60 most powerful Nigerian actors on Instagram. Part 3 (41-60)
Acting stands as a highly celebrated aspect of the global entertainment industry, and Africa is no exception.
Nigeria, renowned as the continent's country with the largest population, is home to abundant skilled performers in Nollywood.
Nollywood is the Nigerian film industry nickname, a term combining "Nigeria" and "Hollywood". It emerged in the early 2000s and has grown to become one of the largest film industries in the world, producing a vast number of movies annually.
While actors often boast an array of awards and accolades, the narrative on social media can sometimes diverge.
With the help of Hypeauditor -an AI-powered influencer marketing platform- Global South World has created a list of the 60 most influential actors in Nigeria on Instagram. This list is based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS) which ranges from 1 to 100 and is based on engagement rate, audience quality, follower and following growth, and engagement authenticity. For more details about our methodology, check the bottom of the article.
In this first segment of a three-part series, we reveal our top 60-41.
60. Brain Jotter
Brain Jotter, whose real name is Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, is a popular Nigerian comedian and content creator known for his unique comedic style and skits.
He has gained a massive following on social media platforms, especially through his hilarious comedy sketches that often feature him wearing a green shirt and delivering lines with a nonchalant attitude.
Brain Jotter's content is appreciated for its humour and relatability, making him one of the influential figures in the Nigerian comedy scene. In addition to his skits, Brain Jotter has also participated in films such as "My Madam" and "Accidental King".
Check out his Instagram profile.
59. Rachael Okonkwo
Rachael Okonkwo is a Nigerian actress and entertainer.
She began her career in acting in 2008 and has since appeared in numerous films, including "Anger of a Wonder Girl," "Shadow Parties" and "Head Over Bills".
Her performances have over the years earned her nominations for awards such as the City People Entertainment Awards and Karis Media Awards.
Check out her Instagram profile.
58. Jim Iyke
Born James Ikechukwu Esomugha, Jim Iyke is one of the biggest stars of Nollywood.
He began his acting career in 1998 and has since become one of the highest-paid actors in the industry, with appearances in over 150 films. He's widely known for his role in movies as "Last Flight to Abuja," "Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons" and "Merry Men 2: Another Mission".
He's also ventured into music and business. He started a movie production company, Untamed Productions, and also has a music record label, Untamed Records.
Check out his Instagram profile.
57. Maryam Yahaya
Maryam Yahaya is a talented actress in the Kannywood industry, the Hausa-language film sector of Nigeria.
Maryam has been active since 2016 and gained fame for her role in "Mansoor," a film directed by Ali Nuhu. She was nominated for Best Promising Actress by the City People Entertainment Awards in 2017 and for Best Actress in 2018.
Her filmography includes "Mujadala", "Hafeez" and "Sarki Goma Zamani Goma".
Check out her Instagram profile.
56. Ebube Nwagbo
Ebube Nwagbo is a prolific actress and a businesswoman with interests in modelling, entrepreneurship, and investing. She is known for her roles in Nollywood since her debut in 2003.
Her projects include notable works such as "The Pain," "Your Storm," "It Looks Like Love" and "Violet" among others.
Check out her Instagram profile.
55. Adeniyi Johnson
Adeniyi Johnson is a well-known Nigerian actor and filmmaker, celebrated for his work in the Nollywood industry, particularly in Yoruba-language films.
He began his career with a role in the popular Mnet TV series "Tinsel" but later moved to the Yoruba section of Nollywood, where he has become one of the highest-paid actors of his age.
His notable movies include "Voiceless Scream," "Ada Omo Daddy" and "Gold Statue" among others.
Check out his Instagram profile.
54. Veeiye
Veeiye is a British-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actor. She gained prominence as a contestant on "Big Brother Naija" Lockdown edition in 2020, where she finished as the 4th runner-up.
Known for her soulful voice and vibrant personality, Vee has also carved a niche for herself in the music industry.
Beyond music, Veeiye has appeared alongside notable Nollywood stars in "She Must Be Obeyed," "Ègún" and "Hidden Figure".
Check out her Instagram profile.
53. Ayo Ajewole
Ayo Ajewole, also known as Woli Agba, is a Nigerian comedian, gospel singer, and actor.
He is well-known for his comic skits on Instagram and other social media platforms. His content often includes religious themes and he's popular for portraying a comical clergyman character.
He has a significant following on his YouTube channel "AyoAjewole Woliagba-YPM" where he shares various comedy skits and performances.
He has also appeared in movies like "Patrick Syndrome" and "Singles In Trouble".
Check out his Instagram profile here.
52. Chinedu Ikedieze
Chinedu Ikedieze is renowned for his roles in numerous Nollywood movies.
He gained fame for his role alongside Osita Iheme in the movie "Aki na Ukwa". His on-screen chemistry with the Nigerian actor, often referred to as "Aki and Pawpaw," delighted audiences and contributed significantly to his popularity over the years. He has been featured in more than 150 films since then, like “Lara and the Beat,” “Colours of Emotion” and “Criminal Law”.
He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2007.
Check out his Instagram profile.
51. Layi Wasabi
Layi Wasabi, a talented Nigerian comedian and actor, has gained recognition for his unique style of comedy, often portraying a comical lawyer in his skits. His content is known for being funny, engaging, and reflecting everyday happenings in a humorous light.
Layi Wasabi's journey in comedy began in 2015, and though he faced a rough start, his perseverance paid off when his videos went viral online. In 2024, he was honoured with the award for Best Content Creator at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.
