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Top 30 Most Famous Nigerian People

Originally published by Lilian in October 2021, Updated by Charity K in May 2023 and  Updated by Diana K in February 2024

Nigeria, also known as the Giant of Africa, is a country full of diverse cultures. There are more than 500 ethnic groups each with its unique language and traditions.

This vast country is still rooted in its traditions with several kingdoms recognized by the federal government.  

Nigerians are known for their boldness, resilience, and hard work. Several Nigerians have made a name for themselves not only at home but also abroad.

When it comes to poets, authors, award-winning actors, sportsmen and women, activists, politicians, arts, and literature; Nigerians own this space, at least in Africa.

The abundance of talent and brilliance in this country speaks for itself through the people. With that said, I have put together a list of the top 10 most famous Nigerian people.

Read more about other Famous people from Africa here.

1. Wole Soyinka – Playwright

Wole Soyinka was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature.

He is a well-known playwright whose work has been studied in different schools and universities all over the world.

Soyinka has also worked as an actor in both Nigeria and Britain. As an established author in poetry, drama, and novels, Soyinka is a professor of literature at several universities in Nigeria.

As an activist, Soyinka was vocal during the civil war that ravaged Nigeria in the 1960s. This got him in a tiff with the authority and he was held as a political prisoner for 22 months in 1969.

He was exiled two decades later and was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death while still in exile.

Soyinka has published more than 20 works.

2. Ken Saro-Wiwa –Writer/ Environmental Activist

Another famous writer from Nigeria is Ken Saro-Wiwa. He is a well-known author and television producer who was from a small minority group known as Ogoni.

Saro-Wiwa was president of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP). This organization defended the environmental and human rights of the Ogoni people who live in the Niger Delta.

As an activist, Saro-Wiwa advocated against the contamination of land for his community by the oil drilling company, Shell. Fertile land was contaminated by oil spills and acid rain.

He also campaigned for more local Ogoni people to be given priority in employment. Very few of his tribe’s men and women were gainfully employed by the company.

Saro-Wiwa led peaceful protests demanding shares in oil revenue and having the oil company compensate for environmental damages.

His activism was not well received by the authority and in 1995 he was executed by the Nigerian government.

3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Writer/ Feminist

Chimamanda Adichie is a Nigerian writer and feminist. Her popular novels are that thing around your neck, Purple Hibiscus, Americanah, and Half of a Yellow Sun.

Chimamanda is one of the African writers who have popularized African literature globally and among the new generation of readers.

In 2015, Chimamanda was named in Time magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People. Two years later, in 2017, she was named one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine.

She has also received dozens of honorary doctorate degrees from universities in the United States and Britain.

Chimamanda also advocates for women’s rights.

4. Chinua Achebe –Writer

Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian poet, novelist, professor, and critic. He has been called Africa’s greatest storyteller.

Achebe is highly regarded as the father of modern African writing. He never shied away from addressing injustice, corruption, and poverty in his writing.

A recipient of several honorary awards such as the Man Booker International Prize in 2007, Achebe’s work is the most read in the world.

His first novel, Things Fall Apart, is the most-read novel in Africa and the world. He sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.  

Achebe used his work to narrate African culture that was misinterpreted by Europeans.  

Read more about other Famous people from Africa here.

5. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Economist

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is an economist and a global development expert. She has also served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister. She is the current Director-General of the WTO.

Ngozi was the Chair of the Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI). She has supported the immunization of over 600 million children worldwide.

With over a quarter of a decade of experience in working for the World Bank, Ngozi also serves on different boards as a senior advisor such as Standard Chartered PLC and Twitter Inc.

In 2012, Ngozi was the first female African and black candidate t the presidency of the World Bank.

Forbes recognized her as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa.

6. Tiwa Savage – Artist

Tiwa grew up in the United Kingdom after her family relocated to London when she turned 11. She went to the US where she studied music.

At the peak of her career, she signed a record deal with Sony ATV. Tiwa Savage has performed alongside great artists like Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan or Spice Girls.

