Juma Jux, Priscilla welcome baby in Canada — Why do African celebrities prefer to have their babies abroad?
Iyabo Ojo beams with joy as daughter Priscilla and Tanzanian singer Juma Jux welcome their first child in Canada.
Joy has filled the home of Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, who has officially stepped into the role of grandmother. Her daughter, Priscilla Ojo, and her Tanzanian husband, singer Juma Jux, have welcomed their first child together—a baby boy named Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala—delivered in Canada.
The heartwarming announcement came on Sunday, August 24, 2025, when Iyabo Ojo shared the news across her social media pages, expressing immense gratitude for the safe arrival of her daughter’s newborn.
Priscilla and Juma Jux, who exchanged vows earlier this year in a series of colourful wedding ceremonies between February and May, had revealed their pregnancy in July. Just days before the birth, the couple delighted fans with a stylish blue-themed gender reveal party, confirming they were expecting a son.
The news of Baby Rakeem’s arrival has been met with waves of congratulations from well-wishers, colleagues, and fans across Nigeria and Tanzania, cementing the young couple’s growing influence as one of the most followed celebrity families of 2025.
Priscilla, a fast-rising Nigerian entrepreneur and lifestyle influencer, and Juma Jux, one of East Africa’s biggest music exports, have been in the spotlight since publicly confirming their romance in 2024. Their marriage has since remained a trending topic in entertainment circles, blending Nollywood and Tanzanian pop culture into a vibrant union.
Reports confirm that both mother and child are doing well, while the Ojo and Jux families are in jubilant spirits, celebrating this new chapter in their lives.
Why African Celebrities Prefer to Welcome Their Babies Abroad
In recent years, a growing number of African celebrities have chosen to have their children outside the continent, with popular destinations including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. From Nollywood stars to Afrobeats musicians and East African entertainers, this trend has become so common that it often sparks conversation whenever a celebrity baby is announced. But why do so many African celebrities opt for childbirth abroad?
1. Access to Quality Healthcare
One of the strongest reasons is the assurance of advanced medical care. While many African countries have improved their health systems, challenges such as inadequate facilities, limited specialist doctors, and inconsistent maternal healthcare services persist. By giving birth in countries with advanced healthcare infrastructure, celebrities minimize risks and ensure both mother and child have access to the best possible medical attention.
2. Dual Citizenship Benefits
Another major factor is citizenship. Babies born in countries like the U.S. or Canada automatically become citizens, which provides long-term benefits such as access to education, healthcare, and work opportunities. For high-profile families, this is considered an investment in the child’s future, giving them global mobility and security.
3. Privacy and Comfort
For celebrities who live under constant public scrutiny, privacy during such a delicate moment is crucial. Hospitals abroad often provide a higher level of confidentiality, shielding them from paparazzi, gossip blogs, and relentless media coverage. In some cases, stars even travel incognito to maintain a stress-free pregnancy and delivery.
4. Social Prestige and Lifestyle Choices
Having a child abroad also carries a certain level of prestige. For some, it is about aligning with global lifestyles and offering their children an early advantage in life. The idea of a “foreign-born” child often adds to the celebrity brand, creating a narrative of success, affluence, and international exposure.
5. Family and Career Convenience
Many celebrities have international careers, with homes and businesses abroad. Welcoming a child in such locations makes it easier to balance family life with career commitments. For example, it reduces the need for frequent travel immediately after delivery and ensures the child can seamlessly fit into the parents’ lifestyle and schedules.
Examples Across the Industry
From Nollywood actresses to Afrobeats stars, this pattern is evident. Stars like Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, and Davido’s partner Chioma have all welcomed children abroad. Beyond Nigeria, Tanzanian, South African, and Ghanaian celebrities have also followed this path, reinforcing the trend as a continental phenomenon.
The Debate Back Home
Still, the choice often sparks mixed reactions. While fans congratulate their favorite stars, critics argue that it highlights the lack of trust in African health systems and sends a negative message about patriotism. Some also believe it widens the gap between celebrities and ordinary citizens who must rely on local facilities.
Looking Ahead
As African governments continue to work on strengthening healthcare systems, the hope is that more public figures may feel confident enough to give birth at home without compromising safety or comfort. Until then, however, the blend of quality healthcare, global opportunities, and lifestyle considerations will continue to make childbirth abroad the preferred option for many African celebrities.