5 Nigerian musicians who are also Nollywood movie stars

Nigerian pop culture is full of surprises, and one of the most exciting trends is how some of our favourite musicians are showing serious acting chops in Nollywood. These are artists who have dominated the music charts and now light up the big screen with the same energy.

Here are 5 Nigerian musicians who are also Nollywood actors, names you know, voices you love, and performances that prove their talent goes far beyond the mic.

Falz

When it comes to Nigerian musicians who are also successful Nollywood actors, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, easily tops the list. A law graduate turned entertainer, Falz has carved out a dual reputation, first as a hit-making rapper and then as a talented actor. His breakout acting moment came with his role as Segun in the popular TV series “Jenifa’s Diary,” where his comic timing and chemistry with Funke Akindele made him a fan favourite. The role did not just win hearts, it also earned him his first Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) in 2016 for Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/TV Series. He later clinched a second AMVCA for Best Supporting Actor in the movie “New Money,” making him the first Nigerian musician to win the prestigious award twice.

Falz has since featured in a string of hit films, including “Chief Daddy,” “Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons,” “Your Excellency,” “10 Days in Sun City,” and the YouTube series “Therapy,” which he co-produced under his film company, House21TV.

Falz has become a leading name among Nigerian musicians who have successfully crossed over into Nollywood.

Read also: “Our stories deserve the world stage” — Dapo Opayinka on Nollywood, diaspora filmmaking, and cultural legacy

Banky W

Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, is one of the most prominent Nigerian musicians to successfully transition into Nollywood. A singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Banky W made his acting debut in 2011 with a role in Funke Akindele’s hit TV series “The Return of Jenifa,” marking the start of an impressive journey on screen. His big breakthrough came in 2016 when he starred as Dozie Onwuka in the record-breaking romantic comedy “The Wedding Party,” directed by Kemi Adetiba. The film’s massive success cemented his place in the film industry, and he reprised his role in the equally popular sequel, “The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai.” In 2018, he took on the lead role of Bassey Otuekong in the critically acclaimed movie “Up North,” where his performance showcased his emotional depth and acting range. Banky W continued to prove his versatility in 2019 with a standout role as Anikulapo in the box office hit “Sugar Rush.” His growing filmography and on-screen charisma confirm that Banky W is not only a powerhouse in music but also a respected figure in Nigeria’s film industry.

Waje

Aituaje Aina Vivian Ebele Iruobe, professionally known as Waje—an acronym for Words Aren’t Just Enough—is a celebrated Nigerian singer who has successfully extended her creative talents to the world of film. Known for her powerful vocals and emotive performances, Waje made her acting debut in 2014 in Tunnel, a drama directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare. She starred alongside Femi Jacobs, Patrick Doyle, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Lepacious Bose, marking a seamless transition from music to the big screen. Waje’s cinematic journey continued in 2015 with a notable role in Fifty, a blockbuster that featured a star-studded cast including Ireti Doyle, Dakore Akande, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Damilola Adegbite, and Beverly Osu. Her performance further established her reputation as a multi-talented entertainer who could command attention in both sound and storytelling. In 2024, Waje appeared in Christmas in Lagos, a festive drama produced by Jade Osiberu, further solidifying her presence in Nollywood.

Beyond acting, Waje has also ventured behind the scenes as the co-founder and Executive Director of Hermanes Media, the production company behind the film She Is. This move highlights her dedication not only to performing but to telling impactful stories that resonate with Nigerian audiences.

Read also: Nollywood jobs surged to 220,000 in 2023

Reminisce

Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, popularly known by his stage name Reminisce, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and actor who has consistently pushed boundaries in the entertainment industry. Renowned for his command of both English and Yoruba in music, Reminisce took his artistry a step further by going into Nollywood. His acting debut came in 2018 when he starred in Kemi Adetiba’s acclaimed crime thriller King of Boys, portraying the gritty and unforgettable character Makanaki. His performance drew widespread praise, with critics and fans alike hailing it as one of the most compelling acting debuts in Nollywood in recent years.

In 2021, Reminisce reprised his role as Makanaki in the Netflix sequel series King of Boys: The Return of the King, once again delivering a captivating performance that demonstrated his versatility as an entertainer. His portrayal of Makanaki showcased a raw intensity that surprised many and cemented his status as more than just a lyrical powerhouse.

Illbliss

Known for his lyrical depth and cultural pride, rapper Tobechukwu Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss, made a striking leap into acting with his role in the critically acclaimed series King of Boys, directed by Kemi Adetiba. In the political thriller, he played Odogwu Malay, a feared enforcer whose loyalty and presence made him one of the standout characters in the gritty world of Alhaja Eniola Salami. Illbliss did not just show up; he delivered. His portrayal of Odogwu Malay earned praise for its raw intensity and effortless delivery, surprising even longtime fans who had known him only as a rapper. He proved that his storytelling skills extend beyond the mic and onto the screen, adding weight to the ensemble cast and solidifying his place among Nigerian musicians making waves in Nollywood.