As the first half of the year strolls in ENigeria Newspaper, in a special publication, painstakingly documents the 50 most influential Nigerians under the age of forty (40), who are shaping the future of Nigeria.
- Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid – 33
Apart from having multiple hits to his name, Grammy award-winning Nigerian artiste, Ayodeji Balogun, famously known as Wizkid is a huge influencer within and outside the music industry.
Wizkid along with his music enjoys global recognition, thus putting Nigeria on the map. He is currently considered the most awarded African music artiste, with numerous collaborations with renowned international artists which further solidifies his status as one of Africa’s most influential musicians.
The multi-platinum-selling hitmaker made his music debut with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) before transitioning to his self-founded record label, Starboy Entertainment In 2012. The label is home to recording artists and producers such as Wizkid himself, L.A.X, Maleek Berry, and Legendury Beatz.
- David Adeleke aka Davido – 31
Popularly known as Davido, his real name is David Adeleke. A hugely talented and hardworking Nigerian music artist and record producer with multiple hits to his name.
Despite being born into opulence, Davido is a known hard worker who worked his way up the ladder of success; and an influential force in the global music scene with a record of over 2 billion streams on Boom play. A global sensation and renowned music star with fans scattered across the globe. Following over a decade of success in the music industry, Davido continues to serve as an inspiration to other Nigerian artists.
He is reputed for his numerous collaborations with famous international artists including Chris Brown, Meek Mill, Mafikizolo, Uhuru & DJ Bucks, and Nasty C among others.
OBO as he is also popularly addressed aside from being classed among the wealthiest musicians in the world is the founder and executive producer at Davido Music World (DMW), which he founded in 2016. A roster of artists and record producers signed to DMW include: Davido himself, Tobechukwu Victor Okoh also known as Perruzi, Mayokun, Liya, B-red, Speroach, and Fresh VDM among others.
- Damini Ogulu aka BurnaBoy – 32
Born into a family with a rich musical background, the Port Harcourt Rivers State-Nigerian artiste, Burna Boy is indeed the pride of Africa.
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR, professionally known as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He clinched stardom following the release of the LeriQ-produced sensational single “Like to Party in the year 2012, off his debut studio album L.I.F.E. under Aristocrat Records.
Burna Boy, “African Giant” has placed an unmistakably African stamp on music drawn from all around Africa and from across the African diaspora.
The renowned Afrobeat star and Grammy Award winner also known as the African Giant continues to make a huge global impact on the Nigerian Entertainment Industry. As part of his global recognition, Burna Boy has been a fourth-time recipient of the BET Awards for Best International Act and continues to make giant strides in the music scene.
The singer and songwriter signed with Atlantic Records in the United States (and its parent company Warner Music Group internationally) to release his third studio album titled Outside in 2018.
He is today doing unimaginable numbers across digital streaming platforms and arguably the most streamed Nigerian artiste ahead of Wizkid, Davido and others. He has also demonstrated a historical feat of selling out more shows than any other artiste in Africa.
- Tunde Adekunle aka Tunde Ednut – 38
Kogi State-born Tunde Ednut had his first big break as a musician before solidifying his fame via Instagram blogging.
In 2012, Ednut released “Catching Cold” which became an instant hit earning him a significant spot at the table with top echelons in the Nigerian music industry.
Afterward came the remix of “Catching Cold” featuring Dr. SID and followed by the release of three other singles, “Baby Boo”, “Buga Won” and “Kosowo”, in 2014.
Subsequently, Tunde Ednut would garner fame as a foremost Instagram influencer with a huge following running into millions.
He is without a doubt one of the most influential Nigerian online personalities who is particularly known for discovering and showcasing young talents through his social media account with over 4 million followers.
- Folarin Falana aka Falz – 33
Falz is a Nigerian-trained lawyer, entertainer, award-winning Musician/ Rapper, Actor, and a notable social Activist. Falz is known for his vocal approach in speaking against social vices affecting Nigerian Society whether using his music or championing social campaigns, he remains an advocate for change, emulating his dad and mom who are both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
- Divine Ikubor aka Rema – 24
Rema is a Nigerian music sensation who shot into the limelight with the release of his 2019 single Dumebi which like a deluge swept many music lovers globally, off their feet.
Instantly, Dumebi earned Rema a spot on the table with the “Big Cats” of the music industry at the time, and there was no stopping him, as he continued to ravage the music scene with more sensational singles like Calm Down which he would later remix with Selena Gomez, thus solidifying his stay in the global music circle.
