In those days, perhaps even till the early 90s, Nigerian
parents did not readily welcome the idea of their children
pursuing a career in music. They would rather like their
children to pursue careers in medicine, law or engineering.
However, a few celebrities today have been able to
withstand criticism and the temptation to push aside their
education. They have shown that entertainers too have
brains and can also live glamorous lives. TribuneNg
chronicles the lives of some of these artistes who are
degree holders.
Dr Sid
FROM an early age, Dr. Sid (real name is Sidney Esiri) had
his heart set on becoming a singer. One would think that
coming from a family where his late father, veteran actor
Justus Esiri, was an actor, being an entertainer would be
pretty easy – but it was not.
In an earlier interview with Saturday Tribune, Dr Sid said,
“I had to apply for Dental Surgery and focus on being a
dentist until my first year when I joined a dance group
called Rock Force. While still trying to be a dentist, I moved
to Trybes Men.
When asked what his late dad’s reaction was, the musician
said, “He was pretty upset. He even said he did not want to
see me, and kicked me out of the house. Later on, I found
out that his harsh judgement at that time was to test my
resolve; to see if I was sure that I would work hard in the
music industry the same way I would work hard as a
dentist. And immediately he saw this, he gave me his
support.”
Sidney, better known as Dr Sid is a graduate from the
University of Ibadan, and is a certified dentist.
Ali Baba
ALI Baba was born into a family that wanted him to study
Law to be able to take care of them, but deep down, the ace
comedian knew that that was not what he wanted to do. He,
however, had his education at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor
and then went on to the Bendel State University (now
Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma where he studied
Religious Studies & Philosophy.
After acquiring a degree from the then Bendel State
University in 1990, he relocated to Lagos, having discovered
his comic talent in his third year in university. He had
planned to return to Ekpoma to study Law but that was not
to be, since he discovered he could make more money from
making people laugh than defending them.
While trying to make a mark as a comedian with brains, Ali
Baba told Saturday Tribune that he had to do lots of free
shows and even begged to be allowed a few minutes to
perform at seminars, and AGMs.
Well, now known as one of the most influential comedians
in the history of Nigeria, Ali Baba’s driving force, as he told
Saturday Tribune, is to prove to his father that he did not
have to study Law to make it.
Naeto C
The Owerri-born rapper was born to former Nigerian
Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Mrs. Kema Chikwe and Chief
Herbert Chikwe. Though he spent his early years in Ireland,
his fondness for music grew fast and was articulated into
other creative art forms, most specifically poetry, which
took him to various competitions and earned him accolades
as a young poet.
He, however, had to finish school before the dream of being
a musician could grow big. After finishing his secondary
education in Lagos, Naeto C moved to the United States for
higher education both in Suny old Westbury and a year
later, George Washington University. It was at this time that
he met Uzikwendu and Ikechukwu, who were aspiring hip-
hop artistes out of Washington Heights, New York.
Naeto C graduated in 2004 from the George Washington
University with a BSc. in Biology, intending to study further
and become a medical doctor. After some deep self-
searching, he changed his mind and decided to pursue his
dream and develop his talent as a musician.
In the summer of 2013, Naeto C disappeared from the
entertainment scene and returned to school to pursue a
higher degree in London at the Oxford University, taking a
course in Energy Economics.
Banky W
ALTHOUGH Bankole Wellington (BankyW) was born in the
United States to Nigerian parents, his family moved back to
Lagos, Nigeria, when he was five years old where he began
singing in his church choir at the age of eight.
After completing his secondary school education at Home
Science Association Secondary School, he moved to New
York to attend college on a scholarship, earning a degree in
Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It was
while he was still in college that the engineer-cum-musician
won the ‘Albany Idol’ competition, which catapulted him
into the spotlight.
Funke Akindele
FORGET the fact that Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele,
may be comical with most of her television roles, she is
nothing near an illiterate. The former Miss Akindele
attended the University of Lagos where she earned a degree
in Law.
Mocheddah
IN 2008, it was difficult not to notice Mo Cheddah as she
ruled the air waves alongside her young counterpart,
Wizkid
But Mo Cheddah did not allow her rising music career deter
her from completing her education. Even when she was
asked in an earlier interview how she was coping with
school, she said, “It’s so hard, but I have to go to school.
There is no compromise on it. I know some other people
would have decided to dump school and face their career;
but I didn’t think of doing that. This is something I have to
do. It is a total struggle. Remember I have to travel all the
time. But I read my books everywhere I go. I read inside
the plane. This is a life I have chosen to live. I also have to
be in school because I wouldn’t want people to think I am a
celebrity who is dumb upstairs. You know how people
behave to you when they know they have an advantage
over you? They will want to be rude to you. I will never
allow that.”
Now a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of
Lagos, Mo Cheddah has continued with her singing career,
and even also hopes to become an actress.

Pics of their certificates or we no beliv

Who cares

Funke studied law?

The dropouts seem to be more successful to me.

Op try to edit ur post for good reading sake....

Op nice one... But u need to upgrade your list cant find d likes of

Eldee
Sasha
P Square
Obiwon
Kaha
Ruggedman
Blackmagic

And where is our 10/10 mc wit an msc ? Re do ur list abeg. BTW did way did u say Funke studied law? Well then she one good actress.

Lazy writer. U can't even edit ur work. I can't read this $h!t

I tried to read this article of yours, but found it hard. Edit it abeg.