The new national anthem of Nigeria is moving abroad in search of greener pastures. No matter where you go, you’ll eventually find what you’re seeking for. “Japa fess, when we get there, we go find our way,” is the catchphrase. Nonetheless, it is a well-known truth that a large number of professionals are relocating abroad. Celebrities from Nigeria are not an exception. Indeed, they became famous in Nigeria, but because of the same problems that the nation has faced, they chose to live elsewhere. Despite the money and popularity, one would ask why they made the decision to leave. But given the state of the nation, it’s hard to blame them.
So, let’s go ahead to talk about Nigerian celebrities that have relocated abroad.
Top 15 Nigerian celebrities that have relocated abroad
Please take note that the only Nigerian celebrities on this list are those who moved overseas as recently as 2016. Regina Askia, Pat Attah, Georgina Onuoha, and similar celebrities who moved earlier will not be included.
15. 2Shotz
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One of the forerunners in the Nigerian music industry of the hip-hop genre was William Iroha, better known by his stage name 2Shotz. In the early 2000s, the well-known rapper was one of the hottest. In 2013, he issued his sixth album, and in 2016, he left Nigeria. Currently residing in the US, 2Shotz has changed his focus from rapping to being a photographer and director. He writes about Texas celebrations, events, and gatherings.
14. D’Banj
Dapo Oyebanjo, also known as D’Banj, is a well-known Nigerian singer who has moved abroad. With his wife and children, D’Banj now resides in Dubai. He is still important in the Nigerian entertainment sector despite the fact that he lives abroad. The Koko master served as one of the 2022 Nigerian Idol judges. He was also just named the Official Afrobeat Artist of the AfroZons Dubai Soundoff in March of this year by Dubai’s Department for Economic and Tourism (DET). In his successful career, D’Banj has received multiple international honors and was a wildly popular sensation, notably in the early 2000s.
13. Helen Paul
One of the Nigerian celebrities that recently fled the nation was well-known comedian Helen Paul. 2019 saw her graduate from the University of Lagos with a doctorate in theatre arts, but she left soon after. In a US institution, Helen Paul is currently a professor and business owner. She also runs a clothing store at same location.
12. Williams Uchemba
Williams Uchemba, a former child star of Nollywood, now resides in the US. After marrying his wife, Brunella Oscar, Uchemba moved away permanently in 2020. He continues to be quite active in Nigeria and frequently returns for his projects.
11. Princess
Oluwadamilola Adekoya, also known as Comedianne Princess, has recently made headlines. Because Baba Ijesha had an illicit sexual relationship with her foster daughter, the well-known comedian accused him of child abuse. The Yoruba film industry was quite upset when Ijesha was found guilty and jailed. Princess allegedly left the country because of threats to her life as a result of her role in the case. She currently resides in the UK.
10. Miracle
Miracle Igbokwe, the Big Brother Naija winner for 2018, declared that he would finish his training for a commercial pilot’s license throughout the competition. He earned the N45 million top prize, but instead of finishing his training in Nigeria as planned, he moved to the US. He has since resided in the US, where he is said to have married and divorced.
9. Nina
One of the most contentious Big Brother Naija celebs is Nina Chinonso Onyenobi. She was a contestant in the 2019 competition, and she had a sexual relationship with Miracle, who eventually won. Soon after getting married in the customary manner in 2020, Nina moved to join her husband Tony in America. The controversial reality TV actress said on October 27, 2022, that she had remarried Chris Miller, an African American, after the pair who have a son apart.
8. Adekunle Gold and Simi
Adekunle Gold and Simi, a super star power couple from Nigeria, have moved to the US. Adekunle Gold, who has a child with Simi, revealed their pregnancy in a mysterious Instagram post that read, “90219 kids! The price moafuckers varied along with the zip code. You’ll find it interesting to learn that the couple gave birth to their daughter in the US. For their careers, they currently alternate between Nigeria and the US.
7. Tekno
Tekno, also known as Augustine Miles Kelechi, is a well-known Nigerian singer. His most recent appearance was in Kizz Daniel’s song of the year, “Buga,” demonstrating his continued prominence in Nigerian music. The “Jogolo” crooner, however, moved to America in 2021. He gave the United African Republic (UAR) as his justification, calling it a farce when Nigeria’s name was altered and submitted to the House of Representatives. Tekno stated that he wouldn’t come back until the name was given to Nigeria again.
6. Omoni Oboli
Nigerian actress and director Omoni Oboli. She is one of the famous people from Nigeria who has avoided scandal. Oboli has always been engaged in Nollywood. The actress and her family immigrated to Canada in 2017. They recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. She nevertheless continues to be quite involved in Nigeria’s film business.
5. Chidi Mokeme
One of Nollywood’s “baddest lads” in the late 1990s and early 2000s was Chidi Mokeme. The actor, who has a long list of films to his name, also hosted the renowned Gulder Ultimate Show, captivating Nigerian television fans with his talent. In 2012, Mokeme wed Dr. Jean Chinwe Olumba. Together, the couple has a son. After his marriage, Mokeme attempted to remain in Nigeria but eventually joined his wife in the US in 2016. He occasionally returns to Nigeria to work on his projects.
4. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Few people in Nigeria and around Africa can say they are unfamiliar with Omotola, a.k.a. Omosexy. The Nigerian film queen has dominated Nollywood for more than 20 years. The actress and her three children—Meraiah, Michael, and Matthew Jr.—now reside in Los Angeles, California, in the United States. She is married to pilot Matthew Ekeinde. She claims that she is trying to get into Hollywood and that she has even hired a talent agency. Omosexy also admitted that her marriage had made her hesitant to go earlier.
3. Sam Adeyemi
The Daystar Christian Center was started by Nigerian famous pastor Sam Adeyemi. He was said to have moved to the US soon after the 2020 #EndSARS demonstration. Adeyemi disclosed that he fled Nigeria for his own safety after receiving threats as a result of his support for the young people during the demonstration that rocked the entire country. During his ministry, Pastor Adeyemi alternates between Nigeria and America.
2. Tems
One of the rising stars in the Nigerian music scene is Tems. She goes by the moniker Temilade Openiyi and is currently one of the most in-demand Nigerian performers worldwide. Tems’ appearance in Wizkid’s “Essence” has garnered her praise from all over the world and a BET Award. She contributed vocals to the hit Hollywood film The Black Panther as well. After having to put her singing career on hold due to a vocal condition, Tems currently resides in the United States.
1. Wizkid
E shock you, ba? Our Starboy has left Nigeria for the past couple of years folllowing his musical breakthrough on the global scene. Wizkid, full name Ayodeji Balogun, now lives in the United States but still operates in Nigeria.