The Nigerian music industry is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich in the world. With a mix of traditional, folk, and modern sounds, it has produced some of the world’s most influential musicians. From Fela Kuti to Wizkid, Nigeria has been home to some of the biggest stars in music.
This blog post will explore the top 10 artists that kept the Nigerian music industry alive, paving the way for generations of talent to come. These artists have left an indelible mark on music history and helped shape the sound of contemporary Nigerian music.
1) Wizkid
Wizkid is one of Nigeria’s most successful and influential music artists. He started his career at the young age of 11 and rose to prominence in the Nigerian music scene in the late 2000s. Since then, he has become a global superstar, collaborating with top international artists such as Drake and Beyonce.
Wizkid has been instrumental in promoting the Afrobeats genre worldwide, with hits such as “Ojuelegba”, “Daddy Yo” and “Come Closer”. He has won numerous awards both locally and internationally, including the BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Wizkid’s impact on the Nigerian music industry cannot be overemphasized. He has not only brought Afrobeats to the global stage but has also inspired many upcoming artists in the industry. Wizkid is a true icon of Nigerian music and will always be remembered as one of the artists that kept the industry alive.
2) Davido
Davido is one of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry, having made a huge impact since his debut in 2011. Born David Adeleke, the musician is the son of a billionaire businessman, but he has built his legacy through his music.
Davido’s unique style of Afrobeat, which blends elements of African music with Western influences, has won him a massive following both in Nigeria and around the world. His hits such as “Fall”, “If” and “Assurance” have topped the charts, and his collaborations with other big names in the industry have also been very successful.
One of Davido’s strengths as an artist is his ability to connect with his fans. He has a strong social media presence and often engages with his followers directly through his various platforms. This has helped him to build a very loyal fan base that supports him and his music.
Davido has also shown himself to be a generous philanthropist, using his success to give back to the community. He has established the David Adeleke Foundation, which focuses on supporting underprivileged children in Nigeria and has also made significant donations to hospitals and other charitable causes.
Also, Davido has made a huge impact on the Nigerian music industry, and his continued success shows that he is a force to be reckoned with. He is a true superstar and one of the top artists that has helped to keep the industry alive.
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3) Burna Boy
When it comes to artists who have played a pivotal role in keeping Nigeria’s music industry thriving, it’s impossible not to mention Burna Boy. The talented musician, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, has been active in the industry since 2010 and has quickly established himself as one of the biggest names in Afrobeat music.
Burna Boy’s sound is a blend of different genres, including reggae, dancehall, and R&B. He has released four studio albums to date, with each one earning critical acclaim and commercial success. His latest album, “Twice as Tall,” which was released in 2020, won him a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.
What sets Burna Boy apart from other artists in Nigeria’s music industry is his ability to create music that speaks to a wide audience. His lyrics address various issues, including love, social justice, and African identity. He also incorporates different elements of African culture into his music and performances, making him a unique artist who represents his roots in his work.
Over the years, Burna Boy has earned numerous awards, including the BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and Soundcity MVP Awards. He has also collaborated with other international artists such as Sam Smith, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran.
Overall, Burna Boy’s impact on Nigeria’s music industry cannot be overstated. He has helped to bring Afrobeat music to a global audience and has played a vital role in shaping the genre. He is undoubtedly one of the top artists that have kept Nigeria’s music industry alive.
4) Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is one of the biggest female artists in Nigeria. She started her music career in the UK but later returned to Nigeria to pursue music full-time. Tiwa has won several awards for her music, including the MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Female Artist in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Tiwa’s music is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that often address social issues and the experiences of African women. She has collaborated with several international artists, including Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Wale.
Some of Tiwa’s biggest hits include “Kele Kele Love”, “All Over”, and “Ma Lo”, which features fellow Nigerian artist Wizkid. Tiwa has also been an advocate for gender equality in the music industry and has used her platform to promote and support female artists in Nigeria.
Tiwa’s impact on the Nigerian music industry cannot be overstated. She has paved the way for many female artists and has helped to create a space for women in a male-dominated industry. Her music has also helped to raise the profile of Nigerian music on the global stage.
5) Olamide
Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter who has been an essential figure in the Nigerian music industry for over a decade. The rapper first came to the limelight with his debut single, “Eni Duro,” in 2010. Since then, he has gone on to release several hit songs and albums, making him one of the most successful artists in Nigeria.
Olamide’s music is often infused with his native Yoruba language, which has contributed to the unique sound and style that he is known for. His music also covers various themes ranging from love, social issues, and party anthems, which has earned him a massive following.
One notable aspect of Olamide’s music career is his consistency in churning out hit songs year after year. The rapper has released several albums, including “Rapsodi,” “Baddest Guy Ever Liveth,” “Street OT,” and “Carpe Diem,” which have all enjoyed massive commercial success.
In addition to his solo music career, Olamide has also collaborated with several Nigerian and international artists, including Wizkid, Phyno, Davido, and more recently, American rapper, Jay-Z.
Olamide’s influence in the Nigerian music industry cannot be overlooked, as he has not only been a source of inspiration to upcoming artists, but he has also contributed immensely to the growth and development of the industry. He has received numerous awards and nominations for his music, including the Headies Award, Nigeria Entertainment Award, and City People Entertainment Award, to mention a few.
6) Phyno
Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, popularly known as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started his music career as a producer and later delved into singing and rapping. Phyno has consistently released hit songs, and his unique style of rap has endeared him to millions of music lovers in Nigeria and beyond.
Phyno’s music often features elements of Igbo culture and language, which have made him a cultural ambassador of sorts. His 2014 hit single, “Alobam,” was a massive success, and it propelled him to national and international recognition. He has since released several other hit songs like “Fada Fada,” “Connect,” and “Ezege.”
Apart from his music, Phyno is also known for his fashion sense. He often rocks traditional Igbo attire, which has made him a style icon for many young people in Nigeria. His collaborations with other Nigerian artists have also been successful, including his collaboration with Olamide on the hit song “Fada Fada.”
Phyno has won several awards for his music, including the Headies Award for Best Rap Single and the City People Entertainment Award for Best Rap Album. He has also been nominated for the BET Awards and the MTV Africa Music Awards.
7) Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is one of the top female artists in Nigeria’s music industry. Her career started in 2009 after she won the Peak Talent Show, and since then, she has continued to bless us with hit songs. With her melodious voice and African-inspired beats, Yemi Alade has been able to capture the hearts of many music lovers, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa as a whole.
Some of her most notable hits include “Johnny”, “Na Gode”, “Tangerine”, and “Bum Bum”. She has also released several albums, including “King of Queens”, “Mama Africa”, and “Woman of Steel”. Yemi Alade is also a multiple award-winning artists, having won several awards, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female Artist in 2015 and 2016.
One thing that sets Yemi Alade apart from her peers is her ability to infuse African culture into her music. Her music is known for its African rhythm, which is both danceable and melodious. She has also been able to use her platform to empower women, advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.
Furthermore, Yemi Alade is an exceptional artist that has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s music industry. Her music is a beautiful representation of African culture, and she is an inspiration to many young girls who aspire to be successful in the music industry