For Nigerian entertainers, relocating abroad has meant more than changing countries. While Ayra Starr continued her international music career and Banky W pursued further education and ministry, others moved into the military, medicine, nursing and business.
In this third instalment, PREMIUM TIMES profiles Ayra Starr, Banky W, Okunnu and other entertainers who relocated abroad, why they left and what they do now.
If you missed the first and second instalments, you can read them here and here.
Ayra Starr
One of the most prominent names on the list is Mavin Records singer Sarah “Ayra Starr” Aderibigbe, who announced in November 2025 that she had moved to New York City, United States.
The singer explained that living in the city had long been her ambition. She also said she felt at home whenever she performed there, comparing its atmosphere to Lagos because of its large Nigerian community.
Ayra Starr maintained that moving abroad would not make her abandon her Nigerian identity or cultural roots, stressing that she remained conscious of what mattered to her.
The singer gained international recognition with her 2022 hit “Rush.” Since relocating, she has continued to release music, including “Heaven Baby”, “Treat U Right”, and “Tornado.”
Sunkanmi Omobolanle
Yoruba actor and filmmaker Sunkanmi Omobolanle also relocated abroad with his family and subsequently announced that he had become a British citizen.
The actor, son of veteran comedian Sunday “Papi Luwe” Omobolanle, shared the citizenship announcement on his Instagram page.
Before moving abroad, Sunkanmi established himself in the Nigerian film industry as an actor and director. His credits include “Gongo Aso”, “Eti Keta”, “Alakada 2”, “Ofeefe (Mirage)”, “Kakanfo”, Jail” and “The Alternative.”
He married Abimbola in 2011, and the couple have a daughter.
Lord of Ajasa
Yoruba rapper Olusegun “Lord of Ajasa” Osaniyi was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s indigenous hip-hop scene before he relocated to the United States, where he became a U.S. citizen.
The rapper earned recognition for delivering much of his music in Yoruba, helping to expand the appeal of indigenous-language rap among Nigerian music audiences.
During his career, he collaborated with notable musicians, including 9ice, Olamide and the late Dagrin. He rose to prominence with “Ma Yi Lo”, released in 2000, and went on to release other songs.
Funsho Adeolu
For veteran actor Funsho Adeolu, relocating abroad was primarily about reuniting with his family. Since the move, he has continued to speak about challenges within the Nigerian film industry while exploring other professional interests.
Adeolu has also embraced event hosting, earning the nickname “The Dancing MC” through videos of his energetic performances at social gatherings.
He regularly shares footage of himself dancing to songs by veteran musicians on social media. He also runs his production company, Fynest Media.
Before exploring these activities abroad, Adeolu built a career in Nollywood, featuring in productions such as “Heroes and Zeroes”, “The Antique”, “The Tribunal”, “The Perfect Arrangement”, “One Too Many” and “Slum King.”
Yomi Gold
Actor Yomi Gold built a name for himself in the Nigerian entertainment industry before relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he ventured into the meat business, including selling goat meat.
The actor has not publicly established a definitive reason for his relocation. However, he has spoken about the business challenges he faced, including financial losses, and his determination to learn from them.
Gold acknowledged that losing money in business could be painful and difficult to recover from. Nevertheless, he said he chose to focus on personal growth and move forward rather than remain preoccupied with past setbacks.
His acting credits include “My Regret”, “Arinzo and Gbeje” and “Nurse Oyinda Dele”. Further titles and character details should be checked against the original film credits before publication.
Joseph Momodu
Actor Joseph Momodu announced a new chapter in his life after relocating to the United States and enlisting in the US Army, a move he described as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
According to the details he shared, 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 also dedicated his enlistment to his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force and died about two decades earlier.
Before joining the military, Momodu appeared in films such as “Coming to Nigeria” and “Play 2 Kill.” He also featured in television productions, including “Tinsel”, “Soul Sisters” and “The Johnsons.” His enlistment marks a significant departure from his established acting career.
Banky W and Adesua Etomi-Wellington
Nigerian singer, filmmaker and politician Olubankole “Banky W” Wellington relocated to the United States with his family in 2024. At the time, the entertainer said he wanted to further his education, identifying his academic ambitions as a major reason for the move.
By 2026, Banky W announced another career development, revealing that he took on responsibilities as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church, a non-denominational Christian church with multiple campuses in the United States.
He also said he worked as a teacher and leader at Union College while staying active in filmmaking, music, and entrepreneurship.
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 relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2023 after securing remote work with a New York-based company.
The singer also cited personal connections in Houston, including family members and a close friend, as factors that influenced his choice of destination.
Dr Sid began his entertainment career as a choreographer with Trybe Records in 1999. His music career gained momentum 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 stepped away from the Nigerian film scene and later moved to the United States.
The actor, best known for playing Boy Alinco in the television sitcom “Papa Ajasco”, said he moved to Texas to pursue better opportunities and get quality training to improve his professional prospects.
He maintained that living abroad had not ended his acting career.
Boy Alinco also spoke about taking on menial jobs to support his family in both the United States and Nigeria. He disclosed that his children had joined him in America.
His experience reflects the adjustments some entertainers make when they move abroad while attempting to sustain their careers and meet family responsibilities.
Okunnu
Yoruba comic actor Wale “Okunnu” Akorede moved permanently to Canada in September 2025 to reunite with his wife and children after years apart.
Before settling in Canada, the actor had lived in Saudi Arabia. He later reunited with his wife, Wumi, and their three children, Jumoke, Hassan, and Modupe, in North America.
