At one time, they were the faces on our screens and the names trending across Nigerian pop culture. Then, they packed up and japa’d, chasing new lives in faraway countries.
From movie stars who have given up acting to wear medical scrubs to musicians who have dropped the mic and traded Nigeria for abroad, these Nigerian celebrities have reinvented themselves and charted new courses.
Here are 10 Nigerian celebrities who japa’d and what they do now abroad.
1. 2Shotz
Real name: William Orioha
Famous for: Raps
Relocated to: U.S.A
New occupation: Photographer and Filmmaker
2Shotz was one of the OG rappers from South-Eastern Nigeria, known for hits like “Oyoyo,” “Make Them Talk” featuring 9ice, and “I Am William” with M.I. Abaga. But at the height of his fame, personal struggles, including an assault allegation from his ex-wife and a battle with depression, pushed him to step back and rediscover himself.
In 2016, he traded the mic for the camera, diving into photography and filmmaking. Now based in the US, 2Shotz has found a new sense of purpose behind the lens.
2. Boy Alinco
Real name: Bayo Bankole
Famous for: Papa Ajasco
Relocated to: U.S.A
New occupation: Events and Artist Promoter
Bayo “Boy Alinco” Bankole became a household name for his unforgettable role as the flashy, eccentric playboy in Papa Ajasco & Company, the hit sitcom created by Wale Adenuga. His swaggering walk, tight trousers, and oversized glasses made Boy Alinco one of the most iconic comedy characters of the 2000s.
In 2015, he relocated to the United States in search of better opportunities. But the move wasn’t all smooth sailing — in an interview with Teju Babyface, he opened up about the early struggles of his new life abroad, including a difficult first marriage and the challenges of starting over from scratch.
These days, Boy Alinco has rebuilt his life. He runs a transportation business, works in artist and event promotion, and occasionally takes on MC gigs.
3. Frank Donga
Real name: Kunle Idowu
Famous for: Comedy
Relocated to: Canada
New occupation: Multimedia Comms Specialist and Agriculture Expert
Frank Donga is a Nigerian actor and comedian best known for his deadpan humour in Ndani TV’s The Interview, where he played an awkward job seeker — a role that earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In 2024, he relocated to Saskatchewan, Canada, where he now works as a Multimedia Communications Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture. It’s a fitting full-circle moment for the comedian, blending his creative skills with his academic background in agriculture.
4. Funsho Adeolu
Relocated to: U.S.A
Famous for: Acting
New occupation: Events MC and brand influencer
Funsho Adeolu (Ondo State–born) is a veteran Nollywood actor, writer, producer, and founder of Fynest Media. Over the years, he’s starred in some of Nollywood’s most memorable Yoruba films, including Ile Alariwo and Idoti Oju.
After decades of entertaining Nigerians on screen, Funsho quietly relocated to the United States with his family, where he’s reinvented himself within the entertainment space. These days, he’s best known as “The Dancing MC” — a nickname he earned from the viral videos of him joyfully dancing at events.
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5. General Pype
Real name: Olayiwola Ibrahim Majekodunmi
Famous for: Singing
Relocated to: U.S.A
New occupation: Set Designer
General Pype was one of the standout voices infusing Reggae into Nigerian music in the late 2000s. In 2018, Pype paused his music career, choosing to step away from the spotlight to focus on family and explore life beyond the studio.
He moved to the U.S to start afresh, studying set design at the Georgia Film Academy. He has since remained dedicated to this new pivot and contributed his design skills to major productions like Black Panther (2018) and Samaritan (2022).
6. Helen Paul
Relocated to: U.S.A
Famous for: Comedy
New occupation: Professor and Head of Department
Helen Paul shot to fame in the late 2000s as Tatafo, the mischievous child-voiced character whose high-pitched tone and clever jokes made her a household name across Nigeria’s comedy scene. Her infectious energy and witty skits earned her spots on radio, TV, and film, cementing her as one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers.
In 2019, after earning a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, she relocated to the United States with her family. The move marked a new chapter for Paul — one that saw her evolve from comedian to academic. She now serves as the Head of the Department of Arts, Music, and Entertainment at Heart Bible International University, where she’s affectionately called Dr Tatafo.
7. Terror D’Archangel
Real name: McMorris Ndubueze
Famous for: Acting
Relocated to: U.S.A
New occupation: Medical Doctor
McMorris “Maurice” Ndubueze was one of Nollywood’s go-to “bad boys” in the early 2000s. He made his mark with memorable roles in films like Final Hour and Married Women on Campus, where his tough-guy persona became a fan favourite.
But these days, Maurice has traded film sets for hospital halls. He relocated to the United States and is now a medical doctor, marking one of Nollywood’s most inspiring career pivots.
8. Okunnu
Real name: Wale Akorede
Famous for: Acting
Relocated to: Canada
New job: Content Creator
If you’re familiar with the OG Yoruba comic actors, then you definitely know Okunnu — the hilarious, over-the-top funnyman who brought chaotic energy and slapstick brilliance to countless Yoruba films.
Two years after publicly lamenting the state of things in Nigeria back in 2023, it seems the country finally pushed him to make a move. Okunnu has now relocated to Canada, where he’s living a quieter life but still finding ways to make people laugh. These days, he creates lighthearted, dress-up comedy skits with his kids — a wholesome extension of the comic energy we all loved him for.
9. Pepenazi
Real name: Opeyemi Gbenga Kayode
Famous for: Singing
Relocated to: U.K
New occupation: Gospel Minister
Between 2018 and 2019, Pepenazi had hit songs like “One For the Road” and “Illegal”, blasting out of club speakers.
In 2022, after a brief disappearance from social media and music space, he returned as a preacher and immigrant in the U.K.
10. Regina Askia-Williams
Relocated to: U.S.A
Famous for: Acting
New occupation: Health Care Practitioner
Regina Askia-Williams is a former Nollywood actress who relocated to the United States from Nigeria in the early 2000s. Having transitioned out of the film industry, she has built a successful second career in healthcare, becoming a family nurse and health practitioner based in New York.
Askia-Williams has also established her own medical practice in the U.S., where she provides medical services and is involved in community outreach efforts.
