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30 Nigerian Celebrities Who Are Now Born-Again Christians, Some May Shock You
In the 1980s, popular entertainers such as Chris Okotie, Sonny Okosun, and Ebenezer Obey publicly announced their decision to devote themselves to the Christian faith.
In recent years, a growing number of public figures, particularly entertainers, have crossed that line.
While we agree that a person’s personal faith or religious beliefs can be extremely private, there have been just as many celebrities who have openly declared their commitment to Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Here, we list 30 Nigerians celebrities who have publicly announced that they are now born-again Christians.
Kenneth Nnebue
Living in Bondage is widely regarded as the film that catapulted Nollywood to prominence. Kenneth Nnebue is the man behind the film.
Kenneth Nnebue’s Nek Videos also produced some of Nollywood’s best movies in the 1990s.
Kenneth Nnebue then abruptly vanished into thin air.
Nnebue, unbeknownst to most, retired into evangelism. Some of his ministrations can be found online.
Liz Benson
Liz Benson rose to prominence in the early 1990s thanks to her role in the popular film Glamour Girls.
The Efik-born Benson abruptly retired from acting in 1996 to devote her time to her faith after becoming a born-again Christian.
She later married Pastor Great Ameye of the Freedom Family Assembly International Church in Jesse, Delta state. She was ordained as an Evangelist there.
The 55-year old Benson lives in Delta State with her husband. Together they run the church ministry.
Eucharia Anunobi
Eucharia Anunobi gained national attention in 1994 for her role in the film series Glamour Girls. She’d gone on to star in over 90 films since then.
In 1997, the Owerri-born actress and producer gave her life to Christ and was on a hiatus from the movie scene.
The 56-year-old actress was ordained as an evangelist on Sunday, February 5, 2012, at the Fresh Oil Ministry in Egbeda, Lagos.
The doctorate holder in Christian Education and Ministerial Art denied reports that she had given up her acting career to do God’s work. Instead, she stated that she would be picky about accepting movie roles.
Larry Koldsweat
Larry Koldsweat is well-known for portraying evil old villains in films. However, many people are unaware that the actor is also a musician and currently serves as a Minister of God.
According to him, he first became a born-again Christian in 1985. He then rebelled when his sister died.
In 2003, the former Rank Xerox employee rededicated himself to God.
In 2008, the grandfather was ordained a Prophet by Prophet Anele Nwachukwu.
He is currently The General Overseer of Seed of Favour Ministries, Abuja.
Edith Jane Ayalogu
Edith-Jane Ayalogu nee Azu, a star actress and TV personality, was active in the early days of Nollywood.
She appeared in films such as Tears in Heaven, To Love a Thief, Things Men Do, Intimate Strangers, Double Bond, and others.
Edith left Nollywood in 2004 after becoming a Christian. She left the industry because it was difficult for her to serve God as a movie actress, according to her.
The actress from Ubulu Okiti in Delta State is married to actor, screen playwright and producer, Mr. Emma Ayalogu.
Patience Ozokwor
Patience Ozokwor, the multiple award-winning actress and musician, announced in 2016 that she is now a born-again Christian.
The veteran actress, affectionately known as Mama G, is well-known for her roles as a wicked mother-in-law and a wicked stepmother, among others.
She claimed to have converted after fasting for 30 days.
Patience Ozokwor has hosted and featured in several Christian crusades as an evangelist.
Obiwon
Obiora Nwokolobia-Agu, better known as Obiwon, the award-winning singer and rapper, revealed in 2008 that he had undergone a spiritual experience and had become a born-again Christian.
The University of Nigeria (UNN) graduate also announced his intention to switch from secular to gospel music.
His professional artiste name, ‘Obiwon,’ was also re-branded to ‘Obiora Obiwon,’ in order for him to create a stronger and more distinct identity for his brand.
The 44-year-old Enugu-born singer graduated from the RCCG bible school in 2017. He took to social media to inform fans of the good news.
Obiora Obiwon has been ministering at various churches, Christian and secular events since transitioning to Gospel music.
