By Gbenga Bada and Adedayo Odulaja
The Nigerian entertainment industry boasts unique personalities, who through their giant strides, creative contributions, ideas and participation, have etched the name of our industry on the world map in recent times. Among the lot are extraordinary individuals spread across the spheres of the entertainment playground like comedy, music, movies, fashion, TV, Radio and others who, through their profound input, are giving the Nigerian entertainment industry the much-desired prominence and visibility on the global scene while assuming the role of pop culture icons in the minds of their fans. These remarkable men and women, with lasting and laudable influence, are not necessarily the most popular people in the industry but their actions carry a lot of weight and to a large extent, the hopes of the future rest squarely on their shoulders. Nigerian Entertainment Today profiles the Most Influential People in Entertainment in 2014…
2face Idibia
Musician/record label owner
CEO Hypertek music
From his artistry to a passion for change, the acclaimed pop king in Africa has continued to use his music as a muse to influence all. His 2face Idibia Reach-Out Foundation has dedicated a great deal of efforts and resources towards reaching out to fellow humans in need.
He released his 5th studio album, Ascension this year and headlined the Hennessy Artistry admirably along with Wizkid.
Aside leading the ‘Election No Be War’ voter education campaign promoting peaceful participation by Nigerian youth in elections, he lent his voice to the prevention of Prostate Cancer in Nigeria even before losing his father to the disease. Partnering with Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), 2face is going about with the gospel of early detection and improved lifestyle.
Ade Bantu
Musician/founder of Afropolitan Vibes
Co-founder of the musical collective BANTU (Brotherhood Alliance Navigating Towards Unity), Ade Bantu went beyond his comfort zone by creating the monthly gig called Afropolitan Vibes in 2013.
Forged from his desire to fill the gap of live musical performances in Nigeria, the Freedom Park event has continued to wow audiences with a line up of old and new singers who gather on Lagos Island every third Friday of the month. Notables stars like Bez, Ras Kimono, Fokn Boiz, Daddy Showkey, Yemi Alade, Salawa Abeni, Orlando Julius and others have performed to audiences at the Lagos-based location.
A few months short of its second anniversary in (coming up in March 2015), the cultural gathering continues to be a watering hole for lovers of live music performances and its popularity has transcended Nigerian shores with the foreign media already taking notice of this alternative movement. He is also a Project Fame judge.
Adebayo Salami
Actor/director
An infinitely influential figure in the Nigerian movie industry where he has put in more than 30 years of active service, Oga Bello, as he is fondly called, has earned his stripes since his days with the Ojo Ladipo Theatre group.
His influences have also rubbed off on his children, with two of them already well established in the profession.
Easily one of the most dexterous actors around, his performance in Omo Ghetto as Baba Oni Baba reflected a side of his act that has not been seen for a long time, leading to the realisation that Oga Bello, if anything, is getting even better at his craft.
Many in the Yoruba movie industry would readily recount how involved he is on any set he is billed to act and his modesty doesn’t allow him to take credit or cheat younger colleagues.
With several roles already under his belt in 2014, most worthy of mention is his celebrating half a century as an actor in July this year.
Aina Kusoro
Movie marketer (Highwaves Video Mart)
Aina Kusoro is the bubbly boss behind several popular Yoruba movie productions and his name is as popular as his company, Highwaves Video Mart.
Kusoro began marketing home videos over a decade ago and has risen to become an influential marketer over the years.
He is one of the three most influential marketers that determine the Yoruba movies that are released and sold in the market for the audience to consume and this year, Aina brought his influence to bear when he altered the Yoruba movie release schedules thereby bringing the sales of Yoruba movies to a halt for over eight weeks.
There are underlying tones about that manner of wielding influence but it tells you a lot about Kusoro’s standing in the industry.
Akeem Olatunji Balogun
Not many know him but popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele would always give kudos to Akeem Olatunji Balogun – the man she refers to as her boss and the rock behind her hugely successful flick, Jenifa.
Renowned for bankrolling many of Funke’s flicks including Jenifa, Return of Jenifa and Omo Ghetto 1 & 2, Olasco, as he is fondly called, wields appreciable influence in the movie industry which is why many refer to him as on of the godfathers of the movie marketing business.
