Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues to evolve at remarkable speed, powered by artistes, filmmakers, digital creators and live performers who are pushing culture, commerce and global relevance forward.
For many creatives, 2025 was a year of momentum; defined by records, awards, international expansion and cultural impact. As 2026 unfolds, Entertainment Reporter spotlights 26 entertainers across music, film, comedy, fashion, digital entertainment and live performance whose trajectories suggest their most defining moments are still ahead.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy closed 2025 as the most-streamed African artist on Spotify, recording nearly 2 billion streams globally and grossing over $30.5 million from his “I Told Them…” world tour.
The self-acclaimed African Giant delivered a year defined by scale. From stadium-level performances to high-profile international collaborations, Burna Boy continued to position African music firmly on the global stage. His releases dominated charts across multiple regions, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.
Heading into 2026, Burna Boy stands as both a global superstar and a cultural ambassador, with influence that shows no sign of slowing.
Davido
Davido reaffirmed his “001” status in 2025 by winning Artist of the Year at The Headies and setting a new Spotify Nigeria record with 5IVE, which logged the most single-day streams for a Nigerian album.
His 5IVE Alive Tour homecoming in Nigeria became one of the most talked-about events of the year, drawing massive crowds and dominating conversations for weeks. Beyond music, Davido’s philanthropic initiatives and industry leadership continued to set him apart.
As 2026 approaches, Davido remains one of afrobeats’ central figures, an artiste whose next chapter could further redefine longevity and legacy.
Rema
Rema emerged as one of 2025’s most decorated artistes, winning Album of the Year for HEIS at the 2025 Trace Awards and finishing the night as the most-awarded artiste in Zanzibar.
The year marked a turning point in his global expansion. Rema recorded strong international chart placements, performed at Coachella, and headlined the inaugural Afro Jam Festival across three cities in Japan.
As 2026 approaches, Rema stands not just as a hitmaker, but as one of the most forward-thinking voices shaping the future of African pop.
Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold made history in December 2025 by becoming the first artiste to sell out the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly the National Theatre), a 3,560-capacity venue, with his Greatest Show Yet concert.
He released his sixth studio album, FUJI, in October 2025 to critical acclaim, praised for its bold fusion of indigenous Lagos sounds and modern production. That same year, he won Music Trailblazer of the Year at the MOI Awards and UncutXtra Music Act of the Year, while surpassing 800 million streams on Spotify.
Beyond music, the Adekunle Gold Foundation launched a collaboration with New York University professors to explore music’s role in raising global awareness for sickle cell disease.
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s 2025 marked a full transition into global superstardom. She won Best West African Artist at the Trace Awards, secured a 2026 Grammy nomination for song “Gimme Dat”, and claimed the BET Award for Best International Act.
Her releases, including Commas and Rhythm and Blues, dominated African charts, while wins at the MOBO Awards and EAEA reinforced her growing international influence.
With a new era widely expected in 2026, Ayra Starr remains one of the most influential voices of her generation.
Wizkid
Wizkid maintained his trademark minimalism in 2025 while delivering maximum impact. He won Global Album of the Year at the African Arts Entertainment Awards (AAEA) for Morayo and finished the year as the second most-streamed African artiste globally.
Despite limited releases, every appearance sparked conversation, reaffirming his status as a global tastemaker. As expectations build for 2026, Wizkid’s quiet dominance remains as powerful as ever.
Tems
Tems made history at the 67th Grammy Awards, winning Best African Music Performance for “Love Me Jeje”. The win marked her as the first Nigerian and first Nigerian-based female artiste to claim the category, making her the most-awarded Nigerian-based Grammy winner.
The achievement reinforced Tems’ role in pushing African music to the forefront of global culture, positioning her as a defining force heading into 2026.
Fola
Fola recorded one of the biggest breakout years of 2025. His debut album “Catharsis”, spent eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 Albums Chart, becoming the longest-running No. 1 album of the year.
The album surpassed 150 million Spotify streams, achieved the biggest opening week ever for a debut album in Nigeria, and helped push his total career streams beyond 400 million. Named the face of Apple Music’s Best of 2025 Afrobeats Hits, Fola enters 2026 tipped as a strong Next Rated contender at The Headies.
Gaise Baba
Gaise Baba reached new heights in 2025 with No Turning Back, which became the most-watched music video on YouTube Nigeria and peaked at No. 4 on the TurnTable Top 100, the highest-charting gospel song in Nigerian history.
The remix, No Turning Back II featuring Lawrence Oyor, was named Nigeria’s Most-Watched Music Video of 2025 by YouTube Nigeria. He also won Global Talent of the Year at the StepFWD Awards.
Ugoccie
Ugoccie solidified her place as a leading voice in Eastern Nigerian music in 2025. Her hit single Achalugo dominated regional airwaves and earned her Best Regional Artiste (East) at the 6th Galaxy Music Awards.
Known for blending Igbo language with modern rhythms, Ugoccie continues to shape the neo-highlife sound.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele reaffirmed her dominance in 2025 as her projects, including Behind the Scenes, crossed the ₦1 billion box office mark.
Her unmatched understanding of commercial storytelling keeps her firmly positioned as Nollywood’s most influential filmmaker heading into 2026.
Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors won Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, and Best Music Score at the AMVCAs, following his Jagun Jagun triumph in 2024.
With another project “Ilu” on the way, he remains one of Nollywood’s most strategic creative forces.
Toyin Abraham
Toyin Abraham’s Oversabi Aunty grossed ₦382.9 million in 11 days, becoming one of 2025’s highest openings. The film also earned £16,205 during its UK opening weekend.