Charles Okafor
Charles Okafor, the actor, producer, director, and entrepreneur, vanished from the scene after dominating the screens in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He revealed in late 2013 that he is now a Born-again Christian and has been doing Christ’s work behind the scenes.
Okafor, 51, emphasized that he is still a working actor and filmmaker and that he only accepts scripts that glorify his faith.
Okafor, who was born in Umuleri, Imo, made a comeback in Nollywood in 2017 with the biopic Idahosa Trails, a drama film written, produced, and directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare, as well as in Uche Jombo’s ‘Misplaced.’
Majid Michel
Due to his deep involvement in the Nigerian movie sector, this Ghanaian qualifies to be on this list.
Majid Michel is a humanitarian, actor, model, and television personality.
He made his Nollywood debut in the 2009 romantic drama Emerald, in which he co-starred with Genevieve Nnaji.
In 2016, the award-winning became a born-again Christian.
On social media, the 40-year-old father of three children preaches about God and the Christian faith.
He also serves as a guest minister at various church events throughout Africa, where he shares the gospel and performs deliverance on people.
In an October 2017 radio interview, Majid stated that due to his religious beliefs, he would no longer accept roles that required him to kiss on set.
Julius Agwu
In February 2016, ace comedian and singer, Julius Agwu announced that he has become a born-again Christian.
Agwu stated that his decision to completely surrender to Christ and preach the gospel was influenced by his recovery from brain surgery. The University of Port Harcourt graduate had been diagnosed with Brain Cancer.
He claims to be an evangelist now, using his talents to win souls for Christ.
Julius Agwu is the Managing Director/CEO of Reellaif Limited, a music and film production company. He is also a motivational speaker and an entertainment consultant.
He created comedy shows such as Crack Ya Ribs, Laff 4 Christ’s Sake, and Festival of Love.
Zack Orji
The 61-year old Zack Orji featured in his first movie entitled ‘Unforgiven Sin’ in 1991. He featured in hundreds of films afterwards.
The former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who was born in Libreville, Gabon, has retired from acting and taken up the pulpit.
The actor, director, producer, and filmmaker was ordained as a full-time Evangelist and later as a pastor at the Power Line Bible Church in 2012.
He has been actively involved in evangelical activities and currently spreads the word of God throughout Nigeria and beyond.
Waconzy
Waconzy is the stage name of Anyanwu Obinna Kelvin, a singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Waconzy shot to fame in 2010 with his hit single “I Celebrate (Iworiwoh),” which sold millions of copies.
The 37-year-old admits to being a Christian who has been born again. He engages his followers on social media by posting about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Port Harcourt-born singer is not afraid to engage in public debates about his faith and Christian issues. He is a vocal opponent of premarital sex.
Pat Attah
Patrick Uchenna Attah is a philanthropist, actor, producer, director, television personality, photographer, musician, and model.
He first came to prominence in the early 1990s and has appeared in a number of films, including the 1994 blockbuster Glamour Girls.
In 2015, the Anambra State indigene became a born-again Christian.
Attah, 45, is currently based in Hamburg, Germany, where he is said to be winning souls for Christ.
He has been known to deliver sermons to his followers via his social media accounts.
Blossom Chukwujekwu
Blossom Chukwujekwu made his professional acting debut in 2009.
In 2015, he won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Chukwujekwu, who has starred in several movies, including Champagne, The Visit and Ghana Must Go is a committed member of Christ Embassy (Believers’ Love World).
The Instagram page of the Mass Communications degree holder from the Benson Idahosa University is replete with clips from Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s teachings.
According to the 37-year old Benin-City-born actor, “It’s not impossible to be a born-again Christian and still be an entertainer.
“It is very possible because believing in Christ is sustained by constant study of the word of God”, the actor from Nnewi North, Anambra State, said.
Lynxx
In 2016, singer, rapper, model and entrepreneur, Chuka Edozien, a.k.a Lynxxx, revealed that he had become a born-again Christian.