She is talented in songwriting and has won prestigious awards such as the ‘Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards. Savage was the first woman to ever win this award.

In 2014, she was the first female Nigerian artist to be nominated for BET awards.

As one of the artists being looked up to in Nigeria, Tiwa works with the youth and campaigns for breast cancer awareness and screening in her country.

7. Burna Boy – Artist

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, he goes by his stage name Burna Boy. He has greatly contributed to the movement of Afrobeats to the world.

He is one of the biggest and most successful African artists. His single, like to Party, was his biggest break back in 2012.

In 2017, he got signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Group internationally.

Burna Boy is also very vocal about human rights violations in his country such as the #ENDSARS campaign. He uses his music to address issues like corruption, unemployment, and bad leadership.

In 2021, Burna Boy won the award for Best World Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

8. Yvonne Orji – Actress/ Comedian/ Author

Orji is another Nigerian-American actress and comedian that has had a successful career in Hollywood.

She is popularly known for her role in the television series Insecure. This role got her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award and three NAACP Image Awards.

Other than being on stage or set, Yvonne is a philanthropist who dedicates her time to helping the marginalized in Africa. She is active in hosting mentorship programs for talented youth.

Yvonne has also served as a literacy champion and as a RED ambassador.

Read more about other Famous people from Africa here. 

9. Jay-Jay Okocha – Footballer

Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha is a former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Jay Jay started playing football as a young boy in the streets of his hometown.

The lack of a real football did not stop his love for the sport. They made makeshift footballs.

He was a quick, talented skillful player whose position was attacking and the midfield. Okocha is considered one of the best Nigerian and African footballers.

During his active career, he played for Fenerbahçe, a Turkish football club. Jay Jay has been described as being creative, having excellent dribbling skills, and having close control of the ball in the field.

10. Davido – Artist

Davido has dominated the Afrobeat scene for more than a decade. As an elite artist, he has 4 albums his latest one being A better time.

His songs have been used in Nigeria as anthems for protests such as #ENDSARS in 2020. He was actively involved in the protests and acted as a mediator between the protestors and the police.

 Davido has been famously referred to as The King of modern-day Afrobeats.

11. WizKid- Artist

He is known for his modern-day Afrobeats music scene. He is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential African artists of all time. Wizkid is known for his hit single One Dance which reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in 14 additional countries.

Wizkid was the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records for breaking multiple records. In 2020, he released the song Essence which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top ten after the remix version with Justin Bieber.

12. Victor Moses- Footballer

Victor’s career began in the Championship with Crystal Palace before his performances caught the eye of Wigan Athletic. He made his Premier League debut in 2010. He was later signed by Chelsea. During his first season, he was on different teams on loan. These teams include Liverpool, Stoke City, and West Ham United.

Victor made his debut for the Nigerian senior team in 2012. He earned 38 caps and scored 12 times. He played in Nigeria’s winning campaign at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2014  FIFA World Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Victor retired from international matches in 2018.

Read more about other Famous people from Africa here.

13. Yemi Alade- Artist

She is considered as one of the biggest artists in Africa. Her album King of Queens was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Awards and the 2015 Headies Awards. In 2015, Yemi won the MTV African Music Awards for Best Female. In the same year, she was the first African female to be nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Yemi is the second Afrobeats artist and the first female to hit 100 million views for a single video on YouTube. She is also the first Nigerian female artist to hit 1 million views on YouTube in 24 hours.

14. Hakeem Olajuwon-Basketballer

Hakeem is considered one of the greatest centers as well as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Fifa Hall of Fame in 206. Hakeem is the only player in NBA history to record more than 200 blocks and 200 steals in the same season. 

Hakeem was an outstanding rebounder with a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game. During the 1989 ad 1990 seasons, he led the NBA in rebounding twice.

