January 16, (THEWILL) – The year 2021 was fantastic for some entertainers who made satisfactory progress in their careers while also proving that they have the capacity to take 2022 by storm.  SHADE METIBOGUN writes on 20 entertainers who will likely keep their fans yearning for more
THE ACTORS
Lateef Adedimeji
Although Lateef Adedimeji started acting in 2013, 2021 was his year. He played lead roles in a number of movies, starting with his appearance in Ayinla, a film about late Apala music star, Ayinla Omowura. The movie placed his career on a higher pedestal and opened more doors to other blockbuster movie roles. Lateef also acted in Progressive Tailors Club, Love Castle, Breaded Life, A Naija Christmas, etc. The year ended on a positive note for him with his marriage to actress Adebimpe Oyebade. Hopefully, he will be putting his best foot forward as he begins his career as a married man in 2022.
Timini Egbuson
The early part of 2021 was a bit challenging for Timini Egbuson. He had a running battle with his then girlfriend, Lydia Balogun, who opened a can of worms after their love affair hit the rocks. Many thought this would be his undoing careerwise. Fortunately for him, he was able to live beyond the controversy and forge ahead with his career. He became the toast of producers with high budget movies. He appeared in Breaded life, Country hard, Dwindle, Superstar and Juju Story. He also got himself a Range Rover SUV. Timini was able to prove that he could hold the ice without riding on the fame and name of his older sister, actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande. All eyes are on him this year to see what he has up his sleeves.
Deyemi Okanlawon
Deyemi Okanlawon started facing the camera from an early age and honed his skills over time to become a force to reckon with in 2021 and getting roles in top-notch movies. He showed the stuff he is made of in several movies, such as Prophetess, King of Boys: The Return of the King, Swallow, Lock down, Mimi, The Carpet, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, etc. The father of two, who runs a film and production, consulting and talent management firm was named on the list of 100 Most Influential People of 2021. Fans should expect more from his stable in 2022.
Nosa Afolabi
Nosa Afolabi, better known as Lasisi Elenu, started out as a skit maker known for a wide mouthed filter for his performances posted on social media, but he has successfully built an acting career through this. Unknown to many, Lasisi is also a talented music artiste and a songwriter, who has recorded a single titled, ‘What is the matter with a stage name Nature’ to his credit. In 2021, his fame spread when he explored acting and appeared in movies such as Ghost and the Tout, Razz Guy, Banabas. Lasisi Elenu looks set to take his acting career to the next level this year.
Uzor Arukwe
Uzor Arukwe started acting in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the spotlight shone on him, despite winning several awards. Known for his ability to blend into any genre ranging from comedy to high-paced action movies, he is also a voice-over artist and MC. Uzor acted in several high grossing movies in 2021 such as Prophetess and Dwindle. He also acted in Head Over Bills, Chief Daddy 2, Progressives Tailors Club, Lost But Found, Flip Of Alice and several others. The happily married actor will definitely blow the minds of movie lovers this year with his impeccable acting skills.
Osas Ighodaro
Nigerian-American actress, Osas Ighodaro, enjoyed a robust career in 2021. she features in many movies ranging from Ghost and the Tout, King of boys: Return of the King and Bad Comments, which were all high grossing films of 2021. She also featured in Mamba’s Diamond and Keeping Promise. She was recognised in the same year by Eko Star Film and Television Award as one of the actors with Impact. She also got an endorsement deal with Throne Home. The deal came with a large parcel of land. Indeed, the mother of one had a fulfilling year, which many believe will spill over to 2022, hence her name made the list of entertainers to watch out for this year.
Nancy Isime
Actress, model and media personality, Nancy Isime is certainly one of the entertainers to watch out for in 2022.  Although she never had the intention of being an actress, she has proved that she knows her onions when it comes to acting. She has made tremendous progress and pitched her tent among top Nollywood practitioners. She featured in major movies in 2021, such as Superstar, Sore Heart, The Razz and Alejandro. She also bagged endorsement deals, which projected her as one of Nollywood favourite actresses.  The multi-talented lady also ensured her talk show, The Nancy Isime Show was the buzz by featuring top entertainers.
