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Tag: Sisi Quadri

  • Top 14 entertainment stories that dominated headlines in 2024

    Top 14 entertainment stories that dominated headlines in 2024

    The Nigerian entertainment industry experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in 2024, marked by dramatic headlines, major controversies, and heartbreaking losses. This year, from drama and tragedies to inspiring comebacks, underscored the creative space’s vibrant yet fragile nature.

    Notable events that dominated the entertainment scene in 2024

    1. Bobrisky’s prison drama

    Controversial social media personality Bobrisky made headlines for her naira mutilation offence, which saw her in and out of prison. The saga began in March after she won “Most Dressed Female” at Eniola Ajao’s movie premiere, stirring debates on morality and the law.

    2. Khaid’s Health Struggles

    Music star Khaid faced a tough year battling an undisclosed illness. His condition became public after skit maker and label boss, Sydney Talker shared the news, leading fans to rally support for the young artist’s recovery.

    Remembering the Stars who died in 2024

    The year also brought the painful departure of several icons who left indelible marks on Nigeria’s cultural landscape:

    1. Junior Pope

    In April, the industry was thrown into mourning when beloved actor, Junior Pope, tragically passed away in a boat accident while filming on Adanma Luke’s movie set. The incident sparked conversations about the safety of actors on location

    2. Mr. Ibu – The comic veteran brought joy to millions through his unforgettable roles in Nollywood.

    3. Sisi Quadri – A celebrated figure in Yoruba cinema.

    4. Aduke Gold – Known for her moving gospel music.

    5. Onyeka Onwenu is a legendary singer, actress, and journalist whose influence spans decades.

    6. Amaechi Muonagor – A Nollywood powerhouse with memorable performances.

    7. Herbert Wigwe—Former Access Bank CEO, supporter of the arts, remembered for his contributions to creative financing.

    8. Adejumoke Aderounmu (Esther in Jenifa’s Diary) – Her death on April 6 at age 40 shocked fans; her roles captured the complexities of Nigerian youth.

    9. Deji Aderemi (Baba Olofa Ina) – Revered for his commanding portrayal of traditional leaders, Aderemi succumbed to cancer on January 4 at age 73.

    10. Ethel Ekpe – A Basi and Company star, she passed on February 7 after a prolonged cancer battle.

    11. Charles Olumo ‘Agbako’—at 101, Charles Olumo is the oldest Nollywood actor. His passing on October 31 marked the end of an era in Nigerian cinema.

    12. Junior Pope – His sudden death on April 10 remains a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life.

    2024 may have been challenging, but it also highlighted the resilience of the Nigerian entertainment industry and its unwavering ability to create, inspire, and endure.

  • ‘Sisi Quadri’ and ‘Mr Ibu’Sisi Quadri’ and ‘Mr Ibu‘Sisi Quadri’ and ‘Mr Ibu’

    ‘Sisi Quadri’ and ‘Mr Ibu’Sisi Quadri’ and ‘Mr Ibu‘Sisi Quadri’ and ‘Mr Ibu’

    • Two talented actors depart

    As actors, they made people laugh. But their deaths last week were no laughing matter. First to exit was Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as ‘Sisi Quadri’, who died at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Osun State, on March 1, aged 44.

    The Yoruba word ‘Sisi’ denotes femininity. He explained that a woman who introduced him to makeup and acting gave him the nickname. “She would always call me Sisi Quadri because I behave like a woman,” he said, adding, “At first, I didn’t like the name and would fight back at people when they called me that. But when they were persistent, I had no option but to accept it as my nickname.” 

    Initially a makeup artist, he made his mark as an actor in the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood. His performance in the 2004 Yoruba movie ‘Seniyan Seranko’ announced his acting talent. He cemented his popularity when he starred in the Yoruba film ‘Ebudola’ in 2020. He also performed in ‘Toko Taya’ in 2022, ‘Aje Ni Eegun,’ ‘Iya Oko Mi,’ ‘Omo Iya Oko,’ ‘Oluwa-Burna,’ and recently in the ‘Anikulapo’ series.

