The Entertainment Industry in Nigeria has grown in leaps and bounds, garnering international attention as well. Unlike in the past, it has become a money spinning business, attracting the attention of the youth all over the country. In the same vein, it’s no longer the preserve of the never-do-well in school, it’s home to educated, intelligent, and creative Nigerians who are at ease doing what they know how to do best.
Without mincing words, whether in music, fashion or film, the practitioners of the multi-billion naira industry, have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria by generating huge revenue for the country. Besides, it has created a lot of employment opportunities to other Nigerians.
In this edition, we are showcasing siblings in the industry who have made names in their own little way. Here’s a few of them rocking and making waves.
Kemi Adetiba – One half of Adetiba duo, she’s a music video director and television director. Her works have been showcased on Channel O, BET, Netflix, etc. She recently delved into feature films and is the director behind the massive rom-com hit The Wedding Party. Of the notable music videos she has directed are Tiwa Savage’s My Darling,Onye, which starred Waje and Tiwa Savage. She won the City People Entertainment Award for Best Music Video Director in 2015.
Remi Adetiba – Kemi’s brother, a well-known Photographer. He is now based in the US and has shot huge models like Oluchi Orlandi, Ify Jones, and a host of others. He worked as creative director for the Africa’s version of America’s Next Top Model.
Sesan Ogunro -He’s the music video producer behind hits like Endowed by D’banj, Love me, love me by Tiwa and many others. He studied 3D Animation and Special Effects in London and these days his name in a music video is synonymous with great quality.
Fade Ogunro – An established OAP who left Beat FM in Nigeria and now runs a film production company called Film Factory with her brother. We are sure great things will be coming from their stables soon.
DJ Xclusive – Whose given name is Rotimi Alakija is a very popular DJ, record producer and recording artist. He has performed with notable international artists like Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Nas and others. He is the resident DJ of CoolFM 96.9 and was the first DJ to anchor the first Big Brother party in the just concluded show. His beats have also featured in quite a few hits in the Nigerian music scene.
Jide Alakija – Rotimi’s brother and one of the top photographers in the country currently. He is well known for shooting multi-cultural weddings, documentaries and editorial campaigns. Some of his recent clients include Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, International Hip hop artist, J. Cole, acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Didier Drogba, former Chelsea F. C. soccer player. Art collectors and galleries currently showcase his work, the most recent being the Smithsonian Institute.
The Edoziens
Lynxx – A recording artist and entrepreneur whose given name is Chukie Edozien. He released his debut album in 2010 to much acclaim and became the first Nigerian artist to be endorsed by the global brand Pepsi. He also coined the term ‘JollofMusik’, a term that refers to the art of blending various genres to make good music.
Shomya – Lynxx’s sister whose full name is Elaine Shobanjo (Her married name) is a make-up artist. She actually graduated with a First Class degree in Economics and had a distinction in her Master’s degree. She won the 2013 City People Fashion & Beauty Award for Make-up Artist of the Year. She has made up some stars like Waje, Ini Edo, Tonto Dikeh and many others.
Somkele Iyamah – She’s a TV and film actress known for her roles in The Wedding Party (2016), 93 Days (2016) and others. She won the AMVCA 2017 Trail Blazer Award. She also won the International Rising Star category in the Toronto International Film Festival. Besides her acting career, she has a B.Sc. in Bio-Chemistry and manages her sister’s fashion brand.
Dumebi Iyamah – Somkele’s younger sister and the owner of the Andrea Iyamah Clothing line. She is famous for creating epic wedding dresses and her wedding dresses have been worn by the likes of OsasIghodaro and Cynthia Ebuka. She also came up with a line for swimsuits that bring in an element of the African print. This too has been worn by quite a few Nigerian celebrities.
The Okerayis
Olawunmi Okerayi – She’s popularly known by her stage name, DJ Lambo. She’s a renowned female DJ who recently became the first female senior label executive of a major record label – Chocolate City. She won ‘DJ of the Year(Female)’ at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards.
Jide of St Ola – Olajide Okerayi is a self-taught make-up artist. He’s one of Nigeria’s finest male make-up artists. He has worked all over the world in different fashion shows as well as held Bridal master classes. He’s also one of the make-up artists to the stars.
The Makuns
AY (Ayo Makun) – He needs no introduction. Comedian extraordinaire, his Easter comedy show, AY live is always a sell-out. In the past few years, he has delved into the film business – both acting and producing and has created huge box office hits like A Trip to Jamaica and 30 Days in Atlanta. These movies recorded the highest grossing movies ever in the Nollywood scene.
Omoniyi Makun – Better known as Yomi Casual has been a stable name in Men’s Fashion scene in Nigeria for the past 10 years. His brand features looks ranging from casual to formal native wear. In addition to his brother, he has dressed a host of other people like the International Hip hop stars, Jagged Edge, Rugged Man, Desmond Elliot, etc. He was also honoured as the ‘Most Innovative Fashion Brand of the Year award’ at The Lagos @ 50 Hall of Fame Awards in May.
The Enebelis
Michael Collins aka Don Jazzy – The man who completely changed the music game in Nigeria! The Founder and CEO of Mavins, one of the biggest record labels in Africa. His label boosts of stars like Tiwa Savage (who under his tutelage now has a contract with Roc Nation,Jay Z’s record label), Dr. Sid, Koredo Bello, Reekado Banks, and others. They are constantly churning out hits upon hits and have placed Nigeria and Africa on the map in the Music Industry at large.
D’Prince – His younger brother and label mate, he’s a singer and songwriter. He is known for hits like Booty call, Close to You, Goody bag and others. He was also endorsed by MTN in the years 2011 and 2013.
DJ Cuppy (Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola) – DJ extraordinaire and Nigerian Music Producer. At just a very young age she has become established and well-known for her craft, managing to separate herself from her father’s status. She has “DJed” all over the continent and the world for shows like the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban,South Africa, The Financial Times Luxury Summit in Mexico City, The Elton John AIDS Foundation Party in London to name a few. She won the NEA Awards in 2015 for Best Female DJ.
Temi Odetola – Or as she’s known JTO fashion, Cuppy’s younger sister is a fashion blogger and style influencer based in London. She has created a niche for herself in the sector and has written a few pieces for some notable magazines like The Times, British Vogue. Her work has also been recognized by CNN. She is also a regular contributor to publications such as Thisday Style and Elite Living Africa.
The IsongsEmem Isong – A Nigerian Screenwriter, film producer and director. With over 30 movies under her Producer belt, some of her notable works include Ayamma(2016), Apaye(2014), Private Sin(2003), Edikan(2009), Reloaded(2008), etc. She was Eloy Awards Best Movie Producer of the Year 2011 for the movie-I’ll Take My Chances.
UduakIsong Oguamanam – EmemIsong’s younger sister has come into her own and created quite a niche for herself as one of the notable names in the Nollywood Movie sector. She won the 2006 Commonwealth Short Story Award as a writer. Movies under her belt include Holding Hope, Champagne and others she has worked on as a screenwriter. Her Comedy movie, Okon Lagos remains one of Nollywood’s most successful movies. Its sequel,Okon Goes to School, sold out on its release date. Her movie Lost in London is doing quite well at the cinemas as well.
