2024 will be remembered as a pivotal year in Nigeria’s history, marked by losses, separations, new beginnings, and remarkable achievements.
As is often the case, celebrities in Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry—and even beyond—dominated the headlines for various reasons, whether personal, emotional, controversial, or inspiring.
The drama surrounding some of the biggest names in Nigerian showbiz showed no signs of slowing down. Like previous years, 2024 was a blend of highs and lows, featuring notable moments such as births and deaths, endorsements, controversies, and outstanding accomplishments that brought both challenges and celebrations to different individuals.
Funke Akindele makes history
Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele made history in January with her movie, A Tribe Called Judah, becoming the first Nollywood film to gross ₦1 billion at the box office.
Impressively, this milestone was achieved in just one month. The film, produced and co-directed by Funke Akindele, features a stellar cast including Uzor Arukwe, Tobi Makinde, Timini Egbuson, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, and others.
Onyeka Onwenu Sisi Quadri, Mr. Ibu, Junior Pope, others passed on
The Nigerian entertainment industry faced profound losses in 2024, with the passing of several icons leaving fans and colleagues in deep mourning.
Beloved songbird Onyeka Onwenu passed away on July 30 while doing what she loved most—singing. Her death was one of the year’s most shocking blows. Earlier in the year, on March 1, the film industry grieved the loss of Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, who died at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The very next day, March 2, John Ikechukwu Okafor, fondly called Mr. Ibu, succumbed to prolonged health challenges at 62. Known for his comedic brilliance, he brought joy to countless fans across Nigeria and beyond.
On April 10, Nollywood suffered another tragic loss when actor Junior Pope Odonwodo died in a boat accident on the Anam River in Anambra State while travelling to a film shoot in Asaba. The accident also claimed the lives of three crew members.
Other notable figures who passed away in 2024 include Aduke Gold, Dele Gold, Amaechi Muonagor, Adejumoke Aderounmu, Deji Aderemi (Baba Olofa Ina), Ethel Ekpe, Charles Olumo (Agbako), and Andy Best, marking a year of significant heartbreak for the industry.
Davido finally weds Chioma in Lagos
One of the most heartwarming highlights of 2024 was the wedding of Afrobeats superstar Davido to his longtime partner, Chioma Rowland. After navigating the highs and lows of their relationship, the couple exchanged vows in an intimate yet extravagant ceremony that dominated social media for weeks. Fans celebrated their union as a testament to love’s resilience and triumph over challenges, with the event serving as a beautiful reaffirmation of Davido’s unwavering commitment to Chioma, his “Assurance.”
P-Square final separation
The legendary music duo P-Square faced a second split in 2024, shattering fans’ hopes of seeing the beloved twin brothers perform together again. The year proved tumultuous for Paul and Peter Okoye, who publicly traded insults and accusations.
Paul confirmed the separation, alleging that Peter had involved the EFCC in his arrest and had stolen a song he had written. The rift sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans yearning for reconciliation and the magic of their united performances.
Bobrisky serves jail term
Controversial social media influencer Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, remained a constant presence in the headlines throughout 2024—for all the wrong reasons.
First, Bobrisky was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defacing naira banknotes. Charged in court, he pled guilty to four counts of currency abuse, an offense punishable by up to six months in prison. Bobrisky served his sentence and was released on August 5, 2024.
However, just months later, on October 20, 2024, he was apprehended by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Seme border while attempting to flee the country amid an ongoing investigation linked to corruption allegations made public by influencer VeryDarkMan.
In a related incident, the EFCC also filed a three-count charge against nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, for similar allegations of naira abuse.
VeryDarkMan’s many moments
In 2024, internet critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) found himself embroiled in feuds with several celebrities. Among the most notable was his clash with rapper Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana and his father, prominent lawyer Femi Falana.
The controversy began when VDM released an audio recording of Bobrisky claiming he never served jail time after his conviction. Bobrisky alleged that Falz had facilitated a connection with his father, who secured a presidential pardon for him in exchange for millions.