15. Agbani Darego- Model

She was crowned Miss World in 2001 and is known as the first black African to win Miss World. After her reign, she was represented by the London and Paris branches of Next Model Management. She is the second Black model to accomplish this feat after Vanessa Williams. Agbani has modeled for other brands including Christian Dior, Macy’s Avon, Target, and Sephora.

16. Fela Kuti –  Afrobeat Pioneer 

Fela Kuti was a pioneering musician and composer who created the genre of Afrobeat music. Known as the founder of Afrobeat, Kuti mixed African rhythms and melodies with funk and jazz influences, creating a revolutionary new musical style. Never shy of controversy, Kuti used his music to speak out against political corruption and injustice in Nigeria.

His outspoken political views led to ongoing conflicts with the Nigerian government, resulting in frequent arrests. Kuti’s albums became rallying cries against oppression around the world, making him both a musical icon and political activist. Though Kuti faced persecution, he continued innovating musically and challenging authority through his incendiary lyrics right up until his death in 1997.

Some of his  Most Famous Songs Include:

·       It’s Highlife Time (with Koola Lobitos)

·       My Lady Frustration

·       Ye Ye De Smell (live with the Africa ’70 and Ginger Baker)

·       Roforofo Fight

·       Gentleman

17. Chikezie Eze – American Idol Finalist

Nigerian-American singer Chikezie Eze reached national prominence as a finalist on the seventh season of the hit show American Idol in 2008. Born in Inglewood, California, Eze demonstrated his vocal talents on the popular televised singing competition. His soulful renditions of R&B classics earned him a top 12 finish and legions of new fans overnight.

Though he didn’t win the ultimate prize, Eze gained invaluable exposure from his time on American Idol. He signed a record deal with 19 Recordings after the show, releasing his debut single Follow Your Dream. Although his music career stalled after his initial success, Eze’s journey shows how reality TV can catapult talented hopefuls to stardom. His time on Idol gave this rising Nigerian-American performer his first real taste of fame.

18. Babatunde Olatunji – Drummer

Babatunde Olatunji was a pioneering Nigerian drummer, educator and social activist who helped introduce traditional African music to the Western world. After moving to America in the 1950s, Olatunji formed his own musical group and released albums showcasing African rhythms and songs. His 1959 album Drums of Passion was a major hit, selling over 5 million copies worldwide. Olatunji became a major voice speaking out about African culture and civil rights, later living communally with his family and followers.

As an educator, he taught African music and culture at top universities across America. His albums and lectures played a key role in spreading knowledge of traditional African music, inspiring artists from John Coltrane to Mickey Hart. Olatunji’s life mission was uniting people worldwide through African rhythms and he succeeded by bringing his dynamic cultural heritage onto the global stage.

19. Sade  – Pop Icon with a Timeless Sound

Helen Folasade “Sade” Adu is a sophisticated Nigerian-British singer known for her unique blend of smooth soul, jazz and pop. As the lead singer of her Sade Band, Sade has released multi-platinum albums and scored major hits like Smooth Operator. Known for her sultry voice and understated glamor, Sade’s musical style epitomizes cool elegance. Since the 1980s, she has built a timeless musical legacy defined by her intricate arrangements and socially conscious lyrics. Sade favors secrecy over celebrity, rarely granting interviews or appearing in public offstage.

After long breaks between albums, Sade will reemerge to top the charts again with ease. Her classy sound and mysterious persona have made Sade not just a musical innovator but a pop culture icon revered for her enduring excellence.

20. Ola Rotimi – Playwright

Ola Rotimi was an acclaimed Nigerian playwright and theater director celebrated for dramatizing the tensions between traditional African culture and Western colonialism. Through plays like The Gods Are Not to Blame and  Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, Rotimi portrayed conflicts arising as Western influence impacted ancient beliefs and customs.

Born in 1938, Rotimi drew from his native Nigerian heritage to create vernacular drama, blending local languages and storytelling with Western playwriting techniques. His works dealt with the human impacts of colonialism and confronted contemporary Nigerian issues like political corruption.

