Nigeria is famous as one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. It has over 200 million people who speak over 500 languages. It is also home to some of the most famous people from Africa. Some of the most famous people from Nigeria include award winning musicians Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Davido, Fela Kuti, WizKid, and Tiwa Savage.
Nollywood is the world’s second-largest film industry, and it has produced many famous actors and actresses. These include the comedic duo Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze, Mercy Johnson Okojie, Chike Daniels, Ruth Kadiri, and Maurice Sam. Together, the leading Nigerian actors have produced thousands of movies, and are continuously influencing African pop culture.
Famous Nigerian celebrities and personalities
47 years old
39 years old
Nigerian retired footballer who played as a defensive midfielder most famously for Chelsea in the Premier League
84 years old
Nigerian pastor who is the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God founded in 1952 in Nigeria
46 years old
Nigerian actress who has starred in over 200 Nollywood movies & winner of Africa Movie Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005
Died aged 82
Nigerian novelist and critic famous as author of the novel Things Fall Apart
55 years old
Nigerian actor and director known as Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2010 in The Figurine
44 years old
Nigerian actress who has starred in over 200 movies, and a United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy
60 years old
Nigerian actress, pastor and TV personality who starred in Nollywood fims and TV shows from the age of 5
37 years old
Nigerian rapper, record executive, one of the most influential artistes in Africa whose famous songs include Amapiano (2023)
Famous people from Nigeria
The North-western country is also home to award winning authors who include emerging voices in literature Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Purple Hibiscus) and Ayobami Adebayo (Stay With Me).
Legendary authors Chinua Achebe (Things Fall Apart), Wole Soyinka (The Lion and the Jewel) and Elechi Amadi who wrote The Concubine were also born in Nigeria.
Africa’s most populous country has also produced talented and globally reknowned sportspeople who include footballers Victor Osimhen and John Obi Mikel. Other famous Nigerians are the continent’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Catholic cardinal Francis Arinze, and former president Olusegun Obasanjo.
