These are seven Nigerian Celebrities with royal blood in them.
Crowns, thrones, expensive apparel, exotic cars, influence & power, etc. are all words associated with Royalty. Last week, the coronation of Oba Tsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, the 21st King of Itshekiri land was the talk of the town. He assumed a powerful position left by his father, adding to the successful lineage of kings in that family. The only way to enter a line of Royalty is through birth (descent) or by marrying a royalty – the most popular being royalty by birth.
People born into a royal home are expected by family and society at large to take up certain careers, live in a certain way, and interact in a specific ‘dignified’ ways. Royals are always under scrutiny from the public eye, and would be strongly advised from taking up careers found among commoners. One of such careers is the entertainment career.
However, some Nigerian celebs that were born into a royal home have defied the odds and have built a great career for themselves in the entertainment industry. In fact, many followers of these celebs don’t know about the lineage of their Favorite celebrities. Let’s take a look at some of these celebs who were born as royalties.
King Sunny Ade MFR
Veteran Nigerian singer, King Sunny Ade needs no introduction in the Nigerian entertainment space. The Juju music legend whose full name is Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye is regarded as one of the first African pop musicians to gain international success, and has been called one of the most influential musicians of all time.
He is a product of royalty as her mum and dad both comes from royal homes; He was born 22 September 1946. King Sunny Ade’s father comes from a royal home in Ondo Town and his mum from the Adesida Royal Family of Akure. His maternal grandfather was Oba Adesida I (who ruled Akure for 60 years) and his cousin was Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II.
Sunny Adé currently serves as chairperson of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria. He founded the King Sunny Ade Foundation, an organization that includes a performing arts center, a state-of-the-art recording studio, and housing for young musicians.
He is a visiting lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic. In July 2009, King Sunny Adé was inducted into the Afropop Hall of Fame, at the Brooklyn African Festival in the United States, an award he dedicated the late Michael Jackson.
Sunny Adé has received numerous awards during his career. In November 2016 he became a recipient of the AFRIMA award. In December 2016 he was inducted into Hard Rock Cafe hall of fame.
He is the first Nigerian to get a Grammy nomination – his album Synchro System(1983) and
PRINCE JIDE KOSOKO
Veteran actor, producer and director in the Nollywood industry, Prince Jide Kosoko was born in Lagos on the 12th of January, 1954, to the Kosoko royal family of Lagos Island. Prince Jide Kosoko studied business administration at the Yaba College of Technology.
The young Jide Kosoko grew up in Ebute Metta and was inspired by the huge success of the legendary Hubert Ogunde. He began his acting career as a child actor in 1964 in a television production named Makanjuola. His successful career path has seen him feature in several Nollywood movies in both English and Yoruba languages.
Prince Jide Kosoko has won numerous awards and bagged different endorsements.. Jide Kosoko is also one of the brand ambassadors for Western Lotto situated in Nigeria as well as an ambassador for popular juice production company Chivita.
RITA DOMINIC
Another legend in Nollywood who have acted over 100 movies as well as produced several, Rita Dominic needs no introduction. The beautiful actress cum director and producer is a princess by descent, having being born into the Royal Nwaturuocha family of Aboh Mbaise local government area in Imo State on July 12th, 1975. The youngest amongst her four siblings is Rita Dominic, she began performing as a child in Imo State, participating in school plays and children’s television shows.
Rita Dominic graduated from the Univeristy of Port Harcourt with BA (Honours) Degree in Theatre Arts. She is also a Human Rights advocate and famously called for the prosecution of one 28 years old Idris Ebiloma who she accused of raping a year and three months old miss Khloe in 2019, via her Instagram page.
Rita Dominic is the recipient of numerous awards – Most Outstanding Actress City People Awards (2004), Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2012), Best Actress Kalasha Film Festival and Television Awards Kenya (2010), Best Actress, Drama/TV Series Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2017), etc.
Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi
Gbemi is a multi-talented actress, serial entrepreneur and a well-known on-air personality. She is a presenter at Cool FM and The Beat FM. She’s related to Sir Olateru Olagbegi II, the then King of Owo. Gbemio was born in Lagos to the family of Banke and Yemi Olateru-Olagbegi, who are from the Olagbegi royal family of Owo, Ondo state. Gbemi is the grand-daughter of late Olowo of Owo Sir Olateru-Olagbegi II KBE.
She is married to her soul-mate, talent manager Femisoro Ajayi and they are blessed with a child.
Gbemi is a graduate of Mass Communications from Oakland University, Rochester, USA and has a MSc. in Media and Communications from Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. As a journalist, she has interviewed celebrities, politicians and dignitaries such as Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, Goodluck Jonathan, Angela Simmons, Davido, Wizkid, etc. She has starred in movies or series such as Our Best Friend’s Wedding (2017), Heaven Baby (2020) etc.
In 2009, Gbemi won the “Exquisite Lady of the Year” award for “Best female radio presenter” and in 2010, she was nominated again for “The Future Awards”. She won the City People Awards & the Nigerian Media Merit Awards in 2016 for On Air Personality of the Year.
TOLU ONIRU
Nigerian radio personality, talk show host, and presenter Tolu Oniru, popularly known as Toolz belongs to this list. Toolz was born in London on 6 July 1983; her parents are members of the powerful & flamboyant Oniru royal family of Lagos State. She has a degree in Business and Mass communication from London Metropolitan University. She is best known for hosting The Midday Show on The Beat 99.9 FM.
Tolu Oniru married Tunde Demuren, son of a former Director General of National Civil Aviation Authority, Harold Demuren . They have two children together.
Toolz has worked with MTV Europe and Walt Disney Pictures in the United Kingdom. On her talk show The Juice, She also interviews popularly African entertainers and celebrities like Yvonne Nelson, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Davido, Rita Dominic, etc. She was part of the judges at the 2011 and 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards. Toolz is also the host of X Factor West Africa and a guest judge on the just concluded Trophy Band Show.
Tolu’s hardwork hasn’t gone unnoticed as she has won numerous awards. These include Nigeria Broadcasters Awards – Radio Presenter of the Year (2010), Nigeria Broadcasters Awards – Sexiest Media Personality (2011), The Future Awards – On-Air Personality of the Year (2012), Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Media Personality of the Year (2012), etc.
ADEKUNLE GOLD
AG baby as he is called by his fans is a highlife singer, songwriter and graphic designer. His real name Is Adekunle Kosoko, while his stage name is Adekunle Gold. He has made a great name for himself in the Nigerian Music Industry since debuting in 2015.
He was born into the Kosoko royal family of Lagos State, Nigeria on the 28th of January, 1987. Adekunle Gold shot into stardom with his hit songs ‘Sade’ and ‘Orente under YBNL musical label. In fact, his 2015 hit single “Sade”, was a highlife cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life”. In the same 2015, He released his debut studio album Gold, which debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Albums chart.
Adekunle is married to music sensation and ‘Duduke’ crooner Simi in a close-knit ceremony in January 2019; they welcomed a daughter Adejare Kosoko Deja in May 2020. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Arts and Design from Lagos State Polytechnic.
He has also won numerous awards, some of which are Nigeria Entertainment Awards, Best New Act in 2015, Won Best Song and Best New Act with his song Watch Pick Up in 2016, Best African Music Artist IARA award in 2021, etc.
TILLAMAN
Adeyemi Adetona better known by his stage name Tillaman is an international recording artist. Known domestically and internationally for his sensual, melodic voice, engaging lyrics and exciting genre of R&B/Pop music, Tillaman star is one of the sons of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, Ibadan.
Tillaman’s presence demands attention. This Nigerian bred artist began cultivating his knack for musical expression at an early age. In 2001 after he moved to the UK Tillaman decided to unleash the talent in him and share his passion and gift with world.
The singer, song writer, producer and Music video director has had the honor of working with several established producers and artists such as Bouqui, JJC Skillz. He has also performed with fellow international recording artist like Lloyd Banks, Montel Jordan, MoHits allstars, Dotstar etc.