Celebrity Bios
Ayra Starr: Meet the Celestial Being
Ayra Starr is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Her real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe. She rose to fame in 2021 with her hit single “Away”.
Early Life and Education:
Ayra Starr was born to Nigerian parents in Cotonou, Benin Republic. She spent her early years in the Benin Republic before moving to Lagos, Nigeria. She developed a passion for music at a young age and was influenced by artists like Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, 2face Idibia and Tiwa Savage. Ayra Starr attended Les Cours Sonou University in Cotonou, where she studied and bagged a BA in International Relations and Political Science.
Career:
Ayra Starr first began her career in 2018, she got signed by Quove models, a modelling agency based in Lagos. She modelled for Esperanza Woman, Mazelle Studios and complete Magazine etc.
However, Ayra began her music career in 2019, posting covers on social media platforms. After the release of her original song “Damage” on Instagram, she got recognized by the Mavin boss –Don Jazzy which led to her first record label contract with Mavin Records in January 2020. She gained more recognition after releasing her debut extended play “Away” in January 2021 under Mavin Records. Shortly after its release, The EP ranked first on Nigeria’s iTunes and Apple Music amassing over 16 million streams on Spotify, Audio Mack and YouTube. The EP also peaked number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable top 50 and number 17 at US Billboard Top Triller Global which brought her widespread attention and acclaim which paved the way for her full-length album “19 & dangerous” released on 6th August, 2021 with “Bloody Samaritan” as the lead track. The lead lone single reached the number one spot at TurnTable top 50 on 27 September, 2021, making Ayra the first female artist to do so with a solo single. She has since released several successful singles, including “Sare” and “Rush”. “Rush” performed so well that it became the most streamed song by a female artist on Spotify. This further gave her the recognition as she first youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video.
In February 2024, she released her single titled “Commas” and later released her sophomore album titled “The year I turned 21” in May 2024.
Ayra Starr became the brand ambassador of Pepsi in September 2021.
Personal Life:
Ayra Starr is currently single and focused on her music career. She is known for her energetic live performances and has opened for notable artists like Wizkid.
Awards and Achievements:
-Won Breakout artist of the year female at Net honours awards in 2021.
-Won headiest viewer’s choice awards in 2022 with her lone single “bloody Samaritan”.
– Amassed over 100 million views on her “Rush” music video on YouTube.
-Nominated for Grammy awards in 2024 under her single “Rush”.
Ayra Starr’s rise to fame is a testament to her talent and dedication. With her unique sound and captivating stage presence, she is set to become a leading figure in the Nigerian music industry.
Read also: What you should know about the music Icon -Davido
Uche Pedro, is a Nigerian entrepreneur, blogger, and social media expert, she is the founder of “BellaNaija,” one of Africa’s leading entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle platforms.
Uche Pedro
Early Life and Education:
Born on July 26, 1984, Uche grew up in Nigeria and later moved to Canada, where she earned a degree in Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, in 2006.
Uche Pedro
Career:
Uche’s journey into media began while studying in Canada. Her passion for representing Nigeria’s vibrant culture inspired her to start BellaNaija in 2006. Initially a hobby, the blog gained massive traction for its fresh content about Nigerian fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment.
BellaNaija: The Top Digital Media Brand
Uche Pedro’s blog with millions of monthly visitors and a global audience and influence.
Before launching BellaNaija, Uche worked at Shell in Canada, as well as with Cadbury Middle East & Africa in the UK and Nigeria, gaining valuable corporate experience.
Achievements and Philanthropy:
Uche Pedro has earned numerous accolades for her contributions to media and innovation. She has been recognized by Forbes Africa as one of the “30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs” and by Ventures Africa among the “Most Influential CEOs of 2015.” She has also featured on Oprah Winfrey’s “Beauty Around the World” series.
Beyond business, Uche is committed to social impact. Her initiatives, such as #BNDoGood, supports organizations like Slum2School and LEAP Africa, promoting education and community development. She co-founded PVCitizen, a platform encouraging youth political participation in Nigeria.
Uche Pedro at Forbes
Personal Life
Uche is married to Bode Pedro, a tech entrepreneur, and they have twin children. Her family life complements her thriving professional career, making her a role model for balancing personal and professional success.
Uche and family
Awards and Influence:
Uche’s innovative approach has led BellaNaija to multiple awards, including recognition at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards as African Blogger of the Year. She continues to inspire as a TEDGlobal Fellow and a leader in the African creative industry.
Uche’s kids’ choice award.
With her story of resilience and vision, Uche Pedro stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment in Africa’s digital landscape and has a future bright enough to show all she has to offer as a female Nigerian CEO with a difference.
Bamike Olawunmi, popularly known as Bambam is a Nigerian reality TV star and an actress. She is the wife of a singer and actor, Tope Adenibuyan. She is known for her exceptional roles in Inspector K, Backup Wife and Foreigner’s God. When talking about a Nigerian actress with class and gold flair for all she does, BamBam is the one for you.
Early Life And Education.
Bamike was born in Lagos on April 23, 1989 in Nigeria and schooled in Nigerian Navy Primary School, Apapa, La Folie St. James, Paris, France The Bells University, Ota, The Royal Film Academy.
She got into the movie industry when she came to Lagos from Abuja in 2017 and enrolled at the Royal Arts Academy. While in school, She featured in her first movie titled, The Backup Wife, by Uduak Isong, where she acted alongside Seun Akindele and Bimbo Ademoye.
Career.
Bambam Olawunmi
Bambam was picked after her second trial at the Big Brother Naija TV reality show audition. In 2017, she did the first audition at Abuja and the second one that took her to Big Brother Naija house was done in Lagos in 2018. Bambam started her acting career in 2017 when she was still a student of the Royal Arts Academy. Since then she has featured in quite a number of movies including ‘Inspector K’, ‘Backup Wife, ‘Foreigner’s God’ and Many others.
