Nigerian musicians who ventured into the Nollywood film industry.
The Nigerian entertainment scene has long been a team effort. Musicians have ventured into acting, likewise actors have dropped tracks – remember Genevieve Nnaji’s “No More”? – blurring the lines between Nollywood and the music industry.
Here are some Nigerian musicians that have been able to land acting roles:
Savage’s feature film debut, Water & Garri, is scheduled for May 10, 2024. The movie follows the story of Aisha (played by Savage), an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her hometown after years away in the United States. A family loss compels her homecoming, but upon her arrival, Aisha discovers a vastly different reality. The place she once knew is fraught with escalating violence and tension.
2. Falz
Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, has captured Nigerians’ hearts and attention with his comedic rapping style. But he has also acted in several Nollywood productions, including 10 Days in Sun City, Brotherhood, Merry Men, Quam’s Money, andChief Daddy.
3. Reminisce
Nigerian rapper Remilekun Khalid Safaru, known by his stage name Reminisce, made his acting debut in the Nollywood film industry in 2018 in the film King of Boys, which Kemi Adetiba directed.
Reminisce portrayed the villain in the film, Makanaki, a Nigerian mobster from Lagos, which both reviewers and viewers favourably received.
4. Banky W
Rapper, entrepreneur, and politician, Olubankole Wellington also known as Banky W, has been featured in multiple Nollywood movies including Sugar Rush, The Wedding Party, and Up North.
5. Yemi Alade
The movie tells the story of twin sisters leading separate lives but are reunited by a series of dramatic twists. It also features Chioma Akpotha, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Thomas, Akah Nnani, Alex Ekubo, Zubby Michael, Deyemi Okanlawon, andMercy Aigbe.
6. Davido
David Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido has been a global ambassador for Afrobeats for more than a decade.
7. Waje
Aituaje Iruobe, known professionally as Waje, was featured in the drama series, She Must Be Obeyed, where she played the role of Xcite.
Directed by Akindele, the series fearlessly tackles the unspoken issues plaguing the music industry; from the harsh realities of bullying and exploitative music contracts to the ego-driven power struggles and cutthroat rivalries.
The year 2018 saw the entry of a Nigerian singer known by the stage name Mr P into the Nollywood film business. In the Netflix production Lionheart, which was directed by Nnaji, Mr P made his acting debut as Arinze.
Lionheart tells the story of Adaeze Obiagu played by Nnaji, the daughter of the CEO of Lionheart, a transportation company, Ernest Obiagu played by Pete Edochie, and her struggle to show that she is capable of taking her father’s position, who can no longer run his company due to health issues. Despite her efforts, Obiagu asks his brother Godswill played by Nkem Owoh to stand in for him, and Godswill and Adaeze realize they have to work together to save the company from bankruptcy.
9. Phyno
Phyno also made his acting debut in Nnaji’s film Lionheart. playing Genevieve Nnaji’s younger sibling, Obiora Obiagu.
10. Simi
In 2019, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko Ogunleye, better known by her stage as Simi, made her acting debut in Kunle Afolayan‘s film Mokalik (Mechanic), playing the intriguing part of Simi.
11. Chike
Chike became well-known after competing in the Nigerian singing competition Project Fame West Africa, where he finished in second place during the first season. He further showcased his abilities on The Voice Nigeria, where he was given a notable spot. To further his profession, Chike acted in the Africa Magic Showcase telenovela Battleground as Mayoma Badmus. Apart from that, he played the role of Ify in the film Gangs of Lagos.