Every October 1, Nigeria celebrates her Independence day. As the country added a year to its age on October 1, some entertainers from here grow in age too. Here is a curated list of Nigerian celebrities born on Independence Day;
1. Bright Chimezie
Music legend, Bright Chimezie, is as old as the country as he was born on the day Nigeria gained its independence, October 1, 1960. In the early 80s, the Zigima sound master was shot to limelight in the eastern part of the country. He creates his sound from a mix of traditional Nigerian music and Igbo highlife fused with chanted vocals. He used it to revolutionise the musical structure in Nigeria with lyrics that focus on social issues of the country in a rather funny way.
2. HRM Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo
HRM Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo is the Olunla of Itori land in Ogun state. The celebrated king was born on October 1, 1960, and he is a sold as Nigeria, so every Independence Day is a double celebration for him and the people of his kingdom. Just like Nigeria, Oba Akamo clocked 60 on October 1st 2020.
3. Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Nigerian-born British actor Hakeem KaeKazim was born in Lagos in 1962 as Nigeria was celebrating its second independence. Kae-Kazim spent his early years in Lagos before his family relocated to London, where he developed an interest in acting and later went on to train at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He graduated in 1987 and was offered a space with The Royal Shakespeare Company. Kae-Kazim is best known for his portrayal of Georges Rutaganda in the 2004 drama film Hotel Rwanda.
4. Yemisi Fancy
Yemisi Fancy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born in Lagos on October 1, 1991. The Oyari singer graduated from the University of Lagos where she obtained her law degree (LL. B). As a child, she had always loved the art of music , dance, and acting. She started up in a dance group in 2006 and in 2012 went to the Royal Art Academy film school where she acquired her professional acting skills. In the year 2012, she landed herself a role in the M-net glamour series Tinsel where she plays the role of Helen. In 2015, Yemisi decided to give music a shot professionally after years of preparation. She launched her debut single titled Faraway. Yemisi loves Afro Beat, R’n’B, and Fuji music.
5. Jeff Unaegbu
An actor, artist, documentary filmmaker, and author of eight books. He was born in Enugu state and is the first child of his parents. He attended the Government Secon dary School, Minna in 1990, studying sciences and graduated in 1996. Unaegbu proceeded to Muhanatu Computer Institute, graduating in 2000 with distinctions in Certificate and Diploma in computer data processing. He then attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to study mass communication.
6. Sonia Ogiri
The actress who doubles as a musician was also born on October 1. Sonia Ogiri has featured in many movies like Okon’s Wedding, Cry with Me, among others. The actress survived a fatal accident in 2013 and is glad to be alive. Sonia is also a model.
7. KennyDee
Nigerian singer Kenny Dee, born Nwobodo Daniel Ekene was born on October 1, 1990. Kenny is not only a singer but also a songwriter, performer, entertainer, and recording artist. He started his career in music in Enugu where he worked with Flavour Nabania. He later relocated to Abuja where he joined a rap group called GG HAT, meaning, Ghetto Guys in Harmony and Advocate Thrillers.
Interestingly, popular singer and Project Fame judge, Praiz, was the official producer in his studio located in Kaduna. He later moved to Lagos in 2012 in his pursuit of greener pastures.
8. Abbey Lanre
Veterann Hollywood actor turned movie director, Abbey Lame, was also born on October 1, like Nigeria. Abbey Lame is a strong ally of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo and Yinka Quadri. He is a strong force to reckon with in the Yoruba movie industry. The easygoing thespian took to his Instagram page to celebrate his new age.
9. Abiodun Jimoh
The Yoruba actor and filmmaker, a movie producer and director, is also an October 1, celebrant just like Nigeria. Abbey Jomo as he is fondly called refers to himself as a child born on the day of three festivities. He was born on Sallah day which fell on Nigeria Independence Day and also falls on a Friday, which is a big day for Muslims.
10. Prince Abdullahi Adegoke Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi(Jm)
Prince Abdullahi Adegoke Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi (Jnr ) is Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s son from one of his younger wives, Olori Memunat. Popularly known as Independence day prince, the young royalty who bears the same name as his father turns eight as Nigeria celebrated its 60th Independence Day.