Donald Trump, the incoming President of the United States, emerged as the most searched global personality on Google by Nigerians in 2024.
Google Trends revealed this ranking following Trump‘s historic victory in the November U.S. presidential election, marking his return to the White House for a second term after his re-election bid in 2020 failed.
Trump’s dramatic year played a key role in his search popularity, particularly his controversial trials and conviction in May 2024. He became the first former American president to be convicted of felony crimes when a New York jury found him guilty of 34 charges related to a scheme to influence the 2016 election via a hush-money payment to a porn actor.
In second place is Kai Cenat, an American online streamer and influencer known for his comedic live streams and videos. With over 13 million followers, Cenat is the fifth most-followed Twitch streamer and holds the title of the most-subscribed streamer on the platform in 2024.
Kamala Harris ranks third on the list. Harris, who will in January conclude her term as the first woman and person of African and South Asian descent to serve as U.S. Vice President, made history, drawing considerable attention to her campaign in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Despite losing to Trump, her advocacy for women’s rights, climate change, and social justice kept her in the global spotlight.
South African singer Tyla placed fourth in the rankings. Her breakout single, “Water,” which won a Grammy in 2024, continued to top charts worldwide, making her one of the most-streamed African artists. The song’s Afropop influences and catchy chorus resonated with listeners across the globe.
Diddy, ranked fifth, trended due to his music and the controversy surrounding his alleged sexual misconduct. His album The “Love Album: Off the Grid” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. However, Diddy did not attend the ceremony due to the allegations, which drew significant media attention.

Joe Biden, the outgoing U.S. President, trended in sixth place after a failed re-election bid. Following a disastrous presidential debate against Trump, Biden was pressured by Democrats to step down from the race and endorse Kamala Harris, his vice president, as his successor.

British-Nigerian rapper Skepta ranked seventh, with his musical achievements and cultural influence contributing to his trending status in 2024. His innovative approach to music production and his personal life sparked discussions among fans and the media.
Paul Biya, the longest-serving non-royal head of state, placed eighth in searches. The Cameroonian president’s health and potential succession were topics of significant interest following his absence from public events and rumors of his death in late 2024. The government dismissed these rumors, confirming his health and return to Cameroon after a trip to Switzerland.
Tyra Banks, ranking ninth, saw renewed interest in 2024. The model and television personality returned to the spotlight with new TV projects, including a fresh season of “America’s Next Top Model,” and continued to make waves in reality television and fashion.
Finally, Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel rounded out the list in tenth place. Kartel, who has maintained his influence despite being incarcerated since 2014, was released from prison in July 2024 after his conviction for murder was quashed by the UK Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, following juror misconduct.