Gone are the days when watching Japanese animation was considered weird or childish. Today, global pop culture and anime are deeply intertwined, and nowhere is that creative crossover more exciting than right here in Nigeria. The Nigerian otaku community is expanding rapidly, and you might be surprised to learn that some of the biggest names dominating your music playlists and cinema screens are right there in the anime world with you.
They are dropping anime references in their rap verses, styling their music videos after classic shonen battles, and simply unwinding after a massive stadium tour with a fresh episode of a trending anime. But you don’t know about them do you? Let’s dive in!
1. Tems
Tems has been remarkably vocal about her deep love for anime, revealing in interviews that watching anime is one of her favourite ways to relax and decompress from the pressures of global superstardom.
Tems naturally leans toward gritty, dark, and story-driven action series. She has expressed major appreciation for titans like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer, proving that behind her calm and soulful exterior lies a fan who appreciates world-building, battle choreography, and complex character arcs.
2. Rema
Rema does not just watch anime, he has continuously infused his personal branding, stage design, and visual direction with references to the otaku and gaming culture. Rema’s appreciation for visual storytelling and Japanese pop culture is a core part of his creative identity. For Rema, anime is a rich source of artistic inspiration that helps him construct the high-energy, world-building universe that surrounds his music.
3. Blaqbonez
If there is one artist on the Nigerian music scene who deserves a lifetime membership in the anime world, it is Blaqbonez. Blaqbonez is arguably the most vocal and unapologetic anime fan in the industry today. A quick glance at his social media timelines will regularly reveal him engaging in passionate debates about seasonal drops, character power scaling, and storylines. Blaqbonez frequently references popular series like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Vinland Saga in his online banter and musical lyrics. He represents the proud and highly opinionated energy of the modern Nigerian otaku.
4. Don Jazzy
The legendary Mavin Records boss is celebrated not only for pioneering modern Afrobeats but also for his incredible finger on the pulse of youth culture. Don Jazzy is a well-known consumer of all forms of digital entertainment, games, and animation. His open-minded appreciation for creative storytelling has created an environment where anime culture thrives in his label. Don Jazzy is often seen engaging with viral fan communities online and supporting the heavy anime interests of the younger superstars on his roster.
5. Jordan Adetunji
The British-Nigerian figure behind the global hit “Kehlani” is not just a chart-topping alt-R&B and hip-hop innovator, he is a dedicated, loud-and-proud otaku. Jordan Adetunji openly attributes much of his supersonic sound, experimental production, and visual world-building to his deep love for Japanese manga and anime. He has frequently noted in interviews that he tries to design his artwork and soundscapes to feel like an immersive scene straight out of a manga.
Jordan has deep appreciation for story-driven masterpieces. He regularly shouts out Fullmetal Alchemist as his absolute favourite series of all time because of its mature themes and brotherhood dynamic, while also highly recommending gritty historical action-dramas like Vinland Saga. Alongside these, he stays plugged into modern shonen heavyweights like Blue Lock, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Naruto.
6. John Boyega
Rounding out our spotlight is British-Nigerian actor and producer John Boyega, a global superstar who proudly wears both his Nigerian heritage and his otaku badge on his sleeve. Boyega is a legendary, unabashed anime nerd who has continuously shouted out his favourite series on international red carpets and during Hollywood press tours.
He is a massive fan of long-running shonen masterpieces like Naruto, Bleach, and Hunter x Hunter. Boyega has even discussed how the discipline, resilience, and emotional depth of anime protagonists have inspired his approach to major action roles in film. He is a true ambassador for the global otaku community, bridging the gap between mainstream Hollywood cinema and Japanese animation.
Proudly Part of the Fandom
Seeing our celebrated artists, rappers, and actors embrace anime proves just how far the culture has travelled. These stars are living proof that anime is for everyone, regardless of your profession or status. Check out more on Anime Culture.
Which of these celebrities do you already follow and which ones surprised you the most with their anime interests?