Edo State has produced numerous talented individuals who have gained national and international recognition, particularly after relocating to Lagos, the hub of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Here are five Edo-born celebrities who rose to prominence after moving to Lagos:
- Nancy Isime
Nancy, a celebrated actress and media personality, hails from the Esan tribe in Edo State. She gained recognition as an actress with her debut in the TV series Echoes and went on to host popular shows like The Voice Nigeria. Her move to Lagos propelled her career, making her one of Nigeria’s most prominent media figures - Rema (Divine Ikubor)
Born in Benin City, Rema became a global Afrobeats star after signing with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records. His breakout single Dumebi catapulted him into the limelight. Relocating to Lagos helped Rema access the resources and platforms necessary for his international success - Sydney Talker
Sydney Egere, popularly known as Sydney Talker, is a comedic sensation who gained fame through Instagram skits. Born in Edo State, Sydney moved to Lagos, where he tapped into the entertainment capital’s vibrant digital content creation scene. His rise in Lagos also enabled him to establish Neville Records - Adesua Etomi-Wellington
Although raised partly in Lagos, Adesua’s roots trace back to Esan in Edo State. The Nollywood actress gained significant traction in Lagos through blockbuster films like The Wedding Party. Lagos provided the platform that cemented her as a leading lady in Nigerian cinema - Charles Inojie
Known for his comedic roles in Nollywood and TV series like The Johnsons, Charles Inojie is an Edo native who benefited immensely from relocating to Lagos. His career in acting, directing, and producing flourished with the opportunities Lagos provided
Each of these celebrities leveraged the cultural and professional opportunities in Lagos to amplify their talents and become household names, illustrating the city’s role as a catalyst for success in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