Alex Okosi
Media Entrepreneur, Snr VP Viacom international, Africa
As Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Viacom International, Africa, Okosi continues to showcase Africa to the world via the MTV, BET, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central platforms. Okosi is one of the top shots determining the present and future of entertainment on TV, and stations under his command are getting daily commendation from youth in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large, making Okosi a reference point on the entertainment scene.
In 2014 under his administration, Viacom International, Africa added two new channels to their expanding network, Nick Jr and Nicktoons, bringing the total number of channels under Viacom International, Africa to 8.
Ali Baba
Comedian/MC – Doyen Stand-up comedy in Nigeria
Ali Baba pioneered stand-up comedy in the country, nurtured the trade into profitability and he continues to use his influence to hold up the platform for others to shine. Not competing with some of those he trained having repackaged his brand even more, Ali Baba is the king on his lane and a comedian of immense repute.
The recent announcement of his year-ending show, Ali Baba and His Merry Men, an audacious move considering how people make going to church the priority on December 31, is one of the reasons Ali Baba is on this list. 2014 has seen the stand-up giant become a sought-after speaker and teacher, as he continues to share all the knowledge he has gathered in a career spanning decades.
Amin Moussalli
Media Entrepreneur – CEO AIM group (owners of Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Cool TV)
The Lebanese who has contributed to the Nigerian entertainment industry for several years, actually started doing business in the country as far back as 1975 with his AIM architectural company.
But his love for broadcasting drove him to establish the radio stations, Cool FM and Wazobia FM and later , Nigeria Info with his daughter, Evita at the helm of affairs. Like an Oliver Twist ever wanting more, Amin recently added to his broadcasting empire with the newly-launched Cool TV and Wazobia TV in September 2014.
The radio stations have not only become some of the biggest outfits in Nigerian broadcasting, reaching millions in four different cities, they are now complemented with the new TV stations.
Audu Maikori
Lawyer/Label Executive
CEO Chocolate City Group
The last one year might not have been the best for Chocolate City as a business but Maikori, a lawyer and entrepreneur, has shown exemplary skills in steering the entertainment label through the murky waters of low rating, inactivity and desertion in recent years.
With acts like M.I. and Ice Prince now topping music charts again alongside newly signed acts like Victoria Kimani, Nosa and others showing ample promise, the Chocolate City group under Audu remains one of the leading music labels in the country.
Audu and his team have also announced the signing of Afrobeat icon, Femi Kuti on a management deal while Chocolate City is now up and running in Kenya, underlying his influence in the industry for 2014.
Ayo Animashaun
Media entrepreneur
CEO Smooth Productions (owners of HIP TV, The Headies)
Just when you think there’s little or nothing he can add to the industry, Animashaun springs up another discourse on the entertainment scene. Through his Smooth Promotions Productions, 44-year old Animashaun has launched some of the most relevant entertainment platforms including The Headies and the 24-hour channel, Hip TV on DSTV which recently celebrated 324 days of transmission in September 2014.
Also, the Headies is due to maintain its glittering streak and consistency as it delivers its 9th edition on December 14.
Ayo Makun
Comedian/entrepreneur
CEO MVP Lounge/AY Productions
Widely known by his stage name, A.Y, Makun is a multi-talented Nigerian actor, comedian, Radio and T.V presenter. Host of the A.Y Live shows and widely followed A.Y comedy skits, he produced his first feature movie, 30 Days in Atlanta this year and also threw the doors of his multimillion naira club, MVP Lounge open for business.
Banky W (Olubankole Wellington)
Musician/Record label executive
CEO Empire Mates Entertainment
The year, his protégées broke the ceiling and did wonders on the music scene. While Banky did not contribute much musically this year, and has no album to his name, the success recorded by his ‘boys,’ Wizkid and Skales, and the continued rise of Niyola clearly showed everyone the power of his vision, with many attesting to his selflessness.
Arguably one of the finest singers in the Nigerian R&B, his versatility on DJ Jimmy Jatt’s album is notable while his new single, ‘Jaiye ori mi’ is a way of reminding the industry he is still as good as he has always been.
