In the world of fame, having notable achievements and accomplishments over time is one of the validation. In Nigeria, the art and entertainment segment are the pioneers in the aspect of popularity.
Below is our list of the 20 most notable persons in the country, Nigeria.
1. WIZKID
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a very popular Nigerian musician.
He is a songwriter, singer, and record producer. He is regarded as one of the best musicians in Nigeria and has won several awards for his contribution to the music industry. Wizkid is a well-renowned and prominent figure in the world today.
2. DAVIDO
David Adedeji Adeleke, who goes by the stage name Davido, is a popular Nigerian-American musician. Known for his Afrobeats and high-energy performances, he has made a name for himself in the world of entertainment and has won several awards.
3. BURNA BOY
Burna boy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper who has been making waves in the music industry. His real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu. He has won a lot of awards with the hitmaker songs he delivered. He is known for his Afrobeats and Reggae styles of music.
4. TIWA SAVAGE
The 42-year-old Nigerian female singer, whose full name is Tiwatope Savage is a songwriter, and she is known for her Afrobeat and Pop music style. She is regarded as one of the best female musicians in Nigeria, having signed into but local and international labels.
5. NAIRA MARLEY
British-Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter Azeez Adeshina Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley is the president of “MARLIANS” a controversial fandom. He is known for
his street-inspired music style. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians in Nigeria and has won several awards for his impact on the music industry.
6. GENEVIEVE NNAJI
The first actor to win the Africa Movie Academy Award(AMAA) and several others. She is best known for her versatility and talent. Genevieve Nnaji has taken the acting industry by storm since 1987 till present. The actress, producer, and director is also known for her comedic roles in movies and TV shows.
7. CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Chimamanda Adichie is a popular female writer and public speaker, born September 15, 1977, and is known for her notable works— “Purple Hibiscus”, “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Americanah”. She has won several writing awards that made her stand out amongst other notable writers.
8. FUNKE AKINDELE
The popular Nigerian actress is best known for her role as “Jenifa” in the popular Nigerian sitcom “Jenifa’s Diary”. Funke Akindele being the most nominated Nigerian actress at the AMVCA and currently owning seven AMVCAs has made a name for herself in the realm of fame.
9. MERCY JOHNSON
The happily married actress with four children is known for her talent and unfiltered performances in the film industry. Mercy Johnson has won several awards for her contributions to the movie-making industry and is regarded as one of the best actresses in Nigeria.
10. FALZ
Folarin Falana better known by his stage name Falz has been making waves in the music and film industry as a rapper, songwriter, and artist ever since he debuted as a musical artist in the year 2009. Falz is also known as an incredible actor due to his outstanding performance in the roles he plays.
11. INI EDO
The Nigerian actress, producer, and movie director is popularly known for her talent and versatility in the movie industry. Ini Edo is recognized both at home and abroad and has won several awards for her contribution to the film industry.
12. OMOTOLA JALADE EKEINDE
Omotola Jalade is a Nigerian actress, singer, and philanthropist. She is one of the most successful and influential actresses in Africa and is best known for her roles in popular Nollywood movies such as “Games Women Play” and “Last Flight to Abuja”.
13. MO ABUDU
The media mogul, entrepreneur, and philanthropist is the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV and she is best known for producing hit Nigerian TV shows such as “Desperate Housewives Africa” and “The Governor’s Wife”.
14. WOLE SOYINKA
Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka, popularly known as Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian Writer. He is known as a playwright, poet, and essayist. Being the first sub-Saharan African to have won the Nobel Prize in Literature, Soyinka and his books are well-known in many schools and by notable readers.
15. DON JAZZY
The Don of one of the best record labels in Nigeria, MAVINS is in the 15th spot. He is a popular record producer, singer, and entrepreneur. Don Jazzy is also known for recognizing and signing deals with multiple talented artists such as “Ayra Starr”, “Boy spyce”, “Rema”, and “Ladipoe” amongst many other talented artists signed to his record label.
16. OLAMIDE
The relevant music artist and current CEO of one of the most influential labels, YBNL, is a record producer and entrepreneur. Olamide who is a very reigning rapper and musician has impacted so many youth and young artists today.
17. YEMI ALADE
Yemi Alade is an Afrobeat and pop music artist. She is well known for her sonorous voice and collaboration with many African stars. She is regarded as one of the best female musician and bearer of Africa’s heritage in her style. She has won several music awards to her name.
18. FELA KUTI
Fela Anikulapo Kuti Simply called Fela was a notable multi-instrumentalist, musician, and music composer. Fela is the pioneer of the genre, Afrobeats, and has inspired a few influential artists such as “WIZKID” and “BURNA BOY”.
19. FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA
The Vice chairman of Famfa Oil, a Nigerian Oil Exploration company, made the news a few years ago when she unseated Oprah Winfrey in the FORBES list. Not only is she wealthy materially but also rich in attitude. As the owner of the Rose of Sharon Foundation, she gives out to the poor and less privileged.
20. CHINUA ACHEBE
Often regarded as Africa’s greatest storyteller and widely described as the father of modern African writing, Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian poet, novelist, and critic. He is the receiver of several awards and his book “Things Fall Apart” is one of the most-read books in Africa.
Without doubts, these famous and influential personalities aforementioned deserved and have earned their place on this list. They are constantly putting Nigeria on the World map and making a great influence on society today. Who do you think should be on this list that is not there? Make sure you let us know in the comment section.
