Reminisce, Tiwa Savage, Zlatan… 10 musicians who turned actors

Over the years, Nollywood has witnessed the appearances of popular Nigerian musicians in its major productions.

Beyond captivating the audience with their music, several Nigerian musicians have shown remarkable versatility by making successful forays into acting.

These artistes have won the heart of many with their seamless transition into Nollywood.

Here are Nigerian musicians who have captivated audiences with their acting prowess.

• Banky W

Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, is a singer, songwriter who doubles as an actor.

He already gained fame in the music industry before making his acting debut in Funke Akindele’s ‘The Return of Jenifa’ in 2011.

Later in 2016, he starred in ‘The Wedding Party’ as well as its sequel.

Since then, he has starred in several other movies including ‘Up North’ and ‘Sugar Rush’.

Asides from being an actor, Banky W also transitioned to a film director as he premiered his first short film in 2014 titled ‘A Music Film Experience’.

• Falz

Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, is a multi-talented person who has excelled in both the music and movie industries.

The rapper has not only captivated music lovers with his rap lines but also won the heart of many with his acting prowess which debuted in ‘Jenifa’s Diary’.

He has been featured in various Nollywood films since then, including ‘Chief Daddy’, ‘Muna’, and ‘New Money’.

Falz has enjoyed numerous awards and recognition for his amazing acting performances. In 2016, he won AMCVA ‘best actor in a comedy series’ award for his role in ‘Jenifa’s Diary’.

He also won the 2018 AMVCA ‘best-supporting actor’ for his role as Quam in ‘New Money’.

Asides from showcasing his remarkable acting skills, Falz also owns a film production company — House21TV. From being a successful musician, he has now become a household name in the Nollywood scene.

• Reminisce

Reminisce is one of the artistes whose transition to acting left the audience astounded.

Beyond his prowess as a rapper, Reminisce proved himself to be a skilled actor with his impressive performance as a villain in Kemi Adetiba’s ‘King of Boys’.

Despite being his debut film, the rapper was able to embody his character effortlessly, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

• Omawumi

Omawumi has proven to be more than a music genius after successfully venturing into acting.

She made her acting debut in the 2010 movie titled ‘Inale’. She has since then appeared in other Nollywood productions, showcasing her acting skills alongside her musical talent.

Omawumi has starred in movies including ‘House of Gold,’ ‘Oloture,’ ‘Night Bus to Lagos’ and ‘Palava’.

In 2019, the singer ventured into movie production. She and her friend, Waje, produced a movie titled ‘She Is’. The duo also co-owns a media company — Hermanes Media.

• Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade recently joined the list of musicians-cum-actors after starring in Funke Akindele’s ‘Omo Ghetto the Saga’.

Her amazing performance as a gang leader and drug dealer in the movie left the audience impressed and in anticipation of future acting performances.

• Niyola

Eniola Akibo, better known as Niyola, is not only a soulful singer but also a talented actor.

She proved herself with an impressive performance in the lead role of Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Swallow’.

Niyola totally embodied the role of Tolani Ajao, a young woman in the 80s who struggles to not get absorbed in the pressures present in her society, in the movie.

• Tiwa Savage

Asides from being a music veteran, Tiwa Savage has displayed her talent beyond the music scene.

In 2013, she showed off her acting prowess when she appeared in ‘MTV Shuga’. Savage later graced our screens in 2016 when she was featured in the comedy series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’.

• Zlatan

Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, better known as Zlatan, is the newest member of the musicians who turned actors.

To movie lovers’ surprise, the singer made his debut appearance in Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos’.

After the movie, Zlatan revealed he had to take some time off music in order to pull off an “amazing performance”.

• Peter Okoye

Peter Okoye, one of the Psquare brothers, is also a musician who is making a career out of acting.

He started showcasing his acting talent in 2018 when he made his debut appearance in Genevieve Nnaji’s award-winning ‘Lionheart’.

Recently, he also starred in a six-part Netflix series ‘Shanty Town’.

• Simi

Aside from being a musical sensation, Simi also seems to have a promising acting talent.

She displayed her versatility when she appeared in Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Mokalik’. Playing the role of Simi in the movie, she embodied her character quite well.