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  • 11 Nollywood Actors Who Passed Away in 2023

    The Nigerian entertainment industry had its share of highs and lows in 2023, with the demise of some of its brightest stars forming the bulk of the latter. Although these singers and movie stars, producers and art directors, amongst others are gone, they left lasting impressions that’ll keep their memories alive. We specifically take a look at some of the Nollywood actors who died in 2023.

    Murphy Afolabi

    11 Nollywood Actors Who Passed Away in 2023

    Murphy Afolabi died on May 14, 2023, a few days after celebrating his 49th birthday.  The actor was a force in the Yoruba sub-group of Nollywood, featuring in  in over 100 movie productions. Some of his notable works include Olokiki Oru, Wasila Coded Reloaded and One Blood.

    Iyabo Oko

    11 Nollywood Actors Who Passed Away in 2023

    Popularly known as Iyabo Oko, Nollywood actress Sidikat Odunkanwi died on June 28, 2023, aged 61. Oko was popular in Yoruba movies where she mostly took on comedic roles of a sharp-mouthed mother, aunt or wife.

    Before her demise, the actress battled an undisclosed sickness, which caused her to take a long break from the industry. Some of her notable works include Aromimawe, Idunnu Okan and Mayowa.

    Femi Ogunrombi

    11 Nollywood Actors Who Passed Away in 2023

    The actor briefly played the titular character of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series. Ogunrombi passed away on January 14, 2023. Before his demise, he was the director of studies at Pencil Film and Television centre in Lagos.

    Cynthia Okereke

    The 63-year-old Nollywood actress passed away on July 11, 2023. According to the chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (Delta State Chapter), Emma Onyemeziem, she died after a brief illness. Okereke was known for hercomic roles in movies alongside colleagues like Nkem Owoh. Some of her notable works include King Jaja of Opobo, Lion Finger and Second Chance.

    Adedigba Mukaila

    11 Nollywood Actors Who Passed Away in 2023

    The Nollywood thespian known by his stage name Alafin Oro passedon May 13, 2023. He was popular in the  Yoruba faction of Nollywood, entertaining the audience with his roles as a traditionalist. Some of his notable works include Aye Kooto, Sura Jamba and Aipejola.

    Saint Obi

    11 Nollywood Actors Who Passed Away in 2023

    Before his demise, the veteran film star, who rocked the late 90s and early 2000s, took a break from acting, with fans pining to have him on their screens again. Unfortunately, Saint Obi bade the world goodbye on May 7, 2023, after battling an undisclosed illness. Over the course of his career,  he starred in over 60 Nollywood movies and produced his first movie, Take Me to Maama, in 2001. Some of his notable works include State of Emergency, Final Whistle and Sakobi the Snake Girl.

    Dejumo Lewis

    The veteran Nollywood actor passed away on December 23 at 80. Lewis was one of the leading figures in the movie industry who ruled the airwaves in the 1960s, and managed to crossover into modern day cinema. He was famous for his role as Kabiyesi in The Village Headmaster, Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera (1968-1988) which aired on NTA. Some of his other works include Agogo Eewo, Otelemuye and A Place in The Stars.

    Peace Anyam Osigwe

    Peace Anyam Osigwe died at St Nicholas Hospital (Lagos) on January 9, 2023, following a heart attack. Although not a movie star, she was a leading woman in Nigerian cinema who was known for her stellar work with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA). Osigwe was a filmmaker commonly referred to as the “queen of Nollywood films” because of how passionate she was about spreading the gospel of Nollywood.

    Pat Nebo

    The ace Nigerian production designer and art director died on 14 September 2023.

    Nebo was not an actor, but he was an important figure behind the scenes, bringing some of the industry’s most iconic productions to life through his work as an art director and production designer. He was the production designer on October 1, Being Mrs Elliot and Okafor’s Law. He was also credited as the art director for The Figurine, Phone Swap, and Half of a Yellow Sun.

    Usman Baba Pategi

    The retired soldier and veteran actor passed away on November 12, 2023, aged 84. Baba Pategi was one of the pioneers of the Kannywood movie industry, playing the lead role in Samanja a comedy series that aired on NTA Kaduna and Radio Kaduna in 1973.

    Some of his other works include Malam Jatau na Albarkawa, Ka Bani Ka Baka, and Kafi Kwanan Azure.

    Fadeyi Oloro

    Popularly known by his fans and supporters as Fadeyi Oloro, the Nollywood actor died on March 7, 2023, aged 66. His daughter, Fasunwon Oluwafunke, broke the news of the actor’s death following a protracted battle with a terminal disease. He was loved by many for his iconic roles in Yoruba moviesas a traditional warlord or herbalist. Some of his notable works include Inubibi, Anike Olufa and Akoni Mefa.

