6 Nigerians Who Found Fame Overseas

0
129

As a country filled with a rich cultural heritage, Nigeria has produced so many talents both at home and abroad. Among the many talents who have made an impact on the global stage, Naijassador has put the spotlight on six Nigerians who have found fame overseas.

1. Uzo Aduba

Talented Nigerian-American actress Uzo Aduba is not a new face on the small and big screens. She is famous for her role in the popular Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” She has also won many awards for her acting skills including Emmy Awards. Uzo Aduba does not shy away from taking on diverse roles from comedy to drama and she continues to entertain her audiences worldwide with her exceptional performances. She is married to Robert Sweeting and together, they share a child.

2. Tinie Tempah

Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu famously known as Tinie Tempah is a British rapper and singer who was born to Nigerian parents in London. He is famous for releasing singles such as “Pass the Dutchie” and “Written in the Stars.” While he may not have been raised in Nigeria, Tinie Tempah tries to make a good mix of his Nigerian heritage in his music. His style of music and energy have enabled him to make a strong mark in the entertainment business as a global artist.

3. Ben Enwonwu

Ben Enwonwu, born in 1917, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists and a pioneer in modern African art. Enwonwu’s work seamlessly blended traditional African themes with Western techniques, earning him international recognition. He became the first African artist to gain worldwide acclaim, particularly with his iconic sculpture “Tutu,” often referred to as the “African Mona Lisa.” This piece, along with many others, helped elevate African art to a global audience. Enwonwu’s influence extended beyond the art world; he was appointed as Nigeria’s first professor of Fine Arts and played a crucial role in shaping the country’s cultural identity. He died on February 5, 1994, in Ikoyi Lagos.

4. Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a British-Nigerian actress, singer, and songwriter who has taken the entertainment industry by storm. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Erivo’s career began on the stage, where she garnered critical acclaim for her role as Celie in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple.” Her powerful performance earned her a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and an Emmy Award, making her one of the few artists to achieve such a feat. Erivo’s talent soon caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to roles in films such as “Widows” and “Harriet,” where she portrayed Harriet Tubman, earning her nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Erivo continues to be a trailblazer, breaking barriers and representing Nigerian excellence on the world stage.

5. Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is an Australian-Nigerian actor, dancer, and singer who has gained fame for his roles in popular film and television series. Born in Sydney to a Nigerian father and an Australian mother, Lonsdale began his dance career and quickly transitioned to acting. He is best known for his roles as Wally West (Kid Flash) in the CW series “The Flash” and as Bram in the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ film “Love, Simon.” Lonsdale’s performances have resonated with audiences worldwide, and he has become a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.

6. Yvonne Orji

The last individual on our list is Yvonne Orji who is a Nigerian-American actress and comedian. She was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria to Nigerian parents before they moved to the United States when she was still a child. Having been raised abroad for most of her years, Yvonne still inputs her Nigerian heritage in her comedy stints. She is best known for her role as Molly Carter on the critically acclaimed HBO series “Insecure.” Yvonne Orji is also famous as a stand-up comedian with her popular comedy special “Momma, I Made It!” in her, she showcases her Nigerian heritage with humour to entertain her audience.

Conclusion

Aside from the above-mentioned individuals, there are a lot more international celebrities of Nigerian descent who have made their marks in the global entertainment scene. They have also contributed immensely in their chosen career and shown the Nigerian spirit which never backs down. As the country continues to grow and get noticed on the global scene, more stars are going to be produced in the years to come.

author avatar
Naijassador

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here