He has also made a successful foray into Nollywood, with acting credits in films such as "Aníkúlápó" and "Adire," the latter of which was a box office success, taking in ₦31 million (USD20,591).
Check out his Instagram profile.
50. Odunlade Adekola
Odunlade Adekola is an actor, filmmaker, producer, and director. His acting career began in 1996 and he rose to fame with his lead role in the 2003 movie "Asiri Gomina Wa".
Since then, he has starred in, produced, and directed a multitude of films, earning him widespread acclaim and several awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor of the Year.
Notable movies of Odunlade Adekola include "The Vendor," "Jankariwo" and "Orisa".
Check out his Instagram profile.
49. Mike Godson
Since his acting debut in 2009, Mike Godson has appeared in over 100 films, working alongside notable actors such as Pete Edochie, Clem Ohameze, Kenneth Okonkwo, Van Vicker and John Dumelo.
His breakthrough role came with the movie "7 Books of Moses" in 2015, which garnered him significant attention. In 2018, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
In addition to his acting career, Godson is also an entrepreneur, running an agro-processing and commodity trading company.
Check out his Instagram profile.
48. Juliana Olayode
Juliana Olayode, also known as Toyo Baby, is an actress, author, and motivational speaker.
She gained prominence for her role as Toyosi in the popular television series "Jenifa's Diary" in 2015.
In addition to her acting career, she has authored an autobiography titled "Rebirth: From Grass to Grace," where she shares personal experiences, including her journey to fame.
Her film collection includes "The Bride Price," "Patrick Syndrome" and "The Cokers".
Check out her Instagram profile.
47. Stephanie Okereke Linus
With a career that began in her teenage years, Stephanie Linus has become a prominent figure in Nollywood and has received numerous awards and nominations for her work.
She has starred in over 90 movies, and her directorial debut, "Through the Glass," received an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay in 2009. Her 2014 film "Dry" won several awards, including the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
In addition to her film career, Linus is also the executive director of Extended Hands Foundation, an NGO focused on treating girls and women with obstetric fistula.
Check out her Instagram profile.
46. Kehinde Bankole
Kehinde Bankole is a talented Nigerian actress, model, and television host. Born on March 27, 1985, she gained widespread recognition for her role in the popular Nigerian TV series "Super Story: Everything It Takes" and has since starred in numerous films and television shows, including "October 1", "Sista" and "Blood Sisters".
She first made her entertainment debut in the Miss Commonwealth Nigeria pageant in 2003 and later participated in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant in 2004.
Check out her Instagram profile.
45. Romeo Horsfall
Romeo Horsfall, also known as Romeo WJ (Romeo Without Juliet), is a Nigerian comedian, social media personality, and musical artist. His full name is Adokiye Fubara David-West Horsfall.
He gained popularity through his comedic skits and has become a notable figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry. As an actor, Romeo starred in "Wiper" in 2020 and has also been featured in a soon-to-be-released cinematic piece "A Ghetto Love Story".
He is known for his dedication to his craft and has worked with prominent figures in the industry, including movie producer Ayodeji Richard Makun (A.Y) and actress Toyin Abraham.
He is also recognised for his annual show, the Aboli Festival, and his ambition to make a mark in both Nollywood and Hollywood.
Check out his Instagram profile.
44. Osita Iheme
Osita Iheme is a celebrated Nigerian actor, comedian, and producer, best known for his role as "Pawpaw" in the hit film "Aki na Ukwa" alongside Chinedu Ikedieze.
Over the years, he has starred in numerous films, including "2 Rats," "Baby Police," and "The Mirror Boy". His performances have earned him several awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2007.
Check his Instagram profile here.
43. Banky W
Banky Wellington, also known as Banky W, is a multitalented Nigerian artist who has made significant strides in the entertainment industry as an actor, singer, and producer.
As an actor, Banky W is best known for his role as Dozie Onwuka in the popular Nigerian film "The Wedding Party" and its sequel "The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai". He has also appeared in other films such as "Up North" and "Sugar Rush".
Banky W also embarked on a political career.
Check out his Instagram profile here.
42. Toyin Abraham
Toyin Abraham began her acting career in 2003 and has since become one of the leading figures in Nollywood. As a filmmaker, director and actor, she has starred in numerous films, including "Elevator Baby," "Hakkunde" and "Ijakumo".
Her talent and dedication have earned her several awards and nominations, including the Best Actress in a Drama award at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). Toyin is also known for her comedic roles and has a significant following due to her relatable on-screen presence.
Check out her Instagram profile.
41. Prince Nelson Enwerem
Prince Nelson Enwerem, known as Prince, is a Nigerian actor, model, and television host.
He gained widespread recognition after winning the Mr. Nigeria title in 2018 and representing Nigeria at the Mister World 2019 pageant, where he placed in the top 26.
Prince's acting career includes roles in films such as "Head Over Bills," where he played the character Leo, and "Man Of God" where he portrayed a pastor.
In addition to his acting and modelling career, Prince is known for his participation in the fifth season of "Big Brother Naija", where he finished in ninth place.
Check out his Instagram profile.
Discover the second part of the list (numbers 21-40) on July 21 .
This list was created with the help of Hypeauditor and is based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS). In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to establish the order. The keywords used in our search were 'actors' and 'actress' in Nigeria. We focused on personalities with more than one million followers and who have been featured in at least one movie.
