Nollywood lost some of its veterans to the cold hands of death in the early part of 2021.

The first notable was the news of the demise of Folake Aremu, popularly known as Orisabunmi, who passed away on January 5, 2021.

However, the industry has recorded at least 5 deaths in the first month of 2021.

1. Orisabunmi

Orisabunmi

Veteran Yoruba actress, Folake Aremu, popularly known as Orisabunmi was the first causality recorded from the movie industry after she died on the 5th of January 2021.

Orisabunmi died at age 60, four months after ex-husband Jimoh Aliu, better known as Aworo, died.

Orisabunmi who was a native of Olla in Kwara State died at age 60 at her residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. She was said to have died after a brief illness.

President of the Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) Bolaji Amusan, aka Mr. Latin, confirmed her death to PM News on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Latin disclosed that Folake Aremu gave her last breath on Tuesday night but didn’t give the specific time.

“She died last night sir,” Mr. Latin stated in a brief response.

Another senior TAMPAN member Tunde Ola-Yusuff also stated that “She left without a goodbye.”

She was well known from the 80s for her roles as a priestess, pacifist, or the good witch in movies. She has played some iconic roles like ‘Asabi’ in “Oluwerimagboojo”, and the priestess in “Ayanmo Eda”.

2. Jim Lawson

Jim Lawson

A famous Nollywood actor, radio broadcaster, and writer, Jim Lawson Maduike passed away on the 9th of January 2021 after complaining of body pains earlier.

The veteran actor later slept and didn’t wake up the following morning.

The Imo state thespian was also famous as voice-over artist, filmmaker, and television personality.

He joined the Nollywood movie industry in 2004 and has since acted in more than 150 movies.

3. David Mela