KWAM 1 Breaks Down on Stage in Emotional Tribute to Late Nollywood Icon Ogogo

Late Taiwo Hassan better known as Ogogo and Legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate

KWAM 1 Breaks Down on Stage in Emotional Tribute to Late Nollywood Icon Ogogo

Fuji maestro weeps openly during Mushin anniversary performance as veteran actor Taiwo Hassan is laid to rest in Ilaro after cancer battle

Legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, broke down in tears on Sunday as he paid an emotional tribute to late veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, better known as Ogogo, who passed away at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. The moment of grief occurred during KWAM 1’s live performance at the Mushin 30th Anniversary Celebration, where he received the devastating news of Ogogo’s passing. A viral video circulating on social media captured the Fuji maestro rendering a tribute song for the late actor before becoming overwhelmed by emotion. The musician stepped away from his microphone and wept openly, prompting his band members to pause the performance and console him. Another Fuji musician, Alhaji Malaika, also became emotional while paying tribute to the late actor during the same event, saying on stage, “His death really hit hard. I’m in pain,” as he reflected on the impact and legacy Ogogo left behind in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

During the tribute, KWAM 1 extolled the qualities of the late actor, who gained prominence for his role in the popular movie Owo Blow. The Fuji maestro used the sombre moment to remind everyone to be mindful of their last day on earth, as it would eventually come for all. He extended his condolences to Ogogo’s family, the Ogun State Government, the Olu of Ilaro, and the good people of Ilaro over the veteran actor’s death, acknowledging the profound loss suffered by the entire community.

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Ogogo’s health crisis became public earlier this month after his daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for medical assistance on August 17, revealing that doctors had informed the family they could no longer administer chemotherapy due to his deteriorating condition. The actor had reportedly been battling stage-four cancer, and his death on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 3:00 pm, was confirmed by veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who described him as a colleague who left an indelible mark on Yoruba cinema. Ogogo had spoken publicly about his experience with illness in previous interviews, revealing that he spent seven years battling a chronic ulcer, describing the period as one of the darkest chapters of his life. According to him, the illness weakened him so severely that he could barely eat and survived mainly on pap. He recalled episodes of vomiting blood and experiencing sharp pains in his chest. His condition also affected his ability to observe his religious duties normally; as a Muslim, he said he had to pray while sitting instead of adopting the usual position required during prayers.

Ogogo was buried on Monday, August 24, 2026, in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, in accordance with Islamic burial rites. The Janazah (burial) prayer took place at 10:00 am at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, as announced by the Chief Imam of Ilaro and shared by Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. A laying-in-state ceremony was also held at the same venue at 11:00 am. The Ogun State Government expressed deep sadness over Ogogo’s death, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria’s creative industry. The APC governorship candidate for Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, also expressed sorrow, stating that Ogogo was “a great loss to the creative and entertainment industry” and that his “role in the drive for a better society through filmmaking and other forms of positive advocacy would always be remembered.”

Ogogo’s death has sparked a wave of tributes from Nigerians, including celebrities and politicians. Actor and President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin), said, “Today, we mourn the passing of a great icon, a legend and a father to many.” Actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola described his death as “the end of an era,” calling Ogogo “one of the biggest talents ever produced by the Nigerian film industry.” Actor Saidi Balogun expressed grief, describing Ogogo as a brother and praying that Allah grants him eternal rest. Femi Adebayo described him as a true pillar of Yoruba cinema whose impact would live on for generations, while actress Toyin Adewale described Hassan as a “gem,” saying, “You came, you saw, and you conquered. What a remarkable life and legacy.” Actress Ini Edo also broke down publicly over the loss.

Ogogo, born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, began acting in 1981 while working as a mechanic. He eventually left his job at the Water Corporation in 1994 to pursue acting as a full-time career. His career spanned more than four decades, and he was regarded as one of the prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.