Edited by: Paul Moronfola
Like any other school, Obafemi Awolowo University has produced big and famous entertainment industry names. Today, we will be talking about seven celebrities you didn’t know who graduated from the illustrious school.
1. Fireboy DML
The rave of the moment, Adedamola Adefolahan, whom we all know as Fireboy, is a notable alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University. From performing for thousands of people on OAU campus to performing for hundreds of thousands of people over the globe, the Peru crooner is currently jamming and winning big in the entertainment industry.
The Ogun state-born superstar obtained a Bachelor in Arts from the most populated department in Obafemi Awolowo University, the Department of English, in 2017. While in school, he was quite the star among students. He would later have an eureka moment of his career path when he was signed to YBNL Nation in 2018 by Olamide Badoo (Olamide Adedeji).
Since becoming famous, he has released two albums, with no miss. He even collaborated with stars like Ed Sheeran on Peru remix. In addition, he has won several awards since then. However, I guess he would always owe it to his hit song “Jealous’ ‘ which was released in 2019 for putting him in the spotlight. He’s probably the most prominent celebrity OAU has produced so far.
2. Chinko Ekun
Every current student and graduate of OAU must have heard of “Chinko Ekun” at some point in their school experience. Born Oladipo Olamide Emmanuel, the indigenous rapper, Chinko Ekun, has become a household name within the OAU community. His stage name originated from being told he looks Chinese (Chinko) and from the name of his first official track, “Ekun.” Many might not know this; the rapper has a degree in Law from OAU.
He started his rap music journey in his first year at OAU. In 2011, he officially began his career in music by uploading freestyle videos on Instagram before finally releasing the track, “Ekun,” which got him attention and fame in 2013. In 2015, he was signed to the YBNL record label by Olamide. He has had lots of collaborations with other big names in the music industry. He has released several hit songs, with “Able God” being one. He is currently signed to Dek-Niyor Entertainment, a record label based in Dubai. He left YBNL records in 2017.
3. Asake (Ololade)
Asake hit the limelight with his freestyle “Lady,” receiving several positive responses from Nigerians. However, he is currently in the heart of Nigerians after releasing a hit song with Olamide titled Omo Ope.
Asake was born and brought up in Lagos State. He studied Theatre & Performing Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. He was fully signed to YBNL records by Olamide Baddo in 2022.
4. Woli Arole
Bayegun Oluwatoyin, popularly known as Woli Arole, is not only a comedian; he is also an actor and a movie producer. He is a Psychology graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. His comedy and acting career started while he was in school. He began by sharing short funny videos of him acting as a prophet on Instagram. There, he gained some attention and gradually rose to fame.
Woli Arole has featured in star studded movies like “The Call” and “Alakada reloaded”. He also appeared on the series “Skinny Girl in Transit;” and many others. With his style of comedy, he was probably one of the infamous Awo boys. We can tell you for sure that we are proud to call him our own here at OAU.
5. MC Lively
Growing up, many of us wanted to take up “notable” professions like Law, Medicine, and Engineering. Some end up not becoming any of these things they dreamt of being. While others had their dreams (which may not have been their true dream anyway) come true, only not to practice whatever profession they studied for.
It would shock many to know that the famous comedian Mc Lively is a barrister and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2016. Before proceeding to law school, he bagged a degree in Law from Obafemi Awolowo University. Instead of practicing Law, he chose comedy skits which threw him into the limelight.
It was the skit “Agidi” that brought him fame in 2015. Since making waves in the entertainment industry, he has featured in several movies, including “Seven and a Half Date” and “Fate of Alakada.” He has also hosted several events.
6. Blaqbonez
Emeka Akumefule, with the stage name Blaqbonez, is a rapper signed to 100 Crowns, an imprint of Chocolate City. He is a Computer Engineering graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. He went from being booed at the Amphitheatre stage on OAU campus to becoming a viral sensation that has featured stars like Tiwa Savage, Buju, and Amaarae. Blaqbonez is gradually dominating the rap world in the Nigerian music industry. He was described by The New York Times as one of the new guards of Nigerian music. His controversial hit song Best Rapper in Africa (BRIA) put him in the spotlight.
The rising star relentlessly promotes his music on every social media platform; you can’t help but notice him, especially on the streets of Twitter. It would be his if there were a face for overall best hustling. He has released two EPs and an album so far in his career.
7. Cheque
“When they tryna hold me, I go zoom zoom zoom”! And that’s how Cheque zoomed his way into the hearts of many Nigerians. Named Akinbi Bamidele Brett, Cheque is a singer, rapper, and songwriter. His first ever EP was released in 2015 when he still had the stage name Kyle B. This EP featured Fireboy DML, Zamora, and Chinko Ekun.
About three years after he graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering in OAU, fate smiled on him in 2019 when he got signed to Phyno’s Penthauze. Ever since his signing, he has released some singles and an EP. The EP was released in 2020 and had its hit song “Zoom.” So, the future sure looks are bright for this OAU talented Alumnus.
Today a reader，tomorrow a leader！