    Enjoyed reading about the 11 Nollywood actors who passed away in 2023? Read this next: My Childhood Memories Are Tied to “Mr Ibu”

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • Everything You Should Know About Becoming an Actor in Nigeria

    Every week, Zikoko will share the hustle stories of Nigerians making it big in and out of the country. With each story, we’ll ask one crucial question in several ways: “How you do am?”

    We recently shared Jemima Osunde’s hustle story — how she broke into acting while in medical school and what it’s like as a newbie in Nollywood. Now that you know how she did it, this guide will take you step-by-step on how you can become an actor in Nigeria.

    Image source: Pexels

    So, how do you get started?

    There’s typically no age requirement — no need for football age here, dears — but you’ll need to show you have a good grasp of acting to get the opportunities that’ll help you kickstart an acting career. How do you show you know what you’re doing?

    Consider taking acting classes:
    There are no formal educational requirements for actors, but a great place to start if you’re willing to spend money is to explore acting schools for professional training.

    Also consider local acting opportunities — think school plays or church-setting type short dramas — and memory exercises to help you remember your lines. You know how you can recite CKay’s Love Nwantiti word for word? That’s what you want to achieve with memory exercises. Something as simple as listening while you read may help you memorise scripts better.

    Attend auditions and casting calls:
    A great way to stay informed about audition opportunities is by following other professionals in the acting industry on social media. Even if you don’t start getting callbacks immediately, it’s a prime opportunity to mingle with crew members and other actors, and grow your network.

    Prepare the necessary media:
    By necessary media, we mean headshots or even a recorded monologue. They’ll want to know what you look like to confirm you have the right “look” and charisma for the role. So, keep them high-quality and natural-looking.

    And no, it’s not superficial. The movie industry thrives on the “believe-ability” of the actors. Would you pass for a hustling mechanic? Do you give off the bad bitch vibes required for the role you’re auditioning for? These are the questions that need to be answered. 

    Gain experience:
    The more people see you, the better it is for your acting career. Your performance after landing your first role, and the strength of your network will contribute to your landing more roles and gaining experience.

    What if you don’t have experience?

    Most people start without experience. You need to get roles to actually get the experience. So, as a newbie, it’s important to focus on improving your skills and giving it your all at auditions.

    Do auditions cost money?

    No. In fact, this is the only appropriate response to anyone asking you to pay before you can audition for a role.

    How to get your first acting gig

    There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting your first acting gig. Once you’ve done your bit in finetuning your skills, attend as many open auditions and casting calls as possible. Don’t forget to network as well.

    Do beginner actors get paid?

    Yes, although payment may depend on the production size and available budget. Some actors even take unpaid acting opportunities just to build their portfolio. As a newbie, you may need an extra source of income to support your finances when you’re in between acting gigs.

    How many hours do actors work?

    According to Jemima, movies require you to be on set for about two weeks, and this involves several hours of shooting per day. For a more extended series, it might take longer. 

    And according to another actor, who wishes to remain anonymous, there are no specific work hours. You only know your call time which is typically between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Cinema film sets can be as long as 2 to 3 weeks, while IrokoTV or AfMag film sets take like 5 days.

    Sometimes, travel is required if the movie has different set locations. So, if you’re unlucky to work on a set that isn’t close to your house, you might have to leave home even earlier to beat possible traffic. Lagos residents can relate.

    Remember that part about no specific work hours? It also applies to closing times. There are no closing hours on sets in Nigeria. Sometimes, you could get off set before midnight; other times, you’ll shoot till dawn. It’s the price for fame.

    How much do Nigerian actors even make?

    Payment can be a real hustle for beginners, TBH. It’s either the producer goes, “Abeg abeg, there’s no budget”, or if your Nigerian mother taught you how to price meat in the market, you could earn between ₦30-80k per movie role. It could also be higher, depending on how much they want you.

    B-list* stars earn between ₦100-300k depending on the film’s budget and their negotiation skills. A-list* stars and veterans can command between ₦400k to ₦1.5m per role on an average. It could also be more, again depending on how much they want you.

    Some productions also pay per day the actor is on set. Beginners on TV films, like IrokoTV, get paid between ₦15-20k per day. B-listers* usually get ₦50-100k per day. Per-day payments usually don’t apply to A-listers*, though.

    The income may not always be great, but focusing on quality over quantity of films you shoot is necessary. How do you define quality in Nollywood? Well, from the script, you should have an idea if it was put together in 20 minutes, or if it’s something that can hold its own against international standards.