As a director, Rotimi headed Nigeria’s national theater company, producing theatrical works celebrating both global and indigenous perspectives. His creative accomplishments affirmed the vitality of Nigerian culture while exploring how colonial experiences impacted national identity.

21. Ben Okri – Poet & Novelist

Ben Okri is an acclaimed Nigerian poet and novelist whose fiction fuses magical realism with African folk tales. His novel The Famished Road won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1991, vaulting him to literary fame. Set in Nigeria, the novel incorporates Nigerian folklore, spirit beings and mysticism into a tale about a spirit-child.

He is renowned for lyrically rendering the realm between reality and dreams, creating fantastical stories steeped in Nigerian oral traditions.  His writings tackle Nigerian culture and politics, critiquing corruption and oppression. Following his Booker win, Okri continued producing inventive, socially conscious works of fiction and poetry. His imaginative voice presents a unique Nigerian perspective to the wider literary world, earning him recognition as Africa’s Homer.

22. Bola Ige – Politician

Bola Ige was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as Governor of Oyo State and Federal Minister of Power and Steel. As governor from 1979-1983, Ige implemented major reforms like free primary education and agricultural expansion. Known as the “Cicero of Esa Oke” for his rhetorical skills, he later held several federal cabinet positions.

While Minister of Power and Steel in 2000, Ige enacted reforms that tripled Nigeria’s power supply. Tragically, in 2001, hired assassins murdered Ige at his home. His assassination was likely political, related to his anti-corruption efforts. Active in Nigerian politics for over 30 years, Ige earned widespread respect as an advocate for democratic reforms and champion for marginalized groups. His long career and reform agenda made Ige one of Nigeria’s most respected statesmen.

23. Mike Adenuga – Entrepreneur

Mike Adenuga is a business tycoon known as Nigeria’s second wealthiest person thanks to his success in the telecom and oil industries. His mobile phone network Globacom is Nigeria’s second largest operator, with over 60* million subscribers across West Africa. Adenuga also founded Conoil Producing, one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil exploration companies. With an estimated net worth of $7.7* billion, the self-made magnate continues expanding his business empire across sectors like real estate and banking.

Known for his reclusive nature, he built his fortune through strategic investments and entrepreneurial drive. His rise from a small trading business to telecom giant exemplifies the possibilities of the Nigerian dream. Adenuga’s prolific success makes him an inspirational figure for aspiring African entrepreneurs.

24. Patience Jonathan – Former First Lady

Patience Jonathan served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 2010-2015 as the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan. As First Lady, she founded the Women for Change initiative to empower women through skills training and promoting their sociopolitical participation. Born in 1957 in Bayelsa State, Jonathan earned degrees in education and later worked as a teacher. While First Lady, she advocated for women’s and children’s rights as well as financial inclusion, especially in her Niger Delta regional homeland.

After leaving office, her philanthropic foundation continues empowering vulnerable women. Her time as First Lady enabled her to promote women’s advancement in society. Despite controversy over her political influence and lavish spending, Patience Jonathan’s initiatives have supported Nigerian women‘s quest for equality.

25. Philip Emeagwali – Pioneering African Computer Scientist

Philip Emeagwali is a Nigerian computer scientist whose innovations revolutionised petroleum reservoir modelling. His work using parallel processing to analyse petroleum fields earned him computing’s prestigious Gordon Bell Prize in 1989. This breakthrough made Emeagwali one of the fathers of supercomputing. Growing up in Nigeria during the civil war, he was unable to attend school but later earned a PhD in the United States.

He triumphed over racial barriers, gaining fame as one of Africa’s pioneering technology innovators. Emeagwali’s research advanced global oil exploration but his most lasting legacy is inspiring the next generation of African inventors and engineers. His life exemplifies the boundless potential of the human mind when unfettered by prejudices or preconceptions.

