July is a special month in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar. It is the birth month of some of the country’s biggest music stars, award-winning actors, comedians, gospel ministers and internationally celebrated entertainers who have shaped African pop culture
From Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstars to Nollywood legends and social media sensations, these July-born celebrities have left an unforgettable mark on the entertainment industry both at home and abroad
Whether through music, film, comedy or fashion, these stars continue to inspire millions of fans across the world
Below are some of the most prominent Nigerian celebrities born in July
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy’s date of birth – July 2, 1991
No list of July-born Nigerian celebrities is complete without Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy
Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Burna Boy rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing Like to Party. Since then, he has evolved into one of Africa’s biggest musical exports
His unique fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and Afro-fusion has earned him global recognition
His 2020 album Twice As Tall won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, making him one of the few Nigerian artists to win the prestigious award
Over the years, Burna Boy has sold out iconic venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, London Stadium and Paris La Défense Arena
Some of his biggest songs include: Last Last, Ye, Anybody, Gbona, City Boys, On the Low, Common Person
Naija News reports that beyond music, Burna Boy has become one of Africa’s most influential entertainers and cultural ambassadors
2. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
RMD date of birth: July 6, 1961
Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is regarded as one of the greatest actors in Nollywood history
Born in Delta State, RMD began his career as a journalist before moving into acting and later politics
He became one of Nollywood’s leading men during the 1990s and has remained relevant for over three decades
Apart from acting, he served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State
His impressive filmography includes: Out of Bounds, Diamond Ring, The Wedding Party, Castle & Castle, and Shanty Town
Today, RMD remains one of Nigeria’s most respected actors and filmmakers
3. Olu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs’ date of birth: July 11, 1942
Veteran actor Olu Jacobs is one of the founding fathers of modern Nollywood
Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions
He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the country’s finest actors
For over four decades, Jacobs has appeared in hundreds of films and television productions, earning numerous lifetime achievement awards
He is married to legendary actress Joke Silva, making them one of Nollywood’s most celebrated couples
4. Rita Dominic
Rita Dominic’s date of birth: July 12, 1975
Award-winning actress Rita Dominic is one of the most decorated actresses in Africa
Born into the royal Nwaturuocha family of Aboh Mbaise in Imo State, she began acting as a child before becoming one of Nollywood’s biggest stars
Her versatility has earned her several Africa Movie Academy Awards, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and international recognitions
Some notable films include: The Meeting, 76, La Femme Anjola, Iyore, Light in the Dark
In addition to acting, she is also a film producer and entrepreneur
5. Wizkid
Wizkid’s date of birth: July 16, 1990
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, is one of Africa’s biggest music stars
Naija News reports that the Lagos-born singer gained nationwide fame after releasing Holla at Your Boy under Empire Mates Entertainment
His career has since reached extraordinary heights
His collaboration with Drake on One Dance became a global number-one hit, while Essence featuring Tems became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10
In 2021, Wizkid won a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl
His biggest songs include: Ojuelegba, Essence, Joro, Fever, Come Closer, and Piece of My Heart
Today, Wizkid remains one of the biggest names in global Afrobeats
6. Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw’s date of birth: July 19, 1971
Kate Henshaw is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished actresses. She began acting in the early 1990s and has featured in over 200 films
Beyond acting, she is a television personality, fitness enthusiast and social advocate
Known for her discipline and youthful appearance, Kate continues to inspire millions of Nigerians
Some of her notable films include: Stronger Than Pain, Broken Tears, The Meeting, and Chief Daddy
7. Mr Eazi
Date of birth: July 19, 1991
Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, pioneered the Banku music genre, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions
Born in Port Harcourt, he studied in Ghana before launching his music career
Some of his biggest songs include: Leg Over, Pour Me Water, Skin Tight, Property and Hollup
Beyond music, Mr Eazi is a successful entrepreneur and founder of emPawa Africa, a talent incubation platform that has supported emerging African musicians
8. Frank Edwards
Frank Edwards’ date of birth: July 22, 1989
Frank Edwards is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel musicians
A singer, songwriter, pianist and producer, he rose to prominence through inspirational worship songs
Over the years, he has released numerous successful albums and collaborated with internationally renowned gospel artists
Popular songs include: You Too Dey Bless Me, Under the Canopy, Mma Mma, Oghene Doh
He is also the founder of Rocktown Records
9. Emmanuella Samuel
Emmanuella’s date of birth: July 22, 2005
Emmanuella Samuel became one of Africa’s youngest comedy sensations after appearing in the Mark Angel Comedy series
She gained international attention with viral comedy skits that amassed millions of views on YouTube and social media
Despite starting as a child comedian, Emmanuella has evolved into an actress, content creator and influencer with fans across Africa and beyond
She has received several awards, including recognition from Nickelodeon and other international organisations
10. Jacob Banks
Date of birth: July 24, 1991
Born in Lagos before relocating to the United Kingdom, Jacob Banks is an internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter
Known for his powerful baritone voice and soulful style, Banks has built a loyal global audience
His music blends soul, R&B, alternative and gospel influences
Popular projects include: Village, Chainsmoking, Mercy, and Unknown (To You)
He has performed at major music festivals around the world and collaborated with several international artists
11. Johnny Drille
Johnny Drille’s date of birth: July 5, 1990
Johnny Drille has become one of Nigeria’s most distinctive singer-songwriters
Signed to Mavin Records, he is known for his soulful voice, acoustic sound and heartfelt songwriting
Before his breakthrough, he gained national attention after competing in Project Fame West Africa
Some of his biggest songs include: Wait for Me, How Are You (My Friend), Believe Me, Romeo & Juliet and Count on You
His emotionally rich music has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim
A Month of Nigerian Entertainment Icons
Naija News observes that July has produced an extraordinary collection of Nigerian entertainers whose influence extends far beyond the country’s borders
From Grammy winners like Burna Boy and Wizkid to Nollywood legends such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Olu Jacobs and Rita Dominic, the month is home to some of the biggest names in African entertainment
It also celebrates gospel excellence through Frank Edwards, comedy through Emmanuella, soulful music through Johnny Drille and Jacob Banks, and entrepreneurial success through Mr Eazi
Together, these July-born stars continue to shape Nigeria’s creative industry, promote African culture globally and inspire the next generation of entertainers
