Nigeria is home to a vibrant and thriving entertainment industry, and its female celebrities have played a significant role in shaping its success.
When it comes to fame, influence, and talent, Nigerian female celebrities have been making a significant impact, not only in Africa but worldwide. These extraordinary women have not only enamored us with their exceptional prowess both on and off the screen but have harnessed their platforms to effect positive change on a global scale.
In other words, these women are boldly etching their presence in a multitude of diverse domains, spanning from industries such as film, media, and entertainment to social entrepreneurship, and various creative sectors. In the process, they are redefining leadership and excellence with a graceful touch of sophistication in their public demeanor.
For instance, Nollywood stands as a prominent exemplar of the film industry, where it boasts some of the most influential female actresses. Icons like Funke Akindele (famed as Jennifer), Genevieve Nnaji, and others have graced the screen in a myriad of renowned productions, solidifying their positions as beloved figures among audiences.
The music industry is no different, proudly showcasing a roster of formidable female celebrities. Figures like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade are at the forefront, reshaping the landscape of entertainment with their artistry and voices resonating on both local and global stages.
These women have not only achieved great success in their respective fields, but they have also become powerful role models for young girls and women across the globe. From acting to music to entrepreneurship, these Nigerian female celebrities have made a significant impact in the entertainment world and beyond.
Ahead is a chronicle of seven influential, powerful, and innovative female celebrities in Nigeria. This list stands as a testament to the diversity of talent within this nation and serves as a wellspring of inspiration for the emerging generation of female change-makers, innovators, and disruptors.
Stephanie Okereke
Stephanie Okereke has had a distinguished career as an actress and model, earning recognition for her substantial contributions to Nigeria’s creative development. Her impact goes beyond the entertainment industry, with notable achievements.
In 2011, she was honored with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government. Okereke was also featured in the 2010 CNN documentary “50 Years of Nigerian Independence” and took part in a stage reading of the play “Seven” alongside Meryl Streep at the Women in the World Conference in New York City.
Beyond her successful career, the Nigerian female celebrity is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and actively supports the campaign against early child marriage through her foundation, “Extended Hands.” Her dedication to these causes led to her receiving the Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence in 2007 and the Beyond the Tears Humanitarian Award for her work addressing issues such as rape and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF). Stephanie also serves as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Ambassador for Maternal and Reproductive Health in West and Central Africa.
Furthermore, Okereke actively opposes electoral violence. In 2016, she took a stand at the #NotTheCost Conference in New York as the NDI’s Celebrity Ambassador for the ‘STOP Violence Against Women In Elections’ campaign.
Tiwa Savage
Queen of Afrobeats and the prolific Nigerian female celebrity, Tiwa Savage, began her music journey as a backup vocalist for American artists George Michael and Mary J. Blige. In 2006, she showcased her talent on the UK edition of The X Factor, making it to the final 24 but finishing in 12th place. She ventured into television by co-hosting the second season of Nigerian Idol in December 2011 and made her acting debut in the stage adaptation of For Coloured Girls alongside Joke Silva and Ireti Doyle. In July 2022, Tiwa Savage was honored with a Doctorate in Music from the University of Kent for her inspirational and international music career.
Earlier this year, she revealed her co-production of the upcoming film “Water and Garri” with Meji Alabi, inspired by her second EP of the same name. Tiwa Savage also took the lead role in this film, shot in Cape Coast, Ghana, featuring Mike Afolarin, Andrew Bunting, and Jemima Osunde in supporting roles. She composed and performed the film’s original soundtrack and will serve as an executive producer alongside Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna. The movie narrates the story of Aisha, a U.S.-based fashion designer who returns to her homeland to confront her past guilt.
With a global presence and numerous international collaborations to her name, Tiwa Savage’s influence extends far beyond music. She silently champions female empowerment in an industry known for its challenges and constraints.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele’s journey to stardom began with her role in the renowned United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored series, “I Need to Know,” which aired from 1998 to 2002. Portraying the character Bisi, a clever and inquisitive high school student, she captured the audience’s attention. Her major breakthrough came in 2008 when she starred in the film “Jenifa.” At 45 years old, Funke Akindele has consistently proven that enduring fame and popularity requires resilience and dedication.
In 2019, she ventured into directing with “Your Excellency,” raising the bar for herself. Akindele further established her prominence in the industry by co-producing the blockbuster “Omoghetto; The Saga.” This film made history as the highest-grossing Nollywood movie ever, generating over N468 million in box office earnings within a month, as reported by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria.
