Nigerian celebrities with hidden names

Nigeria is renowned for producing some of the world's most talented and successful celebrities, especially in the music industry.

However, many of these famous stars have adopted stage names that differ from their birth names. In this article, MyNigeria explores the real names of some Nigerian celebrities whose hidden identities may surprise you.

1. Tiwa Savage

The Nigerian music sensation was born Tiwatope Omolara Savage-Balogun. The Queen of afrobeats who was born on February 5, 1980, sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, afropop, pop and hip-hop.

She adopted the stage name Tiwa Savage when she began her music career. The mother of one made a name for herself as a solo artiste in 2010 with her song "Kele Kele Love".



2. Don Jazzy

The popular music producer and founder of Mavin Records was born Michael Collins Ajereh. He adopted the stage name Don Jazzy when he began his music career.

He co-founded the now-defunct record label Mo' Hits Records in 2004. Following the closure of the aforementioned record label, Don Jazzy set up Mavin Records on May 8, 2012.

Don Jazzy released his first song “Baby Face” in 2012.



3. Burna Boy

Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is one of Nigeria's most successful musicians, with a string of hit songs and international collaborations to his name.

The self-acclaimed African Giant has won multiple awards and has also sold out a number of prestigious concerts such as the 02 arena, madison square garden, London Stadium, and Paris La Defense Arena.



4. Wizkid

Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is one of Nigeria's most successful musicians, with a global fan base and multiple awards to his name.

He started singing at the age of eleven under the stage name Lil Prinz. Wizkid also formed a group at 11 called Glorious Five. The group later released a 7-track album that was released in the church.

In 2006, he changed his name from the moniker Lil Prinz to Wizkid. Before rising to stardom, Wizkid was lucky enough to have crossed paths with celebrated artistes like 2Face Idibia, Naeto C, Sound Sultan.

He has since collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyonce, Akon, Tyga and Drake.



5. Falz

The Nigerian rapper and actor's real name is Folarin Falana. He adopted the stage name Falz the Bahd Guy when he began his music career. Falz began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called The School Boys with his friend before his professional career as a music artiste began in 2009.



6. Yemi Alade

The Nigerian singer and songwriter was born Yemi Eberechi Alade. She adopted the stage name Yemi Alade when she began her music career. Yemi Alade's music which incorporates Afro, Highlife, Dancehall, Pop and R&B has been of influence in many African countries and has earned her numerous awards and recognitions.



7. Naira Marley

Naira Marley, whose real name is Azeez Fashola is a controversial artiste who has made headlines for his music as well as his legal troubles, but his fans, Marlians, remain loyal to him regardless.

Recently the Marlian boss has come under heavy criticisms following the death of his former signee Mohbad as many have stated that the singer may have a hand in Mohbad's untimely death.



8. Phyno

Phyno, a Nigerian rapper and singer was born Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike. He adopted the stage name Phyno when he began his music career. He started his music career as a producer in 2003, and is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. Phyno was born on October 9, 1986 in Enugu.



9. Mr Eazi

The Nigerian singer, songwriter and music executive was born Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade. He adopted the stage name Mr Eazi when he began his music career.

He first made his record in 2012 called pipi dance. It was a big hit in college. In July 2013 he released a mix tape that he called 'about to blow' His popularity got on its peak after he released 'skin tight' in 2015. This single got him recognition all over Africa.



10. Niniola

The Nigerian singer and songwriter was born Niniola Apata. She however, adopted the stage name Niniola which is her first name when she began her music career.

She participated in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. After releasing her debut single "Ibadi", she was nominated for Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.



11. Adekunle Gold

The Nigerian singer and songwriter was born Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko. He adopted the stage name Adekunle Gold or AG Baby as an identification when he began his music career.

He gained widespread attention after releasing the 2015 hit single "Sade", which is a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life".



12. Zlatan

The Nigerian rapper and singer was born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael. He adopted the stage name Zlatan when he began his music career.

He is the CEO and founder of Zanku records. In 2014, he won the Airtel-sponsored One Mic talent show held in 2014, IN Abeokuta, Ogun State.



13. Teni

The Nigerian singer and songwriter was born Teniola Apata. She adopted the stage name Teni when she began her music career.

Teni started her music career in 2016 when she signed with Magic Fingers Records, a record label owned by prolific producer, Shizzi. She later moved to Dr. Dolor Entertainment in 2017, where she released her break-out singles, Fargin, Askamaya, Case, amongst others.



14. Whitemoney

Whitemoney has become a fan favourite on the popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija. While his real name Hazel Oyeze Onou, is not widely known, his charming personality and business acumen have won him a legion of fans across Nigeria.



15. Zinoleesky

Zinoleesky, whose real name is Oniyide Azeez, is another rising star in the Nigerian music industry. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, including Naira Marley and Lil Frosh.

Zinoleesky came to limelight with the release of his debut album "Chrome Eccentric" comprising hit tracks "Ma Pariwo" and "Kilofeshe".



16. Guchi

Guchi is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born Ugochi Lydia Onuoha. She gained popularity with her hit single "Addicted" in 2020 and has since released other songs such as "Jennifer" and "Benzema". Guchi hails from Kaduna, and is signed to PG Records Entertainment.



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