The range of versatility in today’s female generation is thrilling as well as expected—we have evolved from times when women no longer are content with thriving behind the walls of the opposite gender and are now taking on positions that suggests leadership; holding the fort for youths after them.
The surge of women in every of Nigeria’s industry is one that is amazing and welcoming to the eyes; women of the creative industry and beyond in today’s Nigeria are indeed living up to the “what a man can do, a woman can do better” claim.
In recognition of women’s day on March 8 and in celebration of their efforts that have not gone unnoticed, here at District234 we’ll be profiling ten Nigerian women with their amazing streak of distinctiveness in their various industries.
Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi
Tems, the singer/songwriter is widely known for her dauntless alpha-female aura; she rose to stardom in 2018 when she made her debut in the Nigerian music scene with her singles, Mr Rebel and Try Me.
Widely attributed to the emerging alte culture of the Nigerian music industry, Tems music career took a flying peak when she was featured in Wizkid’s 2020 summer jam single, Essence which topped number 9 on Billboard Hot 100 Chart following its remix with Justin Bieber.
The artist’s career went on a sporadic run following this period and she went on to appearing on some prominent international projects such as appearing on Drake’s album as a featured artist, collaborating alongside Future on his Grammy winning song, Wait For You and making an appearance on Black Panther; Wakanda Forever’s soundtrack list.
She currently holds the record of being Nigeria’s first ever female to win a Grammy award after being nominated on Future’s Wait For You as Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Rinu Oduala
Before earning her reputation as a politics activist, Rinu Oduala was once a social media influencer who later became a prominent figure following her role as a key player in the 2020’s End SARS protest.
She has an undiluted passion for advocating on issues that affects youths, children, women as well as undeserved communities and has a youth led organization, The Savvy Reach, to that cause. Rinu’s effort in Nigeria’s society also remains glaring as she has worked to organize youths and connect individuals with the knowledge and sense to ensure equity.
Rinu was also listed among the 31 Women Creating a Positive Impact in Africa by NBC.
Oyinkansola ‘Foza’ Fawehinmi
Foza Fawehinmi is one of Nigeria’s most notable entertainment law specialists. With keen interests in the legal and entertainment industries, Foza has been able to craft quite the reputation in both industries for herself.
Her clientele spans across film, music and communications while having past work experience affiliations with companies such as Monark Talent Agency and G-Worldwide Entertainment. Over the years with her expertise in entertainment legalities, she has brokered deals on licenses, endorsements and distributions.
Foza has worked with Nigerian music stars spanning from Sarz, Timaya, GoodGirl LA, Teni the Entertainer, amongst others. The entertainment law specialist has a profound knowledge in entertainment business practices, contract negotiations, IP & Copyright and other essential knowledge known to the music business sector.
She recently launched her book on her birthday, So Far, So Foza which inclusively highlights her career journey as a female in the entertainment industry.
Mowalola Ogunlesi
Mowalola is one of the talented fashion icons who are putting a stamp of Nigeria on the global scale with fashion. The high-fashion queen has had quite the trajectory for a 28-year old; pushing through tides with her creativity and having the dream job any fashion inclined person could ever dream of.
She is known for her wide variety of textile designs used in producing non-traditional silhouettes inspired by Nigerian and London youth culture.
From 2016 till date, Mowalola has designed on reputable brands that have forged her to be an international designer—these brands range from British Vogue, Yeezy GAP, MGA Entertainment as well as being the designer for Skepta’s Pure Water music video.
Tobi Amusan
Tobi Amusan is better termed as Nigeria’s female record breaker when it comes to sports—she is the current World, Commonwealth and African champion in the 100 m hurdles, as well as the meet record holder in those three competitions.
She became the very first Nigerian world champion and record holder in the 2022 World Championship 100m hurdle race and won a gold medal, setting a record of 12.12seconds in the semi-finals.
The sprinter has stayed setting records from when she was 18years after winning the 2015 African Games in 2015 and in 2021, she won the Diamond League title after winning the 100m hurdle race; going ahead to retain the title in 2022.
Mosunmola ‘Mo’ Abudu
Mo Abudu’s rise in television production shot up from her Pan-African show, Moments With Mo; a talk show which became a voice for Africans with topics ranging from the different facets of issues affecting the Nigerian sector.
Mo, rated ’25 most powerful women in Global Television’ is recognized for her contributions to the broadcast industry in Nigeria—through her renowned talk show, founding one of the leading film production houses in Nigeria, EbonyLife TV and also her consistent entertainment contents.
She is attributed as an executive producer to movies such as The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Chief Daddy, Fifty (Her first movie as an executive producer), The Wedding Party 1 & 2, Your Excellency, Òlòtūré, amongst others.
Mo Abudu has once topped the Forbes list of 100 Most Powerful Women in 2021, charting at 98 and has been described by Forbes as Africa’s Most Successful Woman.
Morenike ‘Renike’ Olusanya
Renike is a visual artist whose crafts mostly portray black women and the freedom laced into their skins. Her art often tells story; stories of what it means to be black in today’s world.
She has designed book covers for notable women including Aminata Touré, Germany’s first Black female minister, award-winning American author Coe Booth, and Jamaican-American author Nicola Yoon.
In 2021, Renike was part of the Leading Ladies Africa’s list of 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria and in 2022; she won the Lord’s Achievers Special Recognition Award: A Lady Making Impact Through Art.
Aisha Yesufu
Aisha Yesufu is a Nigerian activist whose involvement majorly borders on equity in human rights, justice prevalence and opposition to brutality and violence. Her prominent involvement in the End SARS protest garnered her much attention and since the protest occurrence in 2020, her activism has faced more lights from the internet world.
She co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls Movement alongside Oby Ezekwesili, one that dates back to the abduction of the Chibok Girls by the Boko Haram terrorists.
Yesufu was among BBC’s 100 Women in 2020 and in the same year, she was included in a list of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine.
Eniola ‘Korty EO’ Olanrewaju
Korty EO is one of the top leading faces in Nigeria’s digital/creative world. She is one of the country’s fast rising YouTube sensations and has amassed over 8million views on her contents.
The 24-year old female is known for her viral and candid interviews; demonstrating creativity and capturing Nigeria’s contemporary culture through not only her personal experiences but also that of those who she has interviewed.
Leave a Reply