VDM’s subsequent disparaging remarks about the Falana family prompted the rapper and his father to take legal action against him. Throughout the year, VDM engaged in heated exchanges with multiple celebrities, keeping his name firmly in the spotlight.
Kollington Ayinla overcomes health condition
In 2024, veteran Fuji singer Kollington Ayinla faced a serious medical condition that sent shockwaves through the music industry, particularly within Fujidom. Rumours of his death circulated widely on social media as he was hospitalised at LASUTH for weeks.
The 75-year-old musician received overwhelming support from fans within and outside Nigeria, which played a crucial role in his recovery. Following the ordeal, Kollington Ayinla released a new single, proving his resilience and continuing musical journey.
Kate Henshaw and Saidi Balogun lose loved ones
In 2024, several Nollywood stars experienced the loss of loved ones, ranging from children to spouses and parents.
For Kate Henshaw, the passing of her beloved mother was a deeply emotional and heart-wrenching moment. The loss shook her profoundly, but the support of friends, family, and colleagues helped ease the burden of her grief.
Global music sensation Wizkid also struggled with tears and grief as he mourned the loss of his mother, openly expressing his pain.
Saidi Balogun was devastated by the loss of his daughter, Zeenat. The heartbreaking news was shared by Ronke Oshodi Oke on social media, leaving Balogun deeply shaken. Zeenat was Balogun’s daughter from a previous relationship before his marriage to Fathia Williams.
Actor Tayo Adeleye also mourned the loss of his wife, with the news leaving him in deep grief for months before he returned to work. The tragedy occurred four years after their marriage in December 2020.
Other notable losses included prolific filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, who lost his 81-year-old mother, as well as musicians Dare Melody and Mike Dada, who both lost their wives.
Kunle Remi gets married
Famous Nigerian actor Kunle Remi tied the knot with his wife, Boluwatiwi, in a traditional ceremony held in Lagos State. The event drew notable figures, including actors, actresses, and Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, who is a brother of the bride’s mother, along with other esteemed dignitaries.
AY’s marriage faces challenges
In 2024, famous comedian AY Makun and his wife, Mabel, ended their marriage, parting ways after 14 years of union, which began in 2008.
The couple, who share two children, announced their separation, shocking the public. Mabel hinted at irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, while AY accepted responsibility, stating that his decision to stay silent in the public eye should not be perceived as a weakness.
Rema makes history
Afropop singer Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, made history as the first African artist to win a Chinese music award. He achieved this milestone when his hit single “Calm Down” remix featuring American superstar Selena Gomez earned the Best Collaboration of the Year award at the 2024 Hito Music Awards in the Republic of China.
That same year, Rema also performed alongside Rihanna at the grand wedding ceremony of an Indian billionaire’s son, further solidifying his global influence.
Davido donates again
In February, Afrobeats star Davido announced a N300 million donation to orphanages through his foundation, The David Adeleke Foundation. The singer described the gesture as his annual contribution to the nation.
Davido revealed that this philanthropic effort would become a yearly initiative, aimed at supporting Nigeria and the wider public.
The donation comes one year after he donated funds he got on his 30th birthday to several orphanages across the country.
Sabinus, others welcome new babies
Popular skit maker Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, aka Sabinus, and his wife, Ciana Chapman, welcomed their first child together. The couple, who tied the knot in a private ceremony in early 2023, celebrated the arrival of their bundle of joy.
Similarly, 41-year-old Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa became a mother, announcing the birth of her baby boy with the joyful message, “Alhamdulilah, my treasure has arrived. It’s a boy.”
Actor Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, and his wife, Nneoma Nwaijah, also welcomed their own new addition, sharing their excitement over the arrival of their little one.
Mavin Records goes global
In 2024, Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records went global as Universal Music Group (UMG) acquired a major stake in the record label. According to sources, the deal marks a significant investment from UMG into Mavin Records.
As part of the agreement, Don Jazzy and COO Tega Oghenejobo will continue to lead the company. UMG chairman Sir Lucian Grainge confirmed the partnership, further strengthening Mavin’s global presence.
Related New: Biggest artists of 2024
Celebrities who died in 2024
Top afrobeats rising stars of 2024
