Nigeria is known for its diverse and vibrant music industry, with a wide range of genres and styles. From Afrobeat to Hip-Hop to Pop, the country has produced some of the most successful and influential artists in the world.
In this blog post, we’ll be looking at the top 5 most talked about Nigerian artists in the past 10 years. These artists have achieved international fame and critical acclaim, and have been some of the biggest driving forces in the Nigerian music scene. We’ll explore their careers, successes, and legacies to see why they have remained so popular over the years.
01. Wizkid – From EME to Starboy
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is one of the most popular and influential Nigerian artists of the past decade. He started his career as a member of the music group EME, where he gained a loyal fanbase. However, his true breakthrough came in 2011 when he released the hit single “Holla at Your Boy”, which topped music charts across Nigeria and Africa.
Wizkid’s music style is a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop, which has made him a global sensation. In 2013, he established his record label, Starboy Entertainment, which has become a platform for upcoming artists. Wizkid’s hit songs, such as “Ojuelegba”, “Come Closer”, and “Fever” have gained international recognition and have earned him several awards.
Aside from music, Wizkid is known for his fashion sense, as he has collaborated with several fashion brands, including Nike and Dolce & Gabbana. He has also been involved in philanthropic works, such as donating to various charity organizations and starting a foundation to help underprivileged children.
Wizkid’s journey from EME to Starboy is an inspiring one, as he has not only become a successful musician but also an entrepreneur and philanthropist. It’s no wonder he has been one of the most talked-about Nigerian artists in the past 10 years.
02. Davido – Omo Baba Olowo’s Rise to Fame
When Davido burst onto the scene with his debut single “Back When” featuring Naeto C in 2011, little did anyone know that he would become one of Nigeria’s most successful artists. Born David Adeleke, the self-proclaimed “Omo Baba Olowo” (meaning the son of a wealthy man) came from a privileged background, but he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dream of music.
With the release of his hit single “Dami Duro” in 2012, Davido’s rise to fame was cemented. The song was an instant hit and propelled him to the forefront of the Nigerian music industry. Since then, Davido has gone on to release numerous chart-topping hits like “Skelewu”, “Aye”, and “Fall”, to name a few.
Aside from his music, Davido is also known for his flashy lifestyle and larger-than-life personality. He’s often seen driving around in luxury cars, flaunting his expensive jewelry, and traveling the world in private jets. This has earned him a massive following on social media, where he boasts millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Read Also: Wizkid vs Burna Boy: Who Sings Better
Davido’s success has also earned him several awards and nominations, including multiple BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and The Headies. In 2018, he became the first African artist to receive the BET Award for Best International Act.
Despite his success, Davido remains humble and grounded. He’s known for his philanthropic efforts, which include building a school in his hometown of Lagos and donating funds to help those affected by COVID-19. Davido’s rise to fame may have been rapid, but it’s clear that he’s here to stay.
03. Burna Boy – The Afrofusion trailblazer
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, has taken the Nigerian music scene by storm in the past decade. His unique sound, which combines Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop, has earned him fans all over the world.
Burna Boy released his debut album “L.I.F.E.” (Leaving an Impact For Eternity) in 2013 and since then has become one of Nigeria’s most prominent musicians. However, it was his 2018 album “Outside” that truly cemented his status as a trailblazer in the music industry.
The album features the hit singles “Ye” and “Gbona,” which have both become cultural phenomenons. “Ye” has been dubbed by many as the song of the year and was even covered by Kanye West. The song has been used in several memes and social media trends, proving the impact it has had on pop culture.
In 2019, Burna Boy released another album titled “African Giant” which was a huge commercial success. The album features collaborations with American artists like Future, YG, and Jorja Smith. Burna Boy was also featured on Beyonce’s “The Lion King: The Gift” album, which was released the same year.
Aside from his music, Burna Boy is also known for being a vocal advocate for African culture and unity. He often speaks out against injustices and has been actively involved in the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
Burna Boy’s impact on the music industry cannot be ignored. His unique sound, powerful messages, and dedication to promoting African culture have made him a true trailblazer and one of Nigeria’s most talked-about artists.
04. Tiwa Savage – The first lady of Mavin Records
Tiwa Savage is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the Nigerian music industry. Her talent, work ethic, and consistency have earned her a place as one of the most successful Nigerian female artists of all time.
In 2012, Tiwa Savage was signed to Mavin Records, one of the biggest record labels in Nigeria. She quickly became a sensation, and her debut album, “Once Upon a Time,” solidified her place in the music industry.
Tiwa’s style is unique, blending elements of R&B, Afrobeats, and pop music. Her ability to infuse her Nigerian heritage into her music while still appealing to a global audience is what sets her apart from other artists.
Apart from her music, Tiwa Savage is known for her fashion sense, as she effortlessly rocks different styles and slays on every occasion.
Tiwa has worked with numerous artists both locally and internationally, including Beyonce, Coldplay, and Mary J Blige, to mention a few.
In 2018, Tiwa became the first African female artist to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act, cementing her status as a global superstar.
The first lady of Mavin Records has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene, and her fans eagerly anticipate what she has in store for the future.
05. Olamide – The YBNL king and street ambassador
Olamide is a Nigerian rapper and singer who has risen to fame as one of the top musicians in the country. He is also known as the YBNL king and street ambassador due to his unique style of music that blends the sounds of the streets with modern beats.
Olamide started his career in 2010 with his debut album “Rapsodi” which featured popular hits such as “Eni Duro” and “Omo To Shan”. He has since released numerous albums and singles that have topped charts both locally and internationally.
What sets Olamide apart is his unique blend of traditional Yoruba music with hip-hop beats. He also incorporates pidgin English into his songs, making them easily relatable to the average Nigerian. His lyrics are usually focused on street life, hustle, and the struggles of the average Nigerian youth.
Olamide’s music has won him numerous awards and accolades including multiple Headies awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He has also been featured in collaborations with top musicians both within Nigeria and globally.
In addition to his music career, Olamide is also a successful businessman with a record label called YBNL Nation. The label has produced several top Nigerian musicians including Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold.
Overall, Olamide is an iconic figure in Nigerian music who has carved a niche for himself as a pioneer in the fusion of street and contemporary sounds. His music has resonated with millions of Nigerians and he remains a top choice for many music lovers in the country and beyond.