Welcome to 2025, where one tweet, skit, or dramatic engagement photo can flip the script on your life, literally overnight. This year hasn’t just been a whirlwind of celebrity moments; it’s been a launchpad for a fresh wave of stars. From scandal-fueled comebacks to surprise wedding bells and viral fashion slayage, these Nigerian personalities didn’t just trend, they took over the internet.
Some were bubbling under for a while, waiting for their moment. Others? One viral post and BOOM, superstardom. Let’s dive into the five stars who went from familiar faces to full-blown sensations in 2025 and the moments that turned their lives around.
1. Priscilla Ojo – From Fashion Princess to Fiancée Goals
Priscilla Ojo has always been that girl. The daughter of Nollywood queen Iyabo Ojo, Instagram baddie, and fashion muse. But 2025? It pushed her straight into the pop culture stratosphere. When she announced her engagement to Tanzanian heartthrob Juma Jux, the internet practically caught fire. Some fans shipped it. Others turned into full-time investigators. But whether you were here for the love story or just came for the drip, one thing became crystal clear, Priscilla had stepped into a whole new level of fame.
Now, she’s not just influencing, she’s leading. From jet-setting content to fashion brand deals, Priscilla is officially a Gen Z icon.
2. Asherkine – The Cinematographer Who Made Kindness Trendy
If you haven’t cried over an Asherkine video yet, are you even online? Akinyemi Oluwaseun Omotayo, aka Asherkine or Street Santa, flipped the script on feel-good content. Originally known for his creative content, he became a breakout star after his viral “street Santa” videos, especially when he built a borehole for a community in Jos.
His content isn’t just about pretty visuals, it’s about impact. Whether he’s handing out cash to hardworking hawkers, taking strangers on shopping sprees, or dropping life-changing surprises on unsuspecting Lagosians, Asherkine’s magic lies in turning everyday moments into unforgettable ones.
And the best part? He’s just as real offline. With brand deals rolling in, Asherkine proved that generosity isn’t just trendy, it’s timeless.
3. Isbae U – From Scandal to Stardom
Who says you can’t bounce back from a messy scandal? Definitely not Isbae U. The beloved skitmaker had a rough start, thanks to a widely-publicized sex-for-roles controversy and messy relationship drama. The internet dragged him, memes flew, and it looked like curtains for his career.
But instead of going underground, Isbae U did something nobody expected, he got real. Although he continued his skit-making after breaking off Mr Macaroni, Isbae U launched Curiosity Made Me Ask, a raw and refreshingly honest podcast that pulled in millions of views collectively. Vulnerable, funny, and totally unfiltered, the show gave fans a peek behind the skits and into the man behind the laughs.
Now, not only is he trending again, he’s respected. Isbae U’s redemption arc might just be one of the greatest glow-ups of the year.
4. Farooq Oreagba – Ojude Oba’s Unlikely Style King
Who knew a horse, some tattoos, and a majestic agbada could break the internet? Farooq Oreagba, the man who unintentionally became a national sensation at the 2024 and 2025 Ojude Oba festival. With his dignified stance, bold ink, and no-nonsense swagger, Farouq became an overnight icon.
But beyond the fashion fantasy was a story of strength. A cancer survivor and businessman, he didn’t come for clout, but fame found him anyway. Now, he’s the face of a new kind of style icon.
Farooq proved that elegance isn’t just about the clothes, it’s about the aura.
5. May Yul Edochie – The Queen of Graceful Comebacks
May Yul Edochie didn’t ask for the spotlight, but when life threw her into it, she wore it like a crown. Following a public and painful split from actor Yul Edochie in 2023, many expected her to fade into the shadows. Instead, May stepped out glowing, graceful, and glowing some more.
Her silence amid the chaos spoke volumes. Her style? Impeccable. Her composure? Inspirational. And brands noticed.
From ambassador deals to motivational speaking gigs, May evolved from “Yul’s wife” to a full-blown icon of resilience and power. Her journey is proof that sometimes, the best clapback is thriving.
In conclusion, if 2025 has taught us anything, it’s this: fame isn’t just about talent anymore. It’s about timing, authenticity, and sometimes, just one jaw-dropping moment. Whether it’s kindness, fashion, vulnerability, or sheer charisma, these stars remind us that you can go to bed a regular person, and wake up trending nationwide.
