Many names on this list may not yet ring a bell, at the time of writing, but they will soon enough. Some of these actors, and musicians have been bubbling up for years, while others are set to make their screen debuts in some of 2026. Also on the list are established acts, who are poised to make waves and contribute to the totality of what is expected to be 2026. Across TV, theatre, music, and streaming platforms, The Nation Entertainment identifies the most promising young talent destined for great things in the New Year.
Fola
Folarin Odunlami, aka Fola, was one of the breakout stars of 2025. He injected fresh energy into the industry and earned himself several features with established music acts to create some of the biggest tunes of 2025. His album ‘Catharsis’ performed impressively enough to land inside Spotify’s top Nigerian album charts, amassing tens of millions of streams and signaling a rising trajectory.
Singles like ‘You,’ and ‘Lost’ (featuring Kizz Daniel) also became streaming staples, firmly placing the singer on both local and global radars; a rare achievement for emerging voices in a year dominated by established names.
Fola, like some others on this list actively set the nation’s new sonic agenda, alongside established heavyweights like Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, and Ayra Starr across the most-streamed artist and album categories, proving Nigerians’ unwavering loyalty to homegrown talent.
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is one of the leading faces on the Nigerian film scene, who has graced the klieglights for almost three decades. For a while between 2023 and 2024, she decided to go underground, while still working behind the scenes. Then came 2025 and she decided to unveil what she’s been working on to the world – she made her directorial debut and premiered it at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. An elated Omotola revealed that 2026 will see more of her works behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera.
Zaylevelten
Chisom Lucky Okoro aka Zaylevelten is one of Nigeria’s most compelling emerging voices on the music scene specialising in rap and alternative Afro‑fusion. He fuses street energy, trap influence and experimental sound into something distinctly his own. Zaylevelten’s breakout came through a series of strong releases and viral moments including ‘Maye.’ Many agree that what makes Zaylevelten stand out is his work as a producer under the name Tenski as he plays a critical role in crafting sound, producing, and ensuring identity while ensuring his music reflects his vision from the ground up.
Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye is a recurring name on lists like entertainers, who defined 2025 and entertainers to watch out for in 2026. This is because the demure actress seems to have mastered her craft in storytelling and positioning her brand. With Ademoye not ready to stop, she’s one of the entertainers to watch out for in 2026.
Fido
2025 was a good year for Josiah Olayemi Awosika aka Fido, who joined emerging music acts that are actively setting the nation’s new sonic agenda and securing spots in the lists of top songs in the country. It is believed that the young Nigerian, who is not relatively an upcoming act, will consolidate on his 2025 achievement to make further statements musically in 2026.
Genoveva Umeh
Year on year since she broke out from the Netflix limited series, ‘Blood Sisters,’ Genoveva has continued to wax stronger in the film industry. She’s unarguably one of the rising film stars gaining significant traction with strong performances year upon year and she’s one act to watch out for in 2026.
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Sewa
Adesewa Rebecca Ojedele aka Sewà Ayoola is a Nigerian soul singer, who grounds her music in Afro-soul, but with the gleams of R&B, jazz and pop. Though she’s based in Toronto, Sewà is finding her path in the line of bold voices like Asa and Cavement. Her sound is a rich fusion that carries both mainstream and niche circles with a speciality in storytelling. Her debut album, ‘Detox’ announced her powerful strength and she’s one music act to watch out for in 2026.
Mike Afolarin
Mike Afolarin found, almost instant, fame with the klieglights since he broke out and he has enjoyed film casting with his name frequently mentioned for exciting projects. Afolarin has been able, through his performances, to carve a niche for himself such that he features in at least 3 out of the top 10 films in Nigeria per year. He’s one young star to watch out for in 2026.
Uzoamaka Onuoha
Uzoamaka Onuoha rose to fame with her role in the popular series, ‘Origin: Madam Koikoi.’ However, she has since proven her worth with several defining roles in projects that have projected and catapulted her career faster than she expected. From ‘Inside Life,’ to ‘Agemo,’ Onuoha has done so well that she will feature prominently in Nollywood come 2026.
Syntax, the creator
Wisdom Omotoso Adeoluwa aka Syntax, The Creator is a self taught producer, pianist and songwriter that has distinguished himself as one of those artists that makes music which takes listeners into spaces of introspection, celebration and creative expansiveness. Always wearing Ibadan as his badge, he wowed fans in the last two years with successful EPs such as ‘Room 203’ in 2024, and ‘Rvivi’ in 2025 and expresses this vividly, with collaborations and features that expanded his sound. 2026 is expected to also favour Syntax, the creator.
Martha Ehinome
Martha Ehinome is an emerging talent to watch out for in 2026. Having done so well for herself in previous years, 2025 seems to be the major unveiling for Ehinome with her performances in ‘Gone,’ ‘My Father’s Shadows,’ ‘Midnight in Shangisha,’ and ‘I am Anis.’ With Ehinome’s achievements in 2025, it’s obvious 2026 will be a bigger year for her.
Kunmie
Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter aka Kunmie is a fast-rising Nigerian Afro-R&B artist who gained massive fame with his viral hit single ‘Arike.’ The song was released in early 2025, and became one of the biggest songs of the year earning him significant streams, nominations, and a historic chart position on Spotify’s global viral chart as an independent artist. Known for soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, he dropped his debut EP, Before We Became Strangers, following the song’s success. Kunmie is an act to watch out for in 2026.
Sandra Okunzuwa
Sandra Ese Osayamon Okunzuwa aka Sandra Okunzuwa is a trained lawyer turned actress and movie producer. Okunzuwa has been on a steady rise on the Nigerian film scene snatching different challenging roles per film. Well noted for her rising presence, Okunzuwa is billed to shine an extra mile in 2026.
