2024 has been a year of immense grief as Africa bids farewell to some of its brightest stars.
These individuals, through their art, sportsmanship, activism, and entrepreneurship, made lasting contributions to their fields, shaping culture and society in ways that will continue to resonate long after their passing.
Here, we pay tribute to the African celebrities we have lost in 2024, celebrating their extraordinary legacies and the marks they left on the world.
Riky Rick (South Africa) – February 2024
The tragic death of Riky Rick, one of South Africa’s most beloved musicians, shocked the nation and the world.
In February 2024, Riky Rick passed away at the age of 34.
Known for his influential role in the South African hip-hop scene, Riky Rick was an iconic figure whose music transcended borders.
Hits like “Boss Zonke”, “You and I”, and “Sidlukotini” made him a household name.
His creativity, style, and commitment to uplifting local artists made him a cultural force.
His untimely death, which many believe to be suicide, left fans mourning the loss of a truly brilliant artist and mental health advocate.
Brenda Fassie (South Africa) – March 2024
Although Brenda Fassie passed away years ago, her legacy remains alive and her influence continues to be celebrated.
In 2024, South Africa and Africa commemorated her again as part of an ongoing tribute to her immense contribution to African music.
Brenda’s powerful voice, bold personality, and hits like “Vulindlela” and “Mama” made her a legend.
Her passing in 2004 left a void in South African music, but her impact is still felt deeply across the continent.
Sophie Ndaba (South Africa) – June 2024
Sophie Ndaba, one of South Africa’s most beloved actresses, passed away in June 2024.
Known for her long-running role as Queen Moroka on the soap opera Generations, Sophie was a trailblazer in South African television.
Her acting talent and ability to bring characters to life made her a household name across the country.
Sophie’s passing has left a massive void in South African entertainment, and her legacy as an actress and a mentor to many young actors will always be remembered.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa) – August 2024
In August 2024, South Africa lost another musical icon, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, known as the “Princess of Africa.
” Yvonne was one of the most influential musicians of her time, known for songs like “Umqombothi” and “Thank You, Mr.DJ”.
Yvonne was not just a musician, but also a philanthropist and activist, using her platform to promote health initiatives, education, and women’s empowerment.
Her untimely death marked the end of an era in African music, and her contributions to the African sound will never be forgotten.
Ali Baba (Nigeria) – September 2024
The comedy world lost one of its pioneers when Ali Baba, the Nigerian comedian and actor, passed away in September 2024.
Widely regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy, Ali Baba revolutionized the comedy scene in Nigeria and beyond.
Ali Baba’s contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry helped elevate comedy to an art form, and his passing is deeply felt by comedians and fans across Africa.
He will always be remembered as a trailblazer.
Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria/USA) – November 2024
Hakeem Olajuwon, the NBA Hall of Famer and one of the greatest basketball players in history, passed away in November 2024.
Olajuwon, who grew up in Nigeria and later became a U.S.
citizen, made an indelible impact on the NBA with his skill, leadership, and basketball IQ.
The former Houston Rockets star was known for his dominant play in the 1990s, winning two NBA championships and earning numerous accolades, including the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Hakeem Olajuwon was a beacon of African excellence in global sports, and his passing was a huge loss to the world of basketball.
Burna Boy’s Mother (Nigeria) – December 2024
In December 2024, Burna Boy tragically lost his mother, Bose Ogulu, who was also his manager and one of the key figures behind his global success.
Bose Ogulu was instrumental in shaping Burna Boy’s career, offering guidance and wisdom that helped him achieve international stardom.
She was an incredible businesswoman, a fierce advocate for African culture, and a tireless supporter of her son.
Her passing marks the end of an era, and Burna Boy’s journey will forever be linked to her mentorship and love.
Abiy Ahmed Ali (Ethiopia)
The passing of Abiy Ahmed Ali, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, in December 2024, has been a tremendous shock to Africa and the world.
Known for his groundbreaking reforms and peace efforts, Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his role in ending a 20-year conflict with Eritrea.
His leadership and commitment to peace and unity transformed Ethiopia and set a new example for African leadership.
His death leaves an important void in the political sphere, not just in Ethiopia, but across the continent, as his vision for Africa’s peace and development was one of the most promising of our time.
Conclusion: Remembering the Legends
The African entertainment, sports, and political spheres have been forever altered by the loss of these remarkable individuals.
Each one left behind a rich legacy of talent, inspiration, and love for their countries and continent.
While their physical presence may be gone, their contributions continue to shape the world we live in.
As we mourn their passing, we also celebrate the lasting impact they have had on Africa and the world.
May their souls rest in peace, and may their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.