Bolanle Austen-Peters
Arts and culture enthusiast
CEO Terra Kulture
Renowned for enabling the sustenance of live theatre in Lagos, Bolanle Austen Peters established Terra Kulture – a highly recognised cultural hub set up to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts and culture in Victoria Island when it was not profitable to do so. In 2014, Bolanle reaffirmed her decision to be one of the main pillars of indigenous creativity by throwing her heavy weight behind Kunle Afolayan’s already acclaimed film, October 1 this year.
This is following in the footsteps of her huge investment in the ground-breaking ‘Saro the Musical’ last year.
Added to this is that in 10 years of existence, Terra Kulture has organised no less than 85 plays, over 150 exhibitions, and approximately more than 10,000 children have been through their language, culture clubs and excursions.
Chioma Ude
Film Festival Director
Africa International Film Festival
The CEO and founder of the Africa International Film Festival, Chioma Ude has, in just four years, created a festival that has suddenly become an avenue for Nollywood practitioners to gather and brainstorm every year.
In four years, Africa International Film Festival has become a meeting point for African movie stars to interact with their Hollywood counterparts.
Chioma has not just continued at a time when it is so difficult to get sponsors interested, this year, she has further positioned the festival as the most glamorous show in the land with intentions of moving it around the African continent.
Chris Ubosi
Media entrepreneur
Chris Ubosi is the CEO of Megalectrics Limited (owners of Naija FM, Beat 99.9FM and Beat FM Ibadan) and it represents a milestone that his Beat 99.9FM celebrated its 5th anniversary in September 2014 and became the first station in Nigeria to gift a registered land to one of its teeming listeners as part of the anniversary celebration.
His other stations, Classic FM 93.7 and pidgin station, Naija FM 102.7 continue to dominate their respective fields.
Clarence Peters
Cinematographer/Label exec
(Co-owner Capital Hill record, CAPital Dream Pictures)
Despite the influx of younger and brilliant Nigerians into the field of music video direction, Clarence Peters holds forth as the most influential in the land. As the CEO of a record label called Capital Hill Records and a multimedia content creation outfit, CAPital Dream Pictures, Clarence’s successes have earned him the privilege of managing and directing the music videos of winners of reality show, Project Fame.
Whatever doubt anyone might have had about the influence of Clarence has been dispelled this year, with the son of two prominent entertainers directing 5 out of every new set of 10 videos in the land.
D’Banj
Musician/Label owner
(Owner DB Records, Koko Holdings)
Despite his split from his former Mo’Hits partner, Don Jazzy, self-styled Kokomaster has remained a force to be reckoned with on the Nigerian music scene. Having released a couple of singles, promoted One campaign and signed controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh to his DB Records label, D’banj continues to show gripping determination and remains mostly on the move as evident in his recent endorsement deal with the Beats by Dre headphones company. No recent major hit to his name, no album in many years, and no solid team behind him, but D’banj continues to wield his influence in the music sector and beyond. He’s expected to roll out the drums for the 10th anniversary of his career later this year.
Danny Kioupouroglou
Eko Hotel GM
The hotel he manages remains the number one choice for the events that matter in Lagos. With facilities that tower far above what competition can provide, especially the Expo Centre, which has already become home to the nation’s biggest events, Eko, under Danny’s management remains the best hotel in the land.
Davido
Musician/Label owner
(CEO HKN record)
At just 22, David Adeleke a.k.a Davido is one of Nigeria’s most influential entertainers. With two albums, 30 popular hits, collaborations and solo efforts to his credit, Davido has been on a roll; travelling to several countries and clinching local and international awards to the envy of his peers as well as older and more experienced artistes.
A compilation of Nigeria and Africa’s top 20 songs would be incomplete without at least three songs by Davido – either collaborations or solo efforts.
Clearly the standout performer this year, he won the awards for Best African Act at BET, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) and NEA award events with a few nominations to go yet.
DJ Jimmy JATT
DJ (Founder of Jimmy Inc.)
Rated as one of the biggest DJs in Africa, DJ Jimmy JATT reaffirmed his influence in the entertainment industry when again when he celebrated his 25th anniversary in the industry this year. An innovator, teacher, speaker and performer, Jimmy JATT has helped in nurturing and influencing the careers of many DJs and artistes in Nigeria. There’s hardly any contemporary artiste in Nigeria that doesn’t pledge his or her allegiance to the unbelievably humble deejay.
