Nigerian beauty influencer and entrepreneur Laura Ikeji took to social media on October 10, 2024, to celebrate her long-standing friendships with music producer Soso Soberekon, singer MC Galaxy, and actress Rachael Okonkwo. The post, which quickly went viral, offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationships behind Nigeria’s glittering entertainment facade.
As the sun set over Lagos’ bustling Victoria Island, Laura Ikeji sat down with our correspondent at her flagship Laura Beauty Africa store. The normally bustling boutique was quiet, giving Ikeji a moment to reflect on the friendships that have shaped her decade-long career in the limelight.
In this industry, genuine connections are rare,” Ikeji mused, scrolling through the photos on her phone. “That’s why I cherish these relationships so deeply. They’ve been my rock through the highs and lows.”
Ikeji’s Instagram post featured a lively video clip of Soberekon, MC Galaxy, and Okonkwo, capturing a moment of genuine laughter and ease. The beauty mogul’s caption spoke volumes:
“I have very few friends in my life and I hold them dearly. Yes, I dey carry friendship for head,” she wrote, employing the popular Nigerian pidgin to emphasize her point.
Ikeji’s friendship with music industry heavyweights Soso Soberekon and MC Galaxy dates back over a decade. They both came to the village for my wedding in 2017,” Ikeji recalled, her eyes lighting up at the memory. “That’s not something you forget.”
Music producer Soberekon, reached via phone, shared his perspective on their enduring friendship. “Laura’s been there since before the fame,” he said. “She’s family, pure and simple.”
MC Galaxy, known for his hit singles and energetic performances, echoed the sentiment. “We’ve seen each other at our lowest and highest points,” he stated. “That’s what real friendship is about.”
Actress Rachael Okonkwo holds a special place in Ikeji’s circle. “Every time I see her, it’s a vibe,” Ikeji gushed. The two were spotted earlier in the week enjoying a meal at the trendy Sekem Kitchen before heading to Laura Beauty Africa for some pampering.
Okonkwo, reached for comment, shared, “Laura’s not just a friend; she’s a sister. In this industry, you need people who genuinely have your back.
In a touching display of friendship, Ikeji revealed that Soberekon and MC Galaxy had gifted Okonkwo with nearly a million naira worth of makeup from Laura Beauty Africa.
“It’s not about the money,” Ikeji clarified. “It’s the thought behind it. They support not just me, but the people I care about. That’s priceless.”
Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
Ikeji’s celebration of friendship comes on the heels of personal and professional challenges. In September 2024, the entrepreneur faced a significant setback when her beauty store suffered fire damage.
“I was up all night with my youngest, and then I got the call,” Ikeji recounted, her voice tinged with emotion. “But you know what? Material things can be replaced. The support from my friends and family during that time? That’s irreplaceable.”
Despite the setback, Ikeji bounced back, hosting an anniversary party for her beauty store just weeks later. Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing, who attended the event, praised Ikeji’s resilience. Laura is an inspiration,” Blessing stated. “She turns obstacles into opportunities.”
Ikeji’s emphasis on loyalty extends beyond her friendships. Last year, she made headlines with a social media post about loyalty in marriage, sparking discussions about relationships in the public eye.
“I’m loyal to my husband, siblings, kids, and friends,” Ikeji affirmed. “No matter what happens, I’m standing with my close circles till they tell me to leave.”
Relationship expert Dr. Funmi Adewole weighed in on Ikeji’s stance. “In the world of celebrity, where relationships are often fleeting, Laura’s commitment to loyalty is refreshing,” Dr. Adewole noted. It speaks to a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life.”
Ikeji is no stranger to controversy, having recently raised eyebrows with her advice to women dealing with unfaithful partners. Her suggestion that women should express their anger verbally rather than leave their husbands sparked heated debates on social media platforms.
Ikeji reflected on her journey in the Nigerian entertainment industry. “It’s not always easy being in the public eye,” she admitted. “But having genuine friends who knew you before the fame, who stick with you through thick and thin – that’s what keeps you grounded.”
Ikeji’s celebration of her friendships serves as a poignant reminder of the human connections that underpin Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment scene. In an industry often characterized by fleeting alliances and public feuds, Ikeji’s decade-long bonds with Soberekon, MC Galaxy, and Okonkwo stand as a testament to the power of authentic relationships.
As night fell over Lagos, and the lights of the city began to twinkle, Ikeji’s message resonated beyond the glitz and glamour of celebrity life. In celebrating her friends, she had inadvertently shone a light on the universal need for genuine connections – a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of Nigerian entertainment, true friendship endures.
