In recent years, Nigerian celebrities have become more involved in the entertainment industry, not just as performers but also as judges on popular TV shows such as singing competitions to cooking showdowns, dance battles
These celebrities use their experience and knowledge to judge the performances of contestants and provide valuable feedback to help them improve. Some of the Nigerian celebrities who have appeared on TV shows as judges include musicians, actors, and comedians.
They have helped to bring a new level of excitement and entertainment to these shows and have become popular among fans. Glamsquad takes a look at 10 Nigerian celebrities who have appeared on TV shows as judges.
Toke Makinwa
Toke Makinwa is a Nigerian media personality, television host, vlogger, and author. She was born on 3rd November 3, 1984, in Lagos State and raised by her mother and grandmother after her father passed when she was eight years old.
She graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in English Language and Literature in 2010. After graduation, she worked briefly in the banking sector before pursuing a career in media and entertainment.
Makinwa began her media career in 2010 as a co-host of the popular morning show, “The Morning Drive,” on Rhythm 93.7 FM in Lagos. She later worked as a host on various television shows, including “Trending,” “The Wrap Up,” and “Moments with Mo.” In 2013, she became the host of the popular radio show, “The Midday Show with Toke,” on Rhythm 93.7 FM.
Makinwa’s popularity grew with the launch of her YouTube vlog, “Toke Moments,” in 2015, where she shares her thoughts on various topics, including relationships, fashion, and lifestyle.
In addition to her media career, Makinwa is also an author. She published her first book, “On Becoming,” in 2016, which chronicles her personal struggles and triumphs, including her divorce from her ex-husband, Maje Ayida.
Makinwa is also known for her philanthropic work. In 2016, she launched the “Toke Makinwa Foundation,” which focuses on providing support and education to underprivileged children and women in Nigeria.
Toke Makinwa appeared as a judge Nigerian reality TV show, “Nigeria’s Got Talent.” The show, which first aired in 2012, features contestants who showcase their talents in singing, dancing, magic, comedy, and other performing arts.
The judges provide feedback to the contestants and decide who will advance to the next round of the competition. Makinwa served as a judge on the show during its third season, which aired in 2014.
Omawumi
Omawumi Megbele-Yusuf, professionally as Omawumi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born on 13th April 13, 1982, in Delta State, Nigeria.
Omawumi’s music career began in 2007 when she auditioned for the West African version of the popular TV show, “Idols.” She finished as the first runner-up in the competition, which launched her music career. Her debut single, “In The Music,” was released in 2008 and received critical acclaim.
Omawumi has since released several hit songs, including “If You Ask Me,” “Bottom Belle,” “Warn Yourself,” and “Play Na Play.” She has also collaborated with several other Nigerian artists, including Wizkid, Flavour, and M.I Abaga.
In addition to her music career, Omawumi has also acted in several Nollywood movies, including “Inale,” “House of Gold,” and “The First Lady.” She has also served as a judge on several Nigerian music competition shows, including “Nigerian Idol” and “The Voice Nigeria.”
Omawumi has won several awards for her music, including the “Next Rated” award at the 2009 edition of The Headies, and the “Best Female Vocal Performance” award at the 2011 edition of The Headies. She has also been nominated for several international awards, including the BET Awards and the MOBO Awards.
Overall, Omawumi is a talented Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has made significant contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. Her music and acting career have earned her a large fan base both in Nigeria and internationally.
Omawumi has appeared as a judge on three Nigerian music competition shows. She first appeared as a judge on the fifth season of “Nigerian Idol” in 2015, alongside Yinka Davies and Darey Art Alade.
In 2017, she joined “The Voice Nigeria” as a judge and coach for its second season, alongside fellow coaches Yemi Alade, Timi Dakolo, and Patoranking.
Omawumi was also a judge for MTN’s Yellow Star music talent competition in 2021.
Yemi Alade
Songstress, Yemi Alade also known as “Mama Africa” of Nigerian music was born on 13th March 13, 1989, in Abia State, Nigeria.
Yemi Alade began her music career in 2005 when she competed in the “Peak Talent Show,” a music competition in Nigeria. She gained wider recognition in 2009 after winning the “Most Promising Female Artiste” category at the “Nigeria Entertainment Awards.”
Alade’s breakthrough came in 2013 when she released her hit single, “Johnny,” which became an instant success and topped several music charts in Africa. She has since released several other hit songs, including “Johnny (French Version),” “Tangerine,” “Kissing,” and “Na Gode.”
In addition to her music career, Yemi Alade has also acted in several Nigerian films, including “Johnny,” which was inspired by her hit single of the same name. She also appeared in Funke Akindele’s Omo Ghetto “The Saga” and Beyounce’s
Yemi Alade appeared as a judge on the first season of “The Voice Nigeria” in 2016, alongside fellow coaches Waje, Patoranking, and Timi Dakolo.
She also served as a judge on the fourth season of “Nigerian Idol” in 2013, where she provided feedback and guidance to the contestants throughout the competition.
Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw is a veteran actress, fitness enthusiast, philanthropist, and politician. born on 19th July 1971, in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Henshaw began her acting career in 1993 when she starred in the Nigerian movie “When the Sun Sets.” Since then, she has featured in over 100 Nollywood movies, including “The Meeting,” “Figurine,” and “Stronger Than Pain.” Her acting skills have earned her several awards and nominations, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2008 and 2013.
