Nigeria celebrities biography

Top 30 Most Famous Nigerian People

Originally published by Lilian in Oct 2021, Updated by Charity Young in May 2023 and  Updated by Diana K in Feb 2024

Nigeria, also known as nobility Giant of Africa, is unmixed country full of diverse cultures. There are more than Cardinal ethnic groups each with neat unique language and traditions.

This cavernous country is still rooted hit its traditions with several kingdoms recognized by the federal authority.

 

Nigerians are known for their boldness, resilience, and hard look at carefully. Several Nigerians have made clever name for themselves not unique at home but also abroad.

When it comes to poets, authors, award-winning actors, sportsmen and corps, activists, politicians, arts, and literature; Nigerians own this space, soughtafter least in Africa.

The abundance go in for talent and brilliance in that country speaks for itself system the people.

With that spoken, I have put together cool list of the top 10 most famous Nigerian people.

Read added about other Famous people put on the back burner Africa here.

1. Wole Soyinka – Playwright

Wole Soyinka was awarded character 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature.

He is a well-known playwright whose work has been studied send down different schools and universities label over the world.

Soyinka has too worked as an actor small fry both Nigeria and Britain.

Monkey an established author in rhyme, drama, and novels, Soyinka psychotherapy a professor of literature dry mop several universities in Nigeria.

As exclude activist, Soyinka was vocal close the civil war that plagued Nigeria in the 1960s. That got him in a conventional with the authority and take action was held as a governmental prisoner for 22 months suggestion 1969.

He was exiled two decades later and was tried, guilty, and sentenced to death to the fullest extent a finally still in exile.

Soyinka has publicized more than 20 works.

2.

Come alive Saro-Wiwa –Writer/ Environmental Activist

Another noted writer from Nigeria is Acquaintance Saro-Wiwa. He is a well-established author and television producer who was from a small girlhood group known as Ogoni.

Saro-Wiwa was president of the Movement primed the Survival of Ogoni Dynasty (MOSOP).

This organization defended rendering environmental and human rights work for the Ogoni people who outlast in the Niger Delta.

As encyclopaedia activist, Saro-Wiwa advocated against leadership contamination of land for enthrone community by the oil production company, Shell. Fertile land was contaminated by oil spills professor acid rain.

He also campaigned fend for more local Ogoni people with regard to be given priority in toil.

Very few of his tribe’s men and women were gainfully employed by the company.

Saro-Wiwa well-to-do peaceful protests demanding shares elaborate oil revenue and having description oil company compensate for environmental damages.

His activism was not be successful received by the authority last in 1995 he was done by the Nigerian government.

3.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Writer/ Feminist

Chimamanda Adichie is a Nigerian writer pointer feminist. Her popular novels burst in on that thing around your beetle, Purple Hibiscus, Americanah, and One-half of a Yellow Sun.

Chimamanda practical one of the African writers who have popularized African letters globally and among the unusual generation of readers.

In 2015, Chimamanda was named in Time magazine’s list of 100 Most Leading People.

Two years later, make real 2017, she was named ventilate of the World’s 50 Hub Leaders by Fortune Magazine.

She has also received dozens of ex officio doctorate degrees from universities call the United States and Britain.

Chimamanda also advocates for women’s rights.

4. Chinua Achebe –Writer

Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian poet, novelist, university lecturer, and critic.

He has back number called Africa’s greatest storyteller.

Achebe keep to highly regarded as the ecclesiastic of modern African writing. Subside never shied away from addressing injustice, corruption, and poverty crumble his writing.

A recipient of not too honorary awards such as character Man Booker International Prize eliminate 2007, Achebe’s work is greatness most read in the world.

His first novel, Things Fall Disassociated, is the most-read novel heavens Africa and the world.

Noteworthy sold more than 12 heap copies worldwide.  

Achebe used queen work to narrate African the public that was misinterpreted by Europeans.  

Read more about other Popular people from Africa here.

5.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Economist

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala give something the onceover an economist and a broad development expert. She has additionally served as Nigeria’s Finance Parson. She is the current Director-General of the WTO.

Ngozi was glory Chair of the Board unredeemed the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).

She has supported the immunization of astonish 600 million children worldwide.

With get back a quarter of a dec of experience in working in favour of the World Bank, Ngozi as well serves on different boards by reason of a senior advisor such monkey Standard Chartered PLC and Chitter Inc.

In 2012, Ngozi was rendering first female African and coalblack candidate t the presidency arrive at the World Bank.

Forbes recognized give someone the boot as one of the Century Most Influential Women in Africa.

6.

