FULL LIST: Five famous Nigerian artistes who relocated abroad

The relocation of Nigerian entertainers to other countries has continued to attract public attention, with some moving abroad to pursue education, explore career opportunities or begin new chapters in their personal lives.

The latest is veteran rapper Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, who has become a United States citizen.

The pioneer of mainstream Yoruba rap shared photographs and videos of himself celebrating the milestone on his Instagram page, @lordofajasa, on Wednesday.

In one of the clips, the rapper held his American citizenship certificate, while another photograph showed him posing with his wife alongside the United States flag.

The development attracted congratulatory messages from fellow entertainers and fans. Music producer and Coded Tunes founder, Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as ID Cabasa, wrote, “Congratulations Lord Oshi.”

Singer Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, also congratulated him, writing, “Congrats apase.”

Lord of Ajasa is known for his contribution to indigenous Nigerian hip-hop, particularly Yoruba-language rap. He rose to prominence with songs such as “Ma Yi Lo” and collaborated with artistes including 9ice, Olamide and the late Dagrin.

Beyond Lord of Ajasa, several other Nigerian entertainers have relocated overseas for different reasons, including career development, education, family and religious commitments.

Here are some notable Nigerian artistes who have relocated abroad.1. Ayra Starr

Nigerian singer Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, announced in November 2025 that she had moved to New York City in the United States.

The Mavin Records artiste said living in the city had long been an ambition. She also explained that performing there made her feel at home, partly because of its large Nigerian community, which reminded her of Lagos.

Ayra Starr maintained that relocating abroad would not make her abandon her Nigerian identity or cultural roots.

She gained international recognition with her 2022 hit song “Rush” and has continued to release music, including “Heaven Baby,” “Treat U Right” and “Tornado.”

Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, is a veteran rapper recognised for helping to popularise Yoruba-language rap in Nigeria.

He gained prominence in the early 2000s with songs such as “Ma Yi Lo” and collaborated with notable artistes, including 9ice, Olamide and the late Dagrin.

The rapper later relocated to the United States, where he has now become a citizen. His achievement has renewed conversations about his contribution to the growth of indigenous-language hip-hop in Nigeria.

Singer, filmmaker and politician Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, relocated to the United States with his family in 2024 to pursue further education.

The entertainer identified his academic ambitions as a major reason for the move.

By 2026, Banky W had announced that he had taken on responsibilities as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church, a non-denominational Christian church with multiple campuses in the United States.

He also said he worked as a teacher and leader at Union College while maintaining interests in filmmaking, music and entrepreneurship.

Banky W married actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington in 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. The couple have two sons, Hazaiah and Hezekiah.

Nigerian singer Sidney Esiri, popularly known as Dr Sid, relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2023 after securing remote employment with a company based in New York.

He also cited family members and a close friend living in Houston as factors that influenced his decision.

Dr Sid began his entertainment career as a choreographer with Trybe Records in 1999 before establishing himself as a recording artiste.

His music career gained momentum after the release of his debut album, “Turning Point,” under Mo’ Hits Records in 2009.

He married Simi Osomo in 2014, and they have two daughters. The couple divorced in 2020 after six years of marriage.

Singer and songwriter Opeyemi Kayode, popularly known as Pepenazi, shifted from secular music to gospel ministry in 2022.

The artiste, who previously gained recognition for songs popular in clubs and on the streets, subsequently became involved in preaching and ministry activities in the United Kingdom.

His notable releases include “One for the Road,” “Illegal,” featuring Olamide, and “I Ain’t Gat No Time,” which inspired several remixes.

His transition to gospel ministry marked a significant change in his career, as he moved from secular entertainment towards religious service.

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