26. Dele Momodu – Journalist

Dele Momodu is a famous Nigerian journalist, publisher and former presidential hopeful notorious for his flamboyant celebrity lifestyle. As founder of Ovation magazine, Momodu built a media empire reporting on Nigeria’s elite. His access to society’s upper echelons fueled Momodu’s own stardom and lavish jet-setting ways. In 2011, he ran unsuccessfully for president on an anti-corruption platform.

Momodu continues publishing magazines and tabloids favored by African VIPs. His decision to pivot from reporting on the rich and powerful to actually seeking power himself demonstrates Momodu’s outsized ambition. While some criticize Momodu for focusing on wealth and fame, his success in building a media company that promotes African excellence is undeniable.

27. Finidi George – Football

Finidi George was a soccer superstar who electrified fans as a winger on Nigeria’s national team in the 1990s. Nicknamed “Thunder Balogun,” George helped lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Olympic glory and the nation’s first World Cup in 1994. Known for his speed, power and mazy dribbling skills, George shone brightest on soccer’s biggest stages. His finest moment came when he scored the winner in Nigeria’s seminal 3-2 victory over Spain at the 1998 World Cup.

After retiring from international play, George starred for top European clubs like Ajax, Real Betis and Mallorca. His blistering pace and exploits for Nigeria made George hugely popular among fans worldwide. Alongside Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, George helped make that Super Eagles squad one of Nigeria’s most-beloved sports teams ever.

28. Stephen Keshi – Captain and Coach of Nigeria’s National Team

Stephen Keshi was a soccer legend who captained Nigeria’s national team to its first African Cup of Nations title and later coached the Super Eagles to another continental crown. As captain in 1994, Keshi’s leadership and defensive skills were instrumental in Nigeria finally breaking through to win the AFCON.

After retirement, he became coach of the national team, guiding them to victory again in 2013. Nicknamed the “Big Boss,” he played soccer professionally across Africa, Europe and the U.S, accruing 60 caps for Nigeria. His success steering Nigeria to trophies as both player and coach made Keshi a genuine national hero. His legacy is helping Nigeria become an African soccer powerhouse.

29. Amaka Igwe – Pioneering Nollywood Filmmaker

 

Amaka Igwe was a pioneering Nigerian filmmaker whose prolific output in directing and producing helped transform the country’s film industry. Known as the “Mother of Nollywood,” Igwe co-founded the production studios that gave rise to modern Nigerian cinema. Her hit soaps and films like Checkmate brought technical proficiency and mass appeal to Nollywood in the 1990s and 2000s.

Igwe later started her own studio aimed at improving film standards. She mentored countless aspiring Nigerian directors and producers. Igwe’s sudden death in 2014 dealt a blow to the industry she helped put on the map. But her legacy lives on through Nollywood’s continued success in producing crowd-pleasing entertainment that resonates with Nigerian audiences and beyond.

30. King Sunny Ade  – Musician

King Sunny Ade is a pioneering musician credited with exposing Nigeria’s juju music to international audiences. By incorporating Western pop instruments like guitars and synthesizers into his African juju compositions, he created a globally accessible afro-pop hybrid. Ade’s numerous albums and high-energy live performances made him the first Nigerian musician to gain wide popularity in Europe and America.

His 1982 album Juju Music was a breakout hit in the U.S. Along with his trademark colorful robes and guitar skills, Ade’s musical output helped establish Nigeria’s cultural clout. Decades into his career, King Sunny Ade remains Nigeria’s foremost ambassador of juju music. His fusion sound is the foundation that has allowed Nigeria’s music scene to influence global pop.

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The diverse accomplishments of these famous Nigerians demonstrate the immense talent and potential of the country’s people. From pioneering artists like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade, to writers like Chinua Achebe and Ben Okri, to political leaders like Bola Ige and entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, Nigerians have made major cultural and economic contributions both at home and globally.  By honoring the achievements of its most talented citizens, Nigeria can inspire coming generations to envision a more prosperous, just and vibrant future for all its people. Though divisive forces persist, Nigeria’s enduring spirit persists.