The Edo tribe or Benin people, is an ethnic group in the South-South geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In Edo State, the languages spoken consist of Benin, Esan, Afemai, Isoko and Urhobo.

The Edo people are identified by their red flannel cloth (Ododo), the traditional colour of the Edo-speaking people, representing Edo culture, tradition, royalty and nobility.

The colour red holds uttermost significance to the fashion, lifestyle, culture and tradition of the Edo people alongside coral beads.

Coral beads, worn by Edo men and women in Nigeria are symbolic of power, prestige, wealth, royalty and beauty, often worn during Edo traditional weddings and cultural events.

In this article, we take a look at some celebrities in the Nigerian entertainment industry who hail from Edo.

1. Shallipopi: Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, is a 24-year-old Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter from Benin City, Edo State. He gained fame in 2023 with the release of his single, "Elon Musk". Since then, he has collaborated with notable Nigerian artists such as Tega Boi DC, Burna Boy, Rema, Davido, Tekno, and Zerry DL.

2.Kiriku: Enorense Victory, better known as Kiriku, was born on December 17, 2014, in Benin, Edo State. He is a Nigerian comedian, content creator and child actor. He rose to fame in 2018 after videos of his funny skits went viral. Among the youngest comedians in Nigeria, he is known for his hilarious 'Abeg Shift' phrase and oversized black T-shirt.

His popular works include Officer Kiriku, Kiriku The New House Boy, and Balance and Carry. The young comedian has collaborated with artists such as Broda Shaggi, Sabinus, and MC Koko. In 2022, he won the NET Honours for Breakout Social Creator of the Year.

3. Sydney Talker: Sydney Egere, professionally known as Sydney Talker, is a Nigerian media personality, comedian and actor. He is the founder and CEO of Neville Records and was nominated for the 25 Under 25 Award organized by SME100 Africa.

He rose to fame through his comedy skits and collaborations with several content creators in the country. He attended the University of Benin, where he studied Computer Science.

4. Charles Inojie: Charles Inojie is an iconic Nigerian actor, comedian, movie director and producer known for his comedic roles. The 56-year-old hails from Edo State and is married with two children. Some of his famous movies include Aki and Pawpaw, Open and Close, Police Recruit, My Village People, and Reggae Boys, among many others.

5. Rema: Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper from Edo State. He became famous with his 2019 song "Dumebi" and achieved international recognition with his 2022 single "Calm Down.” He later created a remix with American singer Selena Gomez that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, leading the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.

Rema’s second album Heis, released in 2024, includes a single “Benin Boys” featuring Shalipopi. The album received nominations for Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Rema’s global stardom has since grown, earning him fans worldwide.

6. Israel DMW: Israel Afeare, better known as Israel DMW, is a Nigerian socialite and personal logistics manager to popular singer David Adeleke. He gained prominence due to his relationship with Davido.

Israel is a proud Esan from Edo State. In 2022, Israel made headlines after Davido permitted him to perform at the 02 Arena, showcasing his dedication and loyalty to his career and family.

He is also known as Davido’s indirect mouthpiece, stepping in as his spokesperson when needed.

7. VeryDarkMan: Proud son of Edo State Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan is an activist, critic and influencer. VeryDarkMan gained recognition in 2022 through his associations with Nigerian celebrities, uploading controversial videos on his social media pages and calling out celebrities for their actions.

Sometimes called The Ratel King, he has been arrested multiple times but continues to earn the respect of many who support his work.

8. Nosa Rex: Nosa Rex Okunzuwa, known by his stage name Nosa Rex or Baba Rex, is a Nigerian film and TV actor and film producer from Edo State. The actor is known for movies such as Gbege, Devil in Agbada, A Tribe Called Judah, Lagos Real Fake Life, among others. Nosa Rex is married with two children.

9. Etinosa Idemudia: Is an actress and social media influencer from Edo State. She is famous for her role as Akugbe in the ROK original series, Blood of Enogie, which earned her the Best Actress in a TV Series award at the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards. She is also known for her online comedy skits.

10. Liquorose: Roseline Omokhoa Afije, popularly known as Liquorose, is a Nigerian choreographer, dancer, actress, model and contestant in the reality TV show Big Brother Naija Season 6 (Shine Ya Eye) edition. Liquorose, who hails from Edo State, has been featured as a video vixen and dancer in music videos of several Nigerian musicians.

11. MC Edopikin: Gbadamosi Agbonjor Jonathan, known as MC Edo Pikin, is a Nigerian comedian from Ihievbe community in Edo State. In 2021, he won The Humour Awards (THA) for the category of Standup Comedian of the Year.

12. Mercy Aigbe: Mercy Aigbe is a Nigerian actress, director, fashionista and businesswoman from Edo State, best known for her Yoruba language movies.
She was married to Lanre Gentry, a Nigerian hotelier with whom she had two children before their divorce in 2017. In 2022, Aigbe married her ex-husband’s friend, Adeoti Kazim, despite the criticism.

13. Nancy Isime: Is a Nigerian actress, model and media personality from Edo State. She rose to prominence after her role in the TV series Echoes in 2011 and has since become a known personality in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

14. Jadrolita: Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, known as Jadrolita, is a Nigerian social media sensation, Tik Tok influencer and AI robotic content creator from Edo State.

15. Jonny Drille: John Ighodaro, professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter from Edo State, signed to Mavin Records. He gained attention with his cover of "Awww" by Di'Ja and has released hit songs such as Romeo and Juliet, Wait For Me, How Are You, and Halleluya, among others.

16. Linda Osifo: Linda Osifo is a Nigerian actress and television host from Edo State. She was the first runner-up in Miss Nigeria Entertainment Canada 2011 and the 2nd runner-up in the Miss AfriCanada 2011 beauty pageant.

17. Pastor Chris Oyakilome: Christian Oyakhilome, known as Pastor Chris, is a Nigerian pastor, televangelist and president of LoveWorld Incorporated a Christian ministry based in Lagos. He is the founder of Christ Embassy and author of the daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities.

18. Adesua Etomi: Tolulope Adesua Etomi-Wellington, commonly known as Adesua Etomi, is a Nigerian actress and entrepreneur, known for her roles in the movie ‘Knocking On Heaven's Door’ and other films that have earned her awards.

19. Sandra Okunzuwa: Sandra Ese Osayamon Okunzuwa is a Nigerian lawyer, actress and movie producer from Benin City, Edo State. She won a 2021 Eko Star Film & TV Awards and was announced to host Africa Choice Awards with Ike Onyema.

20. Yvonne Jegede: Yvonne Jegede is a Nigerian actress, film producer, model, and television personality; known for producing 3 is Company. She gained prominence after appearing in the music video African Queen by 2Face Idibia.

22. DJ Neptune: Imohiosen Patrick, popularly known as DJ Neptune, is a Nigerian Disc Jockey and Record Producer from Edo State.

23. Ruth Kadiri: Is a Nigerian actress, screenwriter and film producer from Edo State, known for her roles in various movies.

24. Nini: Nini Singh is an economist and fashion entrepreneur born and raised in Nigeria who gained fame from appearing on Big Brother Naija season 6 (Shine Ya Eye) in 2021.

25. Osas Ighodaro: Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro is a Nigerian actress, television host and philanthropist born in the United States. She won the 2010 Miss Black USA Pageant and founded the Joyful Joy Foundation.

Osas emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood actress of 2018 and was awarded Best Actress in a Drama at the 2022 and 2023 AMVCA for her roles in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Man of God.

She was formerly married to Gbenro Ajibade and has one child with him. The couple got divorced shortly after.