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13 Hollywood Celebrities You Didn't Know Are Nigerian.

Get ready to be surprised.

By Jide OkonjoPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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Get ready to be surprised.

Hollywood is littered with so much talent. In music, television, movies, the stars are endless. Within that constellation of stars are some of our people - NIGERIANS.

There are so many Nigerians currently working in Hollywood and we're so proud of all of them.

Here are 13 Hollywood Stars You May Not Have Known Are Nigerian.

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1. Keiynan Lonsdale

The Flash and Love, Simon actor and singer Keiynan Lonsdale is a prolific young actor who a lot of people don’t know is Nigerian. Keiynan is however in fact a Nigerian boy.

He was born in Sydney to a Nigerian father of Edo descent and an Australian mother of Irish and Danish descent.

2. Ashley Madekwe

I remember watching the TV show, Revenge, that year and seeing the name Ashley MADEKWE. Something about that surname jumped out at me and so of course I had to Google.

Ashley is best known for playing Ashley Davenport on the ABC show, Revenge and for playing the role of Tituba on WGN America's Salem. Recently she has also appeared on The Umbrella Academy, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Tell Me A Story.

She was born in South London to an English mother and a Nigerian father making her a British-Nigerian woman.

3. Taio Cruz

British singer Taio Cruz best known for his hit 2009 singles Break Your Heart and Dynamite is a Nigerian man. His full name, Adetayo Ayowale Onile-Ere, as you can see is already a dead giveaway.

He was born in London to a Nigerian father and a Brazilian mother.

4. Cynthia Erivo

Who else watched The Outsider? I loved The Outsider.

One of the leading characters on the show, Holly Gibney was played by none other than Nigerian actress Cynthia Erivo whose full name is Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo.

Cynthia has starred in projects such as Widows, Bad Times at the El Royale, and Harriet.

She was born to Nigerian parents in Stockwell, South London

5. Dizzee Rascal

Dizzee Rascal, is a British MC, rapper, songwriter and record producer popular for hit number-one singles like "Dance wiv Me", "Bonkers", "Holiday", "Dirtee Disco" and "Shout".

Dizzee was born in London to a Nigerian father and Ghanian mother.

6. Sam Adegoke

Dynasty actor Sam Adegoke responsible for playing the character of Jeff Colby is a proud Nigerian man. His is another case where I was watching the show, saw the name and instantly knew.

Samuel Oluwaseyi Adegoke was born in Lagos, Nigeria but raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota and St. Paul, Minnesota.

7. Jackie Aina

Jackie Aina is a popular YouTuber and beauty guru.

She was born to an African-American mother and a Nigerian father of Yoruba descent.

8. MNEK

British singer and songwriter, MNEK most popular for songs “Never Forget You” and recently “Head and Heart”.

Uzoechi Osisioma "Uzo" Emenike was born to Nigerian parents in London.

9. Skepta

British rapper, songwriter and record producer Skepta most popular for hit singles Shutdown and That’s Not Me is a Nigerian man born to Nigerian parents in Tottenham, North London.

On 4 April 2018, he was installed as a chief in his Nigerian hometown in Ogun State, receiving the chieftaincy title of the Amuludun of Odo-Aje. His full name is Joseph Junior Adenuga.

10. Sade Adu

Legendary singer, Sade Adu whose full name is Helen Folasade Adu was born in Ibadan, Nigeria to a Nigerian father, Adebisi Adu, and an English mother, Anne Hayes. They met in London, got married in 1955, and then moved to Nigeria.

Since then, Sade has gone on to record hit songs such as Smooth Operator and No Ordinary Love.

11. Ms Banks

British rapper, singer and songwriter, Ms Banks whose real name is Thyra Oji is popular for hit singles Back It Up and Snack.

She was born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother.

12. Uzo Aduba

American actress, Uzo Aduba, most popular for playing the character of Crazy Eyes in the Netflix series, Orange is The New Black, is also a Nigerian woman.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, both of her parents are Nigerian making her a 100% Nigerian woman. Her full name is Uzoamaka Nwanneka Aduba.

13. Wunmi Mosaku

Who else is currently loving Lovecraft Country? I am!

One of the major characters from the show is Ruby, and she is played by none other than Nigerian-born British actress and singer, Wunmi Mosaku.

Wunmi was born in Nigeria to Nigerian parents but she later moved to Manchester, England when she was one year old.

They’re all doing us so proud!

That’s All.

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Until next time, have a wonderful rest of your day.

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About the Creator

Jide Okonjo

I have ONE account and MANY interests. My page is a creative hodgepodge of:

🇳🇬 Nigerian news stories for my dedicated Nigerian readers.

🎥 Movie and music recommendations, listicles, and critiques

📀 Op-eds, editorial features, fiction

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