Have you ever wondered why Nigeria is a known country across all continents? One of the reasons is that the Giant of Africa has birthed numerous famous and influential people whose names have gained recognition worldwide.
It’s no secret that Nigeria is a country with some of the most talented, creative, educated, and versatile people. This is why many famous Nigerians have made their names known across nations and through several industries.
Stay tuned as we reveal our list of the top five most influential people in Nigeria based on their fanbase and recognition.
5. Innocent Idibia – popularly known as 2baba
Innocent Idibia is a singer, entrepreneur, songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist. This famous Nigerian is popularly known around the world as 2baba. He hails from the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, Nigeria.
During the early days of his music career, his official stage name was 2face or Tuface until a few years ago when he changed it to 2baba. Rumour has it that this change came when he learned his old name no longer fits his current status.
Innocent Idibia started pursuing his music career during his youth in secondary school with his then-close friends Blackface and Faze. They formed a music group called the Plantation Boiz and released memorable albums together until their parting in 2004.
2baba has become a global icon in music, winning numerous awards for his work.
4. Funke Akindele – popularly called Jenifa
Funke Akindele is the most followed female actress and one of the most famous women in Nigeria. She is from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, born on the 24th of August 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria.
Funke Akindele is an exceptional actress, movie director, producer, and politician. She became famous after starring in the 1998–2000 sitcom I Need to Know. Her movie Jenifa’s Diary is one of the most-watched TV series in Nigeria.
Funke Akindle has been nominated and has won several AMVCA awards. Her most recent 2024 blockbuster movie, A Tribe Called Judah, made over one billion naira and is currently the highest-grossing film of all time in the country.
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – a highly acclaimed author and feminist
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born in Enugu, Nigeria, in 1977 and grew up on the campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a literary celebrity. She has written countless mind-blowing novels, short stories, and nonfiction. Her first novel, Purple Hibiscus, gave her the popularity she deserved in 2003.
In 2005, the same novel won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book. In 2016 and 2017, John Hopkins University and Haverford College conferred upon her an honorary degree – Doctor of Humane Letters.
According to The Times Literary Supplement, Chimamanda is the most prominent young author attracting readers to African literature worldwide. This brilliant writer and author currently shuffles between the United States and Nigeria, where she teaches writing workshops.
2. Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun – popularly known as Wizkid
Whenever you hear the phrase “Famous Nigerians,” you think Wizkid. Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (Wizkid) is one of the most influential Nigerian Afrobeat artists in the world. He is a Yoruba-born songwriter and musician born in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun started following his musical passion at age 11. He started singing with some of his church friends and they formed a band called Glorious 5.
In 2010, Wizkid dropped his first single, ’Holla at Your Boy’, which became a megahit, introducing him to the limelight. He also released his debut album in 2011 and gained international accolades when his song ’Ojuelegba’ became a global hit in 2015.
This talented Nigerian singer is the first artist to feature in the Guinness World Records for his creative contribution to Drake’s song ’One Dance’.
1. David Adedeji Adeleke – popularly known as Davido
David Adedeji Adeleke is among the most famous Nigerians after the heart of many Nigerians. He’s a musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in the US but raised in Nigeria. His father is a famous business tycoon, and his late mother was a lecturer.
Davido dropped out of Oakland University, Alabama, where he was studying Business Administration, to pursue a music career. In 2011, he returned to Nigeria and continued working on his music career despite his father’s disapproval.
Davido gained recognition after he released his second single, ’Dami Duro’ in 2012. He applied for a degree in music at Babcock University just to please his dad, in 2015 he graduated and concentrated fully on his music passion.
He founded his record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), in 2016, and it has been going from one success to another since then.
