Top Nigerian Entertainers In Music and Film, 2024

…..Celebrating Innovation, Pioneering Spirit and Excellence

As the year draws to a close, The Entertainment Reporter reflects on the top Nigerian Entertainers In Music and Film, 2024 who have reshaped Nigerian entertainment . These top Nigerian entertainers in music and film, have set new standards, driving innovation and inspiring creativity across the industry. This special end-of-year feature celebrates their remarkable contributions as top Nigerian entertainers in music and in film, recognizing their pioneering spirit, relentless pursuit of excellence, and the lasting impact they’ve made in the entertainment world. Join us as we honor those who defined the year and continue to push boundaries into the future.

Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele, Nollywood’s box office queen, has once again solidified her status as an innovator and game-changer, a top Nigerian entertainment in the music and film industry. Her latest blockbuster, Everybody Loves Jenifa The made history by earning $100,000 in its opening weekend across nine international territories, marking the first Nollywood film to achieve such a milestone. This landmark success highlights Akindele’s ability to blend humor, drama, and social commentary in a way that resonates globally, further establishing her as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars. As a producer and lead actress, Akindele’s unique storytelling and dedication to delivering relatable yet distinctly Nigerian narratives have revolutionized Nollywood’s global impact, reaffirming the industry’s place as a rising force on the world stage.



Don Jazzy



Don Jazzy remains a cornerstone and a top Nigerian entertainer in the music and film industry for 2024.

With the success of rising star Ayra Starr, signed to his Mavin Records, he continues to shape the future of African music. His collaboration with Johnny Drille on the album Hard Guy Confessions pushed boundaries by blending indie-folk and Afrobeat, a testament to his ability to merge genres. Don Jazzy’s foresight and commitment to nurturing talent, alongside his diverse contributions to music and business, make him an undeniable force in the entertainment world.







D’banj



In 2008, Nigerian Afrobeats icon D’banj released The Entertainer, his sophomore solo album, which produced massive hits like Fall in Love, Suddenly, and Igwe. Sixteen years later, the dynamic performer returned with The Entertainer: D’Sequel, a highly anticipated follow-up that dropped to critical acclaim this year. The album features collaborations with international artists such as Wyclef, Akon, and Awilo Logomba, with the remixes showcasing his continued innovation and artistry.



Basketmouth

Class act comedian, Basketmouth released his first movie this year called A Ghetto Love Story.According to reports, the movie has grossed an impressive ₦51 million across cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana. The romantic drama garnered N22.3 million in its opening weekend alone, a testament to its widespread appeal and the strong buzz surrounding its release.

AY

Ayo Makun, also known as AY, is renowned for his creativity, and in 2024, he elevated his innovative game to new heights. The comedian and filmmaker amazed his audience with a daring promotional stunt for his latest movie. He transformed Lagos’ iconic Third Mainland Bridge into an elegant date venue, featuring May Edochie, the estranged wife of actor Yul Edochie. Clad in glamorous outfits and surrounded by a stunning setup, the pair created a moment of Hollywood-style allure right in the heart of Lagos. In a groundbreaking move, AY also promoted the movie on social media long before its release, generating widespread buzz.He is a definitely a top Nigerian entertainer in music and in film



Femi Adebayo

Femi Adebayo has continued to make waves in the industry. His latest project, Seven Doors, a Netflix release, earned widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, impressive cinematography, and meticulous attention to detail. The series’ success is a testament to Femi Adebayo’s commitment to elevating Nigerian cinema on the global stage, showcasing the nation’s talent to a broader audience.



Toyin Abraham


A trailblazer in the Nigerian film industry, Toyin Abraham continues to dominate in 2024. Her innovative approach to content creation for announcing her latest movie Alakada: Bad and Boujee gained massive attention, generating excitement across social media platforms. The movie’s success is undeniable, having grossed a remarkable 134 million Naira within just one week of its release. Toyin’s blend of strategic marketing and storytelling brilliance has set new standards in Nollywood, making her one of the most influential figures in the entertainment scene this year. Her ability to create buzz around her projects further cements her as an innovator in the industry.





Mr Macaroni

Mr Macaroni, has consistently remained at the forefront of Nigerian entertainment. Known for his humor and creativity, he has been a dominant force in the skit-making industry for years.He is a top Nigerian entertainer in music and in film.

This year, he once again pushed the envelope by featuring seasoned Nollywood stars such as Pete Edochie, Hanks Anuku, Chinyere Wilfred, Ejike Asiegbu, and others in his skits, creating a brilliant fusion of the new and the old. Mr Macaroni’s ability to bring these legends into his skits with innovative storytelling shows his deep understanding of the entertainment landscape and continues to expand his fan base. His consistency in delivering top-quality content year after year is a testament to his enduring influence in the entertainment world.

