Each year comes with losses and changes. But this year (2020), in particular, has been one with an overwhelming amount of grief.
So far, Nigerians have said to many notable individuals across different industries, including key players in the entertainment sector.
In this piece, eelive.ng is bringing to fore the Nigerian entertainers who passed away this year. These entertainers, during their time, created bright spots for their fans and contributed immensely to the entertainment landscape.
Pa Kasumu
Veteran actor, Kayode Odumosu otherwise known as Pa Kasumu, in March, died at the age of 66 after a long battle with liver and heart-related ailment.
Born on March 16, 1953, in Agbeni area of Ibadan, Oyo State, Pa. Kasumu who hails from Ogun State started his career at age 15, taking up challenging roles on stage under the tutelage of Elder Chief Ayinla Olumegbon whom he met through his area Uncle, Mr.Afolabi, popularly called Brother Simbat.
He got baptized through a stage play entitled Iyawo Orun (1968). And ever since then, he grew from strength to strength, and left an indelible mark in the Nigerian movie industry.
Majek Fashek
The Rainmaker as fondly called died in June after battling an illness for a long time. The reggae legend succumbed to his infirmities while receiving treatment in the United States. He was 58 years old.
Known for his outstanding singing and composing skills, the late musician was popular in Nigeria in the 80s and 90s for hits such as –Send Down the Rain, which earned him the moniker, the Rainmaker.
Frank Dallas
The veteran filmmaker died in February while on a trip after a brief illness in Umuahia, Abia State. He was the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
Dallas started his acting career in the 1990s. Later on, in 1994, he featured in the movie Black Maria. Agony of a Mother, A Night to Remember, Emotional Pain are few of the movies he has featured in.
Ogun Majek
Nollywood thespian, Gbolagade Akinpelu better known as Ogun Majek, passed away in June. He died at his Ibadan home while battling illness.
He was popular for acting in Yoruba movies, some of which include — Iyawo Aremo, Ayé àjekú, and Ikilo agba.
Bose Adewoyin
Another entertainer who also passed away this year was Bose Adewoyin.
Adewoyin, who rose to stardom for her role as Madam Tinubu in Efunroye Tinubu written by Professor Akinwumi Isola and directed by Gbenga Adewusi in 1989, died in June.
Until her death, she was a staff of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, where she had participated in many editions of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
The deceased who debuted her acting career when she was young was also a dancer and costumier. She was on the contingent of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture that performed Funmi Odusolu’s famous dance musical, ORÍ.