Nigerian Celebrities Who Still Live in Their Hometowns — And Why It Matters

Leyira Virtue BarisukaPublished: July 30, 2025 Last Updated on July 31, 202501.2K views

Let’s be realistic. When we think of fame, we often imagine a life in the fast lane: high-rise apartments in Lekki, constant media attention in Lagos, or jet-setting across the world. But guess what? Not every Nigerian celebrity is about that life. Some of them have chosen to stay put in their hometowns, living right where it all began.

In a world obsessed with appearances and social climbing, these Nigerian celebrities who live in their hometowns are making a bold statement: “You don’t have to leave home to make it.”

So, who are these stars? Why did they stay? And what does it say about them?

Why Some Nigerian Celebrities Still Live Where They Grew Up

Why would a big-name celeb, with fame, money, and opportunities knocking at their door, choose to live in Aba, Enugu, Jos, or Kaduna instead of Ikoyi or Banana Island? Here’s the simple answer: peace, purpose, and pride.

Living in their hometowns gives these stars something that Lagos traffic and industry chaos can’t, which is peace. The hustle is real, but so is the healing that comes from staying in a calm place.

Here’s what some of them say motivates this choice:

Privacy: Fame can be noisy. Living in your hometown often means fewer cameras, fewer expectations.
Inspiration: Some of them also mentioned that there’s no better muse than home.
Identity: Hometown living helps them stay connected to who they were before the fame.

Nigerian Celebrities who Still Live in their Hometown

1. Zoro — Enugu

Another artist making waves from home is Zoro Swagbag. His real name is Owoh Chimaobi Chrismathner, and he was born on March 20, 1990. He was born and raised in Onitsha, Anambra, but is a native of Enugu State. Like Phyno, Zoro is also based in Enugu. He is known for his indigenous rap style, always representing the East with pride.

He’s a perfect example of a celebrity who supports their hometown not just with words but with action. From empowering youth through music to community projects, Zoro demonstrates that you can make a meaningful impact right where you are.

He doesn’t shy away from his roots. He doubles down on them.

2. Odunlade Adekola— Ogun State

You might expect Yoruba movie legend Odunlade Adekola to be based in Lagos with the rest of the Nollywood crowd. But no, Odunlade lives in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Even as his acting and directing career exploded, he stayed close to his roots. He established his film school, Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP), in Abeokuta and frequently features the city in his productions.

This is more than just a housing choice. It’s a commitment to his people. He’s a textbook example of a Nigerian celebrity who didn’t move to Lagos but still dominated the game.

3. J.Martins— Anambra State

J.Martins, known for hit songs like “Good or Bad” and “Oyoyo”, has always had strong Eastern roots. His real name is Martins Okey Justice E. He was born on September 29, 1979, in Anambra State. While many artists moved base to Lagos during their peak years, Martins held on to his ties with the Southeast.

Even when his sound hit pan-African success, his heart and often his work remained focused on his home region. He’s frequently spotted in Abia and Anambra states, working with local acts and contributing to community projects.

For him, fame is not a reason to leave, but a reason to uplift.

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Other Nigerian Celebrities Living in Their Hometowns

Furthermore, although many celebrities may not be vocal about it, an increasing number of Nigerian celebrities are opting to live simply and stay close to home. They include:

Woli Agba – Based in Ibadan, he continues to shoot his viral comedy skits from there.
Baba Tee – The comedian and actor is based in Ogun State, running local film productions.
Yul Edochie – Frequently in Anambra State, where he supports political awareness and youth programs.

These examples of Nigerian celebrities who never left their hometowns are just the tip of the iceberg.

Benefits of Staying Close to Home for Famous People

Here are the tangible benefits that Nigerian celebrities who live in their hometowns enjoy:

Cultural Connection: They never lose their local tongue, food, fashion, or worldview.
Authentic Content: Their art remains relatable and original because it’s rooted in experience.
Community Impact: They are physically present to support, mentor, and build within their communities.
Balanced Lifestyle: They escape the stress and isolation that fame in big cities can bring.
Loyalty and Legacy: They become living legends in their hometowns, and people never forget that.

Why Some Nigerian Celebrities Avoid Big Cities

Not everyone wants to live in Lekki Phase 1, and that’s okay.

Why some celebrities avoid big cities in Nigeria comes down to three things:
Cost vs Value: The glam doesn’t always match the peace.
Family First: They want to raise their kids in the same way they were raised.
Authenticity: They don’t want to play the game; instead, they want to change it.

These celebrities who stay in their hometowns are changing what it means to be famous in Nigeria. They’re not “less than” because they don’t have a VI duplex. If anything, they’re more in tune with absolute success.

Conclusion: Celebrities Who Support Their Hometown

In a country where the bright lights of the big city often lure talent away from home, these Nigerian celebrities who live in their hometowns are doing something different that is deeply inspiring.

They remind us that success isn’t always about moving up and out. Sometimes, it’s about staying put, holding on to your roots, and shining right where you started.

Whether it’s Phyno in Enugu, Odunlade in Abeokuta, these stars are proving that greatness doesn’t need a new postcode.

Home is not just where the heart is; it’s where the legacy is built.

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FAQs About Nigerian Celebrities Living in Their Hometowns

1: Are there celebrities who still live in their Nigerian hometowns?

Yes! Many artists, actors, and creators have chosen to stay in their hometowns or return after becoming famous.

2: Why do Nigerian celebrities avoid Lagos or Abuja?

Some find those cities stressful or distracting. Others prefer the peace and purpose that come with staying close to home.

3: Is it possible to be successful without living in a central Nigerian city?

Absolutely. As artists like Phyno, Odunlade Adekola, and Zoro have shown, hometown-based careers can flourish.

4: Who are some celebrities who never left their hometowns?

Celebrities like Yul Edochie, Zoro, Phyno, and many more are still in their hometowns and continue to make waves in the industry. J