TEARS AS MONALISA STEPHEN IS LAID TO REST IN LAGOS
The Nigerian entertainment industry gathered in grief on Thursday as actress and filmmaker Monalisa Stephen, fondly known as Gabacci, was laid to rest in a solemn ceremony in Yaba, Lagos.
The 34-year-old star, whose sudden passing last week stunned fans and colleagues alike, was buried amidst tears, tributes, and tender memories. Loved ones, friends, and members of the Nollywood community filled the cemetery grounds, their hearts heavy with sorrow as they paid their final respects.
Heartbreaking footage from the burial shows mourners huddled around her graveside, many unable to hold back tears as the reality of her loss sank in. Some stood in silence, while others whispered prayers and memories of a woman described as “light, love, and laughter wrapped in one soul.”
Her epitaph, a poetic tribute to her life, reads: “A gentle soul, a radiant light, who loved deeply, lived kindly, and left a mark that time can’t erase. Forever in our hearts.”
While the exact cause of her death has not been confirmed by the family, it is believed to be linked to low blood sugar and internal bleeding. Her sudden departure has left an aching void in Nollywood, where she was not only known for her talent but for her unrelenting advocacy.
Monalisa carved a distinct path in the industry—as an actress, filmmaker, fashion designer, and content creator. Her film Fatabulous won acclaim, including Best Cinematography and Best Actress at the Saskatchewan International Film Festival in Canada.
But it was her work beyond the spotlight that many say truly defined her legacy. As founder of the LYF Movement (Love Yourself First), she championed mental health awareness and body positivity, creating safe spaces for those battling depression and body image struggles.
As the final shovelfuls of earth covered her casket, a wave of emotion swept through the crowd—one last goodbye to a woman who gave so much of herself to others. In death, as in life, Monalisa Stephen leaves behind a message of love, resilience, and the power of self-acceptance.
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