As well as launching a book titled Avant Garde: The Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt Story, Jatt released his second album aptly titled The Industry and a glance at the stars featured on it mirrors Jimmy Jatt’s clout.
Don Jazzy
Music producer/Label owner
(CEO Mavin Records, Mavin Energy)
Call him the boss or DoroBucci as he likes to be known, and you won’t be far from the truth. From music production to social media engagement, Don Jazzy remains one of the most relevant entertainment personalities in Africa. Bagging multimillion Naira endorsement deals – with Loya Milk, MTN and others, Don Jazzy has treated fans to a special delight with the production of Mavin’s monster hit, ‘Dorobucci’ in 2014. In 2014, he solidified his hold on the pop scene with the multiple Mavin signings, as well as a label structure many say is alien in these parts. The gifted producer is proving to be a leaders’ leader and rare visionary.
Edi Lawani
Events manager/Showbiz consultant
As far as the Nigerian entertainment industry is concerned, Edi Lawani is as popular, if not more popular than some music and movie stars. A multi-discipline special projects consultant, event architect and revered showbiz consultant, Lawani possesses incredible influence having become the name of everyone’s lips when the topic concerns technical and events management. He has been around for well over 30 years and his influence has not diminished one bit, ask event organisers just to be sure.
Efe Omorogbe
Label owner/entrepreneur
Having been involved in entertainment, especially through the music lane for several years, Efe Omorogbe remains an influential force in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Co-founder of Now Muzik, today arguably Nigeria’s leading talent management company which has a firm support structure for underground talent, the English graduate is regarded as an intellectual, administrator and resource person.
Today, Now Muzik is home to one of Nigeria’s brightest musical talents, 2face and continues to sign deal after deal positioning it as an outfit for the future.
The outfit signed a deal this year with Project Fame West Africa organisers which ties the winner of the reality show to the label for sometime.
Emeka Mba
Media monitoring/regulatory administrator
(DG NBC)
A former Regulatory Affairs Manager at Multichoice Nigeria and Director General of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mba is currently the boss of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission.
Soft spoken Mba’s popularity amongst broadcasting stakeholders has remained on the rise with his digitisation project and the restructuring to ensure strict adherence to NBC’s rules and regulations. Under his administration, the NBC celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a showcase of landslide achievements and he is a man who remains a powerful force in the industry.
Emem Isong
Nollywood producer and investor
(CEO Royal Arts Academy, Royal Arts Production)
Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Arts Academy, Emem Isong stands tall as one of Nollywood’s most influential individuals in 2014. As a producer, her outfit has collaborated with top Nollywood actresses and actors to produce popular flicks even this year.
Easily the most prolific Nollywood producer in the last one decade, Isong combines quality with quantity effortlessly having produced recent movies like Weekend Getaway, Apaye, Brother’s Keeper, Lagos Cougars and more in recent years.
Isong’s academy expanded by adding the Afriville brand to its stable this year and her latest work is responsible for the Best Actress in a leading role award Clarion Chukwurah bagged at Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2014.
Femi Ayeni
Media entrepreneur
(CEO Ultima Studio and Productions)
Unassuming Ayeni is the founder of Ultima, the company that owns two of the biggest TV reality franchises in Nigeria- Project Fame West Africa and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Popular acts like Iyanya, Praiz and Chidinma got the opportunity to kick off their exciting careers through the MTN-bankrolled Project Fame West Africa platform and thousands have been blessed through Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while it has also been a win-win situation for the shows’ sponsors.
Project Fame recently crowned the winner of the 7th edition while WWTBAM continues to enjoy impressive ratings.
Femi Kuti
Musician/activist, Grammy Nominee
Constantly creating platforms and opportunities for youth to identify with his father’s genre of music, as well as connect with his late dad through the annual hosting of Felabration, the son of the late great Afrobeat legend has clearly carved a niche for himself within the indigenous music scene.
Several young entertainers feel privileged being in his presence and aside warming up nicely to contemporary music – working with Wizkid, LNC, Jesse Jagz, Illrymz and Durella- the former co-judge of Nigerian Idol hasn’t stopped voicing out his opinion against bad governance in the country and while on numerous tours.
