Top 10 Most Talked-About Nigerian Celebrities in the Last 5 Years
From music and movies to culinary feats and digital fame, Nigeria’s cultural landscape has been sculpted by personalities who dominated conversations across platforms. Below is a curated list of the ten celebrities who made the biggest waves between 2021 and 2025.
1. Tems – The Global Music Sensation
Tems has risen to global prominence, earning Grammy Awards—including a second for Best African Music Performance with “Love Me JeJe” in 2025—and releasing her acclaimed debut album Born in the Wild which cracked the U.S. charts—the highest for a Nigerian female artist. Her role in becoming part-owner of San Diego FC made headlines, too.
2. Burna Boy – The Afro-Fusion Maestro
Burna Boy continues to shape global Afrobeats. In 2025, he released No Sign of Weakness, featuring big names like Travis Scott. The album followed his historic sell-out show at Paris’ Stade de France, further expanding his legacy.
3. Rema – The Afrobeats Prodigy
Rema’s influence only deepened. Major publications celebrate him as a defining Afrobeats trailblazer. His vibrant “Heis World Tour” and consistent chart-topping streams cemented his position from 2021 through 2025.
4. Peller – The Digital Content Creator
Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, has become a social media force. With over 10 million followers and record-breaking live streams topping 76,000 concurrent viewers, he’s become a symbol of Nigeria’s content creation boom.
5. Qing Madi – The Rising Music Star
Chimamanda “Qing Madi” Chukwuma broke out with viral hits like See Finish (2022) and Ole (2023). Her 2025 arrival with a debut EP and growing streaming metrics made her a breakout star to watch.
6. Victor Osimhen – The Football Phenom
On the pitch, Victor Osimhen dominated headlines. Playing for Galatasaray, valued at €100 million, and crowned African Footballer of the Year, his stellar performance turned him into one of Nigeria’s most talked-about figures beyond entertainment.
7. Nissi – The Multifaceted Talent
Nissi Ogulu, sister of Burna Boy, earned her own acclaim. In 2025, she received the “Youth Icon Award” at the Forbes Women Summit, and her EP Unboxed and performances overseas solidified her rising star status.
8. Bobrisky – The Controversial Internet Personality
Bobrisky, the iconic influencer, remained front-page news after a 2024 conviction over currency mutilation and a subsequent six-month prison term. Her release in August 2024 sparked intense media discussion.
9. Hilda Baci – The Culinary Trailblazer
Chef Hilda Baci made headlines in 2023 by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. As a restaurateur and public figure, she continues to inspire women and boost discussion around Nigerian cuisine and female empowerment in 2025.
10. Obi Cubana – The Business Mogul
Obi Cubana’s influence cuts across entertainment and business. Celebrating his 50th birthday in 2025, he remains a cultural fixture with his Cubana Group empire and philanthropic efforts, generating ongoing conversation and admiration.
Honorable Mentions (Still Part of the Conversation)
- Davido continues making headlines with album releases like 5ive, blockbuster collaborations, and global influence.
- Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Funke Akindele, and social media comedic icons such as Broda Shaggi, Mr. Macaroni, Taaooma, Maraji, and Lasisi Elenu also generated strong buzz across music, film, and digital media platforms.
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Why These Figures Dominated Conversations
Cultural Influence & Achievements
Musicians like Tems, Burna Boy, and Rema rode the global wave of Afrobeats success, supported by award wins, chart-topping releases, and international tours. Their influence transcended music, shaping fashion, social causes, and representation.
Digital Media & Internet Fame
Content creators like Peller, Broda Shaggi, and others highlight Nigeria’s shifting celebrity dynamic—where virality and authenticity can elevate someone to national stardom instantly.
Trailblazing in Non-Entertainment Spheres
Victor Osimhen (sports), Hilda Baci (culinary), and Obi Cubana (business) showcase how excellence in other sectors also commands public attention and pride.
Controversy & Redemption
Bobrisky’s case exemplifies how public scrutiny—whether through legal challenges or widely followed personal events—feeds broader societal conversations and diverging opinions.
Conclusion
Between 2021 and 2025, Nigerian public conversation grew as diverse as the talents in the limelight:
- Tems: Grammy trailblazer and global crossover star
- Burna Boy: Afrobeats’ unyielding international ambassador
- Rema: Sound of a generation
- Peller: Digital-born entertainer and streamer
- Qing Madi: Young, soulful breakout artist
- Victor Osimhen: Sporting excellence and national pride
- Nissi: Multifaceted identity carving her own path
- Bobrisky: Controversy and celebrity entwined
- Hilda Baci: Culinary pioneer and female empowerment icon
- Obi Cubana: Hospitality mogul with cultural clout
Together, these figures shaped global perceptions of Nigerian creativity, achievement, and influence.