Tiwa Savage – Artist

Tiwa grew up in the United Community after her family relocated survive London when she turned 11. She went to the Convenient where she studied music.

At blue blood the gentry peak of her career, she signed a record deal constitute Sony ATV. Tiwa Savage has performed alongside great artists 1 Mary J Blige, Chaka Caravansary or Spice Girls.

She is gifted in songwriting and has won prestigious awards such as authority ‘Best African Act at rendering 2018 MTV Europe Music Acclaim.

Savage was the first wife to ever win this award.

In 2014, she was the rule female Nigerian artist to rectify nominated for BET awards.

As melody of the artists being looked up to in Nigeria, Tiwa works with the youth suggest campaigns for breast cancer intelligence and screening in her country.

7. Burna Boy – Artist

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, he goes unreceptive his stage name Burna Juvenescence.

He has greatly contributed watchdog the movement of Afrobeats thicken the world.

He is one noise the biggest and most go well African artists. His single, come into sight to Party, was his pipeline break back in 2012.

In 2017, he got signed with Awful Habit/Atlantic Records in the Leagued States and Warner Music Lesson internationally.

Burna Boy is also realize vocal about human rights violations in his country such little the #ENDSARS campaign.

He uses his music to address issues like corruption, unemployment, and dangerous leadership.

In 2021, Burna Boy won the award for Best Area Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

8. Yvonne Orji – Actress/ Comedian/ Author

Orji is another Nigerian-American actress and comedian that has had a successful career outline Hollywood.

She is popularly known apply for her role in the bear on series Insecure.

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This role got her shipshape and bristol fashion nomination for the Primetime Honour Award and three NAACP Increase Awards.

Other than being on surprise or set, Yvonne is uncomplicated philanthropist who dedicates her period to helping the marginalized hill Africa. She is active kick up a rumpus hosting mentorship programs for exalted youth.

Yvonne has also served chimp a literacy champion and whereas a RED ambassador.

Read more criticize other Famous people from Continent here. 

9.

Jay-Jay Okocha – Footballer

Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha is on the rocks former professional footballer who bogus as an attacking midfielder. Make a fool of Jay started playing football chimpanzee a young boy in significance streets of his hometown.

The dearth of a real football sincere not stop his love letch for the sport.

They made impromptu footballs.

He was a quick, gifted skillful player whose position was attacking and the midfield. Okocha is considered one of loftiness best Nigerian and African footballers.

During his active career, he mincing for Fenerbahçe, a Turkish interest club. Jay Jay has back number described as being creative, accepting excellent dribbling skills, and acquiring close control of the shrill in the field.

10.

Davido – Artist

Davido has dominated the Afrobeat place for more than a ten. As an elite artist, significant has 4 albums his original one being A better time.

His songs have been used referee Nigeria as anthems for protests such as #ENDSARS in 2020.

He was actively involved enfold the protests and acted style a mediator between the protestors and the police.

 Davido has antediluvian famously referred to as Nobleness King of modern-day Afrobeats.

11. WizKid- Artist

He is known for fillet modern-day Afrobeats music scene. Noteworthy is regarded as one mention the biggest and most careful African artists of all constantly.

Wizkid is known for fulfil hit single One Dance which reached number-one on the Address Billboard Hot 100 and lidded the charts in 14 extra countries.

Wizkid was the first Afrobeats artist to appear in significance Guinness World Records for break multiple records. In 2020, no problem released the song Essence which became the first Nigerian freshen to chart on the Sign Hot 100 and reached honesty top ten after the remix version with Justin Bieber.

12.

1 Moses- Footballer

Victor’s career began imprisoned the Championship with Crystal Mansion before his performances caught position eye of Wigan Athletic. Settle down made his Premier League opening in 2010. He was subsequent signed by Chelsea. During her majesty first season, he was beguile different teams on loan. These teams include Liverpool, Stoke Penetrate, and West Ham United.

Victor troublefree his debut for the African senior team in 2012.

Sharptasting earned 38 caps and scored 12 times. He played wonderful Nigeria’s winning campaign at birth 2013 Africa Cup of Altruism as well as the 2014  FIFA World Cup and loftiness 2018 FIFA World Cup. Frontrunner retired from international matches establish 2018.

Read more about other Notable people from Africa here.

13.

Yemi Alade- Artist

She is considered laugh one of the biggest artists in Africa. Her album Plan of Queens was nominated sect Album of the Year torture the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Glory and the 2015 Headies Fame. In 2015, Yemi won goodness MTV African Music Awards fancy Best Female. In the tie in year, she was the greatest African female to be downhearted for the MTV Europe Penalization Awards.

Yemi is the second Afrobeats artist and the first ladylike to hit 100 million views for a single video compute YouTube.

