5 Nigerian child stars who grew up in the spotlight

These individuals have grown up in the limelight, transitioning from their early fame as child stars to becoming accomplished young adults in their respective fields.

From the famous Amarachi of 'Amarachi Dance' to Susan Pwajok, a former cast member of the TV show The Johnsons, here are five child stars who grew up in the spotlight:

1) Regina Daniels

She joined the Nigerian movie industry, also known as Nollywood, at the tender age of 7 by appearing in minor roles in various movies.

However, her big break came in 2010, when she starred in the Nollywood blockbuster movie ‘Miracle Child’ alongside Chinwe Owoh. The tragic movie propelled her to fame and introduced her to a wider audience.

Since then, Daniels has gone on to feature in several other movies, and television shows, and has even produced some of her own films.

She has earned numerous accolades, including nominations for Best Actress of the Year at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards and Most Promising Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

In addition to her acting career, Daniels is also a successful model and television personality. Her beauty and charm have landed her modelling gigs and endorsements with various brands.

At just 22 years old, Daniels has achieved so much in her career and personal life. She is married to Nigerian billionaire, Ned Nwoko, and is blessed with two kids.

2) Williams Uchemba

Williams Uchemba Pulse Nigeria

Uchemba is a well-known name in the Nigerian entertainment industry, but few know that he started his career as a child star. The talented actor, producer, model, comedian, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and television personality joined the movie industry in 2000 at a very young age.

His big break came in 2001 after he featured in the Nollywood blockbuster movie ‘The Journey of the Dead’ alongside legendary actors Pete Edochie, Olu Jacobs, and Ramsey Noah. The movie was a major success and brought Williams to the limelight, making him a public figure.

Fast forward to the present day, and Uchemba has grown into a successful young adult with numerous accolades to his name. He has acted in several blockbuster movies like the super-successful movie ‘Sugar Rush’.

The movie reintroduced him in a big way to Nigerian audiences who may have forgotten about him.

In addition, he has made a name for himself beyond the entertainment industry as he is currently the United Nations Ambassador and African Youth Representative to the United Nations.

3) Amarachi Uyanne

amarachi-uyanne Pulse Nigeria

We all know Uyanne through her very popular song ‘Amarachi Dance’ which was sung nationwide and which many Nigerians would not forget in a hurry.

At eight years old, she won the first season of ‘Nigeria's Got Talent’ in 2012, becoming the youngest millionaire in Nigeria at the time. She walked away with a cash prize of ₦10,000,000, which is a considerable sum of money for someone so young.

After winning the show, she gained nationwide fame and recognition when her debut single, ‘Amarachi Dance’, became a hit that was loved by children and adults alike. The song and its catchy dance steps became a sensation and were played at many events and parties across the country.

She later released another song titled ‘Ova Sabi’, featuring popular rapper, Phyno. Both songs received massive airplay and positive reviews from music critics.

Today, Uyanne has not only maintained her fame but has also diversified her talents. She is not only a recording artist but also a dancer, model, and brand ambassador.

She has used her platform to promote her talent school, the Amarachi Talent Academy, which she founded with the aim of nurturing and training young children with musical and dance talents. The academy has been a success, and many children have benefitted from her expertise and experience.

4) Susan Pwajok

Susan-Pwajok as a child star Pulse Nigeria

She began her career in the Nigerian movie industry as a child actress but has since grown into a beautiful young woman with a promising future.

Pwajok first rose to fame with her portrayal of Blessing Johnson in the popular television series, ‘The Johnsons. Her outstanding performance in the show earned her a nomination for "Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series" at the AMVCAs when she was just 14 years old.

She was nominated alongside renowned actresses in the industry like Shola Shobowale, Kate Henshaw, and Ada Ameh.

Aside from her acting career, Pwajok has also established herself as a social media personality, with a large following on various platforms. She has used her platform to work with numerous brands, including HP Software, for whom she is a brand ambassador.

At just 20 years old, Pwajok has achieved so much in her career, and there's no doubt that she has a bright future ahead of her.

5) Sharon Ezemaka

Sharon Ezemaka as a child star Pulse Nigeria

Ezeamaka is a talented Nigerian actress who started her career in the entertainment industry at the tender age of 5 years old.

Her journey to stardom began in 1997 when she made her acting debut in the Nollywood movie ‘Narrow Escape’, alongside legendary actor, Pete Edochie.

She has carved a niche for herself in the industry with her beauty, skilful interpretation of roles, and natural talent. She is doing great things now as a producer, model, and television personality.