    He was suited for the role of a sharp-tongued character. Interestingly, he said in an interview: “I learnt how to insult people in a joking way through my dad and mum.”

    Born in Iwo, Osun State, he attended primary and secondary schools in Ore, Ondo State, and later learnt Arabic and the Quran in his hometown. His father wanted him to be an Islamic cleric. He studied fashion design, and graduated from a fashion school in 1999.

    His journey to stardom began in 2000 when he was introduced to a group of actors. “Sometimes, when I have to go out, I disguise myself to get acquainted with the everyday experiences of Nigerians which I use to generate concepts for movies/skits. If I don’t disguise myself, I may not achieve my aim because of the attention from fans,” he said. This was a testimony to his recognition.

     The exit of comic actor John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr Ibu’, who died in a Lagos hospital on March 2, aged 62, further depleted comic talents in Nigeria’s film industry.

    Read Also: Kunle Remi dedicates trailblazer award to Mr. Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    A star in the English language/ Pidgin English sector of Nollywood, he became popular following his role as ‘Mr Ibu’ in a 2004 movie, and the name stuck. He starred in over 200 Nollywood films, including the ‘Mr Ibu’ series, ‘Coffin Producers,’ ‘Husband Suppliers,’ ‘International Players,’ ‘Police Recruit’ (2003), ‘9 Wives’ (2005), and ‘Keziah’ (2007). In October 2020, he released two singles, titled ‘This Girl’ and ‘Do You Know,’ which were said to be his last projects before he took ill leading to the amputation of his leg in November, 2023. 

    One of his strong points as an actor was that he could make people laugh without saying anything. According to him, “I was chosen to play a doctor in a film one time and when I came to the set dressed as one, even without saying anything, all the crew just burst out laughing.”

    His participation in Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry of northern Nigeria, based in Kano, helped to build a bridge between the southern and northern sectors of the Nigerian film industry. His best known Kannywood film was the Hausa language comedy ‘Hajiya Babba.’

    A native of Umunekwu in present-day Enugu State, he was a boxer, football coach, hair stylist, photographer and karate practitioner before he started his acting career. His acting talent was discovered at a film audition.

    ‘Sisi Quadri’ and ‘Mr Ibu’ demonstrated the beauty of talent, the value of professionalism, and the power of art.  

  • President mourns Mr. Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    President mourns Mr. Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of two Nollywood comic actors, John Okafor (aka Mr. Ibu), and Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji (Sisi Quadri).

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu noted that both actors would always live in the people’s memories through their works.

    “President Bola Tinubu receives with deep sadness the news of the passing of two of Nigeria’s ace comic actors, John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu, and Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri.

    “President Tinubu condoles with the families of these gifted thespians who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of their geniuses.

    Read Also: Speaker Abbas, deputy mourn Sisi Quadri, Mr. Ibu

    “The President exhorts the bereaved to take solace in the truth that even though these beloved Nigerians have passed on, they will always live through their works which will remain an inspiration and a fount of good cheer for many.

    “The President also commiserates with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), and the entire creative community, assuring them of his support, thoughts, and prayers in this time of grief.

    “President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and comfort for all those in mourning,” the statement said.

  • JUST IN: Sisi Quadri laid to rest in Osun

    JUST IN: Sisi Quadri laid to rest in Osun

    Late actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji popularly known as Sisi Quadri has officially been laid to rest in his hometown, Iwo, Osun state.

    It would be recalled the actor passed on Friday, March 1, at the age of 44 allegedly due to complications related to kidneys.

    Read Also: Emefiele moves out of CBN Gov’s quarters in Lagos

    His remains have been buried in his hometown among tears from movie industry colleagues, and fans.

    In the video making the rounds on social media, a wailing sound clouded the atmosphere as the body of Sisi Quadri was moved to the grave.

