Cancer has continued to claim the lives of several well-known Nigerian actors and singers, leaving a painful mark on the entertainment industry.
Some of these celebrities openly shared their health struggles, while others kept their battles private until their passing. The repeated loss has also sparked fresh conversations among fans about the rising impact of the disease.
One of the most recent and shocking deaths was that of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, who reportedly died on May 11, 2026, following complications from kidney cancer.
Below are some Nigerian entertainers who have lost their lives to cancer over the years:
Tom Njemanze
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died on July 18, 2025, at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer. He reportedly passed away weeks after appealing for financial help for surgery.
Ify Onwuemene
Popular for Everyday People, Ify Onwuemene died on May 25, 2021, after a long fight with stage 4 endometrial cancer. She underwent chemotherapy sessions and surgery before her death.
Aishat Abimbola (Omoge Campus)
The Nollywood actress died in Canada on May 15, 2018, after battling breast cancer.
Doris Chima
The veteran actress, who previously underwent treatment after losing a breast to cancer, reportedly died in August 2021 from complications linked to the illness.
Karibi Fubara
The Nollywood actor passed away in December 2021 due to kidney tumour cancer, a year after undergoing major surgery in 2020.
Majek Fashek
Legendary reggae musician Majek Fashek died in June 2020 after battling esophageal cancer.
Sonny Okosun
The iconic singer and activist died on May 24, 2008, in Washington after suffering from colon cancer.
Aduke Gold
The gospel singer died on August 11, 2024, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after battling cervical cancer.
Sound Sultan
Music star Sound Sultan died on July 11, 2021, in the United States after a long fight with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer.
The repeated loss of these talents continues to remind many Nigerians of the importance of early detection, treatment, and awareness of cancer-related illnesses.