Top distinguished Nigerian innovators, authors, actors, and musicians like Burna Boy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Davido, Wizkid, Funke Akindele have made it to the list of the 2021 Forbes Africa 100 Innovators, Inventors, and Icons.
The Forbes list is geared at celebrating notable Africans using their ideas, inventive skills, and positions towards the growth of Africa since its inception in 2011. This year is not any different as Forbes drew out ten (10) Nigerian lustrous sons and daughters putting Africa at the fore of global development and recognition.
Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category at the 2021 Grammys in March. The Grammys described the nomination of his ‘Twice as Tall’ album as “a masterclass for the vibe and hard work which made Burna Boy an international musical force.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and the first African to assume office as the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO). She was in 2020 named as the Forbes Africa’s African Person of the Year.
Davido
David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido is one of African big guns in the music industry. He was in 2020 labeled by Forbes as Afrobeats superstar. In 2008, he was named among the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in recognition of his vibrant disposition as an artist. Davido is a multiple-award winner with myriads of endorsements to his name.
Funke Akindele-Bello
Popularly called “Jenifa”, Funke Akindele-Bello is a household name in Nigerian Nollywood space. She came to limelight following her star in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know.” Jenifa’s blockbuster movie “Omo Ghetto” is the highest ranked and rated box office movie in Nigeria.
Wizkid
Ayodeji “Wizkid” Balogun is often revered as Nigeria’s brightest and biggest music star. The multi-award-winning Afrobeats music sensation won the 2021 Grammys alongside Beyoncé and Blue-Ivy Carter for their song “Brown Skin Girl.”
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Popular for her undiluted stance on feminism and impeccable disposition of literary works, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a reckon force in the world of literature. She retains her reverence as one of the most influential Africans and women in the world.
Mr Eazi
Oluwatosin “Mr Eazi” Ajibade is a Nigerian-born artist who through his music has always been giving a narrative of what it takes to grow and survive in a strange land. In 2020, he made the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, the recognition which stemmed from his resilience to having a successful music career.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
This multiple-award-winning screen diva is no doubt one of the biggest and creative actors to come out of Africa. Starring in over 200 movies, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde was listed in 2013 Time Magazine alongside Michelle Obama and Beyoncé as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Swanky Jerry
Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly called Swanky Jerry, is a celebrity fashion stylist who adorn celebrities African presidents, and first ladies with fashion styles. In 2020, he made the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list.
Genevieve Nnaji
Having enjoyed years of awesomeness as a fascinating Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji directorial debut movie “Lionheart” is the first Netflix Original from Nigeria. This movie went on to be submitted for 2020 Oscar nomination.
