In this third instalment, PREMIUM TIMES profiles Ayra Starr, Banky W, Okunnu and other public figures who have relocated abroad.
For Nigerian entertainers, relocating abroad has meant more than changing countries. While Ayra Starr continued her international music career and Banky W pursued further education and ministry, others moved into the military, medicine, nursing and business.
If you missed the first and second instalments, you can read them here and here.
One of the most prominent names on the list is Mavin Records singer Sarah “Ayra Starr” Aderibigbe, who announced in November 2025 that she had moved to New York City, United States.
The singer explained that living in the city had long been her ambition. She also said she felt at home whenever she performed there, comparing its atmosphere to Lagos because of its large Nigerian community.
Ayra Starr maintained that moving abroad would not make her abandon her Nigerian identity or cultural roots, stressing that she remained conscious of what mattered to her.
The singer gained international recognition with her 2022 hit “Rush.” Since relocating, she has continued to release music, including “Heaven Baby”, “Treat U Right”, and “Tornado.”
Yoruba actor and filmmaker Sunkanmi Omobolanle also relocated abroad with his family and subsequently announced that he had become a British citizen.
The actor, son of veteran comedian Sunday “Papi Luwe” Omobolanle, shared the citizenship announcement on his Instagram page.
Before moving abroad, Sunkanmi established himself in the Nigerian film industry as an actor and director. His credits include “Gongo Aso”, “Eti Keta”, “Alakada 2”, “Ofeefe (Mirage)”, “Kakanfo”, Jail” and “The Alternative.”
He married Abimbola in 2011, and the couple have a daughter.
Yoruba rapper Olusegun “Lord of Ajasa” Osaniyi was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s indigenous hip-hop scene before he relocated to the United States, where he became a U.S. citizen.
The rapper earned recognition for delivering much of his music in Yoruba, helping to expand the appeal of indigenous-language rap among Nigerian music audiences.
During his career, he collaborated with notable musicians, including 9ice, Olamide and the late Dagrin. He rose to prominence with “Ma Yi Lo”, released in 2000, and went on to release other songs.
For veteran actor Funsho Adeolu, relocating abroad was primarily about reuniting with his family. Since the move, he has continued to speak about challenges within the Nigerian film industry while exploring other professional interests.
Adeolu has also embraced event hosting, earning the nickname “The Dancing MC” through videos of his energetic performances at social gatherings.
He regularly shares footage of himself dancing to songs by veteran musicians on social media. He also runs his production company, Fynest Media.
Before exploring these activities abroad, Adeolu built a career in Nollywood, featuring in productions such as “Heroes and Zeroes”, “The Antique”, “The Tribunal”, “The Perfect Arrangement”, “One Too Many” and “Slum King.”
Actor Yomi Gold built a name for himself in the Nigerian entertainment industry before relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he ventured into the meat business, including selling goat meat.
The actor has not publicly established a definitive reason for his relocation. However, he has spoken about the business challenges he faced, including financial losses, and his determination to learn from them.
Gold acknowledged that losing money in business could be painful and difficult to recover from. Nevertheless, he said he chose to focus on personal growth and move forward rather than remain preoccupied with past setbacks.
His acting credits include “My Regret”, “Arinzo and Gbeje” and “Nurse Oyinda Dele”. Further titles and character details should be checked against the original film credits before publication.
Actor Joseph Momodu announced a new chapter in his life after relocating to the United States and enlisting in the US Army, a move he described as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
According to the details he shared, Momodu serves as Specialist J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
He completed his Basic Combat Training in April 2026. He also dedicated his enlistment to his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force and died about two decades earlier.
Before joining the military, Momodu appeared in films such as “Coming to Nigeria” and “Play 2 Kill.” He also featured in television productions, including “Tinsel”, “Soul Sisters” and “The Johnsons.” His enlistment marks a significant departure from his established acting career.
Nigerian singer, filmmaker and politician Olubankole “Banky W” Wellington relocated to the United States with his family in 2024. At the time, the entertainer said he wanted to further his education, identifying his academic ambitions as a major reason for the move.
By 2026, Banky W announced another career development, revealing that he took 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 staying active in filmmaking, music, and entrepreneurship.
Banky W married actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington in 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. They have two sons, Hazaiah and Hezekiah.
