Nigerian Celebs Who’ve Moved Abroad: Ayra Starr, Banky W, Okunnu and More

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For Nigerian entertainers, moving abroad means more than just changing locations. Ayra Starr is growing her music career internationally. Banky W is focusing on education and ministry. Others have joined the military, nursing, medicine, and business.

In this third part, we look at Ayra Starr, Banky W, Okunnu, and other entertainers who relocated abroad, why they left, and what they are doing now.

If you missed the first and second parts, you can find them here and here.

Ayra Starr

One of the biggest names on the list is Mavin Records singer Sarah “Ayra Starr” Aderibigbe. She announced in November 2025 that she had moved to New York City, United States.

The singer explained that living in the city had always been her dream. She said it feels like home when she performs there, comparing it to Lagos because of its large Nigerian community.

Ayra Starr emphasized that relocating would not make her lose her Nigerian identity or culture. She remains aware of what matters to her.

The singer became popular globally with her 2022 hit “Rush.” Since moving, she has continued to release music, including “Heaven Baby”, “Treat U Right”, and “Tornado.”

Sunkanmi Omobolanle

Yoruba actor and filmmaker Sunkanmi Omobolanle also moved abroad with his family. He later announced that he had become a British citizen.

The actor, son of veteran comedian Sunday “Papi Luwe” Omobolanle, shared the citizenship news on his Instagram.

Before moving, Sunkanmi made a name for himself in the Nigerian film industry as an actor and director. His works include “Gongo Aso”, “Eti Keta”, “Alakada 2”, “Ofeefe (Mirage)”, “Kakanfo”, “Jail”, and “The Alternative.”

He married Abimbola in 2011, and they have a daughter.

Lord of Ajasa

Yoruba rapper Olusegun “Lord of Ajasa” Osaniyi was a well-known figure in Nigeria’s indigenous hip-hop before relocating to the United States. He later became a U.S. citizen.

The rapper gained recognition for delivering much of his music in Yoruba. This helped spread the appeal of indigenous-language rap among Nigerian audiences.

During his career, he worked with famous musicians like 9ice, Olamide, and the late Dagrin. He became popular with “Ma Yi Lo”, released in 2000, and went on to release other songs.

Funsho Adeolu

For veteran actor Funsho Adeolu, moving abroad was mainly about reuniting with his family. Since then, he has spoken about the challenges in the Nigerian film industry while exploring other interests.

Adeolu has also started hosting events, earning the nickname “The Dancing MC” because of his lively performances at social events.

He often shares videos of himself dancing to songs by old musicians on social media. He runs his production company, Fynest Media.

Before moving, Adeolu built a career in Nollywood, appearing in productions like “Heroes and Zeroes”, “The Antique”, “The Tribunal”, “The Perfect Arrangement”, “One Too Many”, and “Slum King.”

Yomi Gold

Actor Yomi Gold made a name in the Nigerian entertainment industry before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, he started a meat business, including selling goat meat.

He has not given a clear reason for his move. But he has talked about business challenges, including financial losses, and his desire to learn from them.

Gold acknowledged that losing money in business is tough. But he said he chose to focus on personal growth and move on instead of dwelling on past failures.

His acting credits include “My Regret”, “Arinzo and Gbeje”, and “Nurse Oyinda Dele.” More details about these titles should be confirmed before publication.

Joseph Momodu

Actor Joseph Momodu announced a new chapter in his life after moving to the United States. He joined the US Army, a goal he had long wanted to achieve.

According to his details, Momodu serves as Specialist J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

He completed his Basic Combat Training in April 2026. He dedicated his enlistment to his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force and died nearly two decades ago.

Before joining the military, Momodu appeared in films like “Coming to Nigeria” and “Play 2 Kill.” He also featured in shows like “Tinsel”, “Soul Sisters”, and “The Johnsons.” His enlistment shows a big shift from his acting career.