With over 1 billion streams on Spotify. Since its debut, Rema’s music has garnered global recognition with fans spreading across different continents. Rema currently ranks as the most streamed Afrobeats Artist in Asia and the Middle East.
- Temilade Openiyi aka Tems – 28
Tems is a singer-songwriter and record producer. She is a one-time Grammy Award winner for Best Melodic Rap Performance and BET Award for Best International Act among other notable global recognitions. She is considered one of the best Nigerian music artists and has enjoyed international collaborations with Global stars the likes of Drake and others. She is known and loved for her distinct voice and undeniable musical prowess.
- David Hundeyin – 34
David Hundeyin is a multiple Award-winning Investigative Journalist and Author. He is the founder of the West Africa Weekly, a weekly newsletter and news website that covers current and crucial news on topics around finance, politics, entertainment, health, and education in West Africa.
Often, he describes himself as a travel addict, David Hundeyin’s work spans a number of international print and broadcast platforms
A critical researcher with a background in marketing, Hundeyin initially studied mass communications at Igbinedion University before going overseas to study creative writing at the University of Hull and graduating in 2011. After working several jobs including, a contract position at KPMG, he returned home to Nigeria in 2013 before traveling out again after his life came under attack.
Today, the name David Hundeyin has become a household name in the political space as well as among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
- Bella Adenuga-Disu – 37
Bella Adenuga is a Business Executive and philanthropist. She is currently the Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom Nigeria. Founder of the Bella-Disu Foundation, known for her strong presence in the African telecommunications space.
Bella Adenuga-Disu has distinguished herself as one of one of Africa’s foremost business executives. One of her major accomplishments is the establishment of the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre, a cultural hub commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2018 dedicated to bolstering alliance and promoting French in Nigeria.
- Stanley Nwabali – 27
Stanley Nwabali is a Professional Footballer and the first-choice goalkeeper of the Nigeria National team (Super Eagles) who won the heart of Nigerians following his outstanding performance representing Nigeria in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations.
- Emmanuel Ejekwu aka Sabinus – 29
Also known as Sabinus or Mr. Funny, Emmanuel Ejekwu is a Renowned Nigerian comedian, content creator, and skit maker. He is an Award recipient for the BAE Awards for Best Online Comedian 2019 as well as a recipient of the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Online Social Content Creator.
He is from the Ikwerre tribe in Rivers State Nigeria, and studied Linguistics and Communication at the University of Port Harcourt.
Mr. Funny began his comedy career in 2015 but stepped into mainstream success in 2019.
Sabinus or Mr. Funny discovered his comedy talent at a young age. Although there are indications that he began creating comedy skits while he was in the university, he however decided to pursue his career further by uploading various comedy skits on his social media handles, especially on Instagram.
Soon enough, his craft began paying off and getting noticed by Nigerian top Instagram influencers like Tunde Ednut who shared his skits, while his followers on the platform ballooned astronautically.
- Tobi Amusan – 27
Tobi Amusan is a Nigerian track and field athlete and the current world record holder in 100m hurdles. She has etched her name in history as the world’s fastest woman in the 100m hurdles at the just concluded Jamaica Athletics Invitational at a record clock time of 12.40s. Her strides over the years have been nothing short of remarkable and an inspiration to other Nigerian Athletes.
- Olamide Adedejiaka Badoo – 35
Olamide Adedeji is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of YBNL Nation, a music label that has produced multiple successful Nigerian Artists like Adekunle Gold, Fireboy, Asake, Lil-Kesh, etc.
He is considered one of the most influential Artists in Nigeria, yet he loves a low profile.
Before founding YBNL, Olamide who grew up in the Bariga area of mainland Lagos was formerly signed to Music producer, ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes and managed by singer, 9ice’s ex-wife, Toni Payne.
After the release of his first studio album titled, Rapsodi under Coded Tunes in 2011, he proceeded to release, YBNL his sophomore, only this time under his imprint YBNL, an acronym for Yahoo Boy No Laptop. The album was supported by hit singles including, “First of All,” “Voice of the Street,” “Stupid Love,” and “Ilefo Illuminati.”
On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. Singles in the album include “Durosoke” and “Yemi My Lover.” On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.
In November 2023, Olamide received his first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Award for the song “Amapiano” alongside his signee Asake, becoming the first Nigerian hip-hop act in history to achieve this feat.