    So you don’t have abominations like this on your record:

    You may just be starting out, but it’s not every role you’re offered you should take, please. Focusing on quality may just be what sets you apart from the hundred other actors out there and set you up nicely for your big break.

    PS: We also broke down everything you just read in this TikTok video.

    *A-list/A-lister: This describes a group of people considered to be the most famous or successful at their crafts. You could say Zikoko is an A-lister. 😉

    *B-list/B-lister: This describes a group of people who are also successful at their crafts, but not as famous as the A-listers.

    Subscribe to our Money Newsletter to get more guides and stories about how money moves in Nigeria.

    Tife Oni

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  • QUIZ: Choose an OG Nollywood Actor, and We’ll Guess Your Love Language

    Do unexpected credit alerts make your heart skip a beat, or does free food do it for you? Your favourite OG Nollywood actor will accurately determine your love language.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Take the quiz:

    Tife Oni

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  • What If The Office Was a Nigerian TV Show?

    Anyone who’s ever watched The Office knows it’s one of the funniest tv shows that has ever been made. We’ve been wondering what a Nigerian version of The Office would look like and so we took some time out to create the perfect The Office (Nigeria) cast. 

    Here’s who would be on Dunder Mifflin Nigeria’s payroll

    Michael Scott – Nkem Owoh

    There’s actually no one better to play a Nigerian version of Micheal Scott than Nkem Owoh. He has the wit, the charisma to pull off the perfect Manager of a Paper company. 

    Jim – Ramsey Nouah

    If you look hard enough, you’ll see a strong resemblance between Jim and Ramsey. Ramsey already has the lover boy personality, we can’t say so much about humour, nonetheless, we know he’ll make a perfect Jim. 

    Dwight Schrute – Odunlade Adekola

    That’s no one half as chaotic as Odunlade Adekola who can properly deliver Dwight Schrute. Odunlade is sure going to deliver the role of an annoying co-worker who’s always going to annoy the hell out of Ramsey Nouah. 

    Ryan – Femi Adebayo

    Femi Adebayo is so great at playing an annoying person, we are almost tempted to believe art is imitating life (just kidding). If Femi Adebayo isn’t your first choice of Ryan, then you need to re-evaluate your taste. 

    Kelly- Ini Edo

    Ini Edo already has the beauty on lock and the attitude too. We’ve never seen Ini Edo and Femi Adebayo as love interests, but we already know it would be worth the watch. 

    Pam- Stella Damasus

    Pam is a TV sweetheart and which other Nigerian TV sweetheart would you rather play Pam if not Stella Damasus? 

    Kevin- Segun Arinze 

    Can you see Segun Arinze’s face in this picture? He hasn’t even played Kevin yet and he’s already giving Kevin energy. 

    Erin- Anee Icha

    Anee Icha has never taken on a role and not bodied it. Now, imagine Tony Umez calling Anee “dorrrlinggg” and trying to get her to date him? 

    Stanley- Amaechi Muonagor

    Another instance where the image is already embodying the energy of the character. Hey, Netflix, pick up your phone and cast Amaechi as Stanley right now. 

    Phyllis- Ngozi Ezeonu

    We don’t really know why Phyllis is still at the job even though she has a rich husband who’s more than willing to fund her lifestyle. 

    Darryl- Deyemi Okanlawon

    We know you are thinking we made this choice solely on looks and the answer is yes.

    Angela- Oge Okoye

    If you have an issue with this casting, feel free to catch us outside.

    Andy- Tony Umez

    In an office full of clowns, Andy is the office clown/loverboy. We all know there’s no better Nigerian Andy than Tony Umez.

    Charles Miner- Jim Iyke

    Of course, he’s the drop-dead gorgeous oga who is very wicked and likes firing people anyhow. 

    Jan Levinson- Omotola 

    Jan is the fine AF boss you want to sleep with. Omotola’s performance in Alter Ego already seals her as the perfect person for this role. 

    Jo Bennett- Sola Sobowale 

    Need we say more?

    Karen- Tonto Dikeh

    Is there a chance all of Tonto’s career leads up to her playing this role? Yes, there is. It’s Tonto’s niche to date the most beautiful man in the office and makes his partner’s life miserable. 

    Ibukun

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  • QUIZ: Can You Guess The Nigerian Actor From The First And Last Letter Of Their Name?

    How many of these Nigerian actors can you guess from just the first and last letter of their names?

    Give it a try:

    Nollywood bad boy

    She’s married to a singer

    Osuofia

    Funny Yoruba actor

    Yoruba actress that loves TikTok

    Proverbs

    Toyin Tomato

    Jenifa

    An Afolayan

    Always kills his brother to take his property

    MTV Shuga made her popular

    Tuntamilore

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  • After Working With Kunle Afolayan, This Haitan Actor Thinks Nollywood Is The Best thing Since Sliced Bread
    Not every time bash Nollywood, sometimes give them props.

