Plus-size female Nigerian model, actress, body positivity advocate, and content creator, Monalisa Ayobami Stephen, simply called Monalisa Stephen, has passed away.
According to reports, she died in Lagos on Tuesday after battling low blood sugar and internal bleeding.
Founder of Best of Nollywood, Seun Oloketuyi, announced her death on Instagram on Wednesday.
Sharing a photo of the late actress, Oloketuyi 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.”
Monalisa, also known as Gabacci during her lifetime, featured in movies like Mami Wata (2023), Breaded Life (2021), and myriad of comedy skits. She rose to prominence by using her platform to champion self-love and body positivity amongst plus-size women.
In an interview with Punch earlier this year, she said that plus-size actresses are discriminated against in Nollywood.
“They’re biased against plus-size actresses, and it’s becoming worse for a generation with a fast mind. I don’t know who started the idea of putting one’s look over one’s talent. That is so ridiculous. They need to do better—all sizes should be included! Not even from a place where my forefathers and mothers were built like this. I can’t do anything about it; it’s in the genes.”