Her consistency keeps her at Nollywood’s commercial forefront.
Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli ranked among YouTube’s top creators of 2025, producing “Love in Every Word” and expanding her digital Nollywood influence globally. As digital platforms reshape the industry, she remains a leading figure redefining what success looks like in modern Nigerian cinema.
Uzor Arukwe
Uzor Arukwe’s role as Obiora in Love in Every Word made him a viral sensation that also won him Actor of the Year at the 2025 AMC Digital Awards. Uzor became one of 2025’s most sought-after leading men, starring in multiple top-grossing romantic comedies and dramas.
Bamike “BamBam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan
Her major breakthrough came in 2025 with “Love in Every Word” produced by Omoni Oboli, where she starred as Chioma alongside Uzor Arukwe.
The role led to a significant elevation in her career, earning her the Most Viewed Actor at the Bestie Choice Awards 2025, sharing the honour with Uzor Arukwe for Love in Every Word 1 & 2.
Bucci Franklin
Bucci Franklin’s performance as Oboz in Netflix’s To Kill a Monkey by Kemi Adetiba drew global acclaim as the series topped Netflix charts worldwide.
With “TKAM” now widely seen as his breakout signature role, Franklin steps into 2026 not just as a respected actor, but as a rising cultural force; a testament to how Nigerian talent can thrive and compete confidently on the global streaming stage.
Uche Montana
Uche Montana earned her first AMVCA nomination for Best Nigerian Actress for “Thin Line” by Mercy Aigbe. She also appeared in Funke Akindele’s billion-naira box office hit Behind the Scenes.
With her rising industry recognition and growing audience appeal, Montana is well on track to evolve from emerging talent to a leading force in 2026.
Hilda Baci
Hilda Baci expanded her culinary empire in 2025 following her Guinness World Record feats, launching a global culinary academy and lifestyle brand.
With her growing global recognition and steadfast commitment to championing African culinary excellence, 2026 is set to deliver even more groundbreaking milestones.
Tacha
From Reality Star to Record-Breaking Mogul. After clinching two Guinness World Records in 2025, Tacha cemented her status as more than just a media personality, emerging as a powerhouse in beauty, branding, and mentorship. With multimillion-naira endorsements from global tech and beauty giants, she closed 2025 as Nigeria’s most sought-after brand influencer.
Now in 2026, Tacha’s momentum remains unstoppable. With her expanding footprint in media, entrepreneurship, and the beauty industry, she continues to redefine influence and impact.
Veekee James
Veekee James has cemented her place as one of Nigeria’s most influential fashion designers and digital trendsetters. Her remarkable run between 2024 and 2025 earned her the prestigious Force of Influence award at the 2025 Trendupp Awards.
Veekee’s designs consistently captivate as she is renowned for her signature beading, sculpted silhouettes, and opulent bridal couture. In 2026, she stands at the forefront of fashion, business, and cultural relevance, shaping trends.
Carter Efe
Carter Efe made history in 2025, becoming Africa’s biggest Twitch streamer after a viral live session with Davido that shook the internet.
By December, he had officially overtaken Shanks Comics, closing the year with over 500,000 followers and a groundbreaking 40,000 paid subscribers on the platform. His rapid rise not only cemented his place in digital entertainment but also signaled a new era for Nigerian streaming culture.
As 2026 unfolds, Carter Efe stands at the forefront of Africa’s live content revolution.
Brain Jotter
Brain Jotter held strong as one of Nigeria’s top digital stars in 2025, ranking third among Nollywood creators on YouTube in the Q1 report. His steady rise came from a mix of comedy sketches and longer film content that kept his audience engaged all year.
He earned a nomination for “Best Digital Content Creator” at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), cementing his status in the digital space.
Outside comedy, Brain Jotter expanded his reach through charity. His medical fundraisers, donations, and the launch of Share the Grace, a structured philanthropic platform, showcased his commitment to giving back. With growing influence across entertainment And social causes, he’s becoming more than just a skit maker, he’s a force for impact.
Peller
TikTok sensation Peller had a breakout year in 2025, picking up major awards and leading trends. He, alongside Jarvis, won the “Force of Virality” award at the Trendupp Awards for their powerful online presence.
At the Silverbird Awards, he bagged “Influencer of the Year,” making history as the youngest winner of the category.
From transforming online content to shaping youth culture, Peller’s dominance in 2025 made it clear that he’s a digital powerhouse to watch.
Segun Johnson
Segun Johnson, Nigeria’s pioneer live-band hypeman, took 2025 by storm. From high-profile Lagos weddings to shows in Dubai and London, his vibrant live performances became a staple at celebrity events.
Dubbed the face of “Live Party Content,” Segun’s energetic videos racked up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. His back-to-back APPOEMN awards and packed international schedule closed out a landmark year, solidifying his superstar status heading into 2026.
DJ Tunez
Still holding it down as Wizkid’s official DJ, DJ Tunez made major waves in 2025. His Apala Disco Remix earned a nomination for Best DJ at the Trace Awards.
But the bigger wins came with global recognition; DJ Tunez won Best DJ at the African Entertainment Awards USA and Best Continental DJ at the 2025 Entertainment Arts Excellence Awards (EAEA).
As Nigeria’s entertainment industry enters a defining phase, these 26 entertainers are more than just stars; they are indicators of where culture, creativity and influence are headed.
From chart-topping musicians and box-office leaders to digital disruptors and global tastemakers, their 2025 achievements have positioned them as the drivers of Nigeria’s creative future.