Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film industry, is undergoing a major shift in casting and promotion. Once dominated by talent and acting skills, producers now often prioritize actors with large social media followings.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube are reshaping how fans discover and interact with celebrities. For producers and directors, this translates into guaranteed attention, buzz, and potential box office or streaming revenue.
Some of Nigerian influencers and social media stars who have leveraged their online popularity to secure roles in Nollywood films are;
- KieKie (Bukunmi Adeaga‑Ilori) – From Social Media Star to Nollywood Actress
KieKie, born Bukunmi Adeaga‑Ilori, gained fame through her viral social media skits and entertaining online content. Her journey exemplifies how social media influence can open doors in Nigeria’s film industry, turning online popularity into mainstream acting success.
Notable Nollywood Roles: Mimi, A Simple Lie, Ile Owo (AMVCA‑nominated), Alakada: Bad and Boujee, Aso Ebi Diaries
2. Sydney Talker (Sydney Egere) – Instagram Skit Star Turned Nollywood Actor
Sydney Talker, born Sydney Egere, rose to fame with his expressive and humorous Instagram skits, quickly attracting a large fanbase. His online popularity caught the attention of Nollywood producers, leading to roles in mainstream films.
Notable Nollywood Role: LOUD (2020) — a musical comedy in which he played a central character
3. Josh2Funny (Josh Alfred) – Viral Comedian Turned Nollywood Star
Josh2Funny, born Josh Alfred, is one of Nigeria’s pioneering viral skit creators, famous for the #DontLeaveMeChallenge and comedic content that gained international attention.
Notable Nollywood Roles: The Ghost and the Tout, Flatmates (series), The Interview (film/series)
4. Kamo State (Akinyoola Ayoola) – From Social Media Star to Nollywood Box Office Hit
Kamo State, born Akinyoola Ayoola, is a Nigerian social media content creator who rose to fame with humorous and relatable skits, lifestyle content, and personal storytelling on platforms like Instagram.
Notable films: Behind The Scenes, Gingerrr, Ori Rebirth, Labake Olododo, War Lord
Other Social Media Stars Who Transitioned to Nollywood;
5. Layi Wasabi (Isaac Olayiwola) – From Social Media Comedian to Nollywood Actor
Layi Wasabi, born Isaac Olayiwola, is a Nigerian content creator whose comedic social media skits helped him transition into Nollywood. His online popularity provided producers with a ready-made audience, opening doors to mainstream acting roles.
Notable Nollywood Roles: Everybody Loves Jenifa, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, Adire.
6. Mr Macaroni (Debo Adedayo) – Instagram Comedy Star Turned Nollywood Actor
Mr Macaroni’s (born Debo Adedayo) journey demonstrates how viral social media content can serve as a springboard into mainstream Nollywood, turning digital fame into cinematic success.
Notable Nollywood Roles: Ayinla (2021), Ponzi (2021), Aníkúlápó (2022)
7. Obio Oluebube (Cynthia Obio Oluebube) – From Viral Skits to Nollywood Stardom
Obio Oluebube, born Cynthia Obio Oluebube, is a Nigerian comic skit creator best known for her viral series “Aunty Put Me Down.”
Notable Nollywood Roles: Boss Baby, House Pleasure, Heart of a Tiger, Engineer Veronica, Small Landlady, Crazy Hustler, Ghetto Gospel.
This shift underscores the rising importance of digital influence in shaping the modern Nigerian film industry.
