Nollywood actor, Zulu Adigwe has been reported to have died on Tuesday evening, April 23, 2024.
The news of his demise was made known by Movie producer, Stanley Nwoke aka Stanley Ontop via his Instagram page. He announced the demise of the actor and revealed that the cause of his death is yet to be made known.
“I regret to announce the passing on a veteran actor. Late Mr Zulu Adigwe. What caused his death yet to be reviewed. Rest in peace Good actor.”
Stanley Ontop
However, unconfirmed reports revealed that the actor had been battling with an undisclosed illness.
Zulu Adigwe’s interest in acting started when he was seven. His earliest appearance on Nigerian television was in “Basi and Company” where he played the lead character, Mr. B, replacing former actor Albert Egbe who left the series after a dispute with the show’s creator Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Adigwe’s introduction to the cast saw Mr. B re-invented as a guitar-strumming layabout composing and singing get-rich-quick ditties. He also performed “Basi and Company’s” new theme song, and an album coinciding with the series, Mr. B Makes His Millions, was released under Polygram Nigeria in 1990.
In 1991, Adigwe was among the original cast of Checkmate, playing lecherous university lecturer, Monday Edem in the pilot episode, but the role was recast after production moved from Enugu to Lagos. His first movie was “Blood of the Orphan”, which earned him acclamation and recognition.
In 2004, he also starred in “Living Abroad”, directed by Elvis Chuks and starring Ernest Asuzu, Emeka Enyiocha, and Anne Njemanze. In 2019, Adigwe was featured as Pascal Nworie in “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free”.
From the silver screen to the small screen, Zulu Adigwe made his mark with his unforgettable performances in countless Nollywood flicks.
Whether he was making viewers laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of their seats, he knew how to command attention and steal the show.
But it’s not just his acting chops that’ll be sorely missed; it’s the warmth, the charisma, and the sheer presence he brought to every role.
Since the dawn of 2024, the stage lights have dimmed for several other beloved actors, each leaving behind a trail of memories and a profound sense of loss.
Adigwe’s death would add to the list of actors who have passed on. Within the past four months, Nollywood has lost 6 of its own. From Sisi Quadri to Mr. Ibu, Amaechi Muonagor, Andy Best, Jumoke Aderounmu, and, Junior Pope.
Their names may have left the credits, but they’ll forever remain etched in the annals of Nollywood history.
Reactions From Netizens
The Nigerian film industry mourns the loss of the veteran actor, Zulu Adigwe as news of his passing spreads across social media.
Although details surrounding his death remain unknown, tributes from fans and well-wishers flood social media platforms in remembrance of the talented actor.
The outpouring of love and tributes flooding in from fans and colleagues is a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
A netizen showed concern about the health of actors and actresses, stating that Nollywood should be shut down for some time for them [actors] to have time for their health.
“4 major legends gone. Mr. Ibu, Amachie, Jnr Pope, and now Zulu Adigwe. May their souls rest in peace.”
hardgyal47
“Omg! Since February this year, all the Nollywood actors are just going one after the other. This is really sad. God please have mercy and purify us. RIP legend.”
gloworldcakes
“Nollywood needs to come together and pray because the death news is getting out of hand.”
may_obi_official
“OMG, why so much rest in peace in Nollywood? We have not even embraced half of the year and we have been singing RIP as a song.”
ify_miranda1
“How come Nollywood actors going one after the other like that this leap year? Lord have mercy.”
juliana.jacob.3910
READ ALSO: Ghana Grapples with the Consequences of a Hung Parliament