  • Sisi Quadri: I don’t know how to deal with this, says Kunle Afolayan

    Sisi Quadri: I don’t know how to deal with this, says Kunle Afolayan

    Popular actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan in a perplexed state has mourned his colleague, Quadri Oyebamiji popularly known as Sisi Quadri.

    He took to social media to express his grief over the unexpected demise of the late actor.

    The news of his passing spread like wildfire across social media platforms on Friday, March 1, leaving fans and colleagues alike in shock and disbelief.

    Sharing a poignant photo of himself and Sisi Quadri on the set of ‘Anikulapo,’ Kunle Afolayan conveyed his shock and deep sorrow at the tragic news.

    Read Also: Emefiele moves out of CBN Gov’s quarters in Lagos

    In a heartfelt Instagram post, Afolayan struggled to find adequate words to articulate his emotions, expressing disbelief over the untimely departure of the actor.

    Afolayan wrote: “Sad! Sad! Sad! I’m not sure of what to say or how to deal with this! There is a saying that “T’ibi t’ire la da Ile aye.” This is just so shocking. May your soul rest in peace, Quadri.”

  • Last moments of Sisi Quadri, by younger brother

    Last moments of Sisi Quadri, by younger brother

    • Tears as actor is laid to rest

    MUFTAU, the younger brother of popular Yoruba actor, Quadri Oyebamiji a.k.a Sisi Quadri, has narrated how the movie star died in hospital after a brief illness.

    Speaking in Iwo, Osun State before Sisi Quadri was buried in front of his house at Agbowo area of the community yesterday, Muftau disclosed that the actor had slumped at a movie location on February 19.

    “We were called that he slumped while acting on location on 19 February, 2024.

    “One of my brothers went to pick him from the location.

    “He had sent money to us on the 18th for the remembrance of our mother who died one year ago on 22nd of February 2023.

    “He also constructed a borehole in memory of our mother.

    “We took him to the hospital after returning from location. They conducted tests on him and told us that he was having malaria.

    “He was treated and he left the hospital on 26th February 2024. He later complained of ulcers.”

    Muftau continued: “After leaving hospital, he was preparing to return to the location, but we were opposed to it. We told him that he needed to rest.

    “We had switched off his phone as soon as he was brought back from location.

    Read Also: Port Harcourt-Aba train service begins operation in March, says FG

    “On the 28th, he developed hiccup. He was taken to the hospital and treated, but when the treatment yielded no result, he was referred to Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso on Thursday.

    “While we were going, he gave us N300,000 cash and later transferred N1 million into our account in case we needed anything at the hospital.

    “He walked into the hospital himself but later died on Friday.”

    Emotions ran high yesterday as the deceased actor was buried in front of his house in Agbowo area of Iwo, Osun State.

    A mammoth crowd came from far and near to mourn the death of the 44-year-old movie star.

  • How Sisi Quadri died, by younger brother

    How Sisi Quadri died, by younger brother

    Muftau Oyebamiji, the younger brother of popular Yoruba actor, Quadri Oyebamiji popularly known as Sisi Quadri, has narrated how the movie star died in hospital after a brief illness.

    Speaking in Iwo, Osun State before Sisi Quadri was buried in front of his house at Agbowo area of Iwo on Saturday, Muftau said the actor slumped at a movie location on February 19,  2024.

    According to him: “We were called that he slumped while acting in location on 19 February 2024. One of my brothers went to pick him at the location.

    “He had sent money to us on 18th for the remembrance of our mother who died one year ago on 22nd of February 2023. He constructed a borehole in memory of our mother.

    “We took him to hospital after returning from location. They conducted test on him and they told us that he was having malaria. He was treated. He left hospital on 26th February 2024. He complained of ulcers.”

    He added: “After leaving hospital, he was preparing to return to the location but we opposed it. We told him that he needed to rest. We switched off his phone since he was brought back from the location.