But Femi Kuti’s influence goes beyond Fela and the Shrine, beyond politics and activism, the Afrobeat king leads a community of devotees who only stop short of worshipping him. And it’s because of his rare forthrightness, rare discipline and – as everyone agrees – mentorship.
He signed a management deal with Chocolate City around two weeks ago.
Funke Akindele
Actress/movie producer
(CEO, Scene One productions/ Scene One School of Arts
In 2013, the Nollywood actress arguably bagged the highest number of endorsement deals and produced two bestselling movies. Although she doesn’t have a new movie out yet, 2014 has seen her feature in more flicks. Her hilarious character, Jenifa has not only become one of the most popular characters in Nollywood but would soon have its own TV series. And despite going through a well-publicized separation from her former hubby barely nine months into her marriage, Akindele’s brand power remains intact as evident in increasing brand endorsements, including her OMO ambassadorial deal this year.
Genevieve Nnaji
Actress
Hardly can you mention top African actresses without placing her somewhere in the top 2. Increasingly scarce in Nollywood movies, Genevieve makes up for her absence by working with brands for commercial and humanitarian endeavours.
Most Nigerians may not praise her role in Half of A Yellow Sun, but millions are proud to see her join her voice to campaigns like #Bring Back Our Girls and Genevieve Magazine’s Breast Cancer Project, ‘Pink ball’.
She further reinforced her relevance when she signed a deal said to be worth a whopping N100m with Etisalat as an ambassador. This preceded a juicy deal with Nigerian Breweries-brewed Amstel Malta also this year.
She also re-launched her St Genevieve clothing line in partnership with Jumia and reports indicate that both are reaping great rewards from the partnership.
Ibinabo Fiberesima
Actress/administrator
President of Actors Guild of Nigeria
The first woman to lead the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, the actress and former beauty queen wields uncommon influence and power among Nollywood practitioners. Influencing top stars like Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Desmond Elliot, Joseph Benjamin and several others in the Yoruba movies to join and support the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo was re-elected AGN president this year. Not many actresses will move from being an unwanted convict to becoming a strong voice for the development of one of the world’s biggest movie industries.
Jason Njoku
Media entrepreneur
iRoko TV, iRoko movies, iRocking music
After creating the iROKO triad- iROKOtv, iROKING and IROKtv, Jason has been credited with creating what the international media has described as the ‘Netflix of Africa.‘ Combining technology and creativity to satisfy the ever-growing needs of Nollywood fans across the world and ranking in the Forbes ‘African millionaires to watch’ list, Jason’s Iroko got a boost of $8 million investment from Tiger Global Management, a New York-based venture and private equity fund in 2014.
Jide Kosoko
Actor
Jide Kosoko is an accomplished actor who has been able to cut across the various movie groups and associations. A versatile actor with a career spanning over three decades, Kosoko’s influence became unquestionable after he emerged the president of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners and led the association for eight years. It is believed in some quarters that Jide Kosoko’s consent is needed for the success of several movie groups and guilds and he remains the go-to person in the Yoruba movie industry even he is no longer ANTP president.
John Ugbe
MD, MultiChoice Nigeria.
John Ugbe became the first Nigerian to be appointed the managing director of MultiChoice Nigeria roughly two years ago, having joined the cable company in 1998 as IT manager.
Since becoming the boss at MultiChoice, John has set the company on a greater path of profit by broadening the company’s horizon and widening the scope of activities.
The Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, GOTV, improved collaboration with the Nigerian movie industry popular as Nollywood and launching of more dedicated channels on the Africa Magic platforms are some of the initiatives Ugbe has brought on board.
With projects like new East Africa focused TV brand, Maisha Magic, Channel 161 and Box Office, a service that allows subscribers to conveniently rent and watch the latest blockbuster movies in the comfort of their homes, right on their DStv Explora decoders, Ugbe’s place on this list is assured.
King Sunny Ade
Acclaimed musician
At 68-years-old, it begs belief that King Sunny Ade has been around for more than the last 40 years. But it is a fact that is not contestable and despite his long years of involvement, the Ondo State–born musician, multi-instrumentalist and impressive dancer, remains active and widely influential.
