Wizkid delving into acting? Here are top musicians that also became actors

In an unexpected career shift, Nigerian sensation Wizkid, aka Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, announced his foray into acting via Instagram.

Expressing a desire for roles featuring kisses and firearm action, he shared in Pidgin, “I one dey act film!…I just want dey kiss and shoot a gun for a movie. Daz all!!”

This revelation followed a meet-up with renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan. Amidst plans for a music hiatus, initially set at 3-4 years, Wizkid hinted at extending it to six, relishing his holiday and fueling speculation about his cinematic endeavors.

Banky W

Renowned Nigerian musicians have not only conquered the music scene but have also seamlessly transitioned into the cinematic realm. One such versatile artist is Banky W, who effortlessly added “actor” to his repertoire in 2011 with his debut in Funke Akindele’s captivating production, “The Return of Jenifa.” This marked a pivotal moment, showcasing Banky W’s innate ability to captivate audiences beyond music.

Continuing his ascent in the film industry, Banky W secured a notable role in the acclaimed 2016 motion picture, “The Wedding Party,” directed by Kemi Adetiba. The film became a milestone, propelling him into the limelight and earning well-deserved recognition. The success led to his reprisal in the eagerly anticipated sequel, “The Wedding Party 2,” solidifying his presence in Nigerian cinema.

In 2018, Banky W achieved another milestone, taking a lead role in the compelling film “Up North,” directed by Tope Oshin. This production showcased his acting range, captivating audiences with his on-screen presence and emotive performances, earning praise from both critics and viewers.

Not resting on his laurels, Banky W continued to extend his talent to the cinematic realm with “Sugar Rush,” reaffirming his status as a musician-turned-actor. Each project underscores his versatility and commitment, captivating audiences with his magnetic performances and showcasing his dedication to honing his craft.

 Simi

Nigerian musician Simi has made a significant impact in the realm of acting, despite her career in this field still being in its infancy.

She gained recognition for her outstanding portrayal of a character in Kunle Afolayan’s 2019 masterpiece, “Mokalik.” Simi, playing a character named Simi, mesmerized audiences with her compelling performance, sharing the screen with Nollywood veterans Fathia Balogun and Femi Adebayo. 

The film not only highlighted her acting prowess but also affirmed her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors. Simi’s seamless embodiment of her character earned praise from both fans and critics, establishing her as a versatile entertainer. 

This venture into acting reflects Simi’s eagerness to explore new artistic avenues, underscoring her dedication to growth and creative expression. As her acting journey progresses, anticipation grows for future projects that will further showcase her undeniable talent and versatility.

Yemi Alade

Nigerian musicians are making a splash in the entertainment industry by showcasing their multifaceted talents in both music and film. One standout artist is the acclaimed Yemi Alade, known as “Mama Africa.” While celebrated for her music, Yemi made a remarkable foray into acting with her captivating performance in Funke Akindele’s hit film, “Omo Ghetto the Saga.”

Debuting as an actor, Yemi seamlessly transitioned from the recording studio to the silver screen, embodying the role of a gang leader and drug dealer with the same electrifying energy that defines her as a musician. The film, a cinematic gem by Funke Akindele, gained even more allure with Yemi’s inclusion, infusing musical brilliance into the already captivating narrative.

As audiences eagerly await Yemi Alade’s potential return to the screen, the magic of “Omo Ghetto the Saga” lingers. This successful film underscores the creative prowess within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Yemi Alade’s venture into acting reflects her determination to push boundaries and explore new avenues for her talent. Her stellar performance leaves us anticipating her future acting endeavors, showcasing the captivating synergy between music and film.

Tiwa Savage

Nigerian musicians have not only made their mark in the music industry but have also showcased their acting skills in the world of movies. One such artist who surprised Nigerians with her exceptional acting prowess is Tiwa Savage. In 2013, Tiwa made her debut appearance as an actor on MTV’s Shuga, leaving audiences astounded. This talented singer later graced the screens in Funke Akindele’s renowned sitcom, “Jenifa’s Diary,” in 2016.

What sets Tiwa apart from some artists is her commitment to the craft. Unlike those who make fleeting appearances in movies, Tiwa’s role in Shuga demanded more than just a brief cameo. Portraying the character of Sade, she flawlessly embodied the persona of a club owner throughout the series. This demonstrated her versatility and ability to immerse herself fully in a character, capturing the hearts of viewers.

Tiwa Savage’s talent extends beyond acting, as she has also solidified her position as a chart-topping musician. With hits like “All Over” and “Somebody’s Son,” where she collaborated with the renowned American artist Brandy, Tiwa has created a global impact. Her captivating performances have garnered international acclaim, including a memorable performance at King Charles’ coronation.

