Sean Tizzle, Iyanya, O.C. Ukeje, Two Other Stars that Rocked in 2013

The Nigerian entertainment industry in the year 2013 was a busy one; new stars were born and some were made superstars. In our 2013 review series, we look at five entertainment personalities who had a fantastic outing in 2013.

In the movie sector, one name stood out all year long; O.C. Ukeje. The former Amstel Malta Box Office winner won at virtually every movie awards in 2013. He won ‘Best Actor’ at AMVCA, NEA, BON, and NMA (which came with a car prize). He was also ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ at AMAA. Ukeje ended the year fine as he won the Entertainment Person of the Year award at the highly respected Future Awards. The music industry saw the rise of new sensation Sean Tizzle in 2013. He released the hit single, ‘Sho le’ in the first quarter of the year and won fans over immediately. He later dropped two more singles, ‘Mama e’ and ‘International Love’. The video of his latest single released in December and titled ‘Komole’ showed how Sean transformed from an underdog act to a fan favorite. Sean Tizzle wasn’t about singles all year long. He performed at top shows in and outside Nigeria. He also got himself a new car when he won the ‘Next Rated’ Award at the Headies Awards held in December 2013. Still in the music sector, pop singer, Iyanya also waxed stronger in the previous year. Although Iyanya didn’t release a major hit single, he still had a wonderful year as he got himself multiple endorsement deals from MTN, Solo Phone and Zinox Computers. Iyanya ended the year with the Headies Awards ‘Artiste of the Year’ prize.

Yoruba lingo rapper, Olamide, is also one the stars of 2013. The rapper moved from a C-ranked act to an A-list. He also rubbed shoulders with Banger Lee, and featured on D’Banj’s DKM album. Releasing various hit singles, Olamide ended the year with his third album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth just in his second year in the industry. An endorsement deal from Etisalat believed to be worth 22 million naira ensured Olamide finished the year 2013 on a good note.

Back to the movie sector, sexy actress and mother of four, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde didn’t appear in movies, but the powerful actress achieved a new milestone as she made TIME magazine’s 100 list of powerful people. She also attended various international events and was spotted with different Hollywood stars. Back home, Omotola got a chieftancy title in her hometown in Ondo State. Which entertainers will be the stars of 2014? The next twelve months will reveal that.