The Nigerian entertainment industry converged on Lagos on Wednesday for the service of songs of Alex Ekubo, the popular Nollywood actor who died on May 11 after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer. The event, held at The Monarch Event Centre, drew a who’s who of film, music, and public life, all dressed in white as requested by the Ekubo family. Among the attendees were leading actresses Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, and Nancy Isime, alongside actors Ik Ogbonna and Stan Nze, singer Chike, and socialite Cubana Chief Priest. The presence of former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili underscored the breadth of Ekubo’s influence beyond the screen.

Viewed from Lagos, the gathering reflected both the deep personal bonds within Nollywood and the industry’s capacity for collective mourning. Ekubo, who died at 40, had built a career spanning over a decade, earning acclaim for roles in films such as “The Wedding Party” and “The Lost Café.” His diagnosis with kidney cancer had been kept largely private, making the news of his death a shock to fans and colleagues alike. The service of songs, a traditional Nigerian pre-burial rite, allowed the industry to honour him publicly before his final interment.

From a broader perspective, analysts in London note that Ekubo’s death highlights the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, where late diagnosis often limits treatment options. Kidney cancer, while rare, has seen rising incidence in the region, and Ekubo’s case has sparked conversations about healthcare access and early detection among Nigeria’s middle class. The actor’s passing also underscores the fragility of life in an industry where youth and vitality are often taken for granted.

Looking ahead, the Ekubo family has yet to announce the date of the burial, but the service of songs marks the beginning of a farewell that will likely draw further attention to his legacy. For Nollywood, still reeling from the loss of other stars in recent years, the event served as a reminder of the community’s resilience and the enduring power of cinema to unite people in grief and celebration.