Nollywood has proven to be among the best talent producing firm in Nigeria. The Nigerian movie industry is home to talented movie stars who have made us become their fans with their impressive acting skills.

However, it’s amazing that the name we think belongs to some of our favorite Nollywood stars aren’t their actual names. Take a look at seven Nollywood stars whose nicknames/stage names are more famous than their actual names.

1. Kanayo O. kanayo

 

Kanayo O. Kanayo has been in the Nigerian movie industry for over a decade. We’ve known him as Kanayo O. kanayo from childhood but that isn’t his actual name. Kanayo O. kanayo is his stage name or professional name, his actual name is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere.

 

2. Osuofia

 

Nkem Owoh’s role as Osuofia in the 2003 film, Osuofia in London earned him the name Osuofia. Till today, most fans of Nollywood still call him Osuofia and some don’t know his actual name which is Nkem Owoh.

 

3. Mr.Ibu

 

The 2004 movies, Mr. Ibu and Mr. Ibu in London earned John Okafor the nickname, Mr. Ibu. That has been his name for almost two decades and a good portion of Nollywood fans don’t know him as John Okafor.

 

4. PawPaw

 

Some people don’t know how Osita Iheme earned the name Paw Paw but his nickname is far more recognized than his actual name. Osita Iheme earned his famous nickname for his role as Paw Paw in the 2002 Nigerian comedy film, Aki Na Ukwa.

 

5. Aki

 

Chinedu Ikedieze also got the name, Aki from his role as Aki in Aki Na Ukwa. His nickname is far more recognized than his actual name, most fans of Nollywood only recognize Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme as Aki and Paw Paw.

 

6. JimIkye

 

Almost every fan of Nollywood only knows him as Jim Ikye but this is more like his stage name. James Ikechukwu Esomugha is Jim Ikye’s birth name even though we’ve known him as Jim Ikye from the early 2000s.

 

7. Andy

 

Kenneth Okonkwo earned the name, Andy Okeke for his role in the 1992 film, Living In Bondage. Most fans of Nollywood especially those from the 90s only know him as Andy because of his impressive performance in the movie.