- Music and filmmaking often share similarities being a creative medium of expression
- Over the years, musicians have crossed to acting and vice versa but not all succeed in their switch
- TheRadar spotlights six musicians who have appeared in Nollywood movies with stellar performances
It is not every day fans get to see popular musicians they admire try something different from their core music and still shine —especially in acting.
The similarities that exist between films and music, sometimes make it easier to switch between them but it is not always a bed of roses. Some artistes have tried acting but it never came close to what fans expected yet they command outstanding stage performances.
Acting takes a great deal because it is the actors that breathe life into a written script, characters and story world. As famous actor Sanford Meisner said, Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.
However, while acting may involve imagination and performance, the essence at its core depends greatly on the actor delivering and embodying his role —the relationship between the actor and his craft.
6 Nigerian musicians who impressed as actors
TheRadar, here, spotlights Nigerian musicians who have had appearances in Nollywood movies and effortlessly killed their roles.
1. Chike - as Ify in Gang of Lagos
Chike Osebuka is a professional singer but he has appeared in Nollywood movies to explore his versatility as a creative. The musician got into the limelight after coming second in season one of Project Fame West Africa's singing competition. However, his performances in The Voice Nigeria set him on a top spot and garnered his dedicated fans. Outside his music, Chike wore the character of Ify in Gangs of Lagos in the Nollywood film directed by Jade Osiberu in 2023. His performance despite not being the lead character made him one of the most memorable characters. His epic death scene as an only son, an aspiring singer and the heartbreak it caused his mother, played by Chioma Chukwukah, was emotional.
2. Simi - as Simi in Mokalik
In 2019, the popular Nollywood director, Kunle Afolayan cast Simisola Kosoko in his film Mokalik. The film title is a Yoruba pronunciation for mechanic and follows the story of a young boy, Ponmile, who was enrolled into a mechanic workshop to learn apprenticeship. The goal was for the boy to learn from the lowly side of life despite his father’s wealth. Fans saw Simi take an acting role different from usual singing and stage performances.
3. Banky W - as Dozie in The Wedding Party
Olubankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W is a notable singer and rapper but has featured in multiple Nollywood movies. The most notable is The Wedding Party directed by Kemi Adetiba in 2017. The plot says Dozie is getting married to his fiancee. As their big day arrives, the couple’s lavish party turns into a nightmare from exes to fighting parents and uninvited guests. Banky W outdid himself to kill his role in the blockbuster movie.
4. Falz - as Wale in Brotherhood
Falz born Folarin Falana captured fans' hearts and Nigerians with his unique rap style that is usually comedic and relatable. He has acted in a couple of Nollywood films and to prove his remarkable performance he is a recipient of the Africa Magic Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best Actor in a Comedy Movie or Series. Playing Wale in Jade Oshiberu’s Brotherhood, Falz once again showcased his acting prowess as a policeman and brother to a rebel, an armed robber.
5. Waje - as Xcite in She Must Be Obeyed
Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje, is a professional singer and vocalist. She made her debut in Funke Akindele’s drama series, She Must Be Obeyed as Xcite. Imitating a character who is also a singer, she killed her role with the right body language and dialogue expected. The storyline revolved around the unspoken crucial issues in the music industry and exposed the harsh realities of bullying to many other themes.
6. Reminisce - as Makanaki in King of Boys
In 2018, Kemi Adetiba released her film King of Boys which captured Nigerian rapper Remilekun Safaru, Reminisce as a lead villain. The role which was Reminisce's debut appearance saw him as Makanaki, a notorious mobster. His role was well-received by fans and critics who were wowed by his remarkable performance.
7 Nollywood iconic screen divas who look younger than their age
Earlier, TheRadar compiled seven iconic actresses who seem to always appear younger despite the advancement in their ages.
Most of them are legends in their own right and have seen generations. They are either in their forties or fifties but in reality, one can bet they look way younger than their age.
