Entertainment
Nigerian Celebrities Who Turned Born Again Christians
Ever wonder why some celebrities after all the glitz and glamour, wake up one day and decide to become very religious; some even pastors and evangelists? One now begins to wonder what the motives are: Are they scared of the repercaution of their past deeds? Recovering from a new death experience?, Fading away from the limelight which probably led to the decision to hold onto God as the last resort or does it come with age?
As they say “Nobody holy pass” as such it is very okay for everyone who feels it’s time to slow down on their flamboyant lifestyle and actually become a very religious person. I don’t think it comes with status as you can be a celebrity and be a very religious person, it’s your decision.
So when some of your favourite celebrities who are living the ‘Lau-Lau’ lifestyle decide to say “I am done with this lifestyle and it is time for me to find my way back to God”, it is usually received with mixed reactions. However, check out some of these celebrities who became born again Christians:
Chris Okotie: The fine young lawyer turned pop singer began to make moves in the Nigerian music industry in the’80. He was the toast of all the clubs and shows across the country. Chris Okotie is credited with some of the most beautiful love songs till date.
For some youths of that era who have become grandparents today, they still find it weird that he gave his life to Christ and became preacher and evangelist. Chris Okotie was the golden boy (you know how we feel about 2face and Wizkid right now) who was idolized by many and ladies especially loved him. Well today, he has one of the biggest churches in Lagos and has gone on to author over 15 books and even contested for the sant of the Nigeria president a couple of times.
Sonny Okosun
We also can’t forget Sonny Oksun, the “Ozziddi” king who had some really amazing romantic songs in the 80s and was also a known freedom fighter, but went on to become an evangelist. His case was even more special as till date some of his gospel songs have become the mainstream anthem with a lot of churches.
Eucharia Anunobi
Well today Eucharia Anunobi is ordained minister of the gospel with different awards and certificates to back it up. For everyone who grew up in the 90s, the mention of Eucharia Anunobi and Clarion Chukwura, glitz and glamour readily comes to mind. She didn’t just play those roles well we all felt that she was actually a glamour girl (no thanks to the famous Nollywood movie titled glamour girls).
Eucharia Anunobi starred in virtually every movie that revealed the vivacious lifestyle of the young women of her time, she didn’t just play those roles well, we all felt she was actually a glamour girl.
Clarion Chukwura
She only recently announced her new found love for Christ with a photo which looked like that of a really dedicated woman of the gospel.
Hence when Clarion Chukwura who has a similar, but longer career than Eucharia announced her new found love for Christ with a photo, it didn’t come as a surprise. In the picture shared on her instagram page, the super actress looked like one who is really a dedicated woman of the gospel.
Charly Boy
When Charlie Boy revealed that he had given his life to Christ, that was big mews, yes guys, Charlie Boy of the’80s and ‘90s (the dude with the scariest and weirdest dress style I have ever seen) giving his life to Christ was a big deal. Everyone wanted to find what brought about his decision, but like they say in Christendom, his soul was arrested and he found his way to the church.
Yul Edochie
Most recently, Yul Edochie survived what would have been the most terrible news of 2019 after a ghastly car accident. Fortunately he made it with a few bruises. Alas’ Yul announced that he has given his life to Christ. Let’s be sincere with our selves, who wouldn’t pack their load to the church and stay there for a while after that accident.
Spotify yesterday revealed a significant surge in heartbreak song streams in Nigeria during the Valentine’s Day season, with a 626 percent increase between 2022 and 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria by Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu.
Okumu said, “Spotify data reveals a surprising trend, a massive surge in heartbreak song streams.
“Nigerians are turning to their playlists to express their emotions, with a staggering 626 per cent overall growth in heartbreak streams from 2022 to 2024.
“This Valentine, the sound of love is accompanied by the sound of heartbreak, and the data shows it’s louder than ever before.”
She said on Valentine’s Day, most surprisingly, male listeners streamed heartbreak songs at a significantly higher rate than female listeners, with a 362 per cent increase compared to 169 per cent among women.
“This could suggest that men resonate with the feeling of heartbreak more and turn to music as a private outlet for processing emotions.
“Whatever the reason, one thing is clear, when love is in the air, so is heartbreak and Nigerian men are pressing play on their pain more than expected.
“While Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with grand gestures, heartbreak is a common theme on Valentine’s Day -more than what’s publicly shown,” she said.
Nigerians will join their counterparts across the world to mark the 2025 Valentine’s today.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has joined MLS side San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner.
SDFC announced today that Tems joined the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe.
In the process, Tems became the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner,” SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a statement.
“Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which, of course, has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organisation.”
Reacting to her addition as the latest partner in SDFC’s ownership group, the singer said: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community.
“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
Fashion and beauty entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani, has claimed she is enduring back pain and that her spine is degenerating.
Lawani revealed this in a video posted on social media last Tuesday.
In the clip, she opened up about her experience with epidural anesthesia, an injection administered to pregnant women in the spine to reduce pain during childbirth.
The mother of three claimed that since receiving the injection, she has not felt like herself.
She accused doctors of not fully informing women about the long-term side effects of epidurals.
According to Lawani, she received the anesthetic injection during the birth of her last two children.
She said, “When you hear ‘epidural,’ run. Doctors tell you about the side effects but do not tell you about the long-term effects on your body. I have about three friends having the same issues that I am having.
“Like, I am just 42, how did I end up with spine issues? I have a degenerating spine. I have implants in my spine. I go paralyzed. I can’t stand for a long time. I can’t even breathe properly sometimes because it affected so many things in my body when I had the surgery.
“They will not tell you because you just want the pain to go away. I have had two epidurals. I had my first as natural birth. The last two were epidural. The last one I had epidural because I had to undergo a surgery and I had no choice.
“See, the pain does not stop. My back is killing me and my spine is degenerating.”