The social media has become a powerful tool for celebrities to connect with their fans around the world, and Nigerian celebrities are leveraging the various platforms to promote their work and push their brand beyond spatial boundaries.
From musicians to actors to footballers, Nigerian celebrities are garnering followers on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. With Instagram especially, which appears to be most popular among celebrities, they are able to share some of their private and special moments to their followers.
With the number of followers a celebrity has on social media having somewhat become a measure of that celebrity’s popularity, The Nigerian Observer Weekend took a look at the 10 most followed Nigerian celebrities on Instagram. Our checks show that Davido, Yemi Alade, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage top the list of 10 most followed Nigerian celebrities on Instagram and together have 79.1 million followers. Below is our top 10 list:
1. Davido (27.4m followers)
Singer and songwriter David Adedeji Adeleke, aka Davido, Baddest, and ‘Omo Baba Olowo’, is the most followed Nigerian celebrity on Instagram with over 27 million followers.
Checks on Davido’s Instagram account revealed that the famous singer returned to social media in March 2023, five months after the death of his three-year-old son Ifeanyi in October 2022. He released his album “TIMELESS” on March 31, and later performed at the World Cup Final, singing the official soundtrack for the tournament “Hayya Hayya” (“Better Together”) which he performed alongside Trinidad Cardona and Aisha.
The “Unavailable” singer, also known for his philanthropic work and using his platform to raise awareness about social issues in Nigeria, returns to the road in North America on the much-anticipated “TIMELESS TOUR” from July 2023 to January 2024.
2. Yemi Alade (17.5m followers)
Nigerian Afro pop singer, songwriter and activist, Yemi Alade, is the most followed Nigerian female influencer and is considered one of the biggest artists in Africa. The 34-year-old singer is followed by over 17.5 million people on Instagram and her instagram page is filled with dancing videos and photos of herself, but little information about her personal life.
Known for her powerful voice and unique style of dress, Yemi Alade signed to Effyzzie Music Group and had a hit with her single “Johnny” in 2014. Since then, she has gained fame in the music industry, won several awards for her music, and has been featured on Forbes Africa’s “30 under 30” list.
3. Wizkid (17.1m followers)
Grammy award-winning superstar singer and songwriter, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, Starboy, and Machala, commands a massive following on Instagram despite keeping a low profile on the app.
Wizkid began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group formed by him and his church friends. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). He later rose to the limelight after releasing “Holla at Your Boy”(2011), which also spawned other singles. He has become a household name in Nigeria and beyond, collaborated with international artists such as Beyonce, and has won numerous awards for his music.
4. Tiwa Savage (17.1m followers)
Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known by her stage name Tiwa Savage, began her music career doing backup vocals for artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige.
After participating in the UK edition of the X Factor and graduating from Berklee College of Music, the Afrobeat queen signed a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009, but moved back to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records in 2012.
The “Somebody’s Son” crooner is known for her soulful voice and catchy songs. She has won multiple awards for her music and has been featured on several international platforms such as Vogue and The Guardian.
5. Funke Akindele (15.8m followers)
Nigerian filmmaker, director, actress, politician and producer, Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, popularly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa, has a following of 15.8 million on Instagram.
Funke Akindele came to limelight after starring in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know”, which ran from 1998 to 2002, where she played Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. However, it was the sitcom “Jenifa’s Diary”, where she played Jenifa, that put her in the face of many Nigerians. She has featured in many Nollywood movies, including “Egg of Life”, the “Omo Ghetto”, among others.
The star actress, who was the second director to gross over a billion naira at the box office, was named the Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2016 and 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Again, at the 2020 and 2022 AMVCA, she took home the same award, making it her fifth wins for the Best Actress in a Comedy category. She was the deputy governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election in Lagos State.
6. Don Jazzy (14.8m followers)
When he’s not working, Nigerian record producer Michael Collins Ajereh, commonly known as Don Jazzy, spends his free time on Instagram. His instagram page features both personal skits and advertisements for many other skit makers and artists. The founder and CEO of Mavin Records, one of the most successful record labels in Nigeria, co-owner of the now-defunct Mo’Hits Record label, is well known for his social media activity and engagement.
7. Burna Boy (14.5m followers)
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, usually posts videos and pictures of his sold-out shows in different countries around the world on his Instagram page.
The Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer rose to stardom in 2012 after releasing “Like to Party”. In 2017, Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Group internationally. He has won several awards for his music. His 2020 studio album “Twice as Tall” won Best World Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
8. Mercy Johnson (13.6m followers)
Mercy Johnson Okojie, Nigerian actress, director and producer, has gained a steady increase in her fan base since joining Instagram and has to her credit 13.6 million followers. One of Nollywood’s most-sought-after actresses, Mercy Johnson has been around in the industry since she auditioned for a role in the movie “The Maid” that ushered her into acting. She has featured in over 100 movies, including “Hustlers”, “Baby Oku in America”, “War in the Palace”, etc.
The actress won an award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 African Movie Award ceremony for her performance in the movie “Live to Remember” and Best Actress Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her role in the comedy movie “Dumebi the Dirty Girl”. In December 2011, she was listed as Google most searched Nigerian celebrity. In 2017, Mercy Johnson was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Kogi State Governor on Entertainment, Arts and Culture.
9. Ini Edo (13.6m followers)
Delectable Nollywood screen diva, Ini Edo, has 13.6 million followers on Instagram. The popular actress began her career in 2000 and has starred in several Nollywood movies. She is also known for her fashion sense and has been featured on several best dressed lists. As a fashionista, her fashion statement and beautiful lifestyle are a major attraction to her page. As at April 2023, she has been unveiled as ambassadors of two premium brands of Ini Leads Limited – Meridian Club Cream and Meridian Brandy.
10. Regina Daniels (13.2m followers)
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has 13.2 million Instagram followers. The mother of two started acting at the age of seven when she featured in “Marriage of Sorrow”, her first movie, which earned her N10,000.
The young actress was appointed Youth Coordinator of PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s campaign in January 2019. She soon became a sensation and Instagram celebrity when she sparked heated conversations following her marriage to billionaire politician and businessman Prince Ned Nwoko. She uses her Instagram page to showcasing herself, wealth, affluence, and her family.
