2024: The year in a nutshell

Weddings

Nigerian celebrities tied the knot in style, with several high-profile weddings making headlines. Some of the most unforgettable weddings of the year included:

– Davido and Chioma’s star-studded wedding in June, which was attended by prominent figures such as Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife.
– Veekee James and Femi Atere’s spectacular wedding ceremonies in February, which featured a traditional wedding, court wedding, and a grand white wedding.
– Kunle Remi and Bolatiwi Oye’s cultural-rich wedding in January, which was attended by numerous household names.
– Sharon Ooja and Ugo Nwoke’s traditional wedding in June, which was graced by many celebrities, including Shaffy Bello and Funke Akindele.

Deaths

The Nigerian entertainment industry also mourned the loss of several beloved figures in 2024. Some of the notable deaths included:

– Tolani Quadri (Sisi Quadri), a Yoruba actor who passed away on March 1 at the age of 44.
– John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), a Nollywood actor who died on March 2 after a long battle with illness.
– Andy Best, an ace Nollywood filmmaker who died on March 19 after battling a prolonged ailment.
– Amaechi Muonagor, a veteran Nollywood actor who died on March 24 at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.
– Onyeka Onwenu, a legendary Nigerian singer and actress who passed away on July 30 at the age of 72.
– Sharon Okpamen, a Nollywood actress who reportedly passed away in August following complications from childbirth.

Controversies

Some Nigerian celebrities were also embroiled in controversies in 2024. Some of the notable feuds included:

– VDM vs Iyabo Ojo/Paulo: A long-standing beef between social media activist Vincent Otse (aka Very Dark Man) and actress Iyabo Ojo escalated in 2024.
– Burna Boy vs Eedris Abdulkareem: Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy clashed with veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem over comments about the origins of Afrobeat music.
– Wizkid vs Davido: The long-standing rivalry between two of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, Wizkid and Davido, continued in 2024.
– Bobrisky: Cross-dresser Idris Okuneye (aka Bobrisky) faced a tumultuous year, including a controversy over his “Best Dressed Female” award at a movie premiere, and a subsequent arrest and imprisonment for naira abuse.

Baby Boom

Several Nigerian celebrities welcomed new additions to their families in 2024. Some of the notable baby arrivals included:

– Ooni of Ife: The Yoruba monarch welcomed not one, not two, but three babies in 2024, including twins with one of his queens, Olori Tobi, and a baby boy with his fourth wife, Olori Ashley Folasade.
– Banky-W and Adesua Etomi-Wellington: The celebrity couple welcomed a new baby boy in the United States, giving their son Zaiah a baby brother.
– Dayo Amusa: The Nollywood actress welcomed a baby boy in the United States at the age of 41.
– Debbie Shokoya: The Nigerian actress welcomed a baby boy in August after suffering a miscarriage the previous year.
– Emeka Ike: The Nollywood actor and his wife, Yolanda Pfeiffer, welcomed a beautiful baby girl on Emeka’s birthday in March.
– Sina Rambo: The Nigerian singer and his wife, Korth Heidi, announced the arrival of their second child in September.
– Ali Baba: The veteran comedian and his wife, Mary, welcomed triplets in February after 18 years of marriage.
– Taaooma: The Nigerian comedian and skit-maker welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with her husband, Abdulazeez Greene Oladimeji.

Fashion Highlights

– Lagos Fashion Week 2024: The event was an incredible showcase of African talent, creativity, and sustainability, held under the theme “COMMUNE.”
– GTCO’s 7th Fashion Weekend: The event was an unforgettable experience, featuring over 140 free exhibition booths showcasing local and international designs.

Triumphs

– Chidimma Adetshina: The Nigerian beauty pageant titleholder won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 and went on to emerge as the first-ever Miss Africa and Oceania at the Miss Universe World pageant in Mexico.

– Nwajagu Samuel: The Nigerian model became the first African and Nigerian to win the prestigious Mister International title at the 16th Mister International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.
– Mike Ejeagha: The legendary highlife singer was honored by the Enugu State Government, which inaugurated four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, including the newly renamed Mike Ejeagha Road.
– Mo Abudu: The CEO of Ebonylife Group celebrated her 60th birthday with a grand party-themed “1960s Fun Couture”, attended by celebrities, dignitaries, and well-wishers from around the globe.
– Ugo Ugochukwu: The 17-year-old American-Nigerian racing driver made history by winning the inaugural Formula Regional event at the Macau Grand Prix, joining legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher as champions of the iconic Guia Circuit.