Music has long been a gateway to storytelling, and Nigerian musicians have embraced the phenomenon by expanding their creative endeavours into acting. Many of our favourite artistes have shown they can shine as brightly on the silver screen as in the recording studio. Their seamless transitions and impressive performances have won over audiences.
Without further ado, here are artistes who have made their mark in films:
Davido
The Grammy-nominated singer starred in ‘Fate of Alakada‘, a 2020 Nigerian action comedy film produced by Toyin Abraham. He also landed his Hollywood debut in the 2021 sequel of the 1988 hit comedy film ‘Coming to America’. In the comedy film, he featured as himself, performing one of his hit songs.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage, the award-winning singer, made her acting debut in 2014 on the hit MTV series ‘Shuga’. Recently, she co-directed and starred in ‘Water & Garri’, where she played Aisha, a fashion designer returning to her hometown after years in the United States. A family tragedy prompts her to return, only to find her once-familiar community engulfed in escalating violence and tension.
Falz
Born Folarin Falana, Falz is a versatile artiste excelling in music and film. His Nollywood credits include roles in ‘10 Days in Sun City’, ‘Brotherhood’, ‘Merry Men’, ‘Quam’s Money’, and ‘Chief Daddy’.
Falz has won two Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs): first in 2016 for his role in ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, and again in 2018 as Best Supporting Actor for ‘New Money’.
Reminisce
Reminisce made a notable impact on the big screen with his role as Makanaki in Kemi Adetiba’s crime thriller ‘King of Boys’ and its sequel, ‘King of Boys: The Return of the King’.
The rapper also received accolades for his acting prowess.
Banky W
Banky W is a multi-hyphenate who has excelled in Nollywood. He made a grand entrance with a leading role in the 2016 blockbuster rom-com ‘The Wedding Party’.
His filmography extends to co-producing ‘Up North’. He also showed his acting range with a role in the action-comedy ‘Sugar Rush’.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade, renowned for her vocal prowess, ventured into acting in 2020 with ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’, directed by JJC Skillz and Funke Akindele.
She played Mogambe, the leader of a drug trafficking gang, making a significant impact in Nollywood.
Waje
Waje, another accomplished Nigerian musician, explored acting with ‘She Is’, a 2019 film she co-produced with Omowunmi. She also contributed to the film’s soundtrack.
Recently, Waje appeared in Funke Akindele’s drama series ‘She Must Be Obeyed’, where she played the character Xcite.
Omawumi
Omawumi has seamlessly integrated dramatic elements into her music videos. Her acting debut was in the high-budget, AMAA award-winning film ‘Inale’ in 2010.
She also starred in the Ghanaian movie ‘House of Gold’ in 2013. In 2019, Omawumi ventured into production with ‘She Is’, collaborating with Waje to explore the societal expectations and challenges faced by successful Nigerian women.
Seyi Shay
Seyi Shay, known for hits like ‘Gimme Love’ and ‘Right Now’, showcased her acting talent in the 2018 musical film ‘Lara and the Beat’, directed by Tosin Coker.
Simi
Simi ventured into acting in Kunle Afolayan’s 2019 film ‘Mokalik (Mechanic)’, playing a 21-year-old aspiring singer named Simi. The film revolves around a young boy’s journey as a mechanic’s apprentice.
Chike
Chike made his acting debut on the Africa Magic Showcase telenovela ‘Battleground’ as Mayowa Badmus. He also played Ify in the film ‘Gangs of Lagos’.
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