Banky W and Adesua Etomi-Wellington

Nigerian singer, filmmaker, and politician Olubankole “Banky W” Wellington moved to the United States with his family in 2024. At that time, he said he wanted to further his education, which was a major reason for the move.

By 2026, Banky W announced that he had taken on new responsibilities as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church, a non-denominational Christian church with several campuses in the U.S.

He also mentioned working as a teacher and leader at Union College while staying active in filmmaking, music, and business.

Banky W married actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington in 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. They have two sons, Hazaiah and Hezekiah.

Dr Sid

Nigerian singer Sidney “Dr Sid” Esiri moved to Houston, Texas, in 2023 after getting remote work with a New York-based company.

He also mentioned personal connections in Houston, including family and a close friend, as reasons for his choice.

Dr Sid began his entertainment career as a choreographer with Trybe Records in 1999. His music career took off after he released his debut album, “Turning Point”, under Mo’ Hits Records in 2009.

He married Simi Osomo in 2014, and they have two daughters. They divorced in 2020 after six years.

Boy Alinco

Actor Bayo “Boy Alinco” Bankole surprised many fans when he left the Nigerian film scene and moved to the United States.

He is best known for playing Boy Alinco in the sitcom “Papa Ajasco”. He moved to Texas for better opportunities and to get quality training to enhance his career.

He assured that living abroad hasn’t ended his acting career.

Boy Alinco also shared that he has taken on menial jobs to support his family in both the U.S. and Nigeria. He revealed that his children have joined him in America.

His experience shows the adjustments some entertainers make when they move abroad while trying to keep their careers and support their families.

Okunnu

Yoruba comic actor Wale “Okunnu” Akorede moved to Canada in September 2025 to be with his wife and children after years apart.

Before Canada, the actor lived in Saudi Arabia. He later reunited with his wife, Wumi, and their three children, Jumoke, Hassan, and Modupe, in North America.

Okunnu is known for his comedic roles in Yoruba films, appearing in productions like “Afurugbin”, “Oba Korope”, “Omoanibiire”, “Esìn”, “Ise Imole”, “Tewetegbo”, and “Alaayaki.”

While this move marked a big personal change, he has remained connected to Nollywood. His relocation also highlights the family factors that influence entertainers’ choices to settle abroad.

Frank Donga

Nigerian actor and comedian Kunle “Frank Donga” Idowu made headlines in October 2025 when a screenshot from Saskatchewan government’s website circulated. It reportedly showed him in the provincial directory.

This sparked renewed interest in his life in Canada, where he has worked as a multimedia communications specialist for the provincial government.

Before gaining fame as an actor and comedian, Donga was a journalist. He later developed an interest in photography and filmmaking.

His acting credits include “The Wedding Party” and its sequel, “The Wedding Party 2.” His career shows how entertainers can use skills gained before and during their public life to find new opportunities outside Nigeria’s film industry.

Terror D’Archangel

Actor Maurice “Terror D’Archangel” Ndubueze surprised fans when he reportedly moved to the United States and switched from acting to medicine.

Known for his roles in campus-themed Nollywood dramas, he later pursued medical training and is now a physician.

His earlier acting career included roles in “Final Hour”, “Married Women on Campus”, and “Girls’ Cot.”

Terror D’Archangel was known for his sharp dialogue and rebellious screen presence. He was a familiar face in films that attracted audiences with campus stories.

Pepenazi

Singer and songwriter Opeyemi “Pepenazi” Kayode took a different path from his earlier secular music career. He emerged as a gospel minister and preacher in 2022.

The singer has been involved in ministry work in the United Kingdom. He gained fame for songs that were popular in clubs and on the streets.

Some of his hits include “One for the Road”, “Illegal”, featuring Olamide, and “I Ain’t Gat No Time”, which inspired several remixes.

His shift from secular music to gospel ministry marked a big change in his public image. He continues his preaching work in the UK alongside his partner.