Classified as one of the most influential musicians of all time in Nigeria, Africa and beyond, the two-time Grammy Award nominee continues to break barriers and entertains both the old and the young who appreciate his music.
Kunle Afolayan
Filmmaker/actor
(CEO Golden Effects production)
From the buzz and activities surrounding the private screenings, eventual premiere and release of his latest film, October 1, Kunle Afolayan has shown that he has a huge grip on the Nigerian entertainment industry. A driver of the new Nollywood movement and arguably one of Nigeria’s most respected film directors, the precocious inclinations of this accounting graduate are apparent in all his works, from Irapada to Figurine, Phone Swap and the latest titled October 1.
KWAM 1
Musician
Still a leading light and a prolific recording artist, KWAM 1 updated Fuji music, incorporating Western elements to give it that youth-oriented theme. That singular innovation opened up the genre to a hitherto uninterested segment. With a career now spanning over four decades, the King of Fuji music, who completed a palatial mansion in his Ijebu Ode country home not too long ago, stunned many by collaborating with rap act, Olamide after the rapper sampled his voice on his hit song, ‘Anifowoshe.’ He’s now stepping out this week for the most ambitious concert of his career– presenting a repertoire that could introduce a new formular for cross-generational and cross-genre collaborations.
Lancelot Imasuen
Movie producer/director/TV Entrepreneur
Director, FEVA TV
For over 20 years, Lancelot has contributed immensely to the development of films and movie productions in Nigeria. A very strong and influential figure and a founding member of what today is known as Nollywood, Lancelot’s passion for excellence and drive at empowering the arts in this country is clearly reflected in most of his works.
His latest work titled Invasion 1897: The Deposition of the last king of Africa was released this year with the purpose of revealing to the world the true events of the invasion of Benin Kingdom and make a demand on the British government to pay back an agreed percentage of the economic value of the artefacts carted away since then to the Nigerian government.
Linda Ikeji
Blogger
(Owner LindaIkeji blogspot)
Almost all undergraduates and secondary school certificate holders now yearn to be the next Linda Ikeji following her remarkable success with blogging. With daily news bearing the mark of gossip and general interest stories, Linda Ikeji’s blog has become a Mecca for many online readers, easily Nigeria’s most popular digital media platform. From a business and career that has taken her seven years to build, Ms. Ikeji’s blog has become a personification of phenomenal success, earning her millions in annual turnover and the tag of ‘Nigeria’s most successful blogger – with many admirers and haters in tow.
A recent suspension of her blog for about 48 hours caused commotion online, throwing up conversations about ethics and plagiarism; and sowing the seed for discussions that could sanitise the web and mobile news systems for good.
Matthew Ohio
Media entrepreneur/networking expert
(Creator of Industry Nite)
Matthew Ohio is a showbiz enthusiast; show promoter and businessman who started Industry Nite in 2009 as an independent platform for artists to showcase their stuff. Matthew’s creation has become one of the most popular and respected networking platforms for entertainers and has hosted over 50 Nigerian artistes since inception.
Mo’ Abudu
TV entrepreneur
(CEO, EbonyLife TV)
Following the huge success of her talk show, ‘Moments with Mo‘ and launch of her EbonyLife TV on DSTV, Mosunmola Abudu has emerged one of the richest and most influential media business owners in Nigeria. She hit the big 50 in 2014 and her birthday celebration on September 11, 2014 further proved her might and influence in the industry. Hitherto only available on the premium bouquet, EL is now opening up to more subscribers while penetrating other markets on the continent and beyond.
‘Mola Ogundele
New Media Entrepreneur
CEO, NotJustOk
‘Mola Ogundele is the founder of Nigeria’s most popular music download and news portal, Notjustok.com. The platform, which features current news and downloads of trending music in the Nigerian music scene, has made the founder one of the most influential Nigerians in the entertainment industry. One factor that has helped the platform grow over the years is its ability to satisfactorily supply the demand for current music download and news update on popular musicians.
In 2014, the online platform has consolidated on its position and is clearly the leading website for music in Nigeria; especially with the launch of mynotjustok.com – already a hit with the legion of musicians here searching for a platform to be heard.