- Adebowale Adedayo aka Mr. Macaroni – 31
Mr. Macaroni is a Content creator, Actor and Activist. He is known for using his influence to advocate against social vices and bad governance in Nigeria.
Mr. Macaroni, real name Debo Adedayo grew up in Abebi Ojota area of Lagos State. He studied at Tendercare School Ojota. His secondary education was at Babcock University High School while he obtained a B.A. in Theatre Arts at Redeemer’s University.
Mr. Macaroni’s activism began in his university days at Redeemers University as the Student Union Government (SUG) President. He was eventually rusticated in a controversial manner, a development he contested and won in court. He was later recalled and eventually graduated with a second-class Hons. in theatre arts.
Given his history, it wasn’t much of a surprise to many who are acquainted with his past when he was arrested for joining others to protest at the Lekki toll gate in 2021; to express dissatisfaction with the decision of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry to allow the Lekki Concession Company to reopen the Lekki tollgate.
- Tayo Aina – 31
Tayo Aina is a Nigerian Photographer, Filmmaker, travel content creator, and YouTuber with over 800 thousand subscribers on the platform. Showcasing diverse cultures and narratives beyond Africa, Tayo extends his exploration worldwide, using his lens as a bridge to foster global understanding, break stereotypes, contribute to a more inclusive global community, and build connections.
Tayo, the second biggest Youtuber in Africa has traveled to about 50 countries in the world creating contents that resonate with people, their culture, food, and much more.
The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State graduate of Estate Management is a multi-millionaire. Sometime last year he took a bold step, doled out over one hundred and fifty million to acquire St. Kitts and Neville passport after suffering rejection from different embassies which almost hampered his travel content creation vibe.
Today, Tayo who currently lives in Europe is a motivation to young people across the globe who are
- Seun Okinbaloye – 38
Seun Okimbaloye is a broadcast Journalist plying his trade with Channels Television, a foremost private Television station in Nigeria.
Seun who also runs his private podcast called, “Mic On”, is prominent, especially among political players, within and outside the political eco-system. He is known for his exceptional skill set, ethical conduct, and extensive knowledge of politics. Seun Okinbaloye is a Nigerian Media Merit Award Winner and has sustained his spot as Nigeria’s number-one broadcast political journalist for many years.
- Odunayo Eweniyi – 27
Odunayo Eweniyi is a Tech enthusiast, business executive, and co-founder of Feminist Coalition, an organization with a focus tailored to driving gender equality in Nigeria through education and financial empowerment of women in Nigerian society.
Odunayo also doubles as the chief operating officer and co-founder of Piggy-vest, Nigeria’s most patronized digital savings platform. Piggyvest operates on the principle of micro-saving, enabling users to save small amounts of money frequently, which gradually accumulates over time. The start-up intends to promote a savings culture and financial discipline among Nigerians.
- Jamil Mohammed aka “JamBoy – 37
Jamil Mohammed is a celebrated and experienced Nigerian pilot and aviation captain with a demonstrated history of working in the aviation and aerospace industry. Captain Jamil Mohammed or “JamBoy” as he is fondly called is a pilot-rated on Fokker 100, Boeing 737 NG (600-BJJ) & Classic (300-500), ERJ 135/145 Legacy.
The first son of a former Inspector General of Police (IGP Mohammed Abubakar), Captain Jamil who doubles as an IT expert is a lover of fast cars and a collector of high-end automobiles, high-priced wristwatches, and precious ornaments.
A huge spender on philanthropy who has successfully funded several humanitarian projects, Jamil Mohammed unknown to many spends a larger chunk of his earnings on his NGO that caters to the health, education, and alleviation of the less privileged in rural communities all around northern Nigeria. He once declared that philanthropy brings him fulfillment.
Over the years he has singlehandedly sponsored and completed several goodwill projects in Zamfara state (his home state), and other parts of Nigeria. Also notable among his humanitarian projects is his aviation mentorship program which has mentored countless young aviation lovers and pilots across the country.
A fitness enthusiast, Captain Jamil also founded JMD Football Club, a revolutionary football club and academy in 2021 with a focus on empowering young African football talents to reach their full potential.
In 2018 “JamBoy”, as he is fondly addressed, married Fatima Dangote, daughter of billionaire industrialist and the richest black man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote in a lavish wedding ceremony, that played host to the famous crème de la cream of the society including, American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates among other notable persons in Nigeria and around the globe.
