Beautiful Nubia, born Olusegun Akinlolu, stands as a leading Nigerian folk musician, songwriter, bandleader, poet, and former veterinarian. He launched his independent label, EniObanke, in 1997 alongside his debut album, and kicked off an annual music festival in 2010. His thoughtful lyrics have topped world music charts, fostering a strong global fanbase.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Segun Akinlolu (Olusegun Akinlolu) |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Ibadan, Nigeria |
| Parents | Father (music shop owner, “Songs of Joy”); Mother (songwriter, playwright) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Oyo (Yoruba, Ibadan-born) |
| Partner | Married (name not public) |
| Children | Two children |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter, bandleader, poet, author, ex-veterinarian |
| Labels | EniObanke Music (founder) |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million (estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Ibadan amid parents who loved music, his father managed a shop called “Songs of Joy,” and his mother crafted songs and plays. Segun composed his first tunes at nine.
Drawing from Yoruba tales, folklore, and theater, he excelled in studies, securing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Ibadan in 1992 and a journalism postgraduate diploma. He practiced veterinary work for eight years prior to music.
Career
Adopting the stage name Beautiful Nubia in 1997 to evoke ancient Nubia’s legacy, he formed The Roots Renaissance Band in 1998, Nigeria’s top contemporary folk and roots outfit. The 2002 breakthrough album Jangbalajugbu sold over a million copies amid piracy challenges, propelled by the smash “Owuro L’Ojo” (How Do You Do?).
He has since released 24 albums total 14 studio sets with about 300 original songs, 4 live recordings, 2 acoustic projects, 1 unreleased studio collection, and 3 poetry albums, spanning two decades via EniObanke.
Additional pursuits include authoring books, technical sales, historical research, factory work earlier on, and spearheading the EniObanke Music Festival as Nigeria’s pioneering folk-roots event. His band’s universal themes of wisdom and reform draw crowds worldwide, blending native traditions with philosophical depth.
Personal Life
Beautiful Nubia is married with two children, while embracing a mentor role to many emerging artists as a “father figure.” He poetically describes a spiritual commitment from age nine, akin to a lifelong union. Family details stay private, matching his grounded lifestyle.
Controversies
In February 2026, Beautiful Nubia accused gospel artists Yinka Ayefele and BBO of lifting melodies from his 1997 song “Seven Lifes” for their tracks, igniting talks on copyright protection in Nigerian music. The accused offered no public rebuttals. His record shows scant other public disputes.
Net Worth
Beautiful Nubia’s net worth sits at an estimated $500,000 to $1 million, fueled by album sales in the millions, festival hosting, live gigs, book royalties, and self-managed production.
Discography
- Seven Lifes (1997, studio)
- Jangbalajugbu (2002, studio)
- Iwa (2016, studio)
- Ṣonṣo (2024, studio)
- Olumuyiwa (2023, studio)
- Tales from a Small Room series (2017–2021, acoustic)
- Rootsmen at Work (2025, live)
- Rhythms of the Way (2020, instrumental)
- Waiting For The Bones (1997, poetry)
- Like A Tale at Night (2006, poetry)
Publications
Beautiful Nubia has authored several books under his real name, Segun Akinlolu, blending poetry, fiction, autobiography, and lyrics. Key works include:
• Sounds of Joy (autobiography, 2018)
• Book of Songs (lyrics to 255 songs with translations and stories, 2018)
• Citadel Blues (fiction novel, 2004/2017)
• A WordMerchant’s LogBook (poetry, 2018)
• In the Circle of the Happy Moon (children’s book, 2023)
• Passing Through (reflections, 2025)
• The King’s Messenger (poetry, 2004)
• Thinking Big (poetry, 2000)
• Waiting For The Bones (poetry, 1997)
Awards and Recognitions
ESEP Le Berger University in Benin Republic granted him an honorary Doctorate in Science (Art) in 2016 for his cultural contributions. The University of Ibadan tapped him as a “UI at 75 Ambassador” in 2024. His music has claimed international chart peaks and garnered acclaim across African and global outlets, beyond mainstream trophy wins.