Olamide
Musician/ record label owner
CEO YBNL records
He should ideally still be an upcomer. But Olamide Adedeji has successfully set a standard for aspiring rappers, after planting himself firmly as a bonafide star and legend-in-the-making.
He emerged from Dagrin’s school of thought-rendering hip hop rhymes in a mixture of English and Yoruba Language but Olamide has surpassed expectations and broken records in a way no pundit could have predicted.
In 2014, he released his 4th album in 4 years on November 14 and in just a few hours, went straight to the number one position on iTunes.
Olisa Adibua
TV/Radio personality
Olisa Adibua is one of the most recognisable and in- demand radio and television producers and presenters, not just in Nigeria but across Africa. With more than 23 years’ experience in television, radio, film, and live events, the Beat FM and Naija FM Programmes Director remains at the top of the game. If he was considered influential before now, Olisa has become even more notable since kicking off his online celebrity interview series, ‘The Truth‘ this year which has featured some of the biggest names in the land like Tiwa Savage, Davido, Wizkid, M.I, Genevieve Nnaji, Ali Baba and Psquare.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Actress/activist
After bagging TIME magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People in the World last year, the pretty actress was honoured with Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) award this year.
Comfortably sitting atop the list of influencers on the Nigerian entertainment scene, Omotola recently participated at the 2015 World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, Qatar between November 3 and 5, 2014.
Omotola became a United Nations World Food Programme ambassador in 2005 and has become even more involved with her NGO project called the Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme (OYEP).
At the Nigerian Entertainment Conference which held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Grand Ball Room of the Eko Hotel and Suites, her position paper titled ‘Why We Should Care’ is a revealing document on social responsibility.
Omoyemi Akerele
Fashion consultant, founder/Artistic Director of Style House Files
Omoyemi Akerele has become a notable figure in the Nigerian fashion industry. Her passion for the growth and development of a sustainable Nigerian fashion industry led to the creation of Lagos Fashion and Design Week in 2011.
And while a number of supposedly bigger fashion shows have fallen by the way side, the Lagos Fashion and Design Week continues to blaze the trail and stands tall as Nigeria’s leading fashion event today.
And saying the show, conceived by the lawyer turned fashion consultant, has been instrumental in raising the profile of the Nigerian fashion industry is stating the obvious.
Paul Okoye
Consultant/CEO, Upfront and Personal)
Not be confused with Paul Okoye of Psquare, the CEO of Upfront and Personal Global Consultancy Services has his hands in sports, entertainment and is a big time player in the corporate world.
With his influence having helped hugely in positioning some entertainers to the point of fetching them endorsement deals, you shouldn’t be surprised that Paul, who once worked with the Kanu Heart Foundation, is on the list this year with the influence he wields in the industry and other sectors. A measure of his influence was recently on display as one of the brains behind the extremely successful 2014 Aquafina Elite Model Look held recently in Lagos. His hand is seen in the plethora of MTN ambassadorship signings as well as the big budget Pepsi deals with Tiwa Savage and Wizkid.
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
Filmmaker/Movie Awards Founder
Founder, Africa Film Academy (AFA) / Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
The brain behind arguably Africa’s most recognized and respected awards for movie practitioners on the continent, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe stands tall among visionaries who have given their all to the growth and development of the movie industry in Nigeria.
Having run one of the biggest awards in the movie industry for ten years now, Peace has rewarded, promoted and built the industry in a remarkable way.
And, she has also empowered and produced a crop of skilled professionals through her institution, Africa Film Academy.
She spearheaded the 10th year anniversary of AMAA this year before stepping down as the awards president.
P-Square
Musicians
Constantly selling out global shows and tours with their repertoire of earth-shaking hit songs and music videos, P-Square remains Nigeria’s top influencers and money spinners for their contributions to Nigerian and global music. The lyrical duo epitomises the power of two as they have taken their renditions beyond the ordinary.
Their new album, Double Trouble featuring T.I and Don Jazzy, is their 6th album and it continues to enjoy a great reception among music lovers.
