The Kutis, Okoyes, Ogulus… families shaping Nigerian music, film, fashion industries

In Nigeria, storytelling is a cherished tradition, and creativity flows like a birthright. Across generations, certain families have transformed their artistic gifts into enduring legacies, passing down their passion for entertainment like treasured heirlooms.

These families prove that talent, when nurtured across generations, becomes a legacy. From music to movies, activism to fashion, their contributions have defined Nigerian entertainment, and their influence continues to grow.

• The Kuti dynasty: Music and activism

Few names resonate as powerfully in Nigerian music and activism as the Kutis. The legacy began with Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a fearless women’s rights activist whose defiance inspired generations. Her son Fela Anikulapo-Kuti inherited her revolutionary spirit, birthing Afrobeat — a genre that blended funk, jazz, and biting political commentary.

Today, the Kuti name remains a global force. Femi Kuti carries the torch internationally, while his son Made Kuti reinvents Afrobeat for a new era. Seun Kuti leads Egypt 80, Fela’s legendary band, ensuring his father’s revolutionary sound lives on. Their sister Yeni Kuti co-founded Felabration, an annual festival celebrating Fela’s legacy. From activism to music, the Kutis remain Nigeria’s foremost family of resistance and rhythm.

• The Ogulu Clan: A creative empire

Behind every great artiste is a formidable support system. For Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu), that system is his family. His mother Bose Ogulu manages his career with sharp acumen, guiding him to Grammy-winning success.

But the Ogulus’ brilliance extends beyond music. Ronami Ogulu, Burna’s sister, is a visionary stylist and creative director shaping his iconic looks. Nissi Ogulu, the singer’s second sister, is a singer-songwriter and founder of Creele Animation Studios, crafting African stories through animation. Whether in music, fashion, or storytelling, the Ogulus are a powerhouse of creativity.

• The Adebayo family: Nollywood royalty

Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) is a Nollywood legend, and his children have cemented the family’s place in the film industry. His son Femi Adebayo is a multi-award-winning actor, producer, and director. Brothers Tope and Tijani Adebayo also thrive behind the scenes, ensuring the Adebayo name remains synonymous with cinematic excellence.

• The Otedola sisters: Business meets entertainment

While their father, Femi Otedola, is a titan of business, his daughters shine in entertainment. Tolani Otedola is a gifted singer-songwriter, DJ Cuppy (Florence Otedola) is also a singer and a globally recognised DJ, and Temi Otedola is a rising Nollywood actress and fashion entrepreneur. Together, they prove that the Otedola influence spans both boardrooms and stages.

• The Afolayan dynasty: Filmmaking pioneers

The late Ade Love (Adeyemi Afolayan) was a Nollywood trailblazer, and his children continue his legacy. Kunle Afolayan is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated filmmakers, known for cinematic masterpieces like ‘Aníkúlápó’. His brothers, Gabriel and Aremu Afolayan, have also excelled in acting and production, ensuring the Afolayan name remains a force in storytelling.

• The Ajereh brothers: Architects of Afrobeats

A few names in the country’s music industry command as much respect as Michael Collins Ajereh, widely known as Don Jazzy. From shaping the sound of Mo’Hits Records to building Mavin Records into a powerhouse, he has been instrumental in redefining the sound of Afrobeats.

Jazzy’s younger brother, Charles Ajereh, popularly known as D’Prince, found success with hit songs before transitioning behind the scenes. Now at the helm of Jonzing World, he is nurturing the next generation of artistes.

• The Kosoko legacy: A family of screen icons

Jide Kosoko is a veteran filmmaker with a career spanning decades. His late wife, Henrietta Kosoko, was also an actress, making theirs a family deeply rooted in Nollywood. Today, his daughters, Shola and Bidemi Kosoko, carry the torch, delivering captivating performances that honour their family’s legacy.

• The Egbuson siblings: Acting excellence

Dakore Egbuson-Akande has been a familiar face in the film industry, known for her elegance and compelling performances. Her younger brother, Timini Egbuson, has followed in her footsteps, becoming one of Nollywood’s prominent actors. Together, they have made the Egbuson name synonymous with talent.

• The Apata sisters: Voices of a generation

Simeon Olaosebikan Apata was a military officer and educationist, but his daughters chose a different path — music. Niniola and her younger sister Teniola have two unique but equally powerful voices in the Nigerian music industry. While Niniola reigns as the “queen of Afro-house,” Teni’s infectious melodies have produced several hits.

• The Makun brothers: Masters of entertainment 

Creativity is at the heart of the Makun family. AY Makun made his mark as a comedian before venturing into filmmaking, where he became one of Nigeria’s most successful producers, delivering box office hits that have brought Nollywood commercial success.

His brothers, Lanre Makun, is a top-tier show promoter, while Yomi Casual is a celebrated fashion designer. Together, they dominate comedy, film, events, and style.

• The Okoye Brothers: A musical dynasty

Peter ‘Mr P’ and Paul ‘Rudeboy’ Okoye, famously known as P-Square, ruled Nigerian music for years. Even after their split, both thrived as solo artistes, while their elder brother, Jude Okoye, played a pivotal role in their success as a manager. The Okoyes remain music royalty.

• The Abaga brothers: Kings of Nigerian Hip-Hop

Jude M.I Abaga and Jesse Jagz Abaga reshaped Nigerian rap. MI’s lyrical genius and Jesse’s experimental sound made them icons. Whether together or apart, the Abagas elevated hip-hop in Nigeria.