    Read Also: Oluwo warns against arbitrary price increase

    “On the 28th, he developed hiccups. He was taken to hospital and treated. But when the treatment yielded no result, he was referred to Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso on Thursday. 

    “While we were going, he gave us N300,000 and later transferred N1 million into our account in case we needed anything at the hospital. He walked into the hospital himself but later died on Friday.”

    Emotions ran high on Saturday when he was buried in front of his house in Iwo, Osun State located at the Agbowo area.

    A huge crowd came from far and near to mourn the death of the 44-year-old movie star.

  • 10 things to know about Sisi Quadri

    10 things to know about Sisi Quadri

    1. Late Quadri Oyebamiji, was popularly known as Sisi Quadri in Yoruba movies.

    2. He was born on December 26, 1979, in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

    3. For his primary and secondary education, he went to a school in Ore, Ondo State.

    4. Before attaining stardom in the entertainment scene, Quadri was a Muslim and a trained makeup artist and a fashion designer.

    5. He started acting in 2002 in a movie called ‘Koto Aye,’ directed by the late Alhaji Ajileye.

    Read Also: Popular Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri dies at 44

    6. Sisi Quadri who was well known for his comic personality and steadily portrayed characters who were known for their sharp-tongued wit and mockery.

    7. Aside from acting, he was also an entertainer and comedian.

    8. He starred in many Yoruba movies and even invested in a tailoring business. Quadri was also in demand as a Master of Ceremony (MC) for parties.

    9. In his personal life, Sisi Quadri was a family man.

    10. He was married with four children- three sons and a daughter.

  • Sisi Quadri died after US visa was approved – Show promoter

    Sisi Quadri died after US visa was approved – Show promoter

    The US visa of comic actor Sisi Quadri was granted shortly before his death, CEO of Fathia Entertainment Olawale B has stated. 

    The CEO and show promoter, tour manager, stated this in an Instagram post via his handle, @fathiaentertainments_showbiz, on Friday.

    He wrote: “So sad to hear the death of Nollywood actor @iamsisiquadir US visa was already approved. date fixed already. Who are we to question God?”

    Read Also: Popular Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri dies at 44

    The Nation reported that the late 44-year-old actor starred in number of movie roles, like ‘Seniyan Seranko,’ which was released on December 4, 2004.

    Sisi Quadri known for his comical and friendly insulting character was also set to captivate the audience in the upcoming film ‘Anikulapo: The Return of Spectre,’ which was scheduled for release in cinemas across the country shortly but was released on Netflix on Friday.

  • Adeleke mourns Sisi Quadri, sends condolence to family

    Adeleke mourns Sisi Quadri, sends condolence to family

    Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has reacted to the death of popular actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, describing it as shocking and devastating.

    Sending his condolences to the bereaved family, Adeleke urged them to seek solace in the impact the deceased left in the entertainment industry. 

    According to the Governor, Sisi Quadri was a fantastic actor and was loved by many.

    “Sisi Quadri was a delight to watch on the screen, radiating homes with laughter through his style of acting,” the Governor said.

    Adeleke stated this in condolence message by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

    “Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji (aka Sisi Quadri) was a delight to watch in movies. He was a great talent that illuminated homes and impart valuable messages.

    Read Also: Popular Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri dies at 44

    “With his demise, the memory of the wonderful moments he created on the scenes, and more, the comical relief he inspires through his works will reverberate for years,” the condolence message read.

    Adeleke also commiserated with his family, especially his aged father.

    “I mourn his loss knowing well the great talent that is gone. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Iwoland, the movie industry, and everyone touched by this devastating experience.

    “I urge them to take consolation in a life of impact, particularly in the acting profession.

    “It is my sincere prayer that they get the strength to bear the hard moment his passage represents. May Almighty Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaos,” the statement added.

    Sisi Quadri hailed from Iwo, Osun State.

     The cause of death has yet to be ascertained.