Celebrities who are hugging the mic so well

The piece was inspired by some readers who were elated to read that the screen star, Jennifer Eliogu, has gone so deep into music that she even runs a musical band called ‘Sleek Band.’

But Jenny, as the actress is simply called, is not the only Nollywood personality that combines acting and singing; there is a growing list of celebrities who have either hugged the mic or are combining both easily.

Celebrity picks a few of the screen acting personalities who are shining on screen, as they are on stage as singers.

Segun Aina Padonu
Popularly referred to as simply Segun Arinze, no one does everything as an entertainer and does it so well like the former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and current Chairman of the AGN Foundation.

Arinze sings, acts, compere events and does voice-over well. Although very accomplished as an actor, it was as a singer that the actor’s actor also came into national limelight. His debut album, Dreams, released under the defunct Premier Music label in 1992, enjoyed massive airplay and contained some of the likeable love ballads at that time.

A native of Badagry in Lagos State, ‘Black Arrow,’ as Segun is roundly called by colleagues and fans, has continued to hug the microphone so well, even as he has acquitted himself on stage, screen and on radio as a dependable actor and voice-over artiste.

Chidi Ihezie Okafor
Nollywood actress, Chidi Ihezie-Okafor, features prominently on the list of Nigerian celebrities that combine acting with singing.

The native of Obowo Council of Imo State and star of countless home video productions, last year released a 10-tracker gospel album, titled, ‘Limitless Jesus.’ Currently working on a follow up album, the Mass Communication graduate of Oko Polytechnic in Anambra State has been touring major cities and towns, performing to the delight of gospel music fans.

A wife and mother, Chidi, in a recent interview, acknowledged that she has found herself doing much more now, since she has to combine acting, singing and taking care of the home front.

“If I am not on location filming, I will be honouring invitations to minister at events. I have been able to manage my time because the joy of the Lord is my strength. He is my master planner and my organiser,” she enthused.

Chika Chukwu
Notable actress, Chika Chukwu, is also one Nollywood personality that combines singing and acting. A one-album star, the title track of her debut album, ‘Beautiful,’ enjoyed massive airplay when it was released.

A total artiste, Chika revealled in an earlier interview that she is not in music for fame and money: “It is actually about fulfillment, about the surge I get when I am on a stage. It is something that I have always wanted to do.

“I am happier when I am singing and in fact, most people around me think I come alive whenever I am singing. I actually do love singing. It will not be a one-off; I am in music for good.”

Focused and down to earth, Chika, star of Liquid Love, Sad Christmas, Hell Ride, War Victims, Sister Mary, Liberation and Tears of a Woman, hopes to continue producing her own movies and also looks forward to playing a raised game as a singer or actress.

Ngozi Orji
Actress, Ngozi Zack Orji, is another Nollywood personality who has been combining acting with singing.

Wife of the dependable actor, Zack Orji, the actress of over 100 movie credits, who studied English at the University of Lagos, sings gospel music.

The costume designer, who studied Secretarial Studies at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, recently dropped her debut gospel album, which is enjoying acceptance.

A one-time chorister in the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship, Ngozi, who has always wanted to sing, revealled that the inspiration came “20 years ago” and she has at various times since then functioned either as a worship leader or praise minister in church.

The proud mother has since then, taken her singing career to another level with the release of an album-compilation of songs she composed over the years.

Ngozi stated, in a recent interview, that her career as a gospel artiste has taken her far and wide, including performing in different countries, such as Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK).

Cossy Orjiakor
Sultry actress, Cossy Orjiakor, is yet another acting personality that has a passion for singing.

The one-album music artiste, who is generally perceived to be more in the news for ‘the wrong reasons’ than her career exploits, has an unquenchable thirst for singing.

An Accountancy major, who also holds a second degree in Accountancy, Cossy staged a comeback to her other love- music- when she dropped a music video late last year.

The actress, who became an item in the entertainment scene after she featured in a music video by Fuji musician, Obesere, has reportedly performed locally and internationally and is said to be on the verge of dropping another album.

Her first album, a 15-tracker, was launched in 2012 and includes tracks such as ‘You Want Me’ and ‘You and Me.’

Bhaire Mcwizu
Actress and former AMBO winner, Bhaire Mcwizu, is a songstress. The actress of vast credit studied Music and has performed extensively as a singer.

A product of the MUSON School of Music and a trained multi-linguist, Bhaire has her pouch filled with compositions and she is working at releasing her debut musical album.

Always the first to illuminate the atmosphere with a profound honest smile and unpretentious joviality, Bhaire is undoubtedly doing well as an actress and a singer.

Others Hugging The Mic include Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Zack Orji, Shan George, Tony One Week Muanagor, etc.