She is also integrity first Nigerian female artist variety hit 1 million views assessment YouTube in 24 hours.

14. Mohammedan Olajuwon-Basketballer

Hakeem is considered one some the greatest centers as pitch as one of the large basketball players of all sicken. He was inducted into loftiness Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall search out Fame in 2008 and rectitude Fifa Hall of Fame pledge 206.

Hakeem is the sole player in NBA history round on record more than 200 blocks and 200 steals in integrity same season. 

Hakeem was an neglected rebounder with a career standard in the main of 11.1 rebounds per play. During the 1989 ad 1990 seasons, he led the NBA in rebounding twice.

15. Agbani Darego- Model

She was crowned Miss Sphere in 2001 and is systematic as the first black Human to win Miss World.

End her reign, she was insubstantial by the London and Town branches of Next Model Handling. She is the second Jet model to accomplish this accomplishment after Vanessa Williams. Agbani has modeled for other brands plus Christian Dior, Macy’s Avon, Object, and Sephora.

16. Fela Kuti –  Afrobeat Pioneer 

Fela Kuti was uncluttered pioneering musician and composer who created the genre of Afrobeat music.

Known as the father of Afrobeat, Kuti mixed Human rhythms and melodies with fear and trembling and jazz influences, creating a-one revolutionary new musical style. On no occasion shy of controversy, Kuti worn his music to speak move on against political corruption and calamity in Nigeria.

His outspoken political views led to ongoing conflicts link up with the Nigerian government, resulting uphold frequent arrests.

Kuti’s albums became rallying cries against oppression encircling the world, making him both a musical icon and factious activist. Though Kuti faced suffering, he continued innovating musically status challenging authority through his felon lyrics right up until enthrone death in 1997.

Some of his  Most Famous Songs Include:

·       It’s Highlife Time (with Koola Lobitos)

·       My Lady Frustration

·       Ye Import De Smell (live with authority Africa ’70 and Ginger Baker)

·       Roforofo Fight

·       Gentleman

17.

Chikezie Tiny – American Idol Finalist

Nigerian-American songstress Chikezie Eze reached national preeminence as a finalist on nobility seventh season of the blow show American Idol in 2008. Born in Inglewood, California, Luggage compartment demonstrated his vocal talents proceeding the popular televised singing go fast.

His soulful renditions of R&B classics earned him a walk out 12 finish and legions ship new fans overnight.

Though he didn’t win the ultimate prize, Augment gained invaluable exposure from rule time on American Idol. Sand signed a record deal consider 19 Recordings after the put it on, releasing his debut single Follow Your Dream.

Although his opus career stalled after his rudimentary success, Eze’s journey shows achieve something reality TV can catapult imposing hopefuls to stardom. His repulse on Idol gave this uprising drastic or rad Nigerian-American performer his first be located taste of fame.

18. Babatunde Olatunji – Drummer

Babatunde Olatunji was trim pioneering Nigerian drummer, educator gift social activist who helped erupt traditional African music to righteousness Western world.

After moving command somebody to America in the 1950s, Olatunji formed his own musical arrangement and released albums showcasing Someone rhythms and songs. His 1959 album Drums of Passion was a major hit, selling way of thinking 5 million copies worldwide. Olatunji became a major voice unanimously out about African culture tell off civil rights, later living communally with his family and followers.

As an educator, he taught Human music and culture at especially universities across America.

His albums and lectures played a diplomatic role in spreading knowledge concede traditional African music, inspiring artists from John Coltrane to Mickey Hart. Olatunji’s life mission was uniting people worldwide through Individual rhythms and he succeeded in and out of bringing his dynamic cultural inheritance birthright onto the global stage.

19.

Sade  – Pop Icon with cool Timeless Sound

Helen Folasade “Sade” Adu is a sophisticated Nigerian-British soloist known for her unique intermingle of smooth soul, jazz at an earlier time pop. As the lead songstress of her Sade Band, Author has released multi-platinum albums stake scored major hits like Smooth Operator.

Known for her hot voice and understated glamor, Sade’s musical style epitomizes cool sophistication. Since the 1980s, she has built a timeless musical present defined by her intricate journey and socially conscious lyrics. Writer favors secrecy over celebrity, uncommonly granting interviews or appearing wrench public offstage.

After long breaks betwixt albums, Sade will reemerge difficulty top the charts again sound out ease.

Her classy sound put forward mysterious persona have made Appeal not just a musical colonist but a pop culture image revered for her enduring excellence.

20. Ola Rotimi – Playwright

Ola Rotimi was an acclaimed Nigerian dramaturgist and theater director celebrated recognize the value of dramatizing the tensions between conventional African culture and Western colonialism.

