In the entertainment industry, Nigerians have made their marks globally with their artistry.
People sometimes don’t refer to them as Nigerians but as entertainers of Nigerian descent.
Here are 10 popular British singers of Nigerian descent:
Sade
Nigerian-born British Helen Folasade Adu is a singer, songwriter, and actress and the lead singer of her eponymous band.
Born in Ibadan and tutored in Essex, England. Adu is the first Nigeria origin to register her name in the prestigious Grammy Awards. She has more Grammys than any other Nigerian till date.
Seal
Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, globally known by his stage name, Seal, has a personality you can’t forget in a hurry. Apart from the scar on his face, his style and music are totally different. Seal was born in London to a Nigerian mother, Adebisi Ogundeji and father, Francis Samuel.
He is a singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. The four-time Grammy Awards winner has several hit banger songs including his most celebrated song “Kiss from the rose”.
Maleek Berry
Maleek Shoyebi, professionally called Maleek Berry, is a British-Nigerian born singer, record producer and recording artiste. Maleek was born in South London, UK in 1987.
He has recorded some great hits and collaborated with prominent Nigerian and International artistes like Wizkid, Ycee, American rapper Wale, Wande Coal, Iyanya, Davido, Runtown, etc.
Sheyi Shay
‘Yolo Yolo’ sensation, Deborah Oluwasheyi Joshua, popularly known as Seyi Shay was born and raised in Tottenham, London by Nigerian parents. Born to a Northern mother and father, native of Ife. She is a professional songwriter, singer and actress.
She wrote and produced three songs for the soundtrack to Konami’s video game “Crime Life: Gang Wars”
Shay is one of the six judges in Nigeria Idol. She has also earned herself a place in the Nigeria Entertainment Industry
Tems
Grammy Awards Nominee Temilade Openiyi popularly known as Tems was raised by a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father. She is a singer, songwriter and producer. Tems has been featured by international acts like Beyoncé, Drake, Wizkid, and Future.
Tems has received multiple award nominations, winning two NAACP Image Awards, two BET Awards and a Soul Train Music Award
Lemar
Lemar Obika was born in Tottenham, North London to Nigerian parents. A singer, songwriter and record producer, rising to fame through the BBC’s Fame Academy.
He has in his closet three MOBO Awards (Best UK Male and Best Album) and two Brits Awards (Best Urban Act).
Dave
David Orobosa Omoregie popularly known as Dave is a British rapper, musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. Dave was born in Brixton, South London in the home of parents from Edo, Nigeria.
Dave’s political song “Question Time” which criticised the British Government, won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song in 2018. The rapper is well respected among his colleagues in the for his prowess.
Dave has MOBO Awards, Brit Awards, and Mercury Prize among others in his cabinet
Not3s
Lukman Olanrewaju Odunaik better known as Not3s is an actor, songwriter and rapper.
He was born and nurtured by Nigerian parents in Hackney, London
Skepta
The “Amuludun of Odo-Aje”, Chief Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr professionally known as Skepta, is a British-Nigerian grime MC, rapper and record producer born in Tottenham, North London to Nigerian parents.
The Ogun state born rapper originally a DJ has produced and featured on numerous hits including a song with ASAP Rocky’s single.
Awards in his profile include MOBO Awards (Best Video and Best Song), Mercury Prize (Album of the Year), BET Awards (Best International Act -UK, Best British Male)
Tinie Tempah
Tinie Tempah with the birth name Chukwuemeka Patrick Okogwu is British rapper born to Nigerian parents from Delta, Nigeria.
He has enjoyed most of his accolades and fame in the UK and in international sporting events.
He performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He has won numerous awards including BET Awards, Brit Awards, MOBO Awards, Urban Music Awards, BT Digital Music Awards, UK Festival Awards, Ivor Novello Awards to name a few.
His 2010 third single “Written in the stars” became the official theme for WrestleMania XXVII and was also used as the entrance song for the New York Giants before Super Bowl XLVI.