Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) suffers a string of deaths
The Nigerian film industry is in a state of shock and mourning after several Nollywood stars and a sound engineer recently died in rapid succession.
Five actors — Muka i la Adedigba (also known as Sikiru Adeshina), Obinna Nwafor (aka Saint Obi), Murphy Afolabi, Wunmi Olowokandi and Chikezie Uwazie — have died this month within less than two weeks, according to Nigeria’s Daily Post. The Nol- lywood sound eng i neer known as Techno Sound also died within that short period.
Nwafor died after a long illness on May 7 at the home of one of his siblings in Jos, Plateau State, the Daily Post reported. The actor — who starred in films such nomic Times. The Yoruba as “State of Emergency,” actor — known for his work in “Candle Light” and “Festimovies such as “Okiki Oru,” val of Fire” — was 57. “Blackout” and “Four Lions”
The heatre Arts and — died of his injuries at age Motion Pictures Practi49. tioners’ Association of NigeLittle is known about the ria on Monday announced death of Techno Sound. The the death of Adedigba but sound technician died May did not provide a cause. The 14, Vanguard reported. Yoruba actor — who appeared The following evening, in movies such as “Bolode Olowokandi also reportedly o’ku” and “Edunjobi” — died died. Her age and the cause May 13, according to Nigeof her death are unknown. rian newspaper Vanguard. Around the same time, Uwa
Afolabi died the morning zie died in the United States of May 14 after he slipped after undergoing a second and fell in the bathroom at brain surgery, according his home in Ikorodu, Lagos, to the Daily Post. Uwazie according to India’s Eco- appeared in films such as
T“Super Love,” “Tell Me Why” and “Only Love,” according to IMDb. “These sad incidences necessitate another clarion call to all members of our association and Nigerian artists in general to pay close attention to their health,” TAMPAN president Bolaji Amusan said in a statement, according to Vanguard.
“It is also very important at this time to admonish all individuals within the creative sector in Nigeria to create time for recreation and take time off once in a while from work.”