The Nigerian film industry suffered a string of losses in 2024, with not less than ten actors and actresses giving up the ghost between January 1 and April 10.

The ICIR reports that Nollywood covers the different regional and languages in an industry, contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Here are ten actors and actresses who died in the sector during the first four months of 2024:

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Olofa Ina

Veteran actor Adedeji Aderemi, often known as Olofa Ina, died in January aged 73 after battling an illness. He was born on May 15, 1950.

In 1972, he formed a theatre group with his friends named “Olofa Ina Theatre Group”.

He started his major acting career in 1980, with his debut film being ‘Ejo Ngboro’ by Tunbosun Odunsi

Jimi Solanke

The veteran actor, poet, and playwright died on February 5 after a prolonged illness. He was 81.

He was often referred to as Uncle Jimi and was well-known for his roles in Kongi’s Harvest, Sango, Shadow Parties, Death and the King’s Horseman, Kurunmi, and The Divorce, among others.

Ethel Ekpe

Ethel Ekpe, a veteran Nollywood actress known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’ died on February 7 after a long battle with cancer.

Sisi Quadri

The actor, whose real name is Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, died on March 1 at the age of 44 after an undisclosed illness.

He rose to fame in 2004 after his role in Seniyan Seranko and the 2020 film Ebundola.

He also starred in Kunle Afolayan’s Netwlfil original, Anikulapo: The Return of Sceptre, which was scheduled to be released on the day he died, March 1.

Mr Ibu

The death of actor John Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu, occurred a few hours after Sisi Quadri died.

Mr Ibu died at the age of 62 on March 2 after a prolonged illness that led to a series of surgeries.

He was one of the famous faces in Nollywood and admired for his comic roles in films.

Andy Best

The Nollywood producer, Ikechukwu Nandi, also known as Andy Best, passed away on March 19.

He hailed hailed from Umunkwo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State and was a famous producer and marketer with decades of experience in the industry.

He was the chief executive officer of Andy Best Production.

He produced several movies, including Lion of Africa, White Poison, and My Father’s Cup.

Amaechi Muonagor

Amaechi Muonagor, died on March 24 after suffering from kidney disease.

He was 61.

He was in the industry as an actor and producer for over three decades and was well known for his comic roles in Nollywood films.

Adejumoke Aderounmu

Aderounmu, famous for her role as ‘Esther’ in the popular sitcom Jenifa’s Diary, died on April 6. She started her acting career in 2008, appearing in various Nollywood sitcoms and films, including Jenifa’s Diary, Dazzling Mirage, Alakada 2, and Arugba.

Saratu Gidado

Gidado, often known as Saratu Daso, was a famous Kannywood actress who died on April 9.

She was 56. A successful and prominent figure in the Hausa film industry for over two decades, her death was shocking to many because days and even hours before her death she was active on social media.

Jnr Pope

Actor Junior Pope Odonwodo, mostly known as Jnr Pope, died Wednesday, April 10, after he was involved in a boat mishap on his way back from the location of a movie shoot.

He joined Nollywood in 2006 and rose to fame after starring in the hit movie Secret Adventures, directed by Tchidi Chikere.