Through her exceptional skills and undeniable stage presence, Tiwa Savage continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her acting ventures, coupled with her chart-topping music, have established her as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. As a proud representative of Nigerian talent, Tiwa’s contributions both on screen and in the music scene have left an indelible mark, making her an icon in her own right.

Falz

When it comes to multi-talented individuals who have seamlessly transitioned from the world of music to the silver screen, one name that undoubtedly stands out is none other than Folarin Falana, known to millions as Falz. This exceptional artist has not only captured the hearts of music enthusiasts across Nigeria, but he has also made an indelible mark in the realm of acting, solidifying his position as a true icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

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Falz, a Law graduate, has become a household name in Nigeria, enchanting audiences with his incredible musical prowess and showcasing his remarkable acting skills. With a unique ability to effortlessly assume both roles, he has captivated fans and critics alike, leaving an indelible imprint on the entertainment industry. In addition to his musical achievements, Falz has received well-deserved recognition for his acting talent.

His outstanding performance as “Quam” in Tope Oshin’s critically acclaimed movie “New Money” earned him the prestigious “Best Supporting Actor” award, a remarkable accomplishment for a musician turned actor. This exceptional feat also bestowed upon him the distinction of being the first Nigerian musician to win the highly coveted Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards not once, but twice.

Not content with resting on his laurels, in 2020, Falz took a bold step and established his own film production company, House21TV. Through this venture, he has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian film industry, contributing to its growth and showcasing his passion for storytelling. House21TV has successfully produced a diverse array of captivating movies and series, further cementing Falz’s reputation as a multifaceted creative force.

Falz’s journey from a successful musician to a highly acclaimed actor has not only inspired countless aspiring artists but has also elevated the Nigerian entertainment industry to greater heights. His unwavering dedication, coupled with his undeniable talent, has set a new standard for artists seeking to explore diverse artistic avenues. As we eagerly anticipate Falz’s future endeavors, one thing remains certain – this trailblazing musician-cum-actor will continue to shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s vibrant music and film industries.

Peter Okoye

Nigerian musicians have been making waves not only in the music industry but also in the world of cinema. One notable example is Peter Okoye, widely known as one of the famous Nigerian music duo, P-Square. Recently, Peter Okoye stepped into the realm of acting, making his debut appearance in the popular Netflix series ‘Shanty Town’. In this captivating series, he skillfully portrayed the character of Femi, leaving a lasting impression on both viewers and fans.

The addition of Nigerian musicians to the realm of acting brings a fresh and dynamic dimension to the entertainment scene. Peter Okoye’s foray into acting serves as a testament to the multifaceted talents possessed by Nigerian artists. It demonstrates their ability to effortlessly transition from creating music that resonates with millions to immersing themselves in captivating on-screen performances.

The portrayal of Femi by Peter Okoye was met with acclaim by a wide range of fans. Many lauded his natural acting abilities, noting his convincing portrayal of the character’s emotions and struggles. This successful crossover not only showcases Peter Okoye’s versatility as an artist but also highlights the potential for other Nigerian musicians to explore the world of acting.

Davido

Davido, a prominent Nigerian music sensation, has firmly established himself as a household name in the music industry. Known for his infectious melodies and captivating performances, this remarkable artist has also embraced the realm of acting. With a handful of notable appearances under his belt, Davido has showcased his versatile talent beyond music.

Notably, he has featured in prominent Nigerian movies like “Fate of Alakada” and “Legend at Sixty,” where he effortlessly demonstrated his acting prowess. Furthermore, Davido’s star power transcended borders as he made a groundbreaking appearance in the Hollywood movie “Coming 2 America,” solidifying his position as a globally recognized entertainer.

Omawunmi

Renowned for her melodic voice with the iconic introduction, “My name is Omawunmi,” the Nigerian singer has proven her multi-talented prowess beyond the music realm. Collaborating with her close friend, acclaimed musician Waje, Omawunmi recently delved into the world of media entrepreneurship, launching a groundbreaking company.

Their venture spans diverse creative avenues, encompassing digital marketing, film production, and content curation. The media company has swiftly made its mark in the film industry, debuting with the enthralling movie “She is,” featuring Omawunmi and co-founder Waje in prominent roles.

While this marks her company’s inaugural film, Omawunmi is no stranger to the silver screen, having left an indelible impact on the Nigerian film scene in productions like “House of Gold,” “Oloture,” and “Night Bus to Lagos.” Her seamless transition from the recording studio to movie sets adds a refreshing dynamic to her illustrious career.

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As an influential figure in Nigerian music, Omawunmi’s venture into acting serves as inspiration for aspiring artists looking to expand their horizons. Her ability to captivate audiences in both music and film underscores the limitless possibilities for those daring to embrace their artistic instincts.