Top 5 Nigerian Artists Who Died At An Early Age

Over the years, Nigeria has produced many talented artists who have contributed significantly to the country’s vibrant music scene.

Unfortunately, several of these stars passed away at an early age, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans and fellow musicians alike.

Here are five notable Nigerian artists who tragically died young:

1. Dagrin

On April 22, 2020, Oladapo Olaonipekun, also known as Dagrin, passed away. He was an up-and-coming, promising native Nigerian rapper till his passing.

On April 14, 2010, he allegedly slammed his recently purchased Nissan Maxima into a stopped vehicle in front of the Alakara Police Station in Mushin, Lagos State. He was reportedly treated at two hospitals after the incident. Unfortunately, the automobile accident led to his death after eight days in a coma. Dagrin, a beloved singer of “Pon Pon Pon,” passed away at the age of 25. One of the most notable tragedies in the Nigerian music business still revolves around his passing.

Before rappers like Ycee, CDQ, Ladipoe, Falz, Chinko Ekun, and others, Dagrin was the center of attention. Rapper Olamide from Nigeria made multiple references to Dagrin in his songs. On October 25, 1984, Dagrin was welcomed into the world by Mr. and Mrs. Olaniyi Abolaji Olaonipekun. Pon pon pon, Ghetto Dream, and Thank God, Kondo are just a few of his popular songs. He received nominations for Best Album, Hottest Single “Pon Pon Pon,” Best Rap Act, and Best Vocal Collaboration at the 2010 Nigerian Entertainment Awards.

2. Dablixx Osha

Oniyide Azeez, also known as Dablixx Osha, was a Nigerian trap rapper and composer who was born in Lagos State and passed away in November 2022 after claiming to have stomach pains. He was 26 years old.

The late “No Feelings” singer rose to fame online after releasing a slew of Instagram freestyles in which he demonstrated his proficiency with the Yoruba language.

The MMG Records artist Dablixx passed away after releasing the song “Pray We Live Long,” in which he claimed his mother dreamed he had passed away.

3. Obareki Don Momoh

Following the news of the passing of prominent gospel artist Kefee, it was a sad time for the Nigerian entertainment sector. On June 12, 2014, in a hospital in Los Angeles, Kefee Obareki passed away from lung failure. At the time of her passing, she was married to the well-known OAP Esosa Don Momoh. A 34-year-old Kefee passed away.

4. Goldie

Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey, often known as “Goldie,” was born on October 23, 1981, and passed away on February 14, 2013. She was a Big Brother Africa contestant and a professional singer from Nigeria. Goldie was the recipient of various African music awards, including the Top Naija Music Award. She also made her debut television appearance in 2012 on Big Brother Africa.

Her music was R&B, pop, rap, and electropop. Among her songs are Jawo Jawo, Don’t Touch, Who We Are, Point and Murder, and Breathe Again. She reportedly experienced a bad headache soon after arriving in Nigeria from the US, where she had attended the Grammy Awards for the music business. She was taken to a hospital in Lagos where she was later pronounced dead.

5. Mohbad

In February 2022, Mohbad quit the Marlian Record that belonged to the Nigerian artist Azeez Fashola, alias Naira Marley. He followed up his viral single “Ponmo,” which featured Naira Marley and Lil Kesh, with his first album, “Light EP,” which was released in the fourth quarter of 2020.

His three No. 1 singles with Rexxie, Ponmo, Feel Good, and Ko Por Ke, which were nominated for The Headies Awards 2022 three times each, are what made him most famous.

Along with other musicians, Mohbad has worked with Naira Marley, Davido, Zlatan, Oladips, Small Doctor, Lil Kesh, Bella Shmurda, and Lil Frosh. Mohbad passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27.