FULL LIST: Five Popular Nigerian Artistes Who Relocated Abroad

The relocation of Nigerian entertainers to other countries has continued to attract public attention, with some moving abroad to pursue education, explore career opportunities or begin new chapters in their personal lives.

The latest is veteran rapper Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, who has become a United States citizen.

The pioneer of mainstream Yoruba rap shared photographs and videos of himself celebrating the milestone on his Instagram page, @lordofajasa, on Wednesday.
In one of the clips, the rapper held his American citizenship certificate, while another photograph showed him posing with his wife alongside the United States flag.

The development attracted congratulatory messages from fellow entertainers and fans. Music producer and Coded Tunes founder, Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as ID Cabasa, wrote, “Congratulations Lord Oshi.”
Lord of Ajasa replied, “Thanks Cabasa.”

Read Also: “I Missed Those Three Little Humans”: Mo Bimpe Shares Emotional Travel Experience

Singer Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, also congratulated him, writing, “Congrats apase.”

The rapper responded, “Thanks Baalè.”

Lord of Ajasa is known for his contribution to indigenous Nigerian hip-hop, particularly Yoruba-language rap. He rose to prominence with songs such as “Ma Yi Lo” and collaborated with artistes including 9ice, Olamide and the late Dagrin.

Beyond Lord of Ajasa, several other Nigerian entertainers have relocated overseas for different reasons, including career development, education, family and religious commitments.

Here are some notable Nigerian artistes who have relocated abroad.

1. Ayra Starr

Nigerian singer Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, announced in November 2025 that she had moved to New York City in the United States.

The Mavin Records artiste said living in the city had long been an ambition. She also explained that performing there made her feel at home, partly because of its large Nigerian community, which reminded her of Lagos.

Ayra Starr maintained that relocating abroad would not make her abandon her Nigerian identity or cultural roots.

She gained international recognition with her 2022 hit song “Rush” and has continued to release music, including “Heaven Baby,” “Treat U Right” and “Tornado.”

2. Lord of Ajasa

Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, is a veteran rapper recognised for helping to popularise Yoruba-language rap in Nigeria.

He gained prominence in the early 2000s with songs such as “Ma Yi Lo” and collaborated with notable artistes, including 9ice, Olamide and the late Dagrin.

“I Missed Those Three Little Humans”: Mo Bimpe Shares Emotional Travel Experience

Nollywood actress Mo Bimpe has opened up about her experience travelling without her triplet boys for the first time since becoming a mother.Local news portal

The actress, who welcomed her triplets earlier this year with her husband, actor Lateef Adedimeji, recently travelled to Ekiti State for an event.

Sharing highlights of her trip on social media, Mo Bimpe revealed that although she enjoyed the experience, she could not help missing her children, who remained in Lagos.

The actress explained that being away from her boys meant missing their cuddles, seeing their faces before bedtime and waking up to them in the morning.

According to her, motherhood has transformed her in ways she finds difficult to explain, noting that her heart remains with her children even when she is away doing the things she loves.

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She also shared a lighthearted moment from a voiceover recording, revealing that one of her sons, Rahman, interrupted her while she was recording the video in Lagos. Rather than removing his voice, she decided to leave it in, explaining that she could never deprive her fans of hearing her children’s little voices.

Reflecting on the experience, Mo Bimpe described motherhood as her beautiful chaos, adding that she would not trade it for anything.

She wrote:

“A little trip to Ekiti State

From flying into Akure, making my way to Ado-Ekiti, getting glammed up, dressing up, and attending my event, it was such a beautiful experience.

But guess what? As much as I enjoyed myself, a huge part of me was back in Lagos with @etawithlove.

For the first time, I had to travel without them. No cuddles, no little faces to look at before bedtime, no waking up to my babies. Oh! I missed those three little humans.

Motherhood has changed me in ways I can’t explain. Even when I’m out doing the things I love, my heart is always with my boys.

And please, did you hear Rahman interrupting my voiceover? I was back in Lagos recording this video when my little man decided he had something to say! Of course, I had to leave his voice in. You know I can never deprive my faves of their little voices.

Because this is real life, this is motherhood, this is my beautiful chaos, and I would trade it for anything”.

 

Remi Surutu Celebrates Seyi Tinubu on His Birthday

Seasoned actress Remi Surutu has celebrated Seyi Tinubu, describing him as a man with a heart of gold, and showered him with birthday prayers. AccessServices

Sharing a video of them on her social media page, Surutu praised Seyi, calling him a great man born to the greatest man.

She wrote, “Happy beautiful birthday to a man with a heart of gold. God bless you always. A great man born by the Greatest man”.

Seyi Tinubu has continued to attract public attention through his relationships with celebrities, entertainers and other prominent personalities in Nigeria.

Davita Recalls How Shy Zlatan Ibile Got Her Phone Number

Davita Lamai, partner of Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile, has revealed that the musician was too shy to approach her directly when he wanted to obtain her phone number at the beginning of their relationship.

