Log In

The Kutis, Okoyes, Ogulus... families shaping Nigerian music, film, fashion industries - TheCable Lifestyle

Published 1 month ago4 minute read

These families prove that talent, when nurtured across generations, becomes a legacy. From music to movies, activism to fashion, their contributions have defined Nigerian entertainment, and their influence continues to grow.

Made, Femi & Seun Kuti | Photography by @ibrahim.a.sule

Few names resonate as powerfully in Nigerian music and activism as the Kutis. The legacy began with , a fearless women’s rights activist whose defiance inspired generations. Her son inherited her revolutionary spirit, birthing Afrobeat — a genre that blended funk, jazz, and biting political commentary.

Today, the Kuti name remains a global force. carries the torch internationally, while his son reinvents Afrobeat for a new era. leads Egypt 80, Fela’s legendary band, ensuring his father’s revolutionary sound lives on. Their sister co-founded Felabration, an annual festival celebrating Fela’s legacy. From activism to music, the Kutis remain Nigeria’s foremost family of resistance and rhythm.

Burna Boy, his mother Bose Ogulu and sisters Ronami and Nissi Ogulu
Burna Boy, his mother Bose Ogulu, and sisters Ronami and Nissi Ogulu

Behind every great artiste is a formidable support system. For (Damini Ogulu), that system is his family. His mother manages his career with sharp acumen, guiding him to Grammy-winning success.

But the Ogulus’ brilliance extends beyond music. , Burna’s sister, is a visionary stylist and creative director shaping his iconic looks. , the singer’s second sister, is a singer-songwriter and founder of Creele Animation Studios, crafting African stories through animation. Whether in music, fashion, or storytelling, the Ogulus are a powerhouse of creativity.

Femi Adebayo, Ali Baba, Simi... how celebrities marked Father’s Day
Femi Adebayo and his dad Adabayo Salami

(Oga Bello) is a Nollywood legend, and his children have cemented the family’s place in the film industry. His son is a multi-award-winning actor, producer, and director. Brothers and  also thrive behind the scenes, ensuring the Adebayo name remains synonymous with cinematic excellence.

Femi Otedola and family tour Buckingham Plaace
The Otedola family

While their father, is a titan of business, his daughters shine in entertainment. is a gifted singer-songwriter, (Florence Otedola) is also a singer and a globally recognised DJ, and is a rising Nollywood actress and fashion entrepreneur. Together, they prove that the Otedola influence spans both boardrooms and stages.

Gabriel: My growth in acting not totally due to Kunle Afolayan's support
Gabriel and Kunle Afolayan

The late Ade Love (Adeyemi Afolayan) was a Nollywood trailblazer, and his children continue his legacy. is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated filmmakers, known for cinematic masterpieces like ‘Aníkúlápó’. His brothers, and have also excelled in acting and production, ensuring the Afolayan name remains a force in storytelling.

No basis for comparison between Don Jazzy, D'Prince, says dad
Don Jazzy with his father and brother

A few names in the country’s music industry command as much respect as Michael Collins Ajereh, widely known as . From shaping the sound of Mo’Hits Records to building Mavin Records into a powerhouse, he has been instrumental in redefining the sound of Afrobeats.

Jazzy’s younger brother, Charles Ajereh, popularly known as , found success with hit songs before transitioning behind the scenes. Now at the helm of Jonzing World, he is nurturing the next generation of artistes.

Jide Kosoko and his two daughters

is a veteran filmmaker with a career spanning decades. His late wife, Henrietta Kosoko, was also an actress, making theirs a family deeply rooted in Nollywood. Today, his daughters, and , carry the torch, delivering captivating performances that honour their family’s legacy.

Timini and Dakore Egbuson

has been a familiar face in the film industry, known for her elegance and compelling performances. Her younger brother, , has followed in her footsteps, becoming one of Nollywood’s prominent actors. Together, they have made the Egbuson name synonymous with talent.

Simeon Olaosebikan Apata was a military officer and educationist, but his daughters chose a different path — music. and her younger sister have two unique but equally powerful voices in the Nigerian music industry. While Niniola reigns as the “queen of Afro-house,” Teni’s infectious melodies have produced several hits.

The Makun brothers

Creativity is at the heart of the Makun family. made his mark as a comedian before venturing into filmmaking, where he became one of Nigeria’s most successful producers, delivering box office hits that have brought Nollywood commercial success.

His brothers, , is a top-tier show promoter, while is a celebrated fashion designer. Together, they dominate comedy, film, events, and style.

Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye
Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye

Peter ‘’ and Paul ‘Rudeboy’ Okoye, famously known as P-Square, ruled Nigerian music for years. Even after their split, both thrived as solo artistes, while their elder brother, Jude Okoye, played a pivotal role in their success as a manager. The Okoyes remain music royalty.

MI Abaga: Why I used to be jealous of Jesse Jagz
MI Abaga and Jesse Jagz

Jude M.I Abaga and Jesse Jagz Abaga reshaped Nigerian rap. MI’s lyrical genius and Jesse’s experimental sound made them icons. Whether together or apart, the Abagas elevated hip-hop in Nigeria.

Follow us on twitter

Origin:
publisher logo
TheCable Lifestyle
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...