Rotimi Pedro
Media entrepreneur
(Founder, Optima Media Group, producers of Nigerian Idol, X-Factor and Nigeria’s Got Talent)
With Nigerian Idol, X-Factor and Nigeria’s Got Talent still grabbing big market shares, Rotimi Pedro, the Optima Media Group‘s founder, has sustained his position as a major force to reckon with. The sports veteran and his team are delivering entertainment to millions of Nigerians while giving many fledging stars an opportunity to kick off their careers.
Shina Peller
Entrepreneur/club owner
An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Shina Peller has enjoyed a steady rise in the Nigerian entertainment scene especially in the last one year. Since reopening his popular luxury club, Quilox Restaurant and Night Club in August, Shina Peller has become an even more influential figure in the country’s social scene.
Peller, whose club is said to be worth over N1b, was awarded African Entertainment Personality of the Year in the UK in September just as he was recently hosted at the maiden edition of the Remy Martin Pacesetters VIP Party in Lagos.
Tajuddeen Adepetu
Media entrepreneur
(CEO SoundCity, ONTV)
After silently creating ONTV a year ago, the TV station has grown to become one of the most watched terrestrial TV stations in Nigeria. Equally popular among young Nigerians when it comes to pure entertainment, the TV station, which sources content from its sister channel on cable, Soundcity as well as foreign media outfits, is the brainchild of media mogul, Tajuddeen Adepetu who is responsible for several TV programmes and series. Adepetu has also, in 2014, built Spice TV to a strong position, while returning to the concert scene, with the announcement, just last week, of the hitherto rested Soundcity Blast.
Tiwa Savage
Musician/Writer
Tiwatope Savage-Balogun is widely referred to as Tiwa Savage and she is undoubtedly Nigeria’s reigning female music queen. From Lagos to Abuja, London to South Africa and even the United States of America, Tiwa has headlined top-notch shows.
Lending her voice to quite a number of brands like Pepsi, Forte Oil and MTN, Tiwa’s success is a motivation for many ladies, in an industry dominated by men. And that she continues to shine, despite repeated scandals, is a demonstration of her doggedness and determination.
Along with the likes of Waje, Omawumi and Seyi Shey, Tiwa Savage is building a platform for upcoming female musicians to stand on.
Toyin Uthman
Administrator/Movie marketer
(Toymax films holdings/YOVIFPMAN)
The name, Toyin Uthman might not ring a bell but Toymaz Films Holdings sure does among lovers of the Yoruba movie industry. Aside being one of the most powerful producers and marketers in the sector, the man holds sway as the chairman of the Yoruba Video Film Producer/Marketers Association of Nigeria (YOVIFPMAN). His decisions and ideas help create a thriving environment in which the Yoruba movie industry dwells.
Tunde Kelani
Cinematographer, film producer, culture advocate
Another icon, this time from the lanes of movie, culture and arts, TK, as he is fondly called, continues to defy age with another movie, Dazzling Mirage which premiered last week to show his craft remains relevant. With more than a dozen movies to his name and several stage productions and documentaries, the vibrancy of Kelani’s influence shines through several areas still.
Wizkid
Musician/record label owner
(CEO Star Boy Records)
At just 24 years Ayo ‘Wizkid’ Balogun is a kid whose achievements and soaring music career will make some legends jealous. From an unsure wannabe, the hit maker has grown to become one of Nigeria’s hottest and biggest pop star. Riding on with a strong influence on today’s sound, many teens are feeding daily on his style and swag. The young entrepreneur is the owner of Star Boy Records with L.A.X and Maleek Berry as the current signees.
He released his sophomore album, Ayo in September 2014 and might yet end the year as the first act on the hip hop/pop scene to drop two albums in 4 months with plans afoot to release another album before the year runs out on his Starboy label.
Uche Eze
New Media entrepreneur
(CEO Bella Naija)
Uche Eze is the popular blogger and owner of fashion and lifestyle website, BellaNaija.com. BellaNaija remains a one-stop-shop for single and married women who are interested in wedding news, gossip and fashion. And even though Linda Ikeji has surpassed her in ranking and reach, BellaNaija inspired all other blogs and remains a queen of her online territory, with enough international acclaim and pedigree. And 2014 saw the growth of her movements – Aso Ebi Bella and Bella Naija Weddings.