Rivers State, especially Port Harcourt, is more than Nigeria’s oil hub. It’s a city brimming with rhythm, stories, culture, and creative hustle. Over the years, many individuals born and raised in Rivers State have gone on to become national and global icons in music, film, comedy, and other fields.
This post explores ten authentic Rivers-bred celebrities who cultivated their talent from home and blossomed into major success.
10 Nigerian Celebrities Born & Raised in Rivers State
1. Duncan Mighty
2. Omah Lay
3. Ric Hassani
4. Monalisa Chinda
5. Julius Agwu
6. Hilda Dokubo
7. Mr. 2Kay
8. Daniel Wilson
9. Ibinabo Fiberesima
10. Burna Boy
1. Duncan Mighty
Born 28 October 1983 in Port Harcourt (Obio-Akpor LGA), Duncan Wene Mighty Okechukwu, better known as Duncan Mighty, is truly Port Harcourt’s “First Son.”
He released a viral debut album, Fully Loaded (Koliwater) in 2009, featuring tracks like “Ijeoma” and “Scatter My Dada” that fused Ikwerre language, reggae, highlife, and Afrobeat.
His music consistently celebrates Riverine life and local pride. Duncan grew up in Port Harcourt, his sound shaped by the streets and the rhythm of Rivers culture.
2. Omah Lay
Stanley Omah Didia, born 19 May 1997 in Port Harcourt and raised in Igwuruta, Rivers State, began music young, first as rapper “Lil King,” later turning to songwriting and producing.
He attended Comprehensive High School in Rivers before the University of Port Harcourt. His debut EP, Get Layd (May 2020), featured hits like “You,” “Bad Influence,” and “Damn.” By then, his music was streaming in the hundreds of millions
Omah Lay’s lyrics are raw, evocative, and rooted in his early life in Port Harcourt. He openly shares that he grew up on a Marine Base among pipeline vandals and small communities, which shaped his creative voice.
3. Ric Hassani
Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, born on January 6, 1989, in Port Harcourt, is best known as Ric Hassani. Raised in the city and later educated abroad, he graduated from Covenant University and earned a Master’s in Energy Economics in the UK.
His debut album, The African Gentleman (2016), created waves with a soulful, reggae‑pop sound. In 2024, he joined Nigerian Idol as a judge. Ric Hassani’s image and music reflect both elegance and Rivers’ roots.
4. Monalisa Chinda
Monalisa Chinda was born on 13 September 1974 in Port Harcourt, studied theatre arts at the University of Port Harcourt, and built a film career with over 80 Nollywood titles.
She became the Face of the Port Harcourt Carnival and landed high-profile endorsement deals with telecom and beauty brands, earning millions as a public figure in Rivers State.
She also founded her charitable foundation, where she mentors creatives and gives back to the youth of Rivers State.
5. Julius Agwu
Born 7 April 1973 in Port Harcourt, Julius Agwu is a comedian, actor, singer, MC, and all-around entertainer from Rivers State. He studied theatre arts at the University of Port Harcourt, launched shows like “Crack Ya Ribs” and “Festival of Love,” and leads the Reellaif Limited entertainment company.
He’s an inspiring philanthropist, motivational speaker, and a voice many Nigerians know from the stage and screen.
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6. Hilda Dokubo
A native of Port Harcourt, Hilda Dokubo began acting as a child and has since grown into an award-winning Nollywood actress and founder of an NGO. She established the Centre for Creative Education, which empowers youth across the Niger Delta through art and activism.
Her work leverages film and social voice to spotlight Rivers’ issues, earning AMAA awards and widespread respect.
7. Mr. 2Kay
Abinye David Jumbo, professionally known as Mr. 2Kay, was born in Port Harcourt and raised on Bonny Island, Rivers State.
He broke out in 2012 with the reggae‑pop hit “Bubugaga.” Since then, he has built a steady career with his label, Better Life Entertainment, blending the underground Port Harcourt vibe with mainstream appeal. Known for high‑energy stage shows, he firmly roots his identity in the Rivers culture.
8. Daniel Wilson (Mr Ragamuffin)
Born in Rivers State, Daniel Wilson, also known as Mr Ragamuffin, rose to fame in the 1990s with reggae hits like “Original Bad Boy.” Although less active now, he left a strong reggae legacy in Nigeria and remains celebrated by older generations who remember his Port Harcourt roots and influence.
9. Ibinabo Fiberesima
Ibinabo Fiberesima hails from Rivers State and built her Nollywood fame after winning beauty pageants and starring in films. She served in leadership roles in the Actors Guild of Nigeria and actively promoted Rivers culture through festivals and community initiatives, thereby tying her success back to her roots.
10. Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known globally as Burna Boy, was born in Lagos, but his family roots are in Ahoada LGA of Rivers State. He spent much of his childhood in Port Harcourt and launched his early career there.
Although his birthplace differs slightly, his upbringing, early tracks, and identity are firmly rooted in Rivers State. His global rise has been marked by Grammy Awards, international tours, and albums such as “African Giant” and “Twice as Tall.”
Honorable Mentions
Some others with ties to Rivers include:
- Agbani Darego (Kalabari roots) – first Black African Miss World, though born in Lagos State, she was raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
- Yvonne Orji – born in Port Harcourt but grew up abroad before finding fame in the U.S.
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FAQs – Nigerian Celebrities Born and Raised in Rivers State
1. Did Omah Lay grow up in a Marine Base and around crime?
Yes. In interviews, Omah Lay shared that he grew up in the Marine Base area of Port Harcourt, among pipeline vandals and in narrow, survival-based neighbourhoods. These early experiences shaped his emotional, reflective music style.
2. Which of these celebrities are active in philanthropy or youth empowerment?
Several notable individuals run youth arts NGOs, including Hilda Dokubo, who founded a youth arts NGO, and Monalisa Chinda, who established a charity for creative youth development. Additionally, Julius Agwu is a motivational speaker and the founder of a youth foundation.
3. Are there rising talents from Rivers worth watching?
Absolutely. Rising singers like DanDizzy, AndyDahBoss, Serllin, and Dr. Barz are all starting to make waves.