Okunnu built a reputation for his comic performances in Yoruba films, appearing in productions such as “Afurugbin”, “Oba Korope”, “Omoanibiire”, “Esìn”, “Ise Imole”, “Tewetegbo” and “Alaayaki.”
Although the relocation marked a major personal change, he has remained associated with Nollywood. His move also highlighted the family considerations that can influence entertainers’ decisions to settle abroad.
Frank Donga
Nigerian actor and comedian Kunle “Frank Donga” Idowu attracted attention in October 2025 when a screenshot from the Saskatchewan government’s official website circulated online, reportedly identifying him in the provincial directory.
The development brought renewed attention to his life in Canada, where he has been associated with work as a multimedia communications specialist for the provincial government.
Before becoming widely recognised as an actor and comedian, Donga worked as 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 illustrates how entertainers can draw on skills acquired before and during their time in the public eye to pursue opportunities outside Nigeria’s film industry.
Terror D’Archangel
Actor Maurice “Terror D’Archangel” Ndubueze surprised fans with his reported move to the United States and transition from acting to medicine.
Known for his roles in campus-themed Nollywood dramas, the actor later pursued medical training and is now a physician.
His earlier acting career included appearances in “Final Hour”, “Married Women on Campus” and “Girls’ Cot.”
Known for his sharp dialogue and rebellious screen persona, Terror D’Archangel was a recognisable face in a genre of films that drew audiences with campus settings and youthful storylines.
Pepenazi
Singer and songwriter Opeyemi “Pepenazi” Kayode took a different direction from his earlier secular music career when he emerged as a gospel minister and preacher in 2022.
The singer, who has since been involved in ministry work in the United Kingdom, previously gained recognition for songs that gained popularity in clubs and on the streets.
Among his notable releases are “One for the Road”, “Illegal”, featuring Olamide, and “I Ain’t Gat No Time”, which inspired several remixes.
His transition from secular music to gospel ministry marked a major change in his public identity. He has continued his preaching activities in the UK alongside his partner.
Belinda Effah
Actress Grace “Belinda Effah” Bassey surprised her fans when she announced that she had joined the United States Navy.
The actress described the decision as a deeply personal one and a tribute to her late father, a retired Nigerian naval commander. Having attended Nigerian Navy Secondary School, she said joining the Navy marked a return to an environment tied to her upbringing.
Effah made her television debut in the 2005 series “Shallow Waters.” She later participated in the reality programme “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 transition to the US Navy marked a notable departure from the acting career that first brought her public recognition.
Tunde Owokoniran
Actor Tunde Owokoniran, whom some viewers have mistaken for the biological brother of fellow actor Odunlade Adekola, relocated to the United States with his family in 2018.
He lives there with his wife, Tunmise, and their children. Despite living abroad, Owokoniran has maintained links with the Nigerian film industry.
He has said that 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 television presenter Joseph Benjamin moved to the United States to explore opportunities beyond those available to him in Nigeria.
He explained that the decision was driven by a desire to experience what the wider world had to offer, distancing his personal motivation from the broader wave of emigration among Nigerians in recent years.
Benjamin gained recognition through his performances in films such as “Tango with Me”, “Mr and Mrs” and “Murder at Prime Suites.” He also became a familiar face to television audiences as a co-host of MTN’s “Project Fame West Africa”, the talent competition that helped launch the careers of musicians including 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’s now a nurse in New York, working at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
Details about his current residence and job require confirmation. Araosan began acting in 1979 and built a career in Nigerian film and television productions over several decades.
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 relocated to the United States to pursue further education and develop new skills.
A year later, she said she had joined the US Army and shared photographs of herself in uniform on Instagram. She also recited the soldiers’ creed and sought divine guidance as she began the new chapter.
Before her relocation, Chineke appeared in several Nollywood films and television productions, including “Rebound”, Heroes and Zeroes”, “Ladies Cult”, “Prize of Stardom” and “Courtesy of Vengeance.”
She was previously Miss UNIBEN and gained recognition through her work in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Mayowa Dosu
Nigerian actress and producer Mayowa Dosu announced in 2024 that she joined the US Army, although the exact date of her relocation to the country wasn’t established in the available account.
Dosu built her acting career through appearances in productions such as “Fears”, “Mamami” and “Compromise.”
Lexzy Doo
Singer Adeyemi “Lexzy Doo” Adeleke rose to prominence in the early 2000s as half of the musical duo X-Appeal, alongside Jazzman Olofin.
The pair gained recognition as Nigerian pop music expanded its audience before Lexzy Doo pursued a solo career and released hits such as “Baby Ske Ske.”
Although the exact year he moved to the United Kingdom remains unclear, he is based in London, where he also runs H.O.X. Records.
He has maintained occasional links with Nigeria’s entertainment industry through music releases, interviews and performances. His projects include “Blessing” and “Skalabanduch.”
His activities across the UK and Nigeria have helped him stay connected to the music scene that helped establish his career.
Kaha
Singer Emmanuel “Kaha” Nzemeke moved to the United States in 2013 and settled in the Atlanta area.
Although his name may be less familiar to younger music fans, Kaha was an active presence in Nigeria’s entertainment scene in the late 1990s and throughout the early and mid-2000s.
He is best known for “Heart-Robber”, a song featuring 2Baba that helped establish his profile among Nigerian music listeners.
Since relocating, Kaha has combined music production and entertainment promotion through Enzee Entertainment with business ventures in car sales and real estate.
He also operates Enzee Autos, a car dealership, while maintaining his interests in show business.
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