Nigerian artists have mourned the sudden death of filmmaker Shina Sanyaolu and gospel singer Dele Agbeyo, also known as Dele Gold.
His colleagues broke the news on social media on Wednesday.
Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr Latin, president of the Theatre and Movie Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), confirmed Shina's death.
Meanwhile, Akinola Michael, known as Alayo Melody, confirmed the death of Dele Gold.
Mr. Latin wrote on his Instagram page: “Sleep well, Uncle Shina Sanyaolu.”
Announcing the death of Dele Gold, Alayo Melody wrote on her Facebook page: “Dele Gold is dead huh? Ahhh, this is getting too much! May God help us stop this untimely death. Dele Agbeyo, may your soul rest in peace.”
At the time of this writing, the date and cause of their deaths are unknown.
Article page with tributes to the promotion of financial support
The artists' colleagues took to social media to pay their last respects.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, in a post on his Instagram page, described the late Sanyaolu as a beacon of kindness and warmth.
Kosoko further expressed that Mr. Sanyaolu’s passion for the arts and his unwavering support for the film industry were unparalleled.
He said: “Shina Sanyaolu was not just an extraordinary man; he was a beacon of kindness and warmth to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love for the arts and unwavering support for our industry were unparalleled. Shina was always there for us, offering a helping hand and opening doors where it seemed there were none.
“For those of us who traveled to the UK in the 1980s, he made us feel at home. He welcomed us with open arms, gave us a place to stay, and even took time out of his busy life to drive us around. Shina, your generosity knew no bounds and your spirit touched countless lives. You were truly a unique gem. The world feels emptier without you, but we take comfort in knowing that your legacy lives on in the hearts you have touched.”
He stressed that Mr. Sanyaolu's impact and memory will be eternally cherished and never forgotten.
Also, Doyin Amodu, President of TAMPAN UK, said: “Your love for the arts and unwavering support for the industry is unparalleled. Good night brother and director. We will miss you deeply.”
Also, Doyin Ola, a media personality, said: “It is hard to believe that just two years ago, Mr. Sam Anwuzia sent me this photograph from an industry event on the 20th of August 2024, and I was saving it to share with you, eventually. Then, today I read the sad news on our TAMPAN UK platform that you have passed away.
“Though we were not very close, we met several times in professional and social settings. I have always considered you a talented filmmaker, calm and receptive to people. It is heartbreaking. May your soul rest in peace, Egbon Shina Sanyaolu. The film industry has truly lost a rare gem.”
Tributes from Dele Gold Dele Gold
Meanwhile, musician Wonder Doyin Kujore took to his Facebook page to wish Dele Gold eternal rest.
He wrote: “There is nothing in this world; let us live today and leave tomorrow to God. I find it difficult to write about people who die prematurely because it saddens my heart, but I have to pay my last respects here. This life is full of vanity. Rest in peace, Dele Agbotikuyo, Dele Gold.”
Furthermore, singer Tosin Egbedeyi who described the late singer as his best friend said: “Dude, don’t tell me it’s over between us. Your death has given me a big blow in my life since yesterday. I wish I was still thinking that you were sleeping, waiting for you to wake up this morning, Dele Gold; why this time, blood now? Mmm, rest in the flower of God.”
Background
In 2019, Dele Gold collaborated with Ebenezer Obey on his album Hearty Blessing.
Dele Gold, born in Ekiti State and raised in Osun State, was known for his songs like 'Divine Warning', 'Every Knee', 'Infinite God' and 'A Thousand Tongues' among others.
Throughout his career, he shared the stage with notable artists including Sir Shina Peters, Lanre Teriba aka Atorise, and Abel Dosunmu aka Mega 99, among others.
However, the late Sanyaolu was celebrated for his remarkable directorial skills and was known for his roles in films such as The Honourable Two Wives and Omo Olosan, among others.