Esther Thomas, widely known as Sunshine, passed away on January 9, 2026, at the young age of 26. A vibrant content creator with over half a million followers, she was celebrated for her humorous skits that brought daily laughter to many. Her death resulted from complications following surgery to remove a large fibroid, leaving her community in utter devastation. A close friend, Chidera Madu, expressed the collective pain, stating, "Never in my wildest dream did I even think of typing RIP to my closest friend... my whole day shattered waking up to such news on my birthday."
Destiny Boy: The Street-Pop Pioneer Silenced
Afeez Adeshina, popularly called Destiny Boy, died on January 17, 2026, at age 22. As a pioneer in the street-pop music scene and a new father, he symbolized grassroots success. His mother, Saida Adeshina, revealed he battled spiritual and physical challenges, noting, "The sickness he battled with was Ogu oru, causing him to have seizures. The sickness had almost run him mad." He was buried in Ogun State on January 23, with many youths mourning the loss of a rising star.
Nanyah: A Voice Stilled by a Freak Accident
Ifunanya Nwangene, known as Nanyah and a former contestant on The Voice Nigeria, died on January 31, 2026, at 26 years old. Her death occurred after she was bitten by a snake while sleeping in her Abuja apartment, sparking a national debate on the lack of emergency anti-venom in Nigerian hospitals. Her choir, the Amemuso Choir, paid tribute, saying, "A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed."
Aunty Ajara: A Double Tragedy in Yoruba Cinema
Actress Ajara Lasisi, fondly called Aunty Ajara, passed away on February 5, 2026, at age 31. Reports indicate she was pregnant and died in a Lagos hospital after a courageous battle with a liver-related illness. Her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, confirmed the news, stating, "The doctor confirmed to us this morning that Ajara has passed on. All the families, we are using this period to appreciate you all." She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Okemesi: A Veteran Comic Actor's Final Bow
Bamidele Oluwatope Saint, widely known as Okemesi, died on February 24, 2026, at age 54. The Ekiti-born veteran comic actor was renowned for his stage mastery and unique use of his native dialect in Nollywood. He reportedly fell into a coma due to medication complications while treating a lingering illness. His colleague, Tony Montana Jeff, announced the news in a tearful video, saying, "The doctor pronounced him dead at exactly 11:50 am this morning, February 24, 2026. Okemesi is gone."
Omije Ojumi: A Gospel Voice Lost to Illness
Bunmi Akinnanu, known as Omije Ojumi, died on January 12, 2026, after a long battle with a serious leg condition. The gospel singer, celebrated for her powerful voice and ministry, had publicly shared her health struggles in videos seeking prayers. Her passing was widely mourned by gospel fans, church leaders, and social media communities who honored her life of worship.
Additional Loss: Allwell Ademola
In related news, actress Allwell Ademola died in December 2025 at age 49, as reported by Legit.ng. Her passing, attributed to cardiac arrest, was shared by Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop and confirmed by Yoruba Movie Gist, adding to the industry's recent sorrows.
As the Nigerian entertainment community reflects on these losses, the impact of these stars' lives and talents continues to resonate, leaving a void that will be challenging to fill in the years ahead.
