Popular Nigerian musicians have appeared in Nollywood’s major productions over the years.
Aside from enchanting audiences with their music, numerous Nigerian singers have demonstrated great versatility by successfully venturing into acting.
With their flawless transition into Nollywood, these actors have captured many hearts.
Here are some Nigerian musicians that have wowed audiences with their acting abilities.
1. Banky W
Olubankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, is a singer, composer, and actor.
Before making his acting debut in Funke Akindele’s ‘The Return of Jenifa’ in 2011, he was already well-known in the music industry.
Later that year, he appeared in both ‘The Wedding Party’ and its sequel.
Since then, he has starred in several other movies including ‘Up North’ and ‘Sugar Rush’.
Banky W, in addition to being an actor, is also a film director, having shown his debut short film named ‘A Music Film Experience’ in 2014.
2. Peter Okoye
One of the Psquare brothers, Peter Okoye, is also a musician who is pursuing a career in acting.
He made his acting debut in Genevieve Nnaji’s award-winning ‘Lionheart’ in 2018, and he has since continued to showcase his talent.
He also appeared in the six-part Netflix series ‘Shanty Town’ recently.
3. Simi
Simi, in addition to becoming a musical sensation, appears to have promising acting talent.
When she starred in Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Mokalik,’ she demonstrated her flexibility. Simi, the character she played in the film, was well-embodied by her.
4. Falz
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, is a multi-talented musician and actor who has achieved success in both the music and film industries.
The rapper has not only captivated music fans with his rap lines, but he has also won the hearts of many with his acting abilities, which debuted in ‘Jenifa’s Diary’.
Since then, he has been in other Nollywood films, including “Chief Daddy,” “Muna,” and “New Money.”
Falz has received various prizes and accolades for his outstanding acting efforts. For his role in ‘Jenifa’s Diary,’ he earned the AMCVA award for ‘best actor in a comedy series’ in 2016.
He also received the 2018 AMVCA ‘best-supporting actor’ for his portrayal as Quam in ‘New Money’.
Apart from showing his incredible acting abilities, Falz also operates a film production firm called House21TV. He rose from being a successful musician to becoming a household name in the Nollywood industry.
5. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage, in addition to being a music veteran, has demonstrated her talent outside of the music scene.
When she starred in ‘MTV Shuga’ in 2013, she demonstrated her acting abilities. Savage later appeared on our screens in the comedy series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ in 2016.
6. Reminisce
Reminisce is one of the performers whose crossover to acting shocked the audience.
Reminisce’s excellent performance as a villain in Kemi Adetiba’s ‘King of Boys’ demonstrated his ability as an actor in addition to his abilities as a rapper.
Despite this being his first film, the rapper was able to seamlessly inhabit his character, demonstrating his flexibility as a performer.
7. Omawumi
Omawumi has proven to be more than a musical genius after breaking into acting.
She made her acting debut in the 2010 film ‘Inale’. She has since appeared in more Nollywood shows, exhibiting both her acting and musical talents.
Omawumi has appeared in films such as “House of Gold,” “Oloture,” “Night Bus to Lagos,” and “Palava.”
In 2019, the musician began producing films. She and her friend Waje created the film “She Is.” Hermanes Media is a media company that the two co-own.
8. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade has joined the ranks of musicians-turned-actors after appearing in Funke Akindele’s ‘Omo Ghetto the Saga’.
Her excellent performance in the film as a gang boss and drug dealer left the audience amazed and looking forward to her future acting efforts.
9. Niyola
Eniola Akibo, also known as Niyola, is a skilled actor as well as a passionate vocalist.
In Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Swallow,’ she delivered an outstanding performance as the lead.
In the film, Niyola completely internalized the role of Tolani Ajao, a young lady in the 1980s who strives to avoid becoming immersed in the constraints of her culture.
10. Zlatan
Temidayo, Omoniyi Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan, is the most recent addition to the band of musicians turned actors.
The musician made his film debut in Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ much to the astonishment of moviegoers.
After the film, Zlatan claimed that he had to take a break from music in order to deliver a “amazing performance.”