    Because for every not-so-great movie and confusing translation…

    People like Tunde Kelani, Stephanie Linus, Emem Isong and Kunle Afolayan come through with awesome movies that make us fall in love with Nollywood all over again.

    After blessing us with The Figurine and the award winning October 1, Kunle Afolayan has made a new movie, titled The CEO, and it first premiered on a flight from Lagos to Paris.

    One of the actors, Haitian Jimmy Jean Louise, (aka the hot guy from Phat Girls) who was in Nigeria for the official premiere of the movie couldn’t stop gushing about Nollywood and Nigeria.

    According to him, Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading countries with the most potential and power. He even added that Nollywood has a better representation of African cinema. Nice!

    The CEO movie should be a mind-blowing movie, anyway, we expect nothing short of perfection from Kunle Afolayan.

    The movie which also features Angelique Kidjo, is about a group of top executives of a multi-national company who begin to die mysteriously during a short business trip. Watch the movie trailer here.

    Maryam

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  • 14 Nigerian Celebrities We’re Sure You Had Your First Childhood Crush On

    1. Richard Mofe-Damijo

    We have crushed on him from the days of Diamond Ring till date. He has managed to remain hot and everyone’s MCM for days!

    2. Junior and Pretty

    They blessed us with Bolanle and other awesome Nigerian hip-hop style jams in the 90s. The way these men rocked their braided hair at that time, were just goals.

    3. Onyeka Onwenu

    When she wasn’t being a brilliant actress, she was moving Nigerians with her awesome voice. Her signature low-cut hairstyle just made her look too perfect.

    4. Genevieve

    She has refused to age and still looks as gorgeous as we can remember. We’re sure you watched movies just to see her pretty face in motion.

    5. Daniel Wilson

    His haircut, voice and bad boy style were just everything. His Mr Raggamuffin song won hearts and just placed him in the crush zone.

    6. Plantashun boiz

    Teenagers love boy bands and these guys were the ultimate Nigerian boy band. They had the perfect mix of the cute (Tuface), the one with the best voice (Faze) and the total bad boy (Black Face).

    7. Shan George

    She blessed Nigerians with her awesome acting and skin like “flawless milk”. To top things, she was the mummy in that Procold ad we all love so much.

    8. Saint Obi

    When Nollywood started making action movies, this man starred as the protagonist in many of the movies. We all know how people love protagonists and he played the roles too well.

    9. Liz Benson

    She has always been gorgeous and flawless in her acting of course. Even when she played the evil ghost in Diamond ring, she still managed to be too beautiful.

    10. Agbani Darego

    Who else deserves a spot on this list than the first African Miss World, Agbani Darego? She will always be the ultimate Nigerian crush with her chocolate skin and flawless smile.

    11. Resonance

    See, she just sang about God in the softest voice ever. People went to learn Igbo because of her. We wonder where she is now though.

    12. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

    One of the hottest Nigerian celebrities of past and present. Even after having her babies, she still managed to keep that hot bod.

    13. Ramsey Nouah

    He was the ultimate Nigerian teenage crush. His usual onscreen romance with Genevieve was relationship goals of the early 2000s.

    14. Jay-Jay Okocha

    Simply because he was a beast on the pitch. He knew just how to dribble opponents and he defined rebel when he started rocking his cornrows.

    Maryam

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  • 10 Cute Christmas Cards By Nigerian Celebs

    In the spirit of Christmas, some Nigerian celebrities have posted these really cute christmas postcards on their social media pages as a way of sending best wishes to their fans.

    Here are some of them:

    1. Flavour chose to bless us with those abs

    Check out those tatts.

    2. Funke Akindele looks really pretty

    Her dress is perfect!

    3. Iyanya shared his love too

    Looking like an Oreo cookie.

    4. Beverly Osu played Santa

    Sultry Santa.

    5. Joseph Yobo and his beautiful family

    Awww.

    6. Tonto Dikeh

    https://www.instagram.com/p/_ng7ENL4ay/?taken-by=tontolet
    She shared an emotional caption to go with it.

    7. The Agwus

    So adorable.

    8. Segun Arinze and his beautiful wife

    Love it!

    9. Juliet Ibrahim

    And all her curves.

    10. Klint Da Drunk and his cute family

    Cuteness overload.

    Which one of them is your favourite?

    Maryam

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  • 14 Nigerian Actors That Can Play James Bond Perfectly

    Odunayo

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