2011 witnessed the death of some great showbiz stars local and International, Great Icons like Steve Jobs, Tayo Aderinokun of GTB, Christy Essien, Sam Loco-Efe, CD John, Chidinma Koko Mansion, Gary Speed and others. Here is a short list of those who died in 2011.
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| Elizabeth Taylor |
Oscar winning actress
Elizabeth Taylor died on March 23, 2011 at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Taylor was born in London in 1932 to American parents who returned to the U.S. with World War II looming. She bounded into the spotlight at age 12 after starring in the 1944 box office sensation "National Velvet." She won acclaim as an adult with 1951's "A Place In The Sun" and went on to score best actress Oscar nominations for "Raintree County," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," and "Suddenly, Last Summer."
In 1963, she memorably starred in "Cleopatra." She later won Oscars for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Butterfield 8." She was 79. Taylor, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress who became notorious
for her seven marriages and sometimes eccentric behavior, had reported health problems in recent years and appeared frail in public appearances. Six weeks ago, she was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. She dies on MArch 23rd, 2011 aged 79.
Heavy D was born
Dwight Errington Myers on May 24, 1967, in Mandeville, Jamaica, and grew up largely in Mount Vernon, N.Y. His mother worked as a nurse and his father as a movie equipment repairman. Heavy D, the smooth-talking and cheerful rapper who billed himself as “the overweight lover M.C.,” died in Los Angeles on Tuesday November 8th, 2011. He was 44.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Heavy D was one of hip-hop’s most popular and charismatic figures, a girthy slickster who was an eager seducer and was unafraid of the dance floor. He was the frontman of Heavy D & the Boyz, which became the first act signed to Uptown Records, the label that was integral in building the bridge between hip-hop and R&B.
Mc Loph Obiajulu Nwaozor, who is better known as MC Loph met his untimely death on September 14th 2011, while driving on the notorious Benin-Ore expressway for his traditional wedding with his sister and fiancee. The accident claimed his life and his sister.  |
| GTB CEO Tayo Aderinokun |
Tayo Aderinokun ( 1955 – 2011) GTBank CEO died on Tuesday June 14 2011, in London after protracted illness. Aderinokun co-founded Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in 1990 and served as Deputy Managing Director for 12 years between 1990 and 2002, after which he became the Managing Director, a position he held until his passing.
Christy Essien Igbokwe also known as Lady of Songs died aged 51. She died at a private hospital in Lagos after she fell ill three days before her death. Popularly known as Nigeria’s “Lady of Songs”, the late Mrs Essien-Igbokwe was the first female president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria. She began her music career in 1976 as a 16-year-old and released her first album, “Freedom” the same year. She eventually released 10 albums in a career spanning 35 years.
CD John was a comedian died on March 23, 2011 after he suffered a serious injury in an auto crash in Lagos a night before. He was rushed to St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos Island, where he died at around 7am that morning. The fast rising comic was involved in a ghastly motor accident while returning from chrome (former Tribecca), after hosting Harry Song’s album listening party in March 2011. This incident sadly claimed his life to the detriment of the entertainment industry.
Amy Winehouse was an English singer-songwriter known for her powerful deep contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres including R&B, soul and jazz. Winehouse's 2003 debut album, Frank, was critically successful in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her 2006 follow-up album, Back to Black, led to six Grammy Award nominations and five wins, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night, and made Winehouse the first British female to win five Grammys, including three of the "Big Four": Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. She was found dead at her home in London on July 23rd 2011.
Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) was an American businessman and inventor widely recognized as a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer revolution. He was co-founder, chairman, and
chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Jobs was co-founder and previously served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios; he became a member of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company in 2006, following the acquisition of Pixar by Disney. He died on October 5th, 2011 at his home in Palo Alto, California, aged 56, six weeks after resigning as CEO of Apple. A copy of his death certificate indicated respiratory arrest as the immediate cause of death, with "metastatic pancreas neuroendocrine tumor" as the underlying cause. His occupation was listed as "entrepreneur" in the "high tech" business.
Joseph William
Joe Frazier was born January 12, 1944 and he died November 7, 2011. He is also known as Smokin' Joe, was an Olympic and Undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a one-fight comeback in 1981.
Adefemi Olubayo The Super Eagles defender died in an auto crash while on his way to Nigeria from his Greek Club. The late 25 year old was reported to have made the trip in preparation for his wedding ceremony.
Alasari In March 2011, popular Yoruba actor Ishola Durojaiye Ahmed was on his way to Lagos from Abeokuta when he lost his life in a road accident. The man widely regarded as Alasari was in the vehicle with three other people who luckily escaped death but sustained minor injuries.
Ashley Nwosu In April 2011, veteran Nollywood actor Ashley Nwosu died at the age of 58 after a severe illness. He reportedly became unconscious just before he passed on at the Military Hospital in Yaba.
Iya ofili ganga The Yoruba Actress whose real name is Modupe Tomori gave up the ghost at her residence in Oshogbo, shortly after complaining of a brief headache.
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| Chidinma Mbalaso |
Chidinma ‘Kokolette’ Mbalaso In March 2011, the Koko mansion reality show runner up was on her way to Abuja in her new car when she died in a nasty car crash at the age of 22.
Nate Dogg The American Hip hop artiste who possessed a distinct voice died in Long Beach California after numerous stokes and complications.
Randy Macho Man In May 2011, the famous wrestler whose real name is Randall Mario Poffo, lost his life after suffering a heart failure.
Sam Loco Efe In August 2011, the Nollywood actor unfortunately passed away in his hotel room while on location in Owerri at the age of 69.
Uche Okafor In January 2011, the body of the former super Eagles defender was found hanging at his residence in Dallas, US. It was later revealed that he was murdered prior to reports suggesting a suicide action.
And also to all who died in Jos, Maiduguri, Borno etc, The Youth corpers who died this year while serving their country. May their souls Rest in Perfect Peace.
Source: ABCnews, Vanguard, NY times, 234next.com, PmNews, Dailymail, Wikipedia,
