As 2026 kicks off, several Nigerian actors, musicians, and creatives are set to make waves in entertainment. While some names are already familiar, others are emerging talents destined to leave a mark across film, music, and streaming platforms.

Fola (Folarin Odunlami) – A breakout star of 2025, Fola gained national attention with his album Catharsis, earning tens of millions of streams on Spotify. Singles like You and Lost (featuring Kizz Daniel) solidified his place among Nigeria’s top emerging artists.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – The veteran actress turned director premiered her first film at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025. In 2026, she will continue creating both in front of and behind the camera.

Zaylevelten (Chisom Lucky Okoro) – Known for rap and Afro-fusion, he produces his own music under the name Tenski, blending street energy and experimental sounds.

Bimbo Ademoye – A consistently strong performer, Ademoye continues to master her craft in storytelling and is one of the actresses to watch in 2026.

Fido (Josiah Olayemi Awosika) – Following a successful 2025, Fido aims to build on his musical achievements this year.

Genoveva Umeh – Rising from her role in Blood Sisters, Umeh has gained traction with strong performances and is expected to feature prominently in 2026.

Sewà (Adesewa Rebecca Ojedele) – The Afro-soul singer blends R&B, jazz, and pop, with her debut album Detox positioning her as a bold voice to watch.

Mike Afolarin – A film actor who consistently appears in top Nollywood projects, Afolarin is set for another big year.

Uzoamaka Onuoha – Known for Origin: Madam Koikoi and other projects, Onuoha is rapidly cementing her place in Nollywood.

Syntax, The Creator (Wisdom Omotoso Adeoluwa) – A self-taught producer, pianist, and songwriter, Syntax blends introspective and celebratory sounds, building on his successful EPs Room 203 and Rvivi.

Martha Ehinome – After a standout 2025, Ehinome’s performances in films like Gone and I Am Anis signal a promising 2026.

Kunmie (Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter) – Viral hitmaker of Arike, Kunmie continues to rise with soulful vocals and his debut EP Before We Became Strangers.

Sandra Okunzuwa – A trained lawyer turned actress and producer, Okunzuwa is steadily gaining recognition for taking on challenging film roles.

Across music, film, and streaming, these rising stars and established talents are shaping Nigeria’s entertainment landscape for 2026.