Whatever the reason, it’s always interesting to take a look back at some of the celebrities who once stole the spotlight and see where they are today. These celebrities represent just a fraction of the many stars who have reached the peak of their fame only to eventually disappear from public view.
While some have managed to make a comeback, others have chosen to stay out of the spotlight altogether. Regardless of their current status, their contributions to the entertainment industry will not soon be forgotten.
Here are four Nigerian celebrities who used to be famous:
1) Strange MC
Weird MC, born Adesola Adesimbo Idowu, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter known for infusing Afrobeat into her music and her mix of English and Yoruba lyrics.
Her musical journey began in 1992 and she released her first album Simply Weird in 1996. Her second album After Da Storm featured the popular single Ijoya.
She has received several awards including the Channel O Music Video Award for Best Special Effect and the AMEN Award for Best Hip-Hop Album. Weird MC also participated in Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010, becoming the last woman standing.
Her music career seemed to have stalled in recent years, but in an interview with Premium Times, she revealed that taking a break from music was a conscious decision to regroup her priorities and reflect on her life.
She believes that music will always be the foundation of her career, but she is also interested in working behind the scenes in the music, film and book industries.
In her time away from music, she picked up new skills, including becoming a Scrum Master, which she believes can create dynamic changes in the industry.
2) Slime Fryo
Born Friday Igwe, he is an experienced Nigerian singer-songwriter from Ajegunle, Lagos. He rose to fame in the late 1990s with his hit song “Dem go dey pose,” which was written in Nigerian pidgin and accompanied by a dance style called Galala, co-invented by Baba Fryo himself.
Aside from being a musician, Baba Fryo is also a social activist who believes in using his music to speak out on social issues affecting Nigeria.
He has described his music as Afro-Reggae Beats, a fusion of Afrobeats and Reggae music inspired by the legend Bob Marley And Fela Anikulapal-Kutiboth known for their music of liberation and activism.
Baba Fryo’s musical ability made him a household name in Nigeria in the ’90s and he was fondly remembered for his eye patch which added to his personality. His music was loved by young and old, and his hit song “Dem go dey pose” became a cultural phenomenon at the time.
After being away from the music scene for over two decades, Baba Fryo made a comeback in 2021 with the release of his new single “Dey Your Dey”, followed by another single titled “Show Love”.
Baba Fryo’s legacy lives on and he remains a source of inspiration for many young Nigerian musicians aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
3) Papa fresh
Daddy Fresh, born Innocent Michael, is an experienced Nigerian reggae singer who rose to fame in the mid-1980s.
He began his professional career in the music industry in the mid-1980s as a founding member, leader, lead singer and songwriter of the group “Sexy Pretty Boys” along with other popular musicians such as Daddy Showkey and Baba Fryo.
After years of inactivity in the music industry, Daddy Fresh made a comeback with a song called “Erora.” The lyrics focused on politicians’ insensitive attitude towards the socio-economic plight of the masses and urged them to take it easy.
He listed the various areas where politicians had failed the people and called for a change in their approach. Daddy Fresh’s music is a classic and while he is no longer in the limelight, his contributions to Nigerian music cannot be overlooked.
Honorable Mention: African China
African China, born Chinagorom Onuoha, is a Nigerian reggae artist who rose to fame in the early 2000s. His name stands for “African Children Have Ideas Natural for African”, reflecting his passion for promoting African culture and ideas through music.
African China began his professional career in 1999 and has released two albums, Crisis and Mr President, both dealing with social and political issues in Nigeria. He was well known for his hits “No Condition Is Permanent” and “If You Love Somebody,” which garnered widespread acceptance.
His music often dealt with the struggles and challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, and his lyrics resonated with audiences across the country. He was seen as a voice for the voiceless, and his music has often been described as socially conscious and politically charged.
Although African China’s fame has waned in recent years, its contributions to Nigerian music and culture would remain significant.
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