Not resting on her laurels, in 2022, Akindele released “Battle on Buka Street,” a film she directed and produced. Reports indicate that this movie grossed $60,000 (N27 million) in the United States of America. Her latest project, “She Must Be Obeyed,” available on Prime, solidifies her status as a distinguished female Nigerian celebrity with a remarkable list of accomplishments.
Mo Abudu
Mo Abudu, a Nigerian media mogul and former HR consultant, is Forbes’ “Africa’s Most Successful Woman” and one of “25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television.” She started her career in HR, established Vic Lawrence & Associates, and launched Inspire Africa, including the syndicated talk show “Moments with Mo.” Abudo later founded EbonyLife TV on DStv, Africa’s first global black entertainment network. She also received two honorary doctorates for her contributions to the broadcasting industry.
One of her favorite quotes, “As Nigerians and Africans, we should see ourselves as world citizens, and our storytelling, locations, and networks should extend to every corner of the globe,” serves as a driving force behind her consistent success in presenting stories to a wide array of global streaming platforms and broadcasters. With offices in Lagos, London, and Los Angeles, she navigates a truly international landscape.
Mo Abudu is the first Sub-Saharan African woman invited to join the Oscars as a Producer member. In 2021, Harvard Business School included EbonyLife Media as a case study for its MBA students, joining a list of renowned CEOs analyzed in HBS case studies.
Forbes recognized her as one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women for her media work. In 2023, the Nigerian female celebrity was named the creative champion for the UK-African Investment Summit in April 2024, solidifying her influence in the global entertainment industry.
Genevieve Nnaji
Photo Courtesy With a prolific career spanning decades in Nollywood, Genevieve Nnaji has gained huge international recognition. Her film “Lionheart” made history as Nigeria’s first Academy Awards submission for Best International Feature Film.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Genevieve Nnaji stands as a fervent advocate for gender equality, a stance that has earned this notable Nigerian female celebrity numerous accolades, firmly establishing her as a worldwide icon in African cinema.
Notably, in 2005, she clinched the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, making her the pioneering recipient of this honor. Recognizing her invaluable contributions to Nollywood, the Nigerian government bestowed upon her the distinguished title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
Adding to her remarkable portfolio, her directorial debut, “Lionheart,” etched its place in history as both Nigeria’s maiden Netflix film and its first-ever submission to the Oscars.
Even though she maintains a low profile, Genevieve Nnaji continues to work diligently behind the scenes. She had recently spearheaded the production of “I Do Not Come to You By Chance,” a notable cinematic inclusion in the esteemed 2023 Centrepiece program at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Since her Nollywood debut in Nollywood in 1995, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is another Nigerian female celebrity who needs no introduction. She has graced the screens in over 300 films, their collective appeal resulting in the sale of millions of copies, a testament to her enduring influence in the Nigerian film industry. Notably, she attained a significant digital milestone by becoming the first Nigerian celebrity to amass over a million likes on her Facebook page, and as of today, boasts an impressive three million followers, underlining her global resonance.
Exactly 10 years ago, Omotola achieved international recognition when she was recognized by Time magazine, earning a coveted spot on their prestigious list of the 100 most influential people worldwide. Her talents weren’t confined to the silver screen alone, as in the same year, she graced VH1’s scripted series “Hit the Floor,” marking her presence in the international entertainment arena.
In 2014, the Nigerian government honored her with the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), in acknowledgment of her significant contributions to Nigerian cinema, cementing her status as a luminary in both her home country and the global stage. She also served as a United Nations World Food Programme Ambassador in 2005, supported youth empowerment through initiatives like SME100 Africa, and actively engaged in campaigns addressing issues such as maternal mortality and environmental responsibility.
Yemi Alade
It’s impossible to overlook Yemi Alade’s incredible impact, as she stands as one of the unprecedented Nigerian female celebrities who are paving the way for younger generations, inspiring change. Alade has made history as the second Nigerian and Afrobeats artist, and the first female, to amass 100 million views for a single YouTube video, after Davido.
On June 9, 2020, Yemi Alade was selected as one of the leading artists from around the world to perform at The Global Goal: Unite for Our Future, an event sponsored by Global Citizen. The aim was to draw attention to the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in remote areas in Africa and globally.
In the same year, she joined an epic lineup that included Miley Cyrus, Shakira, J Balvin, Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, Usher, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Christine and the Queens, and Chloe X Halle for another performance at the Global Goal: Unite for Our Future.
In 2022, Yemi Alade earned a Grammy certificate for her collaboration with the Beninese music icon, Angelique Kidjo, on the “Mother Nature” album. Most recently in NYC, Yemi Alade served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Development Program, representing Africa. She attended and performed at the opening of the SDG Action Weekend, an initiative that brought together stakeholders, UN entities, and Member States within the United Nations.