Sohie Alakija
Sultry Lebanese-Nigeria born actress, Sophie Alakija gained prominence after appearing in Wizkid’s video, Holla at your Boy in 2010. She further proved her acting prowess after featuring in television series Assistant Madam. Sophie has not rested on her oars since then. She appeared in a few movies last year, which placed her on a higher pedestal in her career and made her one of the entertainers, who will rule the screen in 2022. She featured in Muddled, My Village People, Dinner in my place and Gone. She was named as the Box Office breakthrough actress of 2021 by Film One Production company.
Sharon Ooja
Beautiful Sharon Ooja’s career has grown since she came into the limelight in 2013 after featuring as Shalewa on Ndani TV’s Skinny Girls in Transit. She gained more prominence in 2018 after her role in Kemi Adetigba’s King of Boys. But Oloture firmly placed her on the list of actresses to watch out for. 2021 was a great year for the actress as she featured in successful movies of the year, such as Still Falling, Bad Comments and Tough Love. She also clinched the 2021 Best Supporting Actress in the series, The Men’s Club at the Hollywood and Africa Prestigious Award.
Anthonieta Kalunta
Anthonieta Kalunta put the mandatory national youth service on hold for a year to make a debut in the movie industry and that decision paid off as she won the hearts of movie fans. Her ability to interpret her role as a young fiery central character, who endures captivity, manages to escape and selflessly returns to find her younger sister in the movie, The Milk Maid transformed her career and placed her on the list of entertainers to watch out for in 2022. She also won the Most Promising Actress of the Year at the 2021 Best of Nollywood Awards. Movie fans are eagerly waiting to see her performances this year.
THE MUSIC ARTISTES
Daniel Benson
Daniel Benson, professionally known as Buju, is a fast rising Nigerian singer, songwriter and pianist, who won the hearts of music fans in 2021 with his unforgettable tunes. He was one of the most featured music artiste in 2021. He performed at Wizkid’s concert, which was held at the O2 Arena in London. He also had his Sorry I’m late London concert and the Lagos version as well.
He was featured by Wizkid in his single, Mood; Valvin’s No Worry, King Joel’s Zombie, Zlatan Ibile’s video Alubarika and a host of others. The video of his song, Outside had 3.9 million views a few weeks ago on YouTube. Some of his hit songs include Feeling and Never Stopped. The success of Buju’s career in 2021 makes him one of the artistes to watch out for this year.
Stanley Omah Didia
Stanley Omah Didia, professionally known as Omah Lay, is a singer cum producer who emerged in 2020 with a dynamic Afro-fusion sound that draws from pop, rhythm and blues, hip-hop and high life. He is one of the fastest growing music artistes in Nigeria. 2021 was a good year for him as he performed at many shows and also headlined his own show in London and Port Harcourt. He was also among the talented music acts to thrill guests at Burna Boy’s O2 London concert. He has had the opportunity to work with other artists, such as Wizkid, Olamide and Ajebo. His song, Understand, topped the music charts and had millions of views on YouTube last year. As the Next Rated Award winner at the 2021 Headies Awards, music fans should watch out for spectacular performances and hit singles from him this year.
Lekan Osifeso
Lekan Osifeso, also known as Lojay, became a professional musician in 2016 but rose to prominence in 2021 after his collaboration project with Sarz (Osabuohien Osaaretin). He has proved that he is a force to reckon with in the Nigerian music scene with the song, LV N ATTN. The song was produced by Sarz and it had Grammy award winning artiste, Dayo Adedeji Balogun, also known as Wizkid. The project produced hit songs such as Monalisa and Tongolo. The success of his Extended Play, EP made him one of the musicians to watch out for in 2022.
Oyinkasola Sarah Aderibigbe
Born Oyinkasola Sarah Aderibigbe, Arya Starr started her career as a model before venturing into music. She released her debut single in 2019 after covering a number of popular artiste’s songs and uploading them on her Instagram account. She got the attention of Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy (Michael Collins Ajereh), who later signed her. Her single, Bloody Samaritan, made the top 50 charts a few weeks after its release. It also made it as the first solo song by a female artiste in the history of the chart to reach the number one position. Ayar Starr has been on an upward movement career since then. It would be interesting to see her rule the music world this year.
