The year 2022 came with so many uncertainties in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. It’s been an eventful year for the entertainment industry, as the deaths of some renowned celebrities left the industry in shock and pains.
From actors to singers and reality TV stars, the entertainment industry witnessed several deaths, which brought grief to the bereaved families and fans.
In no particular order, here are 10 celebrity deaths that rocked showbiz in 2022:
Ada Ameh
Nollywood veteran, Ada Ameh, died on July 17, 2022, at the NNPC hospital in Warri, Delta State. She was aged 48.
A ‘Night of Tributes’ event was organised by the cast and crew of the popular TV series, ‘The Johnsons’, in her honour as the lead actress of the series, on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Freedom Park, Lagos.
She was buried on Friday, August 26, 2022, in her father’s compound in their hometown of Otukpo, Benue State.
Sola Onayiga
Another veteran Nollywood actress, Sola Awojobi Onayiga, died on July 18.
The gap-toothed actress was popular for playing Ireti in the now-defunct family drama, Fuji House of Commotion.
Ngozi Nwosu and Jude Orhorha, who co-starred in the drama series and fans of the show, mourned the late Onayiga.
Sammie Okposo
Popular gospel singer, Sammie Okposo, died in his sleep on Friday morning, November 25, 2022. He was aged 51.
A tribute night was held for him on Tuesday, December 13, in Lagos State, followed by a service of songs on Wednesday.
Okposo was buried on Friday, December 16, in a private cemetery in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Biyi Bandele
Biyi Bandele, a Nigerian novelist, playwright, director of Half of a Yellow Sun and co-director of Blood Sisters, a Nigerian series, died on Sunday, August 17, 2022.
He was laid to rest in Lagos on Friday, September 23, 2022.
The ceremony was low-key and was attended by the late filmmaker’s family and close associates.
Lari Williams
The founding National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lari Williams, died at the age of 81 on February 27, 2022, after a brief illness.
The AGN and the Artistes Village community on Friday, April 15, 2022, celebrated the life and times of the multi-talented artiste.
He was buried on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in his hometown, Yala Nkum, in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Rico Swavey
Big Brother Naija former season 3 housemate, Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey was involved in a car crash which led to him being placed on life support. He died two days after the accident on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
A night of tribute and candlelight walk will take place at Retro Citi, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 19, 22
A private service was held at the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu Square, on Thursday before his burial at Ebony Vaults, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Osinachi Nwachikwu
Gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the age of 42 after spending days at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.
Nwachukwu had teamed up with another singer, Prospa Ochimana, to make the song, Ekwueme, which shot both of them into limelight in 2017.
Following reports of domestic violence leading to her death, the Federal Government filed 23 charges against Peter Nwachukwu, her husband, accusing him of culpable homicide.
Tafa Oloyede
Yoruba actor, John Adewuni (popularly called Tafa Oloyede) died at his residence in Osogbo on February 1, at the age of 69.
The Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria, Osun chapter, organised a concert to honour the late Adewunmi on Thursday, February 10.
The late actor’s body was laid to rest in his hometown of Ede, Osun, on Friday, February 11.