You Won’t Believe These Celebrities Actually Grew Up in Bariga, Orile, and Egbeda
Forget Banana Island — these stars rose from the gritty streets of Lagos suburbs and turned struggle into stardom. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
1. Bella Shmurda – Okokomaiko
Before becoming a global street-hop sensation, Bella Shmurda was just another boy in Okokomaiko. He once said in an interview, “My street made me fearless, my voice gave me purpose.”
2. Vector – Bariga
The lyrical viper himself was born and raised in Bariga, a community known for its raw talent and hard survival. From freestyle battles in secondary school to rap domination, Vector’s journey is pure hustle.
3. Teni – Isolo
Teni the Entertainer’s charm and vocals were shaped in Isolo, not Lekki. Her street smarts and wit are all trademarks of the Lagos mainland upbringing she wears proudly.
4. 9ice – Shomolu
The “Gongo Aso” singer reps Shomolu, one of the most vibrant and rugged parts of Lagos. 9ice built his career around proverbs, Yoruba pride, and street loyalty.
5. Small Doctor – Agege
He’s not just singing for the streets—Small Doctor IS the streets. Agege was his training ground, and his music speaks directly to the everyday Lagosian.
6. Pasuma – Mushin
Fuji music legend Pasuma is the unofficial mayor of Mushin. His hustle from band rehearsals in dusty compounds to world tours is the stuff of street legends.
7. Zlatan Ibile – Ikorodu
Zlatan’s Zanku movement might have gone global, but it started in Ikorodu. With zero privilege and plenty of talent, he’s proof that energy and persistence pay.
8. Qdot – Ikorodu
Another Yoruba anthem machine, Qdot reps Ikorodu proudly. His music is rich in cultural pride, drawn straight from the pulse of the streets.
9. Odumodublvck – Orile
Though mostly associated with Abuja, Odumodublvck credits a tough spell in Orile for sharpening his Lagos survival skills. “That place taught me hunger and hustle,” he once said.
Moral of the Story?
These celebrities didn’t emerge from private jets or gated estates. They grew up with NEPA wahala, shared rooms, and no connections—just raw talent and relentless drive.
Bariga, Mushin, Agege, and the rest? They aren’t just locations—they’re launching pads.