What is the thing that is common to music superstar, Davido, superstar social critic, Falz and Naeto C? Music? Yes, but what again? Pedigree, wealth and solid’ connections’ within Nigeria’s economic and political circles!
Grass-to-grace stories are quite common and popular because many people believe those who are at the top started with nothing and got extraordinarily lucky.
Yes. And of course, many of our style, music and sports celebs were also born into great wealth or into families with super ‘connections’.
However, while it is true that there are people whose rise to the top were facilitated by the wealth and ‘connections’ of their parents or families, some of these celebs also had to work as hard as the rest of us. Some even work harder.
We are taking a look at some of the stars who come from rich and famous families. The roll call:
DJ Cuppy
The female disc jockey star is the daughter of the oil business magnate and philanthropist Femi Otedola and his equally popular wife, Nana. Her late grandfather, Sir Michael Otedola, was a politician and the former Governor of Lagos State. Although Cuppy’s music has only enjoyed mixed reviews, she’s got her fans and can be described as one of Nigeria’s rising DJs and musicians.
Clarence Peters
Cinematographer, filmmaker, music and video director, Clarence Peters, is the founder and CEO of Capital Dream Pictures. Clarence Peters grew up in the entertainment industry. Dad Shina Peters is a popular Nigerian musician and the creator of Afro-Juju music, while the mom is the famous Nollywood veteran actress, Clarion Chukwura.
Davido
The pop star’s story has a familiar ring. We all know that he grew up in a well loaded familly. The Omo-Baba-Olowo crooner is the son of Adedeji Adeleke, who is the founder and president of Adeleke University and CEO of Pacific Holdings Limited.
Charlie Boy
Charlie Boy, popularly known as Area Fada, is the son of late former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. He was meant to be a priest but left the seminary after a year. He was sent off to the United States of America to study Law just like his father had done but he ended up with a degree in Communications and later delved into showbiz.
Naeto C.
Hip pop star Naeto C’s mother, Kema Chikwe, is a former Minister of Aviation and she currently holds the position of National Woman Leader of the main opposition party, PDP.
Falz
Falz was born to renowned lawyers Femi and Funmi Falana. His father Femi Falana(SAN)is a human rights activist and lawyer. Falz followed in his parent’s footsteps having graduated with an LLB honors degree in Law from the University of Reading England but veered into entertainment after a short time of practice.
Lynxx
‘Fine lady’ crooner Chukie Edozien, Nigerian rapper whose stage name is Lynxx, doesn’t need a day job but it turns out that he can live outside his father’s shadow. Lynxx’s father is Chief John Edozien, is first deputy governor of Old Delta State. A corporate tycoon, he’s the chairman of a number of Nigeria companies, including Jenkyns Consults Nigeria Limited and Mercedes Benz Automobile Service Limited. He has also served as director of Linkage Assurance Plc and Diamond Bank Plc.
Kunle Afolayan
Kunle Afolayan’s late father, Adeyemi Afolaya, popularly known as Ade Love, was a Nigerian film actor, director and producer. He was one of Nigeria’s greatest cinematographers. Kunle, who stepped in into his father’s big shoes after some years in banking, is one of Nigeria’s most successful movie gurus. He also stages exhibitions and educational projects for various governments, businesses and political figures.
Shina Peller
The CEO of Aquila Group of Companies and owner of upscale night club-Quilox Shina Peller, is one of the sons of Nigeria’s most famous magician, perhaps one of Africa’s most renowned magicians, the late Professor Peller.