Mercy Aigbe


Mercy Aigbe has firmly established herself as a 2024 innovator in Nollywood. With the release of her new cinema movie Thin Line, she demonstrated her exceptional storytelling prowess. Featuring a star-studded cast including Uzor Arukwe, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, Yvonne Jegede, and Uche Montana, the film has been praised for its engaging narrative and high production quality. Mercy’s creative vision and commitment to advancing the Nollywood industry set her apart as a trailblazer, continuing to shape the landscape with her groundbreaking projects and captivating storytelling.



Bimbo Ademoye



In 2024, Bimbo Ademoye has continued to rise as one of YouTube’s brightest stars, rapidly gaining popularity and amassing 870,000 subscribers. Her channel showcases an impressive array of engaging content, including the widely celebrated Unexpected Places, which has garnered an astounding 12 million views, Ruse with 6 million views, and Last Straw, which has attracted 10 million views. Bimbo’s magnetic personality, combined with her engaging storytelling style, has allowed her to create a lasting connection with her audience, solidifying her place as a leading content creator and actress in the Nigerian entertainment space.





Ruggedman

Ruggedman, a trailblazer in Nigerian rap, remains a key figure in the entertainment industry, constantly pushing boundaries with his innovative contributions. This year, he launched Club Rugged and Rugged Sessions—a series that includes studio performances and interviews. He also released the Michael Stephen Experiment EP, featuring notable artists such as Jesse Jagz, Eva Alordiah, and more.



Kennyblaq

A trailblazer in the Nigerian entertainment scene, Kenny Blaq continues to redefine music comedy in 2024. Known for seamlessly blending music with comedy, he achieved a historic milestone by selling out the prestigious Onikan Stadium in Lagos with his Reckless Music Comedy Fest. Featuring heavyweights like Alibaba, Broda Shaggi, Nasboi, and others, the event showcased Kenny’s unique ability to draw large crowds with a diverse mix of entertainment. As an innovator and pioneer, he is pushing the boundaries of comedy and music, inspiring the next generation of entertainers.

Bidemi Olaoba


An energetic force in Nigerian gospel music, Bidemi Olaoba has become a standout innovator in 2024. Known for his powerful performances and electrifying stage presence, he made history with a sold-out concert at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, featuring renowned gospel artists such as Tope Alabi and Dunsin Oyekan. His debut at The Experience further solidified his place in the industry. Bidemi’s hit song Isigini has resonated deeply with gospel music lovers, showcasing his ability to blend traditional praise with contemporary sounds. His contributions are elevating the gospel genre, making him a pioneer in Nigerian music.



Nonsmiraj

Nonsmiraj, an actress and content creator, has made a significant impact with her innovation this year. She gained widespread attention for her unique dating show, Hunt Game Show, which creatively combines entertainment and romance, captivating a broad audience. Taking her innovation to the next level, she launched a dating app to complement the show, allowing fans to further engage with the experience. Her multifaceted approach to content creation has solidified her as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. Beyond her work as an entertainer, Nonsmiraj has shown a strong commitment to philanthropy, using her platform to support meaningful causes and create a positive social impact.



Laju Iren


Often regarded as the queen of virtual cinema in Nollywood, Laju Iren has revolutionized movie distribution with her innovative approach. The idea of virtual cinema first took shape in 2021 when Laju, after completing her first film Loving Amanda, faced delays with streaming platforms in response to her submission. During a conversation with her husband, they discussed alternative solutions for releasing the film, which led to the concept of self-distributing through virtual cinema. In 2024, Laju Iren Films released three of their top films in a single virtual cinema experience for the yuletide season, receiving widespread acclaim. This innovative move has garnered rave reviews, solidifying Laju’s position as a pioneering force in the industry.



Kemi Ikuseedun

Kemi Ikuseedun (Mummy Wa, a.k.a Kemzmama) Kemi Ikuseedun, known for her iconic roles as Mummy Wa , she debuted as a filmmaker this year with her Korea-themed movie on YouTube, My Sunshine, which quickly gained popularity, amassing 1 million views at the time of filing this report. Featuring the comedic talents of Mr. Macaroni, Diva Gold, and others, the movie tells a compelling story of romance and drama. In a surprising turn, even Koreans fell in love with the film, showcasing Kemi’s ability to connect with a diverse international audience and further expanding her brand beyond Nigeria.