Davita shared the story in the couple’s wedding film ahead of their wedding celebration scheduled for October 24, 2026.

According to her, Zlatan had to rely on another person to get her contact because he could not bring himself to ask for it personally.

“He was just to get my number. He asked somebody, like he’s very shy, like very, very. People will not believe it,” she said.

Her revelation offered a glimpse into the early days of their romance, highlighting a different side of the rapper, who is widely known for his energetic personality and lively performances.

Read Also: Ayra Starr Makes History With NFL International Games Halftime Show Appearance

Davita’s account also recalled Zlatan’s earlier comments about struggling to approach women, including Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage.

In a November 2019 interview, the rapper disclosed that Tiwa had blocked him on Instagram earlier that year. He explained that he had wanted to collaborate with her on the song Shotan but found it difficult to approach her because of his shyness.

Davita and Zlatan have been together for several years and share two sons.

The couple recently announced October 24, 2026, as the date for their wedding celebration in a video shared on social media.

Their wedding film has provided fans with personal details about their relationship, including how the romance began.

Davita’s account has drawn attention to the contrast between Zlatan’s confident public image and the shyness she says he displayed while pursuing her.

Ayra Starr Makes History With NFL International Games Halftime Show Appearance

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has made history as the first African artist to headline a halftime show at an NFL International Game.

The Afrobeats star performed on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London during the break in the National Football League (NFL) clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ayra Starr entertained spectators with performances of her hit songs, Rush and Heaven Baby, on a temporary stage set up at the centre of the pitch.

Her appearance brought Afrobeats to the global sporting platform, highlighting the growing international influence of African music and Nigerian entertainers.

The performance marked another significant achievement in the singer’s career, further strengthening her reputation as one of the African artistes attracting audiences beyond the continent.

The NFL has continued to expand its international presence by staging regular-season games outside the United States, creating opportunities to connect American football with new audiences around the world.

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Ayra Starr’s halftime performance formed part of this broader international reach, combining music and sport before spectators at the London venue.

Her achievement also underscored the increasing visibility of Afrobeats at major global events, where African musicians continue to gain recognition across different entertainment platforms.

The singer’s appearance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium represents a notable moment for Nigerian music, placing an African female artiste at the centre of a major international sporting spectacle.

With her growing global profile, Ayra Starr continues to contribute to the worldwide recognition of Afrobeats and the broader African entertainment industry.

“It’s Never Too Late to Take Responsibility” — Victor AD Apologises to Tiwa Savage

Nigerian singer Victor Adere, popularly known as Victor AD, has apologized to fellow Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage over their unreleased collaboration on a remix of his hit song, Wetin We Gain.
It was reported that the singer issued the apology in an open letter shared on his social media page.

Victor AD disclosed that Tiwa Savage had recorded a verse for the remix of Wetin We Gain, but the collaboration was never officially released.

The singer acknowledged that although there were reasons the project did not happen, none could justify the outcome or outweigh the time, effort and creativity Tiwa Savage contributed to the song.

He expressed regret over how the situation turned out and appreciated the award-winning singer for agreeing to feature on his track.

Read Also: “You Cannot Be Gay and Christian at the Same Time” — Juliana Olayode

He wrote: “An Open Letter to Mama Jam Jam, @TiwaSavage, I should have done this a long time ago, but it’s never too late to take accountability for my actions.

“Thank you, Mama, for blessing my song ‘Wetin We Gain’ with a verse. Unfortunately, the remix never saw the light of day.

“I could go on and on explaining why it didn’t happen, but none of those explanations matters more than the genuine effort, love, and creativity you poured into making the song beautiful. For that, I’m truly sorry about how things turned out.

“Beyond this, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate you for everything you’ve done for the culture and for the doors you’ve opened for Afrobeats. Your impact is undeniable, and I’ll never take your contribution to my journey for granted. I love and appreciate you, Mama.”

In her response, Tiwa Savage accepted the apology and indicated that she had no hard feelings over the unreleased collaboration.

She wrote: “I appreciate this. God knows the reason for everything. All love.”

“You Cannot Be Gay and Christian at the Same Time” — Juliana Olayode

Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has sparked debate after stating that identifying as gay or queer conflicts with Christian teachings, urging the Church to uphold what she describes as biblical truth.

The actress shared her position in an Instagram post, warning that the Church should not remain silent while teachings she believes contradict the Bible reach adults, teenagers and children.

Olayode called on Christian leaders and believers to return to Scripture, teach biblical principles and avoid compromising their convictions to accommodate changing cultural attitudes.

She stressed that Christians should allow the Bible, rather than contemporary social values, to shape their understanding of faith and morality.

According to the actress, the discussion is not about hatred or discrimination against people who identify as gay, homosexual or queer.

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She maintained that she does not wish harm upon anyone because of their sexuality and believes every human being deserves to be treated with love.

