This is the case with some renowned Nollywood actresses whose sons have chosen a different trajectory by venturing into the music industry, In this feature, "Nollywood Mums Afrobeats Sons," we shine a light on six famous actresses whose sons have not only pursued but excelled in their musical endeavors each contributing to the vibrant landscape of Afrobeats.
Carol King gained recognition for her role in the early 2000 TV series "Everyday People" on AIT. She has participated in numerous stage plays, including featured roles in the films Dazzling Mirage and A Naija for Christmas. Despite her busy schedule, the Religious Studies graduate has successfully maintained a balanced family home with her husband, Capt. Kolawole King also raised three children—two sons and a daughter. One of her sons, Quddus King, widely known as GMK, has made a significant impact as a music producer in the global Afrobeats scene.
GMK's career took off in 2013 as a rapper with the release of his single "Sounds of the Future." Since 2016, he has produced music for artists like M.I Abaga, Lady Donli, and DRB Las Gidi. His notable contribution includes being part of the production team, led by Kel P, for Burna Boy’s critically acclaimed fourth studio album, "African Giant." The album featured hit tracks such as "Anybody," "Killin Dem," and "On the Low," with GMK's distinct touch on the track titled "Different," featuring Damian Marley and Angelique Kidjo.
Mayowa Emmanuel Adewale, also known as Mayorkun, transitioned to a music career after a brief stint in banking. In 2016, he signed with Davido's DMW and achieved instant success with his debut single, "Eleko," garnering millions of streaming views. His subsequent releases, including "Sade" and "Mama" in 2017, further solidified his position in the Nigerian music scene. With two studio albums to his credit, Mayorkun continues to be highly rated in the industry.
Henrietta Kosoko - Eltee Skhillz
EL Tee embarked on his artistic journey as a dancer during school but later discovered his singing talent. In 2009, while pursuing a degree in accounting, he ventured into music by releasing the single "Jefako." Balancing his studies with a growing passion for music, EL Tee continued to hone his craft. His track "ODG (Odogwu)," released in 2022 as part of his EP, gained instant success. Now signed to international labels, EL Tee is emerging as a notable figure in the Afrobeats scene, achieving popularity equal to or surpassing his late mother's.
Clarion Chukwura - Clarence Peters
Clarion Chukwurah, a seasoned actress with a career spanning since the early '80s, has contributed significantly to the entertainment industry. Her notable roles include appearances in renowned TV series like "Bello’s Way," "Mirror in the Sun," "Ripples," and "SuperStory." Transitioning from television to the burgeoning Home Video Industry, which later evolved into Nollywood, she starred in movies such as "Glamour Girls," "Egg of Life," "Abuja Connection," "Apaye," and the critically acclaimed biopic "Amina."
Her debut on the big screen was in 1984 alongside Sir Shina Peters in an Ola Balogun movie titled "Money Power (Owo L’agba)." Clarion and Peters delivered a memorable performance portraying a young, loving couple resisting the temptations of instant wealth. Interestingly, their on-screen romance blossomed into a real-life relationship, resulting in the birth of a son named Clarence Abiodun Peters. Today, Clarence is renowned as one of Nigeria's top music video directors.
Clarence's impressive resume spans generations of top Afrobeats artists, featuring collaborations on hit songs like Davido’s "Dami Duro" and "Aye," Olamide’s "Durosoke," Wizkid’s "Pakurumo," Tiwa Savage’s "Eminado," Yemi Alade’s "Johnny," and Burna Boy’s "Yawa Dey." Additionally, he has ventured into owning a record label.
Bukky Ajayi - Abounce
Bukky Wright, a renowned actress and producer, began her remarkable movie career in 1994, starring in various Yoruba movies such as Saworide Ojo Ibi Nkem Temi. Among her notable productions are the classic Omotara Johnson and Ago Meje.
A University of Lagos Economics graduate, Ms. Wright relocated to the US, where she transitioned into the financial world, excelling as a certified IT auditor. Beyond her achievements in the financial sector, she is also a proud mother of two sons, Eniola and Gbenga.
Both sons are graduates, but Gbenga, following in his mother's footsteps, chose to diverge from his Biological Science degree and pursue a music career. Adopting the stage name Ojayy Wright, he has gained recognition for his contributions to the Afrobeats genre. He has two studio albums, 37 Degrees in Lagos and Chief Commander, with hits tracks like "Duro," "Erika," and a duet with the renowned Teni titled "Fuji Pop."