In late 2015, the Business, Economics and Marketing graduate of the University of Hull, United Kingdom, preempted the announcement by uploading posts suggesting his Christian faith.
The 37-year old Delta-state indigene is the only son of Chief John D. Edozien, a former deputy governor of old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states).
In August, 2019, Lynxx celebrated 4 years of being born-again with a picture of a tattoo that was posted on Instagram. It was a tattoo of the cross, a dove and the date he became born-again.
Clarion Chukwura
Clarion Chukwura embraced stardom in the 80s when she starred in the popular soap opera “Mirror In The Sun”.
The veteran actress is the first Nigerian to win the Best Actress category at the 1982 FESPACO film festival in Burkina Faso.
The mother of Nigeria’s most prolific music video director, Clarence Peters, is a born-again Christian
She made the announcement that she has found Jesus Christ and is now a born-again Christian in 2019.
The 57-year-old Chukwura wrote on Instagram that she has been saved by Christ and that she is devoting her life to save others.
Dbanj
In May, 2021, music star, Dbanj, publicly made known his commitment to the Christian faith as a born-again Christian.
The 41-year old entertainer made the declaration at a Christian concert in Abuja. There, he shared the story of how God restored him after he lost his son.
Felix Liberty
Felix Liberty also known as Lover boy is a musician, singer, songwriter and producer.
The Edo-born singer ruled the Nigerian music scene in the mid-80s with hit songs like “Chi-Chi”, “Lover Boy”, “Ifeoma” etc.
In the mid to early 90s, Liberty disappeared from the music scene.
He later surfaced as a born-again Christian and a Pastor.
Chidinma Ekile
Singer Chidinma Ekile known professionally as Chidinma rose to stardom after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa in 2010.
The Ketu, Lagos-born singer became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart
In May 2021, Chidinma announced that she had quit secular music and was now a crusader of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The date of the announcement coincided with the celebration of her 30th birthday.
To further prove her new status, she redesigned her social media profile to reflect the change.
Chidinma is now signed to Eezee Conceptz, a top gospel-producing agency that has released her song, Jehovah Overdo.
Princess Vitarah
Controversial Nigerian-American Rapper, Princess Vitarah earned public recognition due to the vulgarity of her rap lyrics and hypersexuality.
Her popularity soared after her song “Nigerian Pssy” went viral on video-sharing sites like YouTube and Facebook; receiving 4 million views in the first day alone.
In May 2021, the 23-year-old rapper tweeted that she is re-branding and going to use her talents to honour God.
Apart from following Christ and leaving secular music, she further noted that there is no need to sexualize herself in a bid to be appreciated and celebrated.
She later released a video for one of her new songs which advises ladies to shun nudity and loose lifestyles.
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Joy Edjeren
Joy Edjeren is a former Nollywood actress who became born again in 2012.
The Benue-born evangelist stated that an encounter with Jesus Christ “opened my eyes.”
According to her, she quit the entertainment industry because “there is a lot of abomination on screen and behind the scenes in the life of those in the entertainment industry.”
Before she gave her life to Christ, she had acted in films like Cage, Grooms Bride, Governors Gift, Game, etc.
Since she left the industry she has ministered in outreaches and has been engaged in Christian productions.
She is the author of the book: “The birth and death of JJ Bunny,” which captures her experience in the entertainment industry.
Iyabo Ogunsola
Iyabode Ogunsola is famous for her character “Efunsetan” in the movies Efunsetan Aniwura (1981) and Efunsetan Aniwura (2005).
The 71-year Ogunsola was the second wife of the late actor Timothy Ishola Ogunshola aka I Sho Pepper.
She has now dedicated her life to Christianity and has released a few gospel songs.
She is Pastors Amen Covenant Christian Chapel a.k.a Aduramigba,an Egbeda,Lagos-based church.
Hilda Dokubo
Award-winning actress, Hilda Dokubo, has featured in several movies over the years.
She once served as a special adviser on youth affairs to Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers State.