Together with his wife, Fatima, they have a daughter who was ushered into the world in August 2019 to the admiration of the family.
- Hilda Effiong Baci – 27
Hilda Effiong Bassey, more popularly known as Hilda Baci is a chef, Restaurateur, and former Guinness World Record Holder for the longest cooking marathon with 93 hours 11 minutes in May 2023, which was surpassed later that year by Irish chef Alan Fisher with 119 hours, 57 minutes.
Since she emerged as a world record holder, Hilda has continued to harness her fame and spotlight to showcase Nigerian cuisine while at the same time, empowering other talents through their culinary journey
Born on 20 September 1996, Hilda Effiong Bassey hailed from the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. She graduated with a degree in sociology from Madonna University, in Okija, Anambra State. She was the host of Dine on a Budget, a television show that airs on Pop Central TV.
- Asisat Oshoala – 29
Asisat Oshoala MON is a professional footballer and striker for the National Women’s Soccer League. She is considered one of the greatest and most famous African female footballers of all time and a six-time record holder of the African Women’s Footballer of the Year.
- Tunde Onakoya – 29
Tunde Onakoya is a Founder of Chess in Slum Initiative and the current Guinness World Record Holder for the longest chess marathon.
Through his Initiative, Tunde Anakoya has been able to use chess as a tool for empowering impoverished children across slums in Nigeria by giving them access to education.
- Williams Uchemba – 29
Williams Uchemba is an an award-winning Nollywood Actor who started his acting career as the tender age of eight. He is a Philanthropist, Youth Advocate, and founder of Williams Uchemba Foundation and TXE Africa. Both organizations are geared towards empowering local entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in society among other notable contributions.
- Veekee James – 27
Twenty-seven-year-old Veekee James is an award-winning fashion designer and businesswoman. Famous for her unique cuts and fashion skill set, Veekee has carved a niche for herself in the African fashion ecosystem.
Although she has successfully trained and inspired numerous upcoming designers, it is noteworthy that her inspiration and motivations sterns from watching her mother, Esther who was a seamstress make clothes while she was young.
Consequently, she was inspired by her mother to launch her fashion brand in 2019. She would later found ‘Veekee James Man’, a fashion brand for men’s wear, and ‘Shoprikan’ for women. Outfits from her bespoke couture are also known for their impeccable craftsmanship and red-carpet appeal.
One of her highest moments was appearing on the Globacom sponsored ‘African Voices’ on CNN where she shone like a galaxy of stars alongside Andrea Iyama, another celebrated fashion designer of repute.
- Jeremiah Ogbodo aka Swanky Jerry – 32
Swanky Jerry is a Renowned Nigerian Fashion designer and stylist bringing Nigerian fashion to the world. He has achieved tremendous success in his career from being featured on the cover of GQ Magazine to dressing some of the most iconic celebrities in the world, Jerry has revolutionized the way fashion is viewed. His creativity and style continue to serve as inspiration to many Nigerian designers.
- Pelumi Nubi – 28
Pelumi Nubi is a Travel content creator and the first black woman in history to solo travel by road from London to Nigeria. Her notable achievement serves as a symbol of resilience and determination.
Most recently, Pelumi Nubi described herself as a wanderer at heart. She began her incredible travel content creation journey in 2016 and has visited over 80 countries since then.
Only recently, following her recent feat, she was crowned Lagos Tourism Ambassador by the current governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who also handed her keys to a fully furnished apartment in Lagos as well as keys to a brand-new customized number plate car.
- Victor Osimhen – 25
Victor James Osimhen MON is a Professional Nigerian Footballer and the current African best player of the year.
Victor Osimen plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. Born in Nigeria, Osimhen began his professional football career in Germany at VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, following a season and a half at the club, he moved to Belgian side Charleroi on loan in 2018–19, before moving to Ligue 1 with Lille, scoring eighteen goals in his sole season with the French club.
In 2020, Osimhen transferred to Serie A side Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million and won the Serie A Best Young Player award in the 2021–22 season. In the following campaign, he finished as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals, a record-high for an African player, as he helped Napoli win the first Serie A title in 33 years.
His early days of football were at Olusosun in Lagos where he was singled out by international football scouts and the rest had since been history.
Regarded as one of the best players in the world, he is known for his elite finishing, pace, strength, and athleticism.
