Seunfunmi Joshua
The term biracial is applied to individuals who have a mixed racial or ethnic heritage.
Discovering the diverse heritage of certain Nigerian celebrities is something fascinating. In this blog, we uncover seven Nigerians with intriguing biracial backgrounds that may surprise you. Spanning actors, actresses, and media personalities, each person contributes a distinct mix of cultures and life experiences to their work, celebrating diversity in the entertainment space.
- Ramsey Nouah
Ramsey Nouah, born on December 19, 1970, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a celebrated actor and director of Nigerian descent. His father was Lebanese and Israeli, while his mother was Nigerian of Yoruba heritage. Raised in Surulere, Lagos by his mother, Ramsey began his acting career with the role of Jeff Akin-Thomas in the TV series “Fortunes.” Known as “Lover-Boy” for his romantic film roles, Ramsey Nouah has achieved significant success in Nollywood, winning awards such as the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor. His directorial debut, “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,” further showcased his talents. Ramsey is happily married to Emelia Philips-Nouah, with whom he has three children.
- Sophie Rammal Alakija
Sophie Rammal Alakija, born on February 8, 1993, in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a multi-talented actress, model, and dancer of Lebanese-Nigerian descent. Raised in Surulere within an Islamic family, she gained prominence as the video girl in Wizkid’s “Holla At Your Boy.” Sophie has featured in numerous Nollywood films such as “Drawing Strands,” “Small Chops,” “A Time to Heal,” and many more. In 2016, she married Wale Alakija, son of Folorunsho Alakija, a prominent figure in African business circles. Their marriage produced two children, Aydin and Caliph.
- Daddy Freeze
Ifedayo Olarinde, known as ‘Daddy Freeze,’ was born on May 6, 1976, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother. Raised in Ibadan, he attended the International School Ibadan and later studied sociology at the University of Ibadan. Starting his radio career in 1996 at BCOS Ibadan, Daddy Freeze gained fame for his controversial views but remains popular. He has won multiple awards, including the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, for his work as a radio presenter and personality.
- Maria Chike Benjamin
Maria was born on the 3rd of May, 1992, to a Nigerian father and a British mother in Owerri, Imo, Nigeria. She is a former air hostess, entrepreneur, social media influencer, model, and reality TV star. She participated in Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 6. Using her platform in the entertainment industry, she has launched an interactive talk show on healing and dealing with mental health. She has traveled across all continents except Antarctica. She has a son named Leo with her boyfriend, Kelvin Anene.
- Adunni Ade
Popular Nollywood Actress Adunni Adewale, was born in Queens, New York, to a German-American mother and Yoruba Nigerian father. She began her Nollywood career in 2013 after working in housing and insurance. Adunni has starred in over 250 films, including “What’s Within” and “The Vendor,” and received accolades like an AMVCA nomination and Best Supporting Actress at the Lagos Film Festival for “It’s Her Day” (2016). She launched her film production company, Lou-Ellen Clara Company Limited, in 2021 and advocates for biracial representation and social issues through her platform.
- Sade Adu
Born on the 16th of January, 1959, to a Nigerian father and a British mother, Helen Folasade Adu is a Nigerian-British singer who made her mark on the music industry as the lead vocalist of her band. Sade was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, but brought up in Essex, England. She gained modest recognition as a fashion designer and part-time model prior to joining the band Pride in the early 1980s. She has won several awards, including the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Commander in the 2017 Birthday Honors, Grammy Award for Best New Artist (1986), and more. She is blessed with two sons, Ayden Young and D’marion Young.
- Venita Akpofure
Venita Akpofure, born on January 1, 1987, in the UK to a Nigerian father and British mother, began her entertainment career as a video vixen before transitioning to acting in Nollywood. She gained fame on Big Brother Naija Season 4 and currently stars in “Unmarried” on Africa Magic. Venita advocates for diversity and representation in the industry, empowering young biracial women. She is a proud mother of two daughters from her previous marriage.
Wrapping Up
These biracial celebrities have made a significant impact on the entertainment industry and beyond, shattering barriers and paving the way for greater diversity. This trend will undoubtedly continue, and we wholeheartedly embrace it.
