Global Celebrities Embrace Islam: Burna Boy, Central Cee Lead Notable Conversions
Islam, with over 1.8 billion followers worldwide, continues to attract adherents from diverse backgrounds, including the entertainment industry. In recent years, several prominent celebrities have publicly announced their conversion to Islam, often accompanied by the adoption of new Muslim names that reflect their spiritual journeys.
Recent High-Profile Conversions Capture Public Attention
The Nigerian and international entertainment scenes have witnessed numerous celebrities embracing Islam through the shahadah declaration, which testifies that God is one and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger. These conversions have occurred for various reasons including marriage, personal spiritual exploration, and searches for deeper meaning and purpose in life.
UK Rapper Central Cee Announces Conversion in 2026
British rapper Central Cee surprised fans in 2026 when he publicly announced his conversion to Islam during a livestream. The artist, previously known as Oakley, declared his new Muslim name as Akil (also spelled Aqeel), marking what he described as a significant spiritual turning point in his life. "I just changed my name and took my shahada, I am a Muslim now," Central Cee stated as friends congratulated him on his decision.
Grammy Winner Burna Boy Seeks Truth Through Islam
Afrobeats superstar Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, revealed in 2025 that he had converted from Christianity to Islam following an extensive search for religious truth. During an interview with streamer Playboymax, the Grammy Award winner explained that his research into various religious texts led him to embrace Islam. Fans subsequently suggested the Muslim name AbdulKareem, meaning "Servant of the Most Generous (Allah)," for the celebrated musician.
Nollywood Stars Embrace Islam Through Marriage and Personal Choice
The Nigerian film industry has seen several actresses convert to Islam, often in connection with marriage to Muslim partners. Priscilla Ojo, daughter of actress Iyabo Ojo, converted to Islam following her 2025 marriage to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and now goes by the name Hadizah or Hadiza Mkambala.
Mercy Aigbe, another prominent Nollywood actress, acknowledged converting to Islam because of her husband Kazim Adeoti (Adekaz) shortly after their marriage. She revealed her Islamic name as Hajia Minnah during a Ramadan lecture sponsorship in March 2023.
Yoruba actress Adebimpe Oyebade, known as Mo Bimpe, embraced Islam when she married colleague Lateef Adedimeji in 2021, adopting the Muslim name Rahmatullah despite initial parental concerns about religious differences.
Longstanding Conversions in the Entertainment Industry
Faithia Balogun, now Fathia Williams, converted from Roman Catholicism to Islam during her marriage to actor Saidi Balogun, taking the name Fatia. In 2016, she received the chieftaincy title 'Atesin'se Adinni' in Ijebu, Ogun State, recognizing her contributions to the Muslim community.
Yoruba actress Liz DaSilva similarly converted from Christianity to Islam following her marriage to Alhaji Olaoye, changing her name to Aishat after welcoming their first child together. She explained that her conversion reflected the strong relationship she shared with her child's father.
Muslim Perspectives on Conversion Process
Zainab Lawal, a Muslim commentator, emphasized the importance of proper guidance for new converts to Islam. "The person needs proper guidance and the steps to take. They need to have made up their mind. The new step is to bath the person to Islam or teach the person how to do it," she explained in an interview, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of conversion.
Addressing Conversion Rumors in the Industry
Yoruba actor and filmmaker Jamiu Azeez recently addressed online speculation about his alleged conversion from Islam to Christianity. The rumors emerged after he posted a video from a white garment church crossover service. While defending his right to practice any religion of his choice, Azeez clarified that he had never publicly announced any conversion, despite facing criticism and inquiries through private messages.
These celebrity conversions to Islam reflect broader trends of spiritual exploration within the entertainment industry, with public figures navigating personal faith journeys while maintaining their professional careers in the public eye.