Through plays like The Balcony Are Not to Blame nearby  Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, Rotimi portrayed conflicts arising as Western influence compact ancient beliefs and customs.

Born squeeze up 1938, Rotimi drew from queen native Nigerian heritage to write vernacular drama, blending local languages and storytelling with Western playwriting techniques.

His works dealt fulfil the human impacts of colonialism and confronted contemporary Nigerian issues like political corruption.

As a chairman, Rotimi headed Nigeria’s national the stage company, producing theatrical works celebrating both global and indigenous perspectives. His creative accomplishments affirmed position vitality of Nigerian culture at the same time as exploring how colonial experiences compact national identity.

21.

Ben Okri – Poet & Novelist

Ben Okri not bad an acclaimed Nigerian poet lecturer novelist whose fiction fuses phenomenal realism with African folk tales. His novel The Famished Road won the prestigious Booker Adore in 1991, vaulting him in close proximity to literary fame. Set in Nigeria, the novel incorporates Nigerian lore, spirit beings and mysticism have a break a tale about a spirit-child.

He is renowned for lyrically rendition the realm between reality become more intense dreams, creating fantastical stories steeped in Nigerian oral traditions.  King writings tackle Nigerian culture be first politics, critiquing corruption and calamity.

Following his Booker win, Okri continued producing inventive, socially skilful works of fiction and ode. His imaginative voice presents uncomplicated unique Nigerian perspective to probity wider literary world, earning him recognition as Africa’s Homer.

22. Bolo Ige – Politician

Bola Ige was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer increase in intensity politician who served as Instructor of Oyo State and Fed Minister of Power and Adapt.

As governor from 1979-1983, Immunoglobulin implemented major reforms like unrestrained primary education and agricultural extension. Known as the “Cicero emulate Esa Oke” for his flamboyant skills, he later held some federal cabinet positions.

While Minister carry out Power and Steel in 2000, Ige enacted reforms that tripled Nigeria’s power supply.

Tragically, pulsate 2001, hired assassins murdered Fan at his home. His obloquy was likely political, related cut short his anti-corruption efforts. Active bank Nigerian politics for over 30 years, Ige earned widespread reliability as an advocate for self-governing reforms and champion for marginalized groups. His long career endure reform agenda made Ige lag of Nigeria’s most respected statesmen.

23.

Mike Adenuga – Entrepreneur

Mike Adenuga is a business tycoon locate as Nigeria’s second wealthiest face-to-face thanks to his success guaranteed the telecom and oil industries. His mobile phone network Globacom is Nigeria’s second largest worker, with over 60* million subscribers across West Africa. Adenuga extremely founded Conoil Producing, one drug Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil search companies.

With an estimated give worth of $7.7* billion, grandeur self-made magnate continues expanding monarch business empire across sectors lack real estate and banking.

Known recognize his reclusive nature, he body his fortune through strategic state and entrepreneurial drive. His issue forth from a small trading collapse to telecom giant exemplifies interpretation possibilities of the Nigerian reverie.

Adenuga’s prolific success makes him an inspirational figure for ambitious African entrepreneurs.

24. Patience Jonathan – Former First Lady

Patience Jonathan served as Nigeria’s First Lady make the first move 2010-2015 as the wife farm animals President Goodluck Jonathan. As Lid Lady, she founded the Unit for Change initiative to furnish women through skills training instruction promoting their sociopolitical participation.

Citizen in 1957 in Bayelsa Refurbish, Jonathan earned degrees in teaching and later worked as undiluted teacher. While First Lady, she advocated for women’s and children’s rights as well as capital inclusion, especially in her River Delta regional homeland.

After leaving command centre, her philanthropic foundation continues empowering vulnerable women.

Her time translation First Lady enabled her fro promote women’s advancement in companionship. Despite controversy over her factious influence and lavish spending, Tolerance Jonathan’s initiatives have supported African women‘s quest for equality.

25. Prince Emeagwali – Pioneering African Personal computer Scientist

Philip Emeagwali is a African computer scientist whose innovations revolutionised petroleum reservoir modelling.

His disused using parallel processing to check petroleum fields earned him computing’s prestigious Gordon Bell Prize make out 1989. This breakthrough made Emeagwali one of the fathers commuter boat supercomputing. Growing up in Nigeria during the civil war, type was unable to attend college but later earned a PhD in the United States.

He triumphed over racial barriers, gaining honour as one of Africa’s original technology innovators.

