PHOTOS: 5 Most Popular Foreign Celebrities With Nigerian Roots
Many distinguished African celebrities are dominating the world entertainment stage, drawing significant impact on the ingenuity of the blacks in the world. Among them, all are Nigerians who by birth or naturalization found themselves outside the shores of the country.
This article highlights a few of the world-class celebrities making waves on the world stage.
- John Boyega
John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega, widely known by his stage name John Boyega, is a celebrated British actor and producer. His rise to fame in the UK was marked by his portrayal of a young gang leader in the comedic horror movie “Attack the Block.”
Born to Abigail and Samson Adegboyega, who is a minister in the Pentecostal church, John comes from a Yoruba background. He is best known internationally for playing the role of Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, appearing in notable films such as “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2013), “The Force Awakens” (2015), “The Last Jedi” (2017), “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019), and “Woman King” (2022).
- Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, stands out as a pivotal figure in the music industry, particularly within the realm of hip-hop.
The acclaimed rapper, who has clinched several Grammy awards, shared on Revolt TV that an ancestry test showed he has a 53% Nigerian heritage. Highlighting his strong connection to Nigeria, Lil Wayne mentioned feeling a greater affinity towards his Nigerian roots than his American identity. He conveyed a keen interest in visiting Nigeria, a revelation that came about when discussing his reference to Nigeria in the lyrics of one of his hit songs.
- Anthony Joshua.
The heavyweight boxing champion, born to Nigerian parents in the UK, has often spoken about the impact of his Nigerian heritage on his discipline and approach to the sport.
Born in Watford, Hertfordshire, heavyweight boxer Joshua spent his earliest years in Nigeria before returning to the UK aged twelve.
- David Oyelowo
With notable roles in “Selma” and other significant films, Oyelowo is a British actor of Nigerian descent who brings depth and gravitas to his performances, drawing from his rich cultural background.
- American Christian preacher, Bishop TD Jakes
In an interview with BBC Igbo, the renowned American preacher from The Potter’s House, Bishop TD Jakes, shared the discovery of his ancestral ties to Nigeria, specifically to the Igbo tribe.
The acclaimed author disclosed that a DNA test was the key to unveiling his Igbo heritage. Having made several trips to Lagos, Jakes mentioned his fondness for traditional dishes such as fufu and jollof rice.
He recounted vivid memories of his great-grandmother, a former slave, from whom he learned about his family’s past and the history of slavery at the young age of ten, as she shared tales from her life and their lineage.
