From lending her voice to one of Nigeria’s most iconic love songs to becoming a Nollywood powerhouse, Shaffy Bello continues to inspire with grace and glamour.
A Star with Many Faces and Talents
Shaffy Bello (born 8 October 1970) is a Nigerian actress and singer whose influence in the entertainment industry has spanned more than two decades. Known for her captivating presence both on and offscreen, she embodies a blend of artistry, elegance, and resilience. Her journey began not as an actress, but as a singer — her soulful voice helping to define Nigerian pop culture in the late 1990s.
The Voice That Captured a Generation
Bello first gained public attention in 1997 when she lent her vocals to Seyi Sodimu’s chart-topping hit “Love Me Jeje.” The song became an instant classic, beloved across generations for its romantic rhythm and heartfelt lyrics. Her contribution not only introduced her widely to Nigerian audiences, but also marked a defining moment in the evolution of contemporary Nigerian music.
Education, Upbringing, and Background
Shaffy Bello was born in Nigeria in 1970, but she spent much of her early life in the United States, where she completed her formal education.
Though details about her specific schools and degrees are not widely published, her time abroad shaped her outlook — particularly in terms of style, discipline, and ambition. She has spoken in interviews about returning to Nigeria to pursue her career, despite the challenges of separation from her children and family while abroad.
Family, Marriage, and Sacrifices
Shaffy Bello is a mother of two children — a son and a daughter — who have spent parts of their lives abroad.
She was married to Mr. Akinrimisi from 1995 until around 2020. The marriage ended in divorce, which she has said was by mutual agreement. She’s spoken openly about the sacrifices made: leaving her children and husband in the U.S. to relocate to Nigeria to pursue her acting career. That meant periods of separation and difficult decisions, but she has expressed that she does not regret the choice because it enabled her to follow her passion.
Transition to Acting and Nollywood Stardom
After her musical breakthrough, Shaffy moved into acting. Her first major film was Eti Keta, a Yoruba‐language film, which helped solidify her presence in the Nigerian film industry.
In 2012, she landed roles in television series including Tinsel (as Joanne Lawson) and Taste of Love (as Adesuwa). Since then, she has featured in numerous productions in both Yoruba and English — titles like When Love Happens, Gbomo Gbomo Express, Chief Daddy — showing her versatility across genres.
A Fashion Icon and Role Model
Shaffy’s style is often praised for its elegance and boldness. Her red-carpet looks, mastery of vibrant colours, and graceful presentation have made her a fashion icon. She often combines traditional African aesthetics with contemporary fashion in a way that reflects her personality and roots.
Mentorship and Impact
In recent years, Shaffy Bello has taken on a master-class role, sharing her experience with younger actors and creatives. During her “What I Know” masterclass, for example, she spoke about integrity, purpose, consistency, and her journey — including hardships and triumphs.
She often frames her work not simply as performing, but as impacting people — using her platform to encourage others to hold fast to their dreams and to understand the costs and rewards of creative careers.
Today, Shaffy Bello is not just a veteran actress and singer; she is a symbol of reinvention, perseverance, and authenticity. Her journey challenges stereotypes about age, relevance, and what a creative woman can be. Whether through voice, film, fashion or mentorship, she continues to evolve and inspire.
References:
1. Shaffy Bello — Wikipedia.
2. “Shaffy Bello: Acting is not my purpose but impacting people” — The Guardian Nigeria, January 2024.
3. Ripples Nigeria, “Actress Shaffy Bello reveals how she sacrificed her family in pursuit of fame.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