Kate Henshaw has appeared as a judgeon “Nigeria’s Got Talent,” a reality talent show that aired from 2012 to 2014. She was also a judge on the Nigerian dance competition show, “Dance 234 ” aired in 2010 alongside other notable Nigerian celebrities, including Muyiwa Osinaike and Jeffrey Daniel.
The mother of one was also a guest judge on “The Next Movie Star,” a Nigerian reality TV show that focuses on discovering and nurturing talented actors and actresses in Nollywood.
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Don Jazzy
Music producer, Michael Collins Ajereh better known as Don Jazzy, was born on 26th November 1982, in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Don Jazzy began his music career in the early 2000s as a member of the music group, Solek Crew. In 2011, Don Jazzy and D’banj founded their own record label, called Mohits Records, which produced several popular songs. After the split of Mohits Records, Don Jazzy established Mavin Records in 2012, which has become one of the leading music labels in Africa.
Don Jazzy’s music productions have earned him numerous awards, including Producer of the Year at the Nigerian Music Awards, Music Producer of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards, and the Special Recognition Award at The Headies.
Don Jazzy appeared as a judge on “The Voice Nigeria” in 2017 and on “Nigerian Idol” in 2021.
D’Banj
Singer, songwriter, and harmonica player Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known as D’banj was born on June 9, 1980, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
D’banj began his music career in the early 2000s as a backup singer for rapper, MI Abaga. He later signed with Mo’ Hits Records in 2004, where he released his debut album, “No Long Thing,” which was a commercial success.
He subsequently released several hit songs, including “Oliver Twist,” “Fall in Love,” and “Suddenly,” which earned him numerous awards and nominations, including Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
In 2012, D’banj left Mo’ Hits Records to establish his record label, DB Records, where he continued to produce hit songs and collaborate with other artists, both in Nigeria and internationally.
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Aside from his music career, D’banj is also a businessman and entrepreneur who has invested in several ventures, including agriculture and entertainment.
D’banj has appeared as a judge on two popular Nigerian music talent shows: “The Voice Nigeria” and “Nigerian Idol.”
He was a judge on the second season of “The Voice Nigeria,” which aired in 2017. He also served as a judge on the eighth season of “Nigerian Idol” in 2021.
He also returned as a judge in the 2023 edition of Nigerian Idol which premiered on the 23rd of April 2023.
2Baba
2Baba, whose real name is Innocent Ujah Idibia, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on September 18, 1975, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
2Baba began his music career in the late 1990s as a member of the music group, Plantashun Boiz. He later went solo in 2004, and since then, he has released several hit songs, including “African Queen,” “True Love,” and “If Love Is a Crime.”
He has won numerous awards for his music, including four MTV Africa Music Awards, one BET Award, and several Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
2Baba has appeared as a judge on several Nigerian music talent shows, including “The Voice Nigeria,” “Nigeria’s Got Talent,” and “The Voice Nigeria Kids.”
He was a judge on the first and second seasons of “The Voice Nigeria” in 2016 and 2017, respectively. He also served as a judge on “Nigeria’s Got Talent” in 2012 and was a coach on the first season of “The Voice Nigeria Kids” in 2017.
Simi
Songstress, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, better known as Simi was born on 19th April 1988, in Ojuelegba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Simi began her music career as a gospel singer, releasing her debut album “Ogaju” in 2008. She later switched to secular music and gained mainstream success with her hit single “Tiff” in 2014.
She has since released several hit songs, including “Joromi,” “Duduke,” and “I Dun Care,” which have earned her numerous awards and nominations, including a Headies Award for Best Recording of the Year in 2018.
In 2022, Simi served as a judge on the seventh season of Nigerian Idol in 2022.
Waje
Renowned singer, Aituaje Iruobe, better known as Waje was born on September 1, 1980, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Waje began her music career in 2007 after being featured on a song by P-Square titled “Do Me.” She later released her debut single, “Somewhere,” in 2008 and has since released several hit songs, including “I Wish,” “Onye,” and “Left for Good.”
She has won several awards for her music, including four Headies Awards, one Nigerian Entertainment Award, and one City People Entertainment Award. In addition to her music career, Waje is also an actress and has appeared in several Nollywood movies, including “Tunnel” and “For Coloured Girls.”
Waje appeared as a judge on Nigerian music talent shows, including “The Voice Nigeria” and “Nigerian Idol.”
She was a coach on the first season of “The Voice Nigeria” in 2016 and returned as a coach on the show’s second season in 2017. She has also served as a judge on “Nigerian Idol” in 2013, 2014, and 2021, providing valuable feedback to contestants and helping to discover and nurture new musical talents.
Banky W
Nigerian singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur, Olubankole Wellington better known as Banky W was born on 27th March 1981, in the United States, but later moved to Lagos, Nigeria, where he grew up.
Banky W began his music career in 2002 and released his debut album, “Back in the Building,” in 2005. He has since released several other successful albums, including “Mr. Capable,” “The W Experience,” and “R&BW.”
He is also a successful actor and has appeared in several Nollywood movies, including “The Wedding Party,” “Up North,” and “Sugar Rush.” In addition to his music and acting career, Banky W is also a successful entrepreneur, with several business ventures in the food, technology, and real estate industries.
Banky W served as a judge on the Nigerian Idol series for multiple seasons. He also served as a judge on the MTN Yellow Star TV show in 2021, alongside several other prominent figures.
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