Over time, we have had talented kids who became Nigerian child stars. There are those child actors, actresses and songsters whose faces are quite familiar in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Particularly within the last two decades thereabout. Now a third wave of Nigerian child stars have joined them from across social media space.
And don’t get us wrong. Some of these Nigerian child stars are prodigies elsewhere – in sports and academics for instance. We may not be able to mention all of them here. But we will endeavor to celebrate some of the most successful Nigerian child stars till date. And we use this opportunity to encourage our Nigerian youths to continue to strive for excellence.
Benita Okojie, Adaeze Onuigbo, Mercy Kenneth, Angel Unigwe, Ada Kirikiri, Isaac Fred and more – we appreciate you all. Keep the flag flying.
Emmanuella
Emmanuella Samuel became a well-known face that regularly featured in the YouTube videos of comedian and graphics guru, Mark Angel Comedy. She hails from Imo state; but was born in July 2010 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria. Her comedy performances with Mark Angel began in 2015 at the age of 5. And as we speak, the YouTube channel has over 8.55 million followers.
Emmanuella eventually landed an acting role in one of Walt Disney’s films in 2018. And she was accorded some honor by the then Nigerian Senate president, Bukola Saraki. She also featured in Australian film ‘Survive or Die’. She made a brief foray into music by joining saxophonist Temilayo Abodunrin and Makayla Malaka to record a song titled ‘Yes O’.
Emmanuella has won a good number of awards which include:
- Top Subscribed Creator from YouTube, Sub-Saharan African YouTube Awards (1st Edition: 2016).
- Best New Comedienne & Princess of Comedy Awards, Afro-Australia Music & Movie Awards
- The G-Influence Niger Delta Special Talent Award 2018
- Favorite African Star, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award 2021
Emmanuella is currently a secondary school student at Brighton Gate Academy School, Port Harcourt.
Williams Uchemba
Abia state-born Williams Uchemba became a Nollywood child star in 2000. He became an instant success following his brilliant performance in the movie ‘The Journey of the Dead’. He has featured in several other Nollywood movies ever since.
Some of the awards won by Williams Uchemba over the years include:
- Most Promising Actor in Nigeria, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award
- Best Kid Actor, Africa Movie Academy Awards
- Most Promising Act to Watch, Best of Nollywood Awards
- Best Actor in a Comedy, City People Entertainment Awards
Right now, Williams Uchemba is married to a doctor (Brunella Oscar) and has a kid. He has been successful at making social media skits, philanthropy, and owns a film production company (Prosthesis Entertainment). Additionally, he is a real estate developer.
Regina Daniels
Nollywood actress, model and film producer, Regina Daniels was born in Asaba, Delta state in October 2000. She was introduced into Nollywood by her mother, Rita Daniels (also an actress and producer) at age seven. Since then, she has featured in several Nollywood movies.
However, her screenplay earned her jobs beyond Nollywood. For instance, ex-presidential candidate and politician, Atiku Abubakar appointed her in 2019 as his Youth Campaign Coordinator.
Regina Daniels is married to Senator and lawyer, Ned Nwoko (representing Delta North, 10th National Assembly). She was also recently appointed the Social Secretary of the 10th Assembly Senators’ Wives Forum Executive Council in July 2023.
Marylove Edwards
Tennis sensation, Marylove Edwards, (born in 2005) started playing lawn tennis at the age of four. The talented child athlete has won several international competitions even as a teenager. They include:
- Mid-Western Oil and Gas Junior Open
- Gauteng North Belgrave Sportsman’s Warehouse Tournament, South Africa
- USTA Celsius Level 6 girls’ 14 and Under tournament, USA
Marylove Edwards is now ranked Nigeria’s number 1 female lawn tennis player. Her latest win is the 45th CBN Senior National Open Tennis Women’s Singles Title in May 2023 (for the third time). This was following her victory at the 2023 VEMP Open Championships, and the DavNotch Tennis Open Championship in Abuja.
Demilade Sax
Born in November 2009, Demilade Adepegba is a child music prodigy who is particularly good with the saxophone. He hails from Ogun state. Demilade’s parents found out that he was so attracted to the sound of music right from his baby days. As súch, he grew up surrounded by musical instruments. And he continued to learn how to play instruments such as the keyboard, recorder, and eventually the saxophone.
Demilade Sax is currently into jazz, and is also a gospel saxophonist and keyboardist. He is still a student.
Ikorodu Bois
The Ikorodu Bois were originally a team of young Instagram skitmakers – blood brothers who hail from Ikorodu, Lagos (where they also live). The group comprises Babatunde, Malik and Muiz Sanni; and a cousin, Fawaz Aina. A female relative recently joined them.
They have become an international favorite and massive success following their skits done to imitate celebrity actors and musicians, both in Nigeria and internationally. Some blockbuster Hollywood movies, trailers and music videos are included. One notable skit was done to imitate the actors in the movie ‘Extraction 2’ where famous actor, Chris Hemsworth was a main character.
The group started out in 2017 with their skitmaking, using everyday objects as costumes and instruments to mimic actors, actresses and musicians. They imitated Hollywood A-list actors so well that the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Will Smith openly acknowledged and promoted their videos.
The three youngest ones are pupils attending Conic College, Ikorodu Lagos,
