The names on this list did not appear by mistake. Neither is the headline wrong in anyway. They might not have the largest number of followers, but Falz, Frank Donga, Emmaohmagod and Francis Odega have continually proved via their Instagram accounts that a new breed of celebrity is emerging. One who has recognised that the internet is where the entertainment industry of the future will be based.
Falz
Back in February 2014, Falz was asked in an interview how he was going to sell himself in the competitive Nigerian music scene. He answered: “I believe what you have to do in a scene such as this is to be unique. And I think my music is very unique. The infusion of comic lyrics, which people can easily relate with, with a lot of old school jam and the contemporary hip-hop is what makes my brand of music very unique. It is very different from what any other artiste out there does.” And seeing how far he has come, it is safe to say that not only has he sold himself to the general public, there is still a lot of ground he has yet to cover.
Folarin Falana aka Falz decided to pursue music as a career back in 2009 instead of law like his famous dad Femi Falana. A lot of people including his parents were alarmed and surprised by his decision. But now, following the success he has enjoyed, their fears have been allayed. An ambassador for companies like Cheki, Webmallng and reportedly MTN, he first came to prominence with his ‘razz’ style of rapping on his various songs. Then came the hilarious video skits. Especially when the video for his song, Ello Bae hit the airwaves. Since then, Falz the BAHD Guy has not looked back.
But a relevant question still hangs over Falz’s musical career. Even though he has carved a very profitable niche for himself as a rapper, a lot of people do not take him seriously. Being that, his comedic lyrics are all they seem to hear even though in my opinion Falz can hold his own amongst Nigeria’s top lyricists. The task for the Karashika crooner now remains for him to prove that he can maintain this winning streak he is currently on.
Emmaohmagod
The word multi-talented bests sums up this Electrical and Electronics engineering graduate of Covenant University. An astute Comedian, Wedding MC, Singer/Musician, Producer, TV Presenter, Actor, Content provider and voiceover artiste, his SoundBits for Wazobia and Cool FM are just one of the major reasons why he is loved by many. Born Emmanuel Edunjobi, his foray into the world of entertainment started from a very young age as he once revealed. He also stated that his infusion of music into his comedy routines is what stands him out from other comedians out there. Anyone who has seen his viral videos Chris Brown in Ojuelegba, Ifechi (the fraud), Mayweather Dance, Apako Blessing, Teletubbies made in Ibadan, Naija Babes Version of Pharell’s Happy, Dorobucci Mushin Version, If Beyonce was Nigerian (single ladies) and his most popular effort Naija Babes Mad At Davido (Aye) would recognise that indeed, Emma is a star on the rise.
Frank Donga
Mention the name Kunle Idowu and you are likely to be met with blank stares. But just whisper the name Frank Donga and watch how the person’s face would light up with recognition. Little is known about Kunle aka Frank Donga before Ndani TV launched its video series titled The Interview back in 2013, but ever since the launch, he is now known as the Professiona Unemploy’d graduate. Frank has built on the success of the series to launch a career for himself. He is continually releasing new skits and photos via Instagram and he recently launched his own YouTube channel Comedy Centa. He was also nominated in the category for Best Actor (Comedy) at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2015 edition.
Francis Odega
Even though Francis Odega had featured in over 50 Nollywood films including the popular TV series Clinic Matters, it wasn’t until a clip from the movie Back from South Africa was shared on Instagram that he really became famous. Surprisingly, the movie was released 3 years ago! Speaking in a recent interview, Francis himself said he doesn’t know why the clip went viral. “I am pleasantly surprised that just one scene from a movie, which I starred in three years ago, has suddenly brought me so much attention and fame. I don’t really know why it has taken the movie three years to garner this sort of recognition. I joined Instagram two months ago, after some social media-savvy friends of mine played the Gerara Here video, which was posted on Instagram for me. The number of comments that trailed the post blew me away and I decided to join the platform almost immediately.”
International stars like 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg have shared the clip with their fans on social media and of course, this has increased Francis’s international fan base. The clip also earned him an endorsement deal from Telecommunications Company Etisalat.
This article was written by ‘Bisola Alawode. Bisola is a PR consultant and journalist. He can be contacted via his email address [email protected]