Belinda Effah

Actress Grace “Belinda Effah” Bassey surprised her fans when she announced she had joined the United States Navy.

She described the decision as personal and a tribute to her late father, a retired Nigerian naval commander. Having attended Nigerian Navy Secondary School, she said joining the Navy felt like going back to her roots.

Effah made her television debut in the 2005 series “Shallow Waters.” She later competed in the reality show “Next Movie Star”, finishing fifth without being evicted. During her acting career, she won six awards, including Most Promising Act of the Year at the ninth Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Her move to the US Navy marks a significant change from the acting career that first brought her fame.

Tunde Owokoniran

Actor Tunde Owokoniran, who some mistakenly think is the brother of fellow actor Odunlade Adekola, moved to the United States with his family in 2018.

He lives there with his wife, Tunmise, and their children. Despite living abroad, Owokoniran has kept ties with the Nigerian film industry.

He has said he remains active in acting and continues to appear in productions filmed outside Nigeria. His credits include “Family Blackmail”, “A Lie Between”, and “Oko Mi L’America.”

Joseph Benjamin

Actor and TV presenter Joseph Benjamin moved to the United States to find new opportunities beyond what he had in Nigeria.

He explained that his decision was driven by a desire to see what the world had to offer, separating his reasons from the recent wave of emigration among Nigerians.

Benjamin became known for his roles in films like “Tango with Me”, “Mr and Mrs”, and “Murder at Prime Suites.” He also co-hosted MTN’s “Project Fame West Africa,” a talent show that launched musicians like Iyanya and Chidinma.

In 2012, he received the African Actor of the Year award at the African Film Awards.

Araosan

Veteran Yoruba actor Rasaq “Araosan” Ajao moved to the United States after winning a US visa lottery. He now works as a nurse in New York at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.

Details about his current job need confirmation. Araosan began acting in 1979 and has built a career in Nigerian film and television over many years.

His credits include “Kofo the First Lady”, “Bigger Than Africa”, and “My Regret.”

Princess Chineke

Former beauty queen and actress Princess Chineke announced in 2023 that she moved to the United States for further education and to learn new skills.

A year later, she said she had joined the US Army and posted photos of herself in uniform on Instagram. She recited the soldiers’ creed and sought divine guidance for her new journey.

Before her move, Chineke appeared in various Nollywood films and TV shows, including “Rebound”, “Heroes and Zeroes”, “Ladies Cult”, “Prize of Stardom”, and “Courtesy of Vengeance.”

She was previously Miss UNIBEN and gained fame in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

Mayowa Dosu

Nigerian actress and producer Mayowa Dosu announced in 2024 that she joined the US Army, but the exact date of her move to the US isn’t clear from available accounts.

Dosu built her acting career through appearances in productions like “Fears”, “Mamami”, and “Compromise.”

Lexzy Doo

Singer Adeyemi “Lexzy Doo” Adeleke became popular in the early 2000s as part of the duo X-Appeal with Jazzman Olofin.

The duo gained fame as Nigerian pop music grew. Lexzy Doo later pursued a solo career and released hits like “Baby Ske Ske.”

Although the year he moved to the United Kingdom is not clear, he is now based in London, where he runs H.O.X. Records.

He has kept some ties with Nigeria’s entertainment industry through music releases, interviews, and performances. His projects include “Blessing” and “Skalabanduch.”

His activities in the UK and Nigeria have helped him stay linked to the music scene that helped build his career.

Kaha

Singer Emmanuel “Kaha” Nzemeke moved to the United States in 2013 and settled in Atlanta.

Though younger music fans may not know him well, Kaha was active in Nigeria’s entertainment scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

He is best known for “Heart-Robber”, a song featuring 2Baba that helped raise his profile among Nigerian listeners.

Since moving, Kaha has mixed music production and entertainment promotion through Enzee Entertainment with business ventures in car sales and real estate.

He also runs Enzee Autos, a car dealership, while keeping his interests in show business alive.