List of celebrities who died in 2023

The year 2023 has been one with its fair share of sorrow, grief, and resilience, especially with families that have lost their loved ones. 

The death of celebrities and artists did not only affect their families but fans, both online and offline, those that they impacted positively, made a change to their lives in one way or the other. 

As Claude Campbell, an English professor says:  To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Here's a list of celebrities who have died in 2023; 

1. Kiernan Jarryd Forbes alias AKA

South Africa's leading rapper AKA was on February 10, 2023, shot dead outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban.

Kiernan was killed along with his close friend, the chef and entrepreneur Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane.

KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said the gunman had approached AKA from behind and shot him at close range in the side of the head.

"A second gunman then started firing to deter onlookers from responding to the "hit"," he added.

Kiernan was to perform in the city on that Friday night as part of his birthday celebrations, and footage posted on Instagram showed jovial scenes as the rapper toasted with a table full of friends. 

Died aged 35, AKA was blessed with one child, Kairo Forbes. 

Upon his death, he was in a relationship with Nadia Nakai.

He began his musical career as part of the rap group Entity before he launched his solo career, winning several awards in South Africa for his music.

2. Tiktoker Kevin Osule alias Baba Mona 

On February 25, news broke about the death of Baba Mona, his daughter Mona, and two sisters following a road accident, along Londiani.

Several supporters took to social media sending their tributes and remembering his good content creation skills.

Baba Mona was remembered for creating content mostly in Luo which resonated well with young people. 

In his most viewed video, Mona and his father are seen singing and dancing to a Luo song.

3. Costantinos Tsobanoglou alias Costa Titch 

On March 11, 2023, the world was yet again served with a death report of the talented Costa Titch. 

The star died hours after he collapsed onstage during a live performance.

He was quickly lifted up by his security and continued performing but however collapsed again and this time didn't stand again.

Costa was performing at the Ultra South Africa music festival.

With singles like “Big Flexa,” “Nkalakatha,” and “Activate,” Titch gained popularity for his contribution to the Amapiano genre.

Costa died aged 28.

4. 'Njoro Wa Uba' actor Duncan Ochonjo 

Duncan Ochonjo died in May following organ failures, according to his brother. 

The news of his death was announced by actress Sandra Dacha.

A devastated Dacha narrated how hard it is to come to terms with Ochonjo’s sudden death.

Kenyans from all walks of life joined the conversation expressing shock as they mourned the comedian.

Ochonjo is also a well-known figure on TikTok for his videos with young comedians Osongo and Mike Wako.

5. Tina Turner 

Known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", Turner died on May 24, 2023, aged 83. 

The 'simply the best' star died after a long illness. She was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and had a kidney transplant in 2017.

"With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,” Bernard Doherty, her publicist said in a statement. 

6. Christopher E. Oroc alias DJ Babu 

Kenyan DJ, who is based in Dubai died following a grisly road accident on July 30, 2023, after his car rolled. 

He died aged 49 and was noted as among entertainers who did a lot to push the East African entertainment scene abroad.

7. Sean Cardovillis

Radio Presenter and media personality Cardovillis's body was found on outside his house along Rhapta Road, on September 9. 

According to authorities and witnesses, his body was discovered at the bottom of his staircase on the fourth floor of an apartment by a cleaner who had gone to clean the area leading to his home.

He was later pronounced dead.

8. Michael Gambon 

The renowned actor, Irish-born, and Harry Potter star died aged 82 on September 27, 2023. 

“Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife, Anne, and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia,” the statement shared by his family said

9. Mathew Perry 

The Friends star, who played the role of Chandler Bing died on October 28, 2023, aged 54. 

The star was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. 

Perry was laid to rest on November 3, in a service attended by family and and castmates from friends. 

10. Ally B 

Ali Mwakaribu, a Kenyan artiste based in Mombasa died on November 1, 2023, after falling ill, suddenly. 

Ally B began his music career in the early 2000s and was best known for his hit songs such as ‘Maria’, 'Bembea', and ‘Mkufu Wangu', among others.

The body of the veteran coast-born singer was finally laid to rest in Mombasa on Thursday, November 2.

11. Byron Papi

Byron Muhando Kivisi alias Nyron Papi was a gengetone producer and artist behind hit songs like "Sipangwingwi" and has worked with various Kenyan musicians like Mejja, Trio Mio, X-Ray and SSaru passed away on September 18, 2023.

The producer died at the age of 27 years, the cause of death being a fatal arterial rupture.

In a tweet in September, President William Ruto also eulogised the artist saying he was saddened by the death of the producer who was first introduced to him during the recording session of the hit song Sipangwingwi.

"Deeply saddened by the death of music producer and artist Byron Muhando Kivisi. Byron was first introduced to me by music sensation Xray during a music recording session of the hit song Sipangwingwi at the Deputy President’s residence in Karen," he said.

The president said he recalled with fondness the calm and collected demeanour of the producer.

Ruto said it was because of his immense talent that he became an acclaimed music producer.

Kivisi's contributions to the music industry dominated the music charts and found their way into the political sphere.

'Sipangwingwi' was used by President Ruto during his 2022 campaigns.