As the year 2024 comes to a close, the entertainment industry is still reeling from the deaths of several beloved stars.
From music legends to icons, the past 12 months have seen the passing of numerous talented individuals who left an indelible mark on their respective fields.
- Kofi Owusu Duah (KODA)
One of the most shocking deaths of the year was that of Kofi Owusu Duah (KODA), who passed away on March 25, 2024, at the age of 45, after battling kidney disease.
With a career spanning decades, KODA was a highly influential figure in the music industry, known for hits like ‘Nsempii,’ ‘Nkwa Abodoo,’ ‘Yapai,’ and ‘Adorso.’
- Mercy Little Smith
The film industry also suffered a significant loss with the passing of Mercy Little Smith on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Mercy Little Smith appeared in several films, including the local television series ‘Efiewura.’
Mercy Smith gained widespread recognition for her role as the wife of renowned actor Kwame Dzokoto, who played Judge Koboo in the ‘Efiewura’ series.
- Vincent McCauley
Actor Vincent McCauley, popular for the ‘Things We Do For Love’ TV show, died on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Although the cause of his death remains sketchy, it is alleged the iconic actor battled with a brain tumour.
The late Vincent McCauley contributed to other popular TV series like ‘YOLO,’ ‘Games People Play,’ ‘Fortune Island,’ ‘Office Palava,’ ‘Living With Trisha: House of Secrets,’ and ‘The Idiot and I.’
He left behind a wife with whom he tied the knot in 2017.
- Naa Amanua Dodoo
Other notable deaths in the entertainment industry included legendary Ghanaian traditional singer Naa Amanua Dodoo, better known as Naa Amanua of the legendary Wulomei band fame, who died on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
She was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has used her music to promote social change.
- Nana Yaw Saah Aboagye
Ghanaian actor and lawyer Nana Yaw Saah Aboagye, popularly known as Shaka Zulu of the famous Sun City series, died on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The alumnus of the University of Ghana who was residing in the UK died after a short illness.
Nana Yaw graduated from the Ghana School of Law last year and studied BFA Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana. He had an MA in International Affairs from the University of Ghana.
- Osman Idris (Yogot)
Junka Town actor Osman Idris, popularly known as Yogot, passed away on June 11, 2024, at the Great Faith Family Clinic.
Yogot is known for his ability to play scammer roles in movies, earning him the name Baba No Face.
According to family sources, Yogot had been treating a carbuncle, locally known as ‘nantwi pompo’ or ‘cow boil’ which developed inside his throat and eventually led to his death.
- Albert Jackson-Davis
Veteran actor Albert Jackson-Davis passed away on September 14, 2024, after a battle with an undisclosed illness.
- C Confion
In the world of comedy, fans mourned the loss of Bright Owusu, popularly known as C Confion, who died on December 20, 2024.
With a unique brand of humour and irreverent style, C. Confion became a household name, starring in popular skits and earning him a loyal following as a member of Akabenezer, aka Dr. Likee’s comedy troupe.
- Agnes Annan
Ghanaian actress and evangelist Agnes Annan, the mother of gospel singer Empress Gifty, died on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after a short illness.
Empress Gifty took to her Facebook page to announce the incident as she expressed her pain.
She eulogised her late mother as the pillar of strength and love of the family.
As the entertainment industry bids farewell to these talented individuals, their legacies will continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists, musicians, and performers.
Despite the sadness that accompanied their passing, their contributions to the entertainment world will never be forgotten.