- Linus Williams Ifejika aka Bitcoin Lord – 26
Linus Ifejika is a Bitcoin trader, crypto and IT entrepreneur. He is a Businessman and the Executive Chairman of B-Lord Group. He has earned a distinct reputation as one of Africa’s most affluent Bitcoin vendors.
Utterly misunderstood, B-Lord slugged had fought the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission vigorously for wrongfully detaining him and labeling him a fraudster. Following several months of courthouse battles, he was able to clear his name and the court awarded cost in his favour.
Only recently, B-Lord dismissed the misleading notion that the B-Lord Group is merely a bitcoin trading organization, he added besides his flagship cryptocurrency business, Blord Group has interests in Luxury Stores, Sales of Automobile, and real estate.
A focused and dedicated young man, techpreneur whose payment app Jetpay he said was valued at over a whopping $10,000,000. For the Awka, Anambra-based entrepreneur, what matters most in business is how well a business is built, not necessarily how big it is. “I work hard every day to build my business,” he said, “I have no intention of catching up or surpassing anyone; my business objectives are not dependent on others’.”
Via his Instagram page recently, B-Lord went down memory lane to recall how he rose from zero naira in his account to becoming a billionaire. B-Lord said he was only worth about $3,000 (N4 million) in 2019, but his net worth increased to $70,000 (N96 million) in 2021, he also added that he was worth nothing in 2017, but he is worth N27 billion in 2024.
- Oma Lay – 27
Stanley Omah Didia known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has released two EPs and a studio album and collaborated with artists which including Justin Bieber, Masterkraft, and Jul a French rapper and record producer. In addition to numerous chart-topping singles, his songs “Understand,” “Attention,” and “Soso” have Gold Certifications and he has won numerous awards including Headies Award in 2020 and 2023.
Lay as he is addressed by close allies, was raised in the city of Port Harcourt in Nigeria.[2] He attended Comprehensive High School in Rivers State before proceeding to the University of Port Harcourt. He comes from a musical family. His grandfather played instruments for the late singer Celestine Ukwu before he died in 1977. His father played the drums.
Oma Lay began his career with a rap group where he went by the stage name “Lil King.” At 16, he would evolve and veered into songwriting and producing for several artists. He went solo in 2019 with the release of “Do Not Disturb” and “Hello Brother”. The same year, he signed to the record label named KeyQaad and began working on Get Layd, his debut EP.
- Enioluwa Adeoluwa – 25
Enioluwa Adeoluwa is an influencer, content creator, film director, and communications expert. He currently serves as a European Union Ambassador to Africa. He is considered one of Nigeria’s most popular influencers. Enioluwa continues to champion the value and need for education through his craft.
- Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi
Oluwaseun Osowobi is the founder of Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative, a non-governmental organization advocating for rape victims in Nigeria to combat and completely eradicate all forms of sexual violence.
Through her notable contribution to society, she emerged as the regional winner of the 2019 Commonwealth Youth Award for Africa and Europe.
- Jimmy Odukoya – 37
Jimmy Odukoya is a multiple award-winning Nollywood and Hollywood actor and relationship coach. His exceptional performance in Woman King received a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes among other notable recognitions. He is currently the General Overseer of Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, after succeeding his late dad, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya who died at the age of 67 on August 7, 2023.
Jimmy Odukoya’s mom is famous televangelist, Bimbo Odukoya who died in the ill-fated Sosoliso Airline mishap in Port Harcourt on December 11, 2005.
- Sydney Egere aka Sydney Talker – 28
Sydney Talker is a Digital Influencer, Comedian, and CEO of Neville Records. Sydney Talker has made his mark in the Nigerian creative industry through his hilarious comedy skits and personality. It is worthy of note that Sydney Talker made his mark as a foremost comedy skits creator which later grew bigger accommodating more talents and brewing multi-millionaires.
- Fisayo Fosudo – 28
Fisayo Fosudo is a Tech expert/content creator and YouTuber with over 600k subscribers and 90 million views on his YouTube channel. He is arguably the most popular and reputable tech reviewer in West Africa with brands running after him daily.
- Timini Egbuson – 36
Timini Egbuson is a popular Nollywood actor and AMVCA award winner for best actor in a drama. He is known for his stellar talent and performance in numerous top-ranking films and is ranked as one of the highest-grossing Nollywood actors in the industry. His brilliant performance in Funke Akindele’s self-produced movie, “A Tribe Called Judah” remains on the lips of many to date.