Uche Montana

Uche Montana is rapidly carving out a name for herself as one of Nollywood’s most promising stars. Her compelling performance in the film Thin Line has showcased her impressive versatility as an actress, winning the hearts of viewers. Beyond the screen, Uche is making a significant mark in the digital space, with her YouTube films Chemistry and Embers of Love gaining impressive traction. Chemistry has accumulated 5.2 million views in just two weeks, while Embers of Love has garnered 4.4 million views within a month. Uche’s growing presence and connection with her audience are propelling her to new heights in both Nollywood and the digital world.



Isbae U

Isbae U, a content creator and actor, has garnered growing acclaim for his show Curiosity Made Me Ask this year. Known for his bold, unfiltered approach to asking unusual and sometimes controversial questions, Isbae U has kept audiences hooked, even finding himself in hot water with guests on occasion. The show has quickly become a fan favorite, with notable interviews from stars such as AY, Frank Edoho, Mercy Aigbe, Simi, Peller, and more.





Bolaji Ogunmola

Gifted and stunning, Bolaji Ogunmola has solidified her place as one of Nollywood’s reigning stars in 2024. Through her production company, The Bolaji Ogunmola Company, she has brought to life a series of hit films that continue to captivate audiences, including Imperfect Match, The Art of Letting Go, No Love Lust, and Life Can Do Whatever He Wants. These productions feature a star-studded lineup, with notable actors such as Tope Olowoniyan, Eso Dike, Daniel Etim Effiong, Ebenezer Eno, IK Ogbonna, Charles Born, Kanaga Jnr, Ibrahim Suleiman, Kachi Nnochiri, Kiekie, and Okey Uzoeshi.



GT Da Guitarman
A soulful sensation and a shining star of 2024, GT Da Guitarman has captivated audiences with the release of his Elody EP. Featuring hit tracks like Congratulations and Flaws, the EP introduces a rejigged sound that blends rich melodies with deep, heartfelt lyrics. His unique fusion of soul, Afrobeat, and acoustic sounds has resonated deeply with music lovers, setting him apart as an innovator.



Neo Phlames


Rising Afro-fusion artiste Neo Phlames is a standout innovator of 2024. His EP I Just Did It has gained significant acceptance, with hit tracks like Kadara, Iba, and Heart Down becoming some of his most streamed tunes this year. Neo’s unique fusion of Afrobeats and highlige , has captivated music lovers pushing his music to new heights. A major highlight in his career, Neo Phlames was hosted by D’banj, alongside other iconic figures in the industry, solidifying his position as one of the most exciting talents to watch in 2025.



Kehinde Ajose


As one of Nigeria’s top entertainment publicists and media personalities, Kehinde Ajose has made a significant impact in 2024. Known for his exceptional handling of high-profile media campaigns, Kehinde has become a go-to strategist for brands and celebrities alike. He has also gained recognition as the host of Celebrity Uncensored and Conversations with Kenni Podcast, platforms where he delves into raw, candid discussions with industry heavyweights. A notable highlight of his year was being hosted by D’banj on a boat cruise, further cementing his status as an influential figure. Kehinde’s creativity and fearless approach to going against the grain make him stand out as an innovator in the entertainment industry.



Tofarati Ige

Tofarati Ige, a gifted Nigerian entertainment and lifestyle editor, journalist, and poet once again proved his mastery in 2024. He won the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) for Entertainment Journalist of the Year for the second time, solidifying his position as one of Nigeria’s top journalists. Tofarati’s in-depth analysis, engaging writing style, and ability to capture the essence of Nigerian culture and entertainment have made him an influential voice in the industry. His remarkable work in journalism continues to inspire both budding writers and established professionals, further cementing his legacy.



Omotola Slasha


Omotola Slasha is a versatile talent manager, publicist, and pop culture commentator, whose influence in the entertainment industry continues to grow. Having worked on projects like Faaji Friday, Omotola has collaborated with top entertainment industry heavyweights, including Seyi Awolowo, comedian Hyenana, and Emma OMG. His innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to excellence have allowed him to thrive in managing and promoting talent across various platforms. Omotola’s ability to execute groundbreaking projects while staying ahead of trends makes him an undeniable innovator of 2024, solidifying his place as a key player in Nigerian entertainment.



Loud Urban Choir

Loud Urban Choir has gained widespread acclaim for their remix of Ayra Starr’s Bloody Samaritan, which has garnered over 1 million views on YouTube. Their reimagining of songs like Iseoluwa, Lonely at the Top, and the recent Odun Lon Sopin has deeply resonated with fans, further cementing their reputation in the music scene. This year, they also had the honor of being featured by Nigerian music star Yemi Alade in her hit song Tomorrow, showcasing their unique sound and solidifying their place as an innovative force in the industry.