Screen icons to idols: How Nigerian stars are birthing superstars

BY BUKOLA OLAJIDE

For some years now, prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry have been rewriting their legacy by working with their kids to produce collaborations that enable tradition and modernity to live harmoniously. Here is my list of some great fusion between parents and their children:

1. The late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the renowned father of Afrobeat, stands at the top of my list with a legacy that transcends three generations. His ground-breaking music helped define the genre and set the groundwork for his offspring. Femi, his son, has entertained audiences worldwide since he inherited his father’s musical prowess and fiery attitude. Fascinatingly, Made, Femi’s son, has also taken up the art form through the play of the saxophone. Fela was not just a singer but a movement whose songs mostly mocked the reality of governance in the third world countries. The Kuti family is committed to keeping their grandfather’s movement alive while adding their unique sound.

2. Funmi Martins was a well-known Nigerian actress and model, known for her roles in films like Eto Mi, Pelumi, and Ija Omode. She started out modelling before switching to acting under the guidance of seasoned Nollywood actor Adebayo Salami, making her screen debut in the 1993 film Nemesis. Funmi’s career lasted almost ten years until her tragic death in 2002, leaving a lasting impact on Nollywood. Her daughter, Mide Martins, quickly filled the void left by her mother and has become one of the successful actresses known for her dynamic roles in Yoruba cinema. Mide is married to fellow actor Afeez Owo, and usually they appear in the same movies. This has helped to strengthen their family bond over the years.

3. The multi-award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and the award-winning actors Gabriel, Moji, and Aremu are the children of Adeyemi Afolayan, also known as “Ade-love.” Despite being an actor, producer, and director from the 1960s to the 1980s, Adeyemi forbade his kids from acting because the entertainment industry wasn’t profitable. He therefore urged them to concentrate on their education but his children gained their footing in acting after his death in 1996. The eldest son, Kunle Afolayan, is now generally acknowledged for improving Nollywood by increasing the budgets, using 35mm film, and distributing the films in theatres. He has directed a number of popular films, including some of the highest rated ones on Netflix. Aremu and Gabriel, his brothers and Moji, his sister, have shown their creativity in acting and movie production, thereby exemplifying that that theatrics run in the family bloodline.

4. A legend in Igbo Nollywood, Pete Edochie has left a lasting legacy with his superb performances that frequently express authority and wisdom. Yul Edochie, his son, followed in his father’s footsteps and made a reputation in the field after being motivated by his success. Like his father, Yul has appeared in many roles and is praised for his acting abilities. He is well-known for his powerful presence and deep voice. Their on-screen partnerships frequently exhibit a special father-son relationship that shows the realism of their performances.

5.In Yoruba Nollywood, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as “Oga Bello,” and his sons Femi and Tope Adebayo are renowned for their talents. Salami, a pioneer of Yoruba cinema, became well-known for his captivating parts that embraced Nigerian culture. He has impacted and mentored many actors and directors in his field. Femi followed in his father’s footsteps and established himself as a fantastic actor whose flexibility and adaptability can bring life to any role while Tope Adebayo is more of a director even though he comes in front of the camera to act in a few roles once in a while. Father and sons have shared the screen together in many movies and their legacy stands strong by their commitment to film production.

6. Simply called ‘Mo’ in the media industry, Mosunmola Abudu has made a name for herself as the one of Nigeria’s producer’s renowned for her storytelling skills and ability to elevate African narratives on a worldwide scale. Mo, the CEO of EbonyLife Media has set the benchmark for Temidayo her daughter who is closely emulating her and pursuing a career in filmmaking and production. Temidayo has proven to have a sharp eye for gripping plots that captivate viewers with her work on films like Castle & Castle and The Wedding Party. Each time Temidayo works on a project, she usually adds her flair to the professional knowledge and abilities garnered from her mom’s tutelage which always appeals to her younger audience. Their partnership produces a vibrant synergy in African cinema by bridging experiences with new viewpoints.

7. Iyabo Ojo is presently one of the most controversial actresses who stemmed from Nollywood and is well-known for her flexibility in switching between serious and comic roles. Her appealing presence and powerful playing abilities have made her so flexible in working with her children’s generation employing social media platforms to showcase their talents. Priscilla Ojo, her daughter, is rapidly becoming an actress and social media star, following in her mother’s footsteps. Though calm and reserved, Priscilla’s expanding fan base is causing a stir on social media as she recently welcomed Jux, her Tanzanian fiancé to Nigeria and appeared in his new music video titled “Ololufe mi”. Both Iyabo and Priscilla frequently posts titbits of their connection on social media to laud their strong bond and spirit of cooperation.

8. A well-respected Nollywood veteran, Jide Kosoko has left a lasting impression on the Nigerian film industry thanks to his commitment and unique acting ability. Well-known for his diverse roles, he has elevated Yoruba culture and impacted other actors. Henrietta Kosoko, his late wife was a gifted actress who acted in many Yoruba films with her commanding on-screen persona. Their daughter, Bidemi Kosoko, has continued to act alongside her older sister, Sola Kosoko, because to the love of the arts that runs in their family.

9. One of Nigeria’s most popular singers, Timi Dakolo is renowned for his heartfelt voice. His song “Iyawo mi” has been making waves in the entertainment list as one of the first 5 songs played at every wedding reception in the last few years. Timi frequently posts glimpses of his family’s activities on social media and his children’s skills. They sometimes accompany him in the studio to learn the ins and outs of music creation and performing and at other times, they just display their goofiness online bringing their creativity as “the yard people”. Timi believes that introducing his children to his craft early will stir their creativity and independence.

10. Nigerian saxophonist Bolaji Banjoko, better known by his stage as BJ Sax, is starting a family legacy by incorporating his little daughter Oluwadarasimi into his musical endeavours. BJ Sax, who is well-known for his thrilling performances, frequently features his daughter in his annual concert at Eko hotel and suites, Lagos. From age 5, she can be seen playing the instrument in cute Instagram videos, with her dad cheering her on.

11. Omah Stanley Didia professionally known as Omah lay is possibly the king of the new school. A songwriter and record producer, His single “Get layed” has received over 200 million plays on music streaming sites and is well-known for its compelling Afrobeats and emotional lyrics. He may have inherited his lovely gift from his father, who played music in the 1970s. His father exposed his son to rhythm and melody by playing drums in a highlife band. Even though they didn’t play together, Omah’s father’s influence helped to shape his artistic foundation and provided him with priceless knowledge about music in general.

Honouring these traditions demonstrates that family is more than just a name in the entertainment industry; it’s about developing talent, inspiring the upcoming generation and carrying on a tradition of artistic expression. Nigerian entertainment will have a bright future as fresh performers take centre stage and are inspired by the experiences of their predecessors.