January 2021 marked a tragic period for the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. The month witnessed the loss of several notable actors who had made significant contributions to Nigerian cinema. This article provides a detailed summary of the Nollywood stars reported dead in January 2021, including dates, ages, causes of death, and their contributions to the industry.
1. Folake Aremu (Orisabunmi)
Full Name: Folake Aremu Stage Name: Orisabunmi Date of Birth: October 10, 1960 Date of Death: January 5, 2021 Age at Death: 60 Place of Death: Ibadan, Oyo State Known For: Yoruba television series Arelu Cause of Death: Brief illness
Folake Aremu was a legendary Yoruba actress, best known for her role in Arelu, a popular TV series from the 1980s. She passed away at her home in Ibadan.
2. Jim Lawson Maduike
Full Name: Jim Lawson Maduike Date of Birth: December 25, 1960 Date of Death: January 9, 2021 Age at Death: 60 Place of Death: Imo State Known For: Acting, broadcasting, writing Cause of Death: Slept after reporting body pain and did not wake up
Jim Lawson joined Nollywood in 2004 and starred in over 150 movies. He was also a seasoned radio broadcaster and writer.
3. David Mela
Full Name: David Mela Date of Death: January 11, 2021 Age at Death: Not publicly disclosed Known For: Emerging Nollywood actor Cause of Death: Undisclosed illness Place of Death: Not specified
David Mela was an up-and-coming actor whose potential in the industry was widely recognized. His death came as a shock to many.
4. Dan Nkoloagu
Full Name: Dan Nkoloagu Date of Death: January 22, 2021 Age at Death: 83 Known For: Traditional priest roles in Igbo movies Cause of Death: Arthritis and prostate-related complications Place of Death: Not specified
Dan Nkoloagu was a veteran actor known for his portrayal of native doctors and elders in Igbo-language films.
5. Ernest Asuzu
Full Name: Ernest Asuzu Date of Birth: May 7, 1984 Date of Death: January 26, 2021 Age at Death: 36 Known For: Lead roles in early 2000s Nollywood action films Cause of Death: Collapsed; had suffered a stroke in 2015 Place of Death: Not specified
Ernest Asuzu had been battling a stroke since 2015, which severely affected his health and speech prior to his death.
Summary Table
| Actor/Actress | Date of Death | Age at Death | Known For | Cause of Death | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folake Aremu (Orisabunmi) | January 5, 2021 | 60 | Yoruba series Arelu | Brief illness | Ibadan, Oyo State |
| Jim Lawson Maduike | January 9, 2021 | 60 | Acting, broadcasting, writing | Slept after body pains | Imo State |
| David Mela | January 11, 2021 | Not specified | Rising Nollywood actor | Undisclosed illness | Not specified |
| Dan Nkoloagu | January 22, 2021 | 83 | Igbo traditional roles | Arthritis, prostate complications | Not specified |
| Ernest Asuzu | January 26, 2021 | 36 | Action roles, 2000s Nollywood | Collapse; prior stroke | Not specified |
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2021 | Folake Aremu passed away in Ibadan |
| Jan 9, 2021 | Jim Lawson Maduike died in Imo State |
| Jan 11, 2021 | Death of David Mela |
| Jan 22, 2021 | Dan Nkoloagu passed at age 83 |
| Jan 26, 2021 | Ernest Asuzu collapsed and died |
Actor Profiles (Quick View)
| Name | Born | Died | Age | Profession | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folake Aremu | Oct 10, 1960 | Jan 5, 2021 | 60 | Actress | Arelu |
| Jim Lawson Maduike | Dec 25, 1960 | Jan 9, 2021 | 60 | Actor, Writer, Broadcaster | 150+ films |
| David Mela | Unknown | Jan 11, 2021 | ? | Actor (rising star) | Multiple contemporary roles |
| Dan Nkoloagu | Unknown | Jan 22, 2021 | 83 | Actor | Igbo traditional roles |
| Ernest Asuzu | May 7, 1984 | Jan 26, 2021 | 36 | Actor | Action films (2000s) |
FAQ
Who was the first Nollywood star to die in January 2021?
Folake Aremu (Orisabunmi) passed away on January 5, 2021, in Ibadan.
What caused Jim Lawson Maduike’s death?
He died after reporting body pains and falling asleep; he did not wake up.
How old was Dan Nkoloagu when he passed?
He was 83 years old at the time of his death on January 22, 2021.
Did Ernest Asuzu have health issues before his death?
Yes, he had suffered a stroke in 2015, which affected his health until his passing.
Was David Mela’s cause of death disclosed?
No, the cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Where did Folake Aremu die?
She died in her residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
How many actors died in January 2021?
Five prominent Nollywood actors passed away during January 2021.
Did any of them die of COVID-19?
None of the reported causes of death explicitly mention COVID-19.
What roles was Dan Nkoloagu famous for?
He was known for playing traditional priest and elder roles in Igbo-language films.
Did Ernest Asuzu’s death come suddenly?
Yes, he reportedly collapsed on January 26 and was confirmed dead shortly after.
Was there public mourning for these stars?
Yes, the Nollywood community expressed collective grief and paid tributes.
Were there other Nollywood deaths in 2021?
Yes, others who died later in 2021 include Rachel Oniga, Victor Decker, and Sadiq Daba.
Did their deaths affect film production?
While production continued, the tone was somber due to the loss of these talents.
Were any memorials or tributes held?
Yes, public and private tributes were held in honor of each deceased actor.
Did Jim Lawson Maduike have any other careers?
Yes, in addition to acting, he was a radio broadcaster and author.
How long was Ernest Asuzu bedridden?
He was reportedly bedridden for over three years following his 2015 stroke.
