- The Nigerian music industry, amongst its happy moments, has witnessed the death of notable singers
- Recently, the late Mohbad’s posthumous birthday was celebrated by fans, highlighting his sudden death at the peak of his career
- TheRadar curated a list of 5 Nigerian artistes who died at the peak of their music careers
Death stands as one of life's most inevitable truths, often overwhelming us with a cascade of poignant memories that blur our vision and tear us up.
These memories touch our hearts, whether it’s the loss of cherished family, friends, or favourite celebrities whose lives and artistry resonated with us.
Each loss we experience brings forth a flood of emotions, reminding us of the fragility of existence and the deep connections we share with others.
Four days ago on January 3,2024, the 29 years posthumous birthday of the late Mohbad was celebrated by fans across social media. Many shared memories of his exceptional music and how his abrupt death still breaks them.
Following this, TheRadar goes down memory lane to remember Notable Nigerian artistes who died early, especially at the peak of their music careers.
Remembering 5 notable late Nigerian artistes
- Mohbad
Nigerian rapper and singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, reportedly died on September 12, 2023 under very controversial circumstances.
The 27-year-old singer was known for musical hard work and exceptional talent while being signed into Naira Marley’s Marlian Records. However, in 2022, Mohbad left the label.
The singer, whose cause of death is still a mystery, is best known for his songs Feel Good, KPK and Peace.
- Da Grin
Nigerian rapper Oladapo Olaonipekun, also known as Dagrin, was considered one of the most prominent rappers of his era. He blew into stardom with his smash hit Pon Pon Pon.
His ghetto lifestyle and personality resonated with many fans who loved him. He is recognised for paving the way for indigenous rap in Nigeria and is considered one of the greatest Nigerian rappers of all time.
He had a car accident in Lagos on April 14, 2010, and died eight days later on April 22, 2010, at the age of 25. A film of his life entitled Ghetto Dreamz was produced in April 2011.
- MC Loph
Think of a joy-turned-sorrow scenario: the death of Nigerian rapper Obiajulu Nwaozor, popularly known as MC Lop,h captured it vividly.
The rapper was one of the two victims who died in a fatal auto crash along Benin-Ore road on September 14, 2011. The other victim was his younger sister.
The late rapper was reportedly on his way to Enugu State (his home state), in the company of his sibling and fiancé, when the tragedy struck. While MC Loph and his sister died in the crash, his fiancé survived the ghastly crash.
- Goldie
Nigerian musician Susan Oluwabimpe Filani, known as Goldie, is another singer whose death caught fans unaware. She lost her life under unexplained circumstances on February 14, 2013.
According to reports, she had just returned from the Grammy Awards and complained of a headache. She eventually died at the hospital.
- Kefee
Kefee Obareki Don-Momoh, better known as Kefee, is a famous Nigerian gospel singer whose death came as a shock to many.
The talented singer Kefee passed away on June 13, 2014, after reportedly being in a coma for weeks in an undisclosed American hospital.
She went into a coma after collapsing on a 14-hour flight while she was on her way to Chicago for an event. The popular singer died at the age of 34. She is best known for her hits Branama and Kokoroko.
“We don't want elaborate remembrance celebration,” Late Mohbad’s mother appeals to Nigerians
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Abosede, the mother of late Nigerian singer and rapper, Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, pleaded with the public against any plans to hold an elaborate remembrance celebration for her son.
Mohbad, who reportedly died on September 12, 2023, would officially mark one year since his demise, and fans seem to look forward to the day to honour the late singer.