However, Olayode argued that loving people does not necessarily mean agreeing with their beliefs or lifestyle when those beliefs conflict with her interpretation of Scripture.

The actress said she believes Christians have a responsibility to communicate their convictions honestly while maintaining love and respect for others.

To support her position, she referenced Genesis 1:27, which describes the creation of humanity as male and female in God’s image.

She also cited Matthew 19:4-6, passages in which Jesus refers to the creation of male and female and the biblical understanding of marriage.

Olayode argued that Christians who recognise God as their Creator should regard His Word as the ultimate authority guiding their decisions and desires.

Her comments have brought renewed attention to discussions about Christianity, sexuality and the interpretation of biblical teachings.

The actress concluded by emphasising that Christian convictions should be rooted in Scripture rather than shaped by cultural expectations.

Her statement reflects her personal religious position and has generated discussion about how believers reconcile traditional interpretations of the Bible with contemporary conversations about sexual identity.

“Pastor Adeboye Ordained Me as a Pastor” — Hanks Anuku Reveals

Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has disclosed that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ordained him as a pastor during his younger years.

Anuku made the revelation during an appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast, where he discussed his Christian faith and previously undisclosed involvement in ministry.

The veteran actor said he studied theology at Redemption Camp while residing in Lagos, explaining that his decision to pursue religious studies was driven by his love for God.

According to him, he believed he was following divine direction when he became involved in ministry.

Anuku said many people do not know that he has a pastoral background, although he still regards himself as a pastor.

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He further revealed that the ordination occurred while his wife was still alive, indicating that the experience happened years ago.

The actor maintained that his claim could be verified by Adeboye and encouraged anyone who questioned his account to contact the RCCG leader for confirmation.

Anuku explained that his faith has remained significant to his life, stressing that he believes in God’s power and the importance of prayer.

He also reflected on the role of spiritual guidance in his journey, saying he felt directed to pursue theological studies and ministry.

His comments have brought attention to a side of his life that is less widely known than his acting career.

Anuku has established himself as a familiar face in Nollywood, appearing in numerous productions throughout his career. However, his latest revelation suggests that his personal journey has also included theological education and involvement in Christian ministry.

The actor’s statement has generated interest because of his claim that Adeboye personally ordained him.

He maintained that his commitment to God remains central to his identity, even as he continues to be recognised primarily for his work in the entertainment industry.

His account provides additional insight into the spiritual experiences he says influenced his life and personal convictions.

“This Man Is Wanted” — Uzor Arukwe Raises Alarm Over Phone Theft at Cjay Nwok’s Burial

Nollywood actor, Uzor Arukwe, has declared an elderly man wanted over the alleged theft of mobile phones during the burial ceremony of late actor, Cjay Nwok, in Lagos.

Arukwe made the announcement in an Instagram post, alleging that the man attended the service of songs held in honour of Nwok at a Redeemed Christian Church of God in Gbagada before stealing phones belonging to actor Rex Kingsley.

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“This man is wanted,” Arukwe wrote, claiming that CCTV footage captured the man during the alleged theft before he disappeared.

The actor urged anyone with information about the man’s identity or whereabouts to contact Kingsley.

Mr 2Kay Claims Record Label Took N8m From N10m Burna Boy Assault Compensation

Nigerian singer Abiye Jumbo, popularly known as Mr 2Kay, has revealed that his former record label gave him only N2 million from the N10 million compensation he received from Eko Hotel and Suites following an armed robbery incident in 2017.

The singer disclosed this during a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, explaining that the way his record label handled the compensation money contributed to his decision to leave the company.

According to Mr 2Kay, the hotel management paid him N10 million after he was assaulted and robbed in his hotel room by armed men following a concert at the facility.

He alleged that the attackers were sent by fellow musician Burna Boy, a claim connected to the criminal proceedings that followed the incident.

Mr 2Kay said his record label eventually handed him only N2 million out of the compensation, a development that left him dissatisfied and influenced his decision to end their professional relationship.

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He explained that the incident changed his perspective on the music business and contributed to his decision to pursue other opportunities in the industry.

The singer also disclosed that he is now a music executive, describing the business side of the entertainment industry as lucrative.

The incident occurred on October 22, 2017, after Mr 2Kay performed at the Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless concert at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

Reports at the time stated that he was attacked, tied up and robbed at gunpoint in his hotel room by men posing as room service personnel.

The Lagos State Police Command arrested four suspects, including Burna Boy’s road manager, Joel Kantiok. Police investigations linked the suspects to allegations that they had been hired to attack the singer.

Burna Boy was declared wanted, later surrendered to the police and was arraigned in December 2017 on charges relating to conspiracy and accessory to armed robbery. He was subsequently granted bail.

Mr 2Kay later withdrew the case after Burna Boy apologised.

In August 2021, the two musicians were seen together at a Lagos nightclub, signalling that they had moved past their long-running dispute.