As Nigerians we are very proud of our stars- and we do have a lot of them! This being said, it’s time for us to increase our repertoire, because here are 10 more celebrities who you can now add to your list of favorites. Though they may not look quite like the rest of us, Nigerian blood runs thicker than water. 

10) Nneka

This one may be pretty obvious due to her Nigerian name, which means “mother is greatest” in Igbo. Regardless, it is only right to start off our list with this globally-acclaimed singer-songwriter. She sings in both Igbo and English, haunting us all with her eerily soulful sound. Nneka is the daughter of a Nigerian father and German mother. 

9) Slash

Slash is best known as the lead guitarist of the American rock and roll band Guns N’ Roses. Born Saul Hudson, he was born in the 60’s to a Nigerian mother and a white British father. 

8) Cush Jumbo

Cush Jumbo was born on 23rd September 1985 to a British mother and a Nigerian father. She is a popular writer and actress best known for her stage performances. She has also starred in movies like “Getting On”, “The Inbetweeners Movie” and television shows like “The Good Wife”. 

7) Taio Cruz

Taio is an international pop star with hits like “Break Your Heart”, which was his first hit to top the UK Singles chart, and “Little Bad Girl” on which he collaborated with David Guetta. Taio is the son of a Nigerian father and a Brazilian mother.

6) Richard Ayoade

Although not yet as famous as some of his counterparts on this list, Richard is a rising star in Hollywood. He is a comedian, actor and writer who made his big screen debut in “The Watch” which he co-starred with the cast of Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill. Richard has a Nigerian father and a Norwegian mother. 

5) Ashley Madekwe

Ashley Madekwe was born in London to a Nigerian father and an English mother. She is a popular television star, and has starred in roles on the series “Revenge” and “Salem”

4) Sophie Okonedo 

Sophie Okonedo is the daughter of a Nigerian father and Jewish mother. She is a popular television and movie actress in the United States and abroad. Her most notable roles have included characters in “Hotel Rwanda”, “After Earth” and the television series “Doctor Who”.  

3) Carmen Ejogo 

Carmen Elzabeth Ejogo was born in London, England, and has been acting for most of her life. She is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother. Her list of films and shows is extensive, but you have most likely seen her in “The Purge: Anarchy”, or  “Selma”.

2) Toks Olagundoye 

Toks is a Nigerian television and film actress, writer and producer, best known for starring in the Castle, and The Neighbors. She was born in Lagos to a Norweigian mother and Nigerian father.  

1) Sade

Perhaps the most famous mixed Nigerian of them all, Sade is a Grammy-winning American R&B legend. Her popularity is almost universal, though you may not know it. There isn’t anyone around who hasn’t at least caught the tune of her hit “Sweetest Taboo”. Sade is half Nigerian and half English. 

By Destiny Kanu