Adekunle Kosoko
Although Adekunle Kosoko otherwise known as Adekunle Gold has been doing music professionally for five years, winning hearts with his unique blend of highlife, pop and a mixture of Yoruba, English and Pidgin, 2021 was the year he entered a transition embodied in the person of AG Baby. His genre of music also switched to pop-centric. He had an impressive outing last year with hit singles such as, It is what it is, Sinner and High.
Aside from the success of his music last year, Adekunle Gold also improved on his looks, which his fans are quite impressed with. Music fans are eagerly waiting to see what he will unleash this year.
THE INFLUENCERS
Adeola Adeyemi
Beauty entrepreneur, Adeola Chizoba Adeyemi, otherwise known as Diiadem started her journey as a beauty entrepreneur when she was a teenager. She was also a video vixen before training as a make-up artist at MUD. She is the founder of Beauty by AD, a fast growing cosmetic company that produces a wide range of beauty products. For this, she was awarded Beauty Entrepreneur of the year by ELOY awards in 2021.
She is one of the brand influencers to watch out for this year as she has successfully projected the image of several fashion and beauty companies to the next level. She is a brand ambassador of Hush D Range of beauty products, Zerna and Zara fashion House, she has also worked with Payporte, Shona House of Beauty, Goodfella automobile company, and a host of others.
Maria Chike Benjamin
Big Brother Naija reality show star, Maria Chike Benjamin, may have courted controversy in 2021, following her entanglement with a married man, but she managed to remain focused and is the only housemate so far, who has bagged the most influencing deals within a short period of time. From premium eyewear brand Lunettes, to beauty company, Get Glowng, Mapia Tea, Hushd, a skincare brand, Havilah Real Estate company, cable company, DSTV etc. Maria cashed out as a brand influencer no doubt last year and her endorsements earned her a place on the list of influencers to watch out for in 2022.
Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori
Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, also known as Kie Kie, has established herself as a social media influencer of repute. A fashion stylist and enthusiast, she runs her own female fashion brand, Accost collection. She has also worked with several brands to promote their products and services and continues to grow in popularity as most top brands are willing to associate with her. All through December, Kie Kie was considered the top choice as a concert host and boy did she clean out. She was named among 100 most influential people of 2021.
Enioluwa Adeoluwa
Eniolawa Adeoluwa, also known as lip gloss boy, has become one of the most popular influencers in Nigeria. He has succeeded in advocating a good relationship while creating conversations around skincare, beauty and how men can look fabulous. Smart and creative Enioluwa is a brand influencer to notable and reputable companies, such as Gala, ASUS, Golden Morn Nigeria, Fenty skin, MTN, Samsung, Tecno and a host of others. He smiled to the bank as a result of his creativity and he is certainly one of the main beauty influencers to watch out for this year. His unique and relatable casual way of passing his messages across to fans has continued to endear brands to him.
Abike Halima Raheem
Abike Halima Raheem, otherwise known as Papaya X or Abike Arab is a fashion model, beauty therapist, vlogger and an actress. Her 2020 feature in a short movie titled  Two Way Street placed her in the league of entertainers making waves in the industry. However, she made THEWILL’s  2022 list of influencers to watch out for with the number of brands she showcased using her influence. Notable among which are consumer brands, the likes of Spedy weight loss, a weight loss brand, Weston’s place, Eat with Mimi, Shaw Exchange, Darryl homes and properties, Beautiful body, and a host of others.
2021 was indeed wonderful for the lady despite the controversies surrounding her. Many claim the brand influencer feeds on controversy and clout chasing. In July last year, ahead of the premiere of Big Brother Naija reality show, she announced on TikTok that she was one of the contestants chosen for Big Brother Naija reality show which turned out to be a lie. She also once showcased someone else’s house and called it her own, she was later called out for her action. These controversies drew more attention to her and suprisingly, further endeared brands to her. She made so much money she was able to buy herself jewelry worth N15m for her extravagant birthday which she celebrated last weekend. Fans are waiting to see what 2022 holds for the controversial influencer.
Additional report by Ivory Ukonu.
