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
Died aged 43
Nollywood actress, producer who was talented & plus-sized, and appeared in many Nollywood movies. She died at the age of 43 in 2025.
91 years old
Nigerian novelist, writer, author of short stories, playwright, poet, and winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature
48 years old
Nigerian author whose books include Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), and We Should All Be Feminists (2012)
38 years old
Nigerian award-winning writer whose novels include Stay With Me (2017)
33 years old
Nigerian-American singer born in U.S and raised in Nigeria, has done collabos with Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage
35 years old
Nigerian singer of Holla at Your Boy (2010), popular for his blend of Afrobeats, reggae, pop and dancehall
46 years old
Nigerian singer and actress who has appeared on Shuga, Jenifa's Diary, & her top singles include Kele Kele Love (2010)
Died aged 82
Nigerian author, novelist and ex-soldier who wrote the famous 1966 novel, The Concubine
55 years old
Nigerian human rights activist, pro-democracy campaigner and presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023 Nigerian general election
37 years old
Popular Nigerian Nollywood actress and film producer who has over 7 million followers on Instagram
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.
