10 Nigerian Celebrities Who Japa’d — And What They’re Doing Now Abroad

Source: Zikoko

Once upon a time, they ruled our screens, stages, and playlists. They were the faces we grew up with, the voices we danced to, and the stars that shaped Nigerian pop culture. Then, one by one, they packed their bags, grabbed their passports, and joined the “japa” wave — swapping red carpets and film sets for fresh starts abroad.

Some traded microphones for medical scrubs, cameras for classrooms, or fame for family life in a quieter corner of the world. Yet in every story, there’s a thread of reinvention — a reminder that even celebrities start over sometimes.

Here’s a look at ten Nigerian stars who japa’d — and what they’re up to now.

1. 2Shotz (William Orioha)

Once a pioneer of Nigerian rap, 2Shotz gave us classics like “Oyoyo” and “Make Dem Talk.” But fame came with its own struggles. After personal challenges and a long battle with depression, he stepped away from music.
In 2016, he found a new creative voice — behind the camera. Now based in the U.S., 2Shotz works as a photographer and filmmaker, capturing moments instead of performing in them.

2. Boy Alinco (Bayo Bankole)

You probably remember Boy Alinco’s signature strut and outrageous fashion from Papa Ajasco & Company. In 2015, he left Nigeria for the U.S., chasing new opportunities. The early years were tough — divorce, financial strain, and cultural adjustment — but Boy Alinco rebuilt.
Today, he runs a transportation business, manages artists, promotes events, and still commands the mic occasionally as an MC.

3. Frank Donga (Kunle Idowu)

The awkward job seeker from Ndani TV’s The Interview won over millions with his deadpan humor. But Frank Donga’s story goes deeper. Armed with a background in agriculture, he moved to Canada in 2024, where he now works as a Multimedia Communications Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture.
From viral skits to public service — a full-circle journey that blends creativity with purpose.

4. Funsho Adeolu

A respected Yoruba actor and producer, Funsho Adeolu graced countless Nollywood classics before quietly relocating to the U.S. Known today as “The Dancing MC,” he’s carved a niche hosting events and spreading joy through his lively performances. The same charisma that once lit up our screens now lights up parties across America.

5. General Pype (Olayiwola Ibrahim Majekodunmi)

Known for fusing reggae and Afrobeats, General Pype had us hooked with “Champion.” But in 2018, he stepped back from music to focus on family and explore a new passion — set design. After training at the Georgia Film Academy, he worked on major productions like Black Panther and Samaritan. From studio sessions to Hollywood sets, Pype’s creativity just found a new rhythm.

6. Helen Paul (Dr. Tatafo)
Once the bubbly, child-voiced comedian who ruled radio and TV, Helen Paul took her humor to higher ground — literally. After earning her PhD in Theatre Arts, she relocated to the U.S. and became Head of the Department of Arts, Music, and Entertainment at Heart Bible International University.
Dr. Tatafo now teaches, mentors, and continues to prove that laughter and learning can go hand in hand.

7. Terror D’Archangel (McMorris Ndubueze)
If you loved early 2000s Nollywood, you remember him as the smooth-talking bad boy. But these days, McMorris Ndubueze’s stage is a hospital. After moving to the U.S., he pursued medicine and now works as a doctor — one of Nollywood’s most surprising and inspiring transformations.

8. Okunnu (Wale Akorede)
The Yoruba comedy legend known for his chaotic energy in countless films has since relocated to Canada. Life there is quieter, but Okunnu’s humor hasn’t dimmed. Now, he channels his creativity into lighthearted skits with his children — bringing laughter to a new generation from halfway across the world.

9. Pepenazi (Opeyemi Gbenga Kayode)
From club hits like “One for the Road” to “Illegal”, Pepenazi once lit up Nigeria’s music scene. Then he vanished. When he reappeared in 2022, it wasn’t with a new track — but a new mission. Today, he lives in the U.K. as a gospel minister, trading fame for faith and finding purpose beyond the spotlight.

10. Regina Askia-Williams
One of Nollywood’s earliest queens, Regina Askia moved to the U.S. in the early 2000s and completely reinvented herself. She’s now a registered nurse and healthcare practitioner in New York, running her own practice and participating in community outreach. From actress to healer, Regina’s story is one of grace, growth, and giving back.

Whether they swapped fame for family, creativity for calm, or the big screen for a second chance, these stars remind us that life is full of seasons — and sometimes, the next chapter begins with a boarding pass.