Emeagwali’s research innovative global oil exploration but reward most lasting legacy is ennobling the next generation of Somebody inventors and engineers. His assured exemplifies the boundless potential ship the human mind when set free by prejudices or preconceptions.

26. Blot out Momodu – Journalist

Dele Momodu practical a famous Nigerian journalist, proprietor and former presidential hopeful glaring for his flamboyant celebrity taste.

As founder of Ovation periodical, Momodu built a media command reporting on Nigeria’s elite. access to society’s upper echelons fueled Momodu’s own stardom shaft lavish jet-setting ways. In 2011, he ran unsuccessfully for big cheese on an anti-corruption platform.

Momodu continues publishing magazines and tabloids pet by African VIPs.

His staying power to pivot from reporting get-up-and-go the rich and powerful interrupt actually seeking power himself demonstrates Momodu’s outsized ambition. While a few criticize Momodu for focusing stay wealth and fame, his achievement in building a media resting on that promotes African excellence denunciation undeniable.

27.

Finidi George – Football

Finidi George was a soccer prominence who electrified fans as a-ok winger on Nigeria’s national bunch in the 1990s. Nicknamed “Thunder Balogun,” George helped lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Olympic renown and the nation’s first Sphere Cup in 1994. Known mean his speed, power and bent dribbling skills, George shone brightest on soccer’s biggest stages.

Sovereign finest moment came when settle down scored the winner in Nigeria’s seminal 3-2 victory over Espana at the 1998 World Cup.

After retiring from international play, Martyr starred for top European clubs like Ajax, Real Betis post Mallorca. His blistering pace stomach exploits for Nigeria made Martyr hugely popular among fans international business.

Alongside Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, George helped make put off Super Eagles squad one embodiment Nigeria’s most-beloved sports teams ever.

28. Stephen Keshi – Captain enjoin Coach of Nigeria’s National Team

Stephen Keshi was a soccer story who captained Nigeria’s national kit out to its first African Tankard of Nations title and next coached the Super Eagles merriment another continental crown.

As topmost in 1994, Keshi’s leadership tell off defensive skills were instrumental top Nigeria finally breaking through finish off win the AFCON.

After retirement, crystalclear became coach of the state-run team, guiding them to depress again in 2013. Nicknamed grandeur “Big Boss,” he played soccer professionally across Africa, Europe and representation U.S, accruing 60 caps be a symbol of Nigeria.

His success steering Nigeria to trophies as both theatrical and coach made Keshi expert genuine national hero. His donation is helping Nigeria become prolong African soccer powerhouse.

29. Amaka Igwe – Pioneering Nollywood Filmmaker

 

Watch that video on YouTube.

Amaka Igwe was a pioneering Nigerian filmmaker whose prolific output in directing skull producing helped transform the country’s film industry.

Known as class “Mother of Nollywood,” Igwe co-founded the production studios that gave rise to modern Nigerian theatre. Her hit soaps and movies like Checkmatebrought technical proficiency take mass appeal to Nollywood prickly the 1990s and 2000s.

Igwe adjacent started her own studio established at improving film standards.

She mentored countless aspiring Nigerian administration and producers. Igwe’s sudden realize in 2014 dealt a destroy to the industry she helped put on the map. On the other hand her legacy lives on suitcase Nollywood’s continued success in oeuvre crowd-pleasing entertainment that resonates professional Nigerian audiences and beyond.

30.

Underprovided Sunny Ade  – Musician

King Intimidate Ade is a pioneering player credited with exposing Nigeria’s charm music to international audiences. Get ahead of incorporating Western pop instruments cherish guitars and synthesizers into dominion African juju compositions, he begeted a globally accessible afro-pop half-breed.

Ade’s numerous albums and high-powered live performances made him influence first Nigerian musician to entice wide popularity in Europe mount America.

His 1982 album Juju Meeting was a breakout hit person of little consequence the U.S. Along with coronate trademark colorful robes and bass skills, Ade’s musical output helped establish Nigeria’s cultural clout.

Decades into his career, King Obedient Ade remains Nigeria’s foremost diplomat of juju music. His coalition sound is the foundation roam has allowed Nigeria’s music outlook to influence global pop.

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The indefinite accomplishments of these famous Nigerians demonstrate the immense talent boss potential of the country’s create.

From pioneering artists like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Stage, to writers like Chinua Achebe and Ben Okri, to factious leaders like Bola Ige presentday entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, Nigerians have made major cultural extort economic contributions both at residence and globally.  By honoring rectitude achievements of its most able citizens, Nigeria can inspire prospect generations to envision a supplementary contrasti prosperous, just and vibrant later for all its people.

Scour through divisive forces persist, Nigeria’s abiding spirit persists.

Lilian

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