As the calendar turned to 2026, the Nigerian entertainment industry paused to reflect on a year that was a true rollercoaster of emotions. The past twelve months delivered spectacular triumphs, heartbreaking losses, and dramatic personal sagas that kept the nation captivated. From record-breaking musical achievements to the quiet strength of new life, 2025 was a year that laid bare the full spectrum of the celebrity experience.
A Year of Profound Loss and Farewells
The industry was forced to confront grief on multiple occasions in 2025, as it bid farewell to several beloved figures. The year began with the passing of veteran Yoruba film actor Asa Koko on January 30, after a long illness.
February proved to be a particularly difficult month. The entertainment community mourned the death of actress Patience Ugwu (Sugar Girl) at 35, followed closely by actor and academic Columbus Irosanga. The nation also lost a broadcasting pioneer, Anike Agbaje Williams, the first face on African television, who died in Ibadan at 88.
The sombre trend continued throughout the year. Gospel music mourned Bolaji Olanrewaju (Big Bolaji) in April. August saw the passing of veteran Yoruba actor Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran). Tragedy struck in September when comedian Adetola Samad (Sanku) died in a road accident and broadcast journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu of Arise TV passed away at 29. The year closed with the death of actress and producer Allwell Ademola on December 27.
Triumphs, Breakups, and New Beginnings
Amidst the grief, 2025 was also a year of significant professional achievement and intense personal drama. In music, Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) cemented his global status by becoming Africa's highest-grossing touring artiste. His 'I Told Them' world tour earned a staggering $30.5 million across Europe and North America, though it was not without controversy due to onstage incidents and cancelled shows.
Personal lives became public spectacle, most notably with the dissolution of iconic marriages. Music legend 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) and actress Annie Macaulay Idibia ended their nearly 12-year union in January, a split followed by a very public new relationship with Natasha Osawaru. Comedian Ijoba Lande and influencer Peller also saw their relationships unravel publicly.
However, the year also brought joyful new chapters. Mercy Chinwo and Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa welcomed their second child. Moses Bliss announced the birth of his first son in January. Media personality Toke Makinwa shared her pregnancy news in a heartfelt August post, while Chika Ike welcomed her first child, a baby girl, in March.
The Unstoppable Force of Women in Nollywood
Beyond the headlines, 2025 powerfully demonstrated the creative and commercial dominance of women in Nollywood. Female filmmakers delivered some of the year's most talked-about projects.
Kemi Adetiba captivated audiences with her layered Netflix series 'To Kill a Monkey'. Omoni Oboli sparked conversations on modern love with 'Love in Every Word'. Toyin Abraham strengthened her directorial portfolio with 'Iyalode' and 'Oversabi Aunty'.
A major collaborative success came in September with the action-comedy 'Gingerrr', spearheaded by Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Bisola Aiyeola, Wumi Toriola, and Bolaji Ogunmola. Funke Akindele maintained her box office reign, with 'Behind The Scenes' earning significantly upon release. Even Ini Edo's December film 'A Very Dirty Christmas' stirred debate, prompting clarifications from the actress regarding its intent.
The year also offered moments of reconciliation that softened the public mood. Singer Asake (Ahmed Ololade) reunited with his daughter and her mother on Christmas Day, signaling healed family rifts. His festive activities, including a visit to the Ooni of Ife and a performance at Obafemi Awolowo University, painted a picture of personal and cultural grounding.
In summary, 2025 was a definitive year for Nigerian entertainment—a complex tapestry woven with threads of immense talent, human vulnerability, cultural shifts, and the enduring spotlight that defines celebrity life.
