Willow, Blue Ivy, North West and More Celeb 'Nepo Babies' Who Are Becoming Huge Stars

<strong>(L to R): Natalia Bryant, Bronny James, and Simone Johnson.</strong> - Photo: Presley Ann, David Becker, Rich Fury (Getty Images)
(L to R): Natalia Bryant, Bronny James, and Simone Johnson. - Photo: Presley Ann, David Becker, Rich Fury (Getty Images)
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This story is part of our Start. Build. Grow. series, a celebration of Black business.

In the world of entertainment and athletics, it’s pretty common for kids to follow in their famous parents’ footsteps. While we don’t always know if those kids will reach the same level of success as their moms and dads, you can tell when that star presence and talent has been passed down. As part of our Start, Grow, Build series on Black Business, we’re looking at the celebrity kids who could be destined for stardom.

Willow Smith

Photo: Pierre Mouton (Getty Images)
Photo: Pierre Mouton (Getty Images)

Some might still see her as the young girl singing “Whip My Hair,” but she’s grown into a rock artist and model. Professionally known as WILLOW, she’s definitely working to make a name for herself separate from Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.

North West

She may be 10-years-old, but Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s daughter knows how to maximize her social media fame. And based on recent appearances with her father, she also knows how to use controversy to her benefit.

Blue Ivy Carter

Photo: Kevin Winter (Getty Images)
Photo: Kevin Winter (Getty Images)

Thanks to her parents, Jay-Z and Beyonce, Blue Ivy Carter has been in the spotlight since birth. She made regular appearances during Bey’s “Renaissance” tour, ignored the haters and focused on herself. She’s learning from the best.

Zaya Wade

Photo: Victor Boyko (Getty Images)
Photo: Victor Boyko (Getty Images)

From a young age, Zaya Wade has had to deal with strangers’ opinions on her life. With the support of her father, Dwyane Wade, and her stepmother, Gabrielle Union, Zaya has built a burgeoning career as a model and become an inspiration for young LGBTQ+ people.

Moroccan and Monroe Cannon

When your mom is Mariah Carey, one of the greatest singers of all-time, everyone will compare your vocals to hers. However, Monroe’s performances on her mom’s most recent Christmas tour were all beautiful and full of potential. Along with her brother Moroccan, they’ve also clearly inherited the stage presence of their father, Nick Cannon.

Bronny and Bryce James

(L-R) Bronny James, LeBron James, Zhuri James, and Bryce James attend The 2023 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. - Photo: Frazer Harrison (Getty Images)
(L-R) Bronny James, LeBron James, Zhuri James, and Bryce James attend The 2023 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. - Photo: Frazer Harrison (Getty Images)

When your dad is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, you might want to become an accountant or lawyer. But LeBron’s sons, Bronny and Bryce James, are ready to set their own records and maybe even break a few of their dads. Bronny currently plays for USC, while Bryce has already been offered a spot by Ohio State.

Genesis Tennon

Photo: Leon Bennett (Getty Images)
Photo: Leon Bennett (Getty Images)

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s daughter hasn’t fully launched her acting career just yet, but she’s made it clear to her mom that she’s ready to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She’s certainly learning from the best in the business.

Nico Parker

Photo: John Phillips (Getty Images)
Photo: John Phillips (Getty Images)

Thandiwe Newton’s daughter already has several impressive credits on her acting resume, including HBO’s hit drama “The Last of Us” and the film “Reminiscence,” where she appeared alongside her mom.

Simone Johnson

Simone Johnson has followed her father, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, into the family business and is now a fourth generation wrestler. Her character, Ava, recently underwent a major change and is now the General Manager of WWENXT, making her the brand’s on-screen authority figure. She is the youngest person to hold that title.

Estere Ciccone

Based on how she worked the stage with a complete lack of fear, Estere has certainly picked up a few tricks from her mom, Madonna. If she decides to become an entertainer, she certainly has the star presence for it.

Charlie Woods

Photo: Mike Ehrmann (Getty Images)
Photo: Mike Ehrmann (Getty Images)

It’s clear when he’s out on the course with his dad that Charlie Woods is ready for golf greatness.

Shedeur Sanders

Photo: Ethan Miller (Getty Images)
Photo: Ethan Miller (Getty Images)

College football star Shedeur Sanders may not be “Prime Time” just yet, but he’s obviously looking to establish his own football legacy. With his dad, Deion Sanders, as his coach we know he’s learning everything he needs to know about dominating the competition.

Natalia Bryant

Photo: Presley Ann (Getty Images)
Photo: Presley Ann (Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant’s oldest daughter is looking to make her own name in the entertainment industry, while also honoring her late father and sister. She seems like a confident young woman who will be able to balance this emotionally difficult tightrope walk.

Jaafar Jackson

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson - Photo: Lionsgate
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson - Photo: Lionsgate

Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine, is basically climbing the Mt. Everest of film roles. He’s playing his uncle Michael in a highly-anticipated biopic and early accounts from the cast and crew are praising his performance. If he nails this, he will be on his way to star status.

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