Awards.
Bambam Olawunmi
Bbnaija Star and spotlight Bambam Olawunmi was awarded in 2018 by the City People Movie Awards with a recognition award.
The same year 2018, the actress went ahead to get honoured and recognised by the former President of Nigeria’s wife, The Aisha Buhari Award for contribution to entertainment industry.
Family Life.
Actress Bambam and family
Bambam married Tope Adenibuyan, her roommate in the Big Brother Naija house. Their traditional wedding took place on 7 September 2019 in Ogun state while the white wedding took place in Dubai, UAE on 16 November 2019.
Bambam and her husband have two children. BamBam’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. This wealth has come from her various ventures in acting, brand endorsements, her beauty business, and influencer marketing.
She’s managed to build a successful career in a relatively short period, becoming one of the most influential women in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Kunle Remi not only captivates his audience with his acting talent but also shines in the fashion industry.
Early life and education.
Kunle Remi
Kunle Remi, whose full name is Oyekunle Opeyemi Olaremi, was born on October 18 in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. His family moved to Ibadan during his childhood. He developed a love for acting early on and became a youth drama teacher.
He studied fisheries and wildlife management at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. Later, he attended Sheffield University for Tourism and Hospitality Management.
After completing his degrees, he moved to New York City to study acting, filmmaking, and directing at the New York Film Academy, graduating in 2014.
Early work.
Kunle Remi
Kunle Remi began his professional acting career in 2011 after winning Gulder Ultimate Search 2010. His first appearance on screen was in the 2012 film Heavy Beauty. In 2024, he started performing stunts in K-pains: The Fresh of Souls.
In 2015, he secured roles in short films like Sister’s Keeper, Sting, and Hex, and appeared in the TV series The Getaway as Oliesh. His major breakthrough came with the film Falling, where he portrayed a husband who falls into a coma after a tragic event.
Career.
Kunle Remi
In 2016, Kunle Remi featured in two TV series. The first, Lincoln’s Clan Evolution, tells the story of a Nigerian billionaire and his family, where he played Eric until 2017. The second series was Tinsel, Nigeria’s longest-running soap opera, which started filming in 2008.
In 2017, he played Lolu in Tiwa’s Baggage, a story about a woman abandoned with a child. On July 24, the film Alter Ego was released. Written by Jude Martins, it follows a lawyer who fights for justice against sex offenders, and it was nominated for Best Film with Social Messages and Best Production Design at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
In 2022, Kunle Remi took on roles in several projects, including Saint Oyinda, Borrowed Wealth, Treasury, the TV series Deserted, and Anikulapo. He wrapped up the year with the crime thriller Woke, which premiered on November 4.
TV Hosting.
Kunle Remi
While studying at the New York Film Academy, Remi hosted for an online TV channel called Celebville 360. His first major appearance was in 2013 when he reported live from the Academy Awards nomination event in Beverly Hills, California.
After a break, he returned to hosting in 2021 for Gulder Ultimate Search Season 12 alongside Toke Makinwa. The next year, he co-hosted the green carpet for the 2022 Glo Dance Battle of the Year with Moet Abebe. This show aired every Saturday and Sunday for 10 weeks starting August 6.
He also served as a judge on Dance Naija Dance by Zee World, working with Sashin Kandhaj, Kenneth Agabata, Uraysha Ramrachia, and hosts Daniel K Daniel and Pelumi Busari. On December 21, he shifted back to hosting and led the Fuze Talent Hunt.
Modeling.
Kunle Remi
Kunle Remi started his modeling career with ISIS Models at 24. He has appeared in advertising campaigns for brands such as Airtel (formerly Zain), Arise Magazine, DSTV, MTN Nigeria, The Reele Magazine, and Diamond Bank (now Access Bank).
Personal Life.
Kunle Remi and his wife
In December 2022, Remi opened up about his struggles with depression, sharing how challenging his journey as an actor has been. On January 1, 2024, he married his girlfriend Tiwi and announced it on his Instagram.
Future Projects.
Kunle Remi
Remi co-founded 1810 Empire Studios in 2012, which was previously known as 7th Media Entertainment. He also established Men Against Rape and Violence (MARV), a social initiative aimed at raising awareness about the effects of sexual assault on men, women, and youth through visual storytelling.
Filmography.
In 2015, he played the role of Imoh in Falling.
In 2016, he played the role of Greg in Any other Monday.
In 2017, he played the role of Lolu in Tiwa’s Baggage.
In 2018, he played Jide in Stronger Together.
In 2019, he took on the role of Phil in Sin City.
In 2020, he was Gboyega in Mama Drama.
In 2021, he portrayed James Kokori in Hide N Seek.
In 2022, he acted as Saro in Anikulapo.
In 2023, he played Muyiwa in Untamed.
In 2024, he will be Philip in Shining Stars.
Awards and Nominations.
Kunle Remi
In 2019, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
In 2022, he received the Best Cinema Actor award at the Yoruba Movie Gist.
In 2023, he was honored as Best Actor in a Feature Film at the Cine Paris Film Festival.
In 2024, he earned the Nollywood Trailblazer award at the Silverbird Man of the Year event.
Kunle Remi’s journey shows the importance of hard work, determination, and passion.
As he continues to excel and expand his skills, he inspires many aspiring actors and shines brightly in the Nigerian entertainment scene.
Read also: Fashion Kunle Remi’s top five stylish outfits for men’s fashion inspiration.
Meet Uche Pedro – The Life Of Entrepreneurship
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