This year, Nigerians mourned quite a number of esteemed personalities from around the world who have graced various industries with their creativity, talent and passion across the stages of screen, sport, music and more. Here are the top ten celebs who didn’t make it through 2023.
- Mohbad
According to Google, news about Mohbad’s death was not only the most searched loss of 2023 in Nigeria but also the most searched news of the year. The highly controversial death of the beloved singer sent shock, anger and sadness across the country when it was announced in September.
- Christian Atsu
The death of 31-year-old Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, who died during the devastating earthquake in southern Turkey in February 2023, sent shockwaves to fans across the globe as Chelsea, the Ghanaian president and other notable figures sent heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.
- AKA
When South African rapper, Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA was shot dead outside of a restaurant on the 10th of February 2023, the scourge of gun violence in South Africa made international headlines. The death of the 35-year-old rapper was listed as the most searched loss on Google in South Africa and number five in Nigeria.
- Murphy Alabi
When the death of Yoruba actor, Murphy Afolabi was made public by the president of the Yoruba movies directors guild and founder of Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, fans were left in dismay. The actor died in May 2023 from complications from a slip in the bathroom.
- Saint Obi
The demise of popular Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, who died on 7 May 2023 in Jos, shattered the hearts of many Nigerians who adored the on-screen star. He died after a protracted illness at the age of 57.
- Tina Turner
When the ‘Queen of rock n roll’, Tina Turner, died in May 2023 after years of illness, several superstars including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Janelle Monáe, Questlove, Pete Townshend, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Debbie Harry, Gloria Gaynor, and King Charles III mourned the renowned singer who died at the age of 83.
- Don Brymo
Veteran Nollywood actor, Don Brymo Uchegbu, passed away at the age of 86 in June 2023 while shooting a movie in Port Harcourt.
- Bray Wyatt
The death of 36-year-old WWE champion, Windham Rotunda, popularly known as Bray Wyatt saddened the hearts of WWE fans. He died of a heart attack while asleep at his home in Florida on August 24, 2023. Notable wrestlers such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Booker T paid tributes to him.
- Costa Titch
Music fans were left in shock and despair when 28-year-old South African Rapper, Costa Titch died after collapsing at ultra music festival in Johannesburg in March barely a month after rapper AKA was murdered.
- Mathew Perry
American actor, Matthew Perry, died at the age of 54 in October after battling with addiction. His autopsy revealed that he overdosed on ketamine. Following his death, a foundation was set up in his name to help those struggling with addiction.
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