Despite coming from a family where his elder sister, Dakore Egbuson carved her niche as an actor, Timini built a reputation for himself, showcasing his talent and working through the ropes to the top.
- Steven Anthony Ndukwu – 29
Steven Ndukwu is a seasoned Filmmaker, Content creator, and YouTuber showcasing Africa through his lens with over 50 million views on his YouTube channel.
His short films and documentaries center on projecting Africa’s beauty, tourist destinations, culture, environment, people, African entrepreneurs, and businesses positively and as a center of attraction for foreign tourists.
His YouTube content focuses mainly on destinations, cultures, and real estate in African countries. In 2022, he appeared among the 26 selected African YouTube creators to join the second year of the YouTube Black Voices Fund.
- Martins Vincent Otse aka Very Dark Man – 31
His name resonates among internet users across the globe as an activist. Very Dark Man or VDM, full name, Martins Vincent Otse the 27-year-old whose rise to fame, like a hurricane swept across Nigeria in the year 2023.
Born into an average family in Edo State, Southern Nigeria, VDM as he is famously known is a graduate of Business Administration from the prestigious University of Lagos.
Piqued by injustices in the society, VDM began his campaign against vendors of skincare products without NAFDAC numbers. Over time he has been able to sustain his campaign against injustice among other burning issues in the society, thus earning himself a spot in the hearts of numerous admirers including Davido, and Tunde Ednut among others.
- Oyinkansola Aderibigbe aka Ayra Star – 21
Ayra Star is a Nigerian music sensation, singer, and songwriter with various hit songs and international collaborations in genres like RnB, Afrobeats, Alte, and Afro-pop. The 21-year-old music sensation has become a fast-rising star since her debut in 2021, with a huge fan base across the world.
In early 2021, Starr achieved mainstream recognition with her eponymous debut extended play and its hit track “Away”, which spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart; the song also peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart, paving the way for the release of her first full-length album, 19 & Dangerous in 2021.
Categorized mainly as Afropop and R&B, the mixtape received favorable critical reception and spawned two top forty hits in Nigeria. The lead single “Bloody Samaritan” peaked atop the Top 50 chart, becoming the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one position. Starr debuted on the Pandora Predictions chart, and on 28 August 2021, was ranked number three on Billboard’s Next Big Sound.
Starr as she is fondly called would later achieve mainstream international recognition in 2022, with the release of her song “Rush”. The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. It earned Starr her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.
With the song, Starr became the youngest African Female Artist to surpass 100 million views on a single video on YouTube, and also the first to do so within 5 months.
- Maryam Apaokagi aka Taooma – 25
Taooma is a comedian, skit-maker, cinematographer, and social media influencer. She is currently one of Nigeria’s most famous digital creators with a huge online, her presence cuts across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Dr. Steven Akintayo – 36
Dr. Steven Akintayo is considered Africa’s most influential investment coach and a member of the Forbes Business Council. He is an entrepreneur and founder of Gtex-holdings, a leading global real estate company.
Akintayo’s grass-to-grace story remains inspiring to many, as it catalogs how he came from obscurity as a motivational speaker to becoming a billionaire real estate practitioner with his business scattered across the world, including America and other continents.
- Seyi Tinubu – 38
Son current President of Nigeria (Bola Ahmed Tinubu), Seyi Tinubu holds the ace when it comes to advertising in Nigeria. Unknown to many, 38-year-old Seyi Tinubu is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO and CO-Founder of Loatsad Promomedia Ltd, an outdoor advertising company with some of Nigeria’s leading blue chip and multinational companies as part of its clients.
Developing tailor-made solutions for successful brands, Tinubu is highly sought after for his sound entrepreneurship experience, and commonsense approach to international business transactions. Since opening Loatsad Promomedia six years ago, Tinubu has overseen over 1000 completed advertising transactions by the firm representing billions in transaction value.
He is also a huge philanthropist.
- Olalekan Olude – 38
Olalekan Olude is a Nigerian entrepreneur, co-founder, and chief operating officer of Jobberman, West Africa’s foremost Job search engine that connects Job seekers to potential employers. He is a brilliant businessman and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s tech space.
- Modupe Adele aka Moechivous – 35
Modupe Adele is a Lawyer, Activist, and Founder of Vazi Legal, a leading tech law firm in Nigeria and the United States. She played a principal role in the End SARS Protest in 2020, thus earning her prominence among young Nigerians who are yearning for a better Nigeria.
- Rinu Oduala – 25
Rinu Oduala is a Political and Human rights activist. She currently serves as the executive project director of Connect Hub Nigeria, a platform that documents and advocates against state violence and police brutality in Nigeria.
Her rise to fame was in the year 2020 during which the Endsars protest occurred. Oduala was in the forefront of the protest against alleged police brutality against Nigerian youths which eventually caught the attention of the international community. Ever since, she has continued to rise in popularity especially on social media where she has over seven hundred thousand followers.
- Uche Eze – 39
Uche Eze is an Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of BellaNaija, Africa’s leading Media Company known for entertainment and lifestyle content with a vibrant community of over 12 million Africans.
BellaNaija has under its employ a large number of youths who earn very well as the organization’s salary structure is said to be upscale.
- Zubby Michael aka Eze Ndiala – 38
Zubby Micheal is a seasoned Nollywood actor and producer. He is a recipient of the Nollywood Personality of the Year 2018 and the South East Entertainment Movie Icon of the Year 2018.
His street creditability is top notch and for his creative acting skills, he commands a huge following across multiple social media platforms.
Not many may know, that Zuby is quite shy, but how he is able to wear the personality he showcases before the camera remains almost a mystery.
- Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori aka Kiekie – 34
Bukunmi Ilori is a popular digital creator, actress, comedian, and internet sensation who has established herself as a prominent figure in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry.
Kiekie as she is fondly known is a talented dancer who was once quoted as saying that she splits all the bills with her husband. Astonished by her comment, netizens began to dig into her personal life, asking if he was truly married. To their astonishment, it was later discovered that she was married to Tunji Ilori in February 2020 and together they have a child.
Defending her choice in an interview, Kikie told Punch that she respects the privacy of her family and marriage and her words, “I do my best to show them to the barest minimum. I just do the basic things when necessary; maybe birthdays and anniversaries”.
The Mass Communication graduate of Bowen University, Osun State also holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the London School of Business. While acquiring academic knowledge, Kiekie also proceeded to learn the craft of tailoring, couture and patters from the London College of Fashion.
Through dedication and tenacity, she won the heart of many as he continued to drop videos regularly on Instagram and YouTube.
- Samuel Animashaun Perry aka Brother Shaggi – 31
The foremost digital content creator is among top earners in the content creation space in Nigeria, but chose to remain under wraps.
Samuel Perry aka Brother Shaggi was raised by his grand-mother in Ikenne Ijebu, Ogun State; however, years later his talent would open doors for him as skits began to trend on the internet. A two-time Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award winner for best actor in a comedy movie or TV series, brother Shaggi has huge interest in real estate and other ventures.
From 2017 when he broke into limelight till date, despite inspiring many content creators, he still remains relevant in the content creation eco-system.
- Chinonso Egemba aka Aproko Doctor – 34
Chinonso Egemba is a Nigerian Doctor and health influencer. Through his videos, Chinonso Egemba helps Nigerians develop healthy eating habits and make healthier choices with their meals. He also advices on the health risks associated with the consumption of particular foods and habits.
The Imo State born influencer had his university education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka where he trained as a medical doctor.
Married to Chiamaka Nwakalor popularly known as Chef Amaka in June 2020, Aproko Doctor was riddled with excitement as he shared his journey through Brain tumor, adding that his wife, Amaka stood by him through the dark hour.
Egemba met his wife through micro-blogging site, twitter (X) and indicated his love interest, little did he know that they would become a celebrated couple on social media. Just as their relationship started in an unexpected way, their wedding was not a regular wedding as it was conducted via Zoom. Only close relatives were present during the occasion.
- Tolani Tayo-Osikoya aka Diary of a Kitchen Lover
Tolani Tayo-Osikoya is a Nigerian Chef, Food blogger, content creator and entrepreneur who has used her passion for cooking to share and educate people on healthy cooking tips and Nigerian food recipes.
- Ifeyinwa Mojekwu aka Ify’s Kitchen –
Ifeyinwa Mojekwu is a Nigerian-trained lawyer, food blogger, and content creator with over 1.9 million followers on her Instagram and 599k subscribers on YouTube. She is a multi-award-winning food content creator who has through her videos and shared recipes made cooking easier for millions of Nigerians.