The actress from Buguma, a town in Asari-Toru, Rivers State is a born-again Christian.
The Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theatre Arts holder from University of Port Harcourt is an evangelist and preaches at different Christian events.
Rita Nzelu
Rita Nzelu began acting sometime in 1990 and was a popular in movies produced in the ‘90s.
The Enugu-born thespian was one of those that the movie “Living in bondage” brought to popular attention.
The actress who relocated to the United Kingdom later became a born-again Christian. She was ordained an evangelist in a UK-based Nigerian church.
Banky W/ Adesua Etomi,
Olubankole Wellington, popularly known by his stage name Banky W, is now a born-again and a committed preacher.
The singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur and politician has been spotted on several online videos preaching the gospel.
A visit to his social media accounts would expose one to videos of the R & B singer ministering the Word of God.
Banky W, alongside his wife, actress Adesuwa Etomi, serves as an associate minister at the WaterBrook (TWB) – a vibrant Church in Lagos founded by popular pastor, Dr. Tony Rapu.
Adewale Ayuba
Veteran fuji musician and entrepreneur, Adewale Ayuba, commonly known as Mr. Johnson, became a born-again Christian in 2010.
The father of seven children made his new faith and religion public after he had lived with the fear of being neglected by his fans whom were predominantly Muslims.
The 55-year old the Bonsue-fuji maestro, who earned a PhD in Arts in Music at Bradley University, Illinois, USA, proclaimed openly before the congregation at a Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) event that his acceptance of Jesus Christ has become a source of blessing to him .
Kas
In 2009, talented producer and singer, Kas Lionheart Jonathan, known famously as Kas, released the hit song ‘Fi Mi Le’ .
The song became an instant hit, selling over 1.2 million copies officially in Nigeria in the first week alone. This earned him nominations for numerous awards.
Suddenly, the talented producer disappeared from the music scene.
Then his fans noticed that his name on his Instagram page had changed to Pastor Kas.
According to Kas, “I left the industry in 2013 because I had to find myself spiritually. Music and my spiritual life are both important to me.”
“When I was 7-years old I made a covenant with God that if He can make me a popular musician, in return I will serve Him. God did his part and I became a popular musician but in return I was running”.
Kas, who is born to a Nigerian father and a British mother, has opened his own church named Praise God Ministry. The church is located in London.
Soul E
In 2014, Emmanuel Okosi, popularly known as Soul E publicly declared that he is now a prophet of God, and he is now dedicated to doing the will of God.
Soul E started performing as a singer at the age of 8, opening crusades for his father who is an evangelist. He later became popular for hit songs like “Soul E Baba Dey Here”, and a collaboration with 2Baba, titled, “E Be Like Say”.
However, after less than two years of an active music career, he fizzled out of reckoning.
Soul E is now a full time Preacher now known as Apostle Emmanuel Okose. He is the General Overseer, New Evidence Christian Church of God aka The Evidence Place.
He is on the verge of completing a 1000-seater capacity auditorium in Abuja.
Osaze Odemwingie
Former professional Nigerian footballer, Peter Osaze Odemwingie is now a born-again Christian.
Since he retired from professional football, a majority of Osaze’s post on Instagram have been centred on religious teachings.
In one of his most posts, Osaze revealed he had a dream, which tested his faith.
Odemwingie, who was born to a Nigerian father from Edo State and a Russian mother, won 63 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring ten goals.
Stella Damasus
Actress and singer Stella Damasus first appeared in the film Abused in 1992. She then went on to star in over 70 movies.
The Benin-city-born mother of two who is currently resident in the United States of America does not shy from announcing her born-again status, especially on her social media accounts.
Once, she wrote on Instagram.: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed to let the whole world know that He is my Lord and Saviour.
She continued: “I am not ashamed to sing praises to him. I am not ashamed to tell the world of his goodness and mercy”.
In May 2015, the Asaba indigene released a gospel music video ‘The Man’ directed by her husband, Daniel Ademinokan. She also ministers through her songs at gospel event in the US.