The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of actress, content creator, and body positivity advocate, Monalisa Ayobami Stephen, popularly known as Gabacci. She reportedly passed away on Tuesday, May 13, in Lagos after battling low blood sugar and internal bleeding.
The news was confirmed by Seun Oloketuyi, CEO of Best of Nollywood Awards (BON), in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday, May 14. “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,” Oloketuyi wrote.
Known for her fearless voice and bold advocacy for self-love, Monalisa used her platform to challenge conventional beauty standards and encourage mental health awareness. Her charisma and confidence made her a beloved figure, particularly among plus-size women seeking representation in media.
She starred in acclaimed Nollywood projects including Mami Wata (2023), Breaded Life (2021), and was a recurring face in numerous comedy skits and digital campaigns. Beyond entertainment, she sparked necessary conversations about inclusivity and the discrimination plus-size actresses face in the industry.
Earlier this year, she told The Punch, “They’re biased against plus-size actresses… I don’t know who started the idea of putting one’s look over one’s talent. That is so ridiculous.”
Fans, friends, and industry colleagues have since flooded social media with tributes, mourning the loss of a “hardworking and beautiful soul,” while celebrating her legacy as a proud, resilient woman who turned her pain into power.
Monalisa Stephen was more than a content creator, she was a movement. A voice for the unheard. A light for many. Her impact will not be forgotten.
