Monalisa Stephen, a popular Nollywood actress and media personality is dead.

She died after a brief illness.

The Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON) Seun Oloketuyi, via his Instagram on Wednesday announced the sad news, disclosing that the controversial actress died yesterday, May 13th after battling low blood sugar and internal bleeding.

He added that the deceased actress’ sister confirmed her passing. Sharing the photo, he wrote: “Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead,she died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against Low sugar and internal bleeding, Her immediate younger sister confirmed the death of this hardworking and beautiful soul.”

More details shortly…

Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has been named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Most Influential Women in International Film,” a prestigious global list celebrating 46 visionary women making a significant impact on the international film industry.

Reacting to the recognition, Akindele took to her Instagram page on Friday to express her excitement and gratitude for the honour.

She described the moment as not just a personal celebration but a motivation to continue creating and uplifting others in the film industry.

“I’m deeply honoured and truly grateful to be featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘The Most Influential Women in International Film. To be recognised among 46 powerful, visionary women from around the world is more than a moment of celebration—it’s a call to keep building, creating boldly, and lifting others as we rise,” she wrote.

The announcement, which was made on Friday, May 9 marks a significant milestone for Akindele, who has carved a niche for herself in Nollywood with her record-breaking films such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Tribe Called Judah, as well as her contributions to television through the hit series Jenifa’s Diary.

Her consistent success has cemented her as one of the most bankable and influential figures in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

Akindele also used the opportunity to celebrate fellow Nigerian media mogul and honoree, Mo Abudu, describing her as a source of inspiration and a major contributor to the growth of the creative industry in Nigeria and Africa.

“A heartfelt congratulations to Aunty MO @moabudu who has also been featured in this great piece. Thank you so much, Ma, for your invaluable contribution to the creative industry. It’s an honor to be featured alongside someone who has been such a powerful source of inspiration,” Akindele added.

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, has taken home the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ award at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), earning acclaim for her powerful role in Farmer’s Bride.

The win is a career milestone for Aigbe, who triumphed over a star-studded lineup that included Meg Otanwa (Inside Life), Tina Mba (Suspicion), Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love), Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast), Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3), and Darasimi Nadi (Aburo).

Akelicious reports that the event kicked off on Friday with the Cultural Day event, marking the official beginning of the series of activities preceding the Award Night which is held on Saturday (today).

Attendees similarly graced the event with their exquisite traditional attire, presenting a captivating blend of African heritage and the glamour of the film awards.

The AMVCA is an annual award presented by Multichoice to recognise outstanding achievements in television, film, entertainment, and digital content creation throughout Nollywood and the entire African continent.

The award ceremony is held in Lagos, Nigeria, and broadcast live on all Africa Magic channels and the awards will be determined by a combination of public voting and a panel of judges.

The nominations, covering film, television, and digital content, recognise works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024.

Among the top contenders, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way secured multiple nominations across various categories, including Best Movie and Best Director.

In the acting categories, Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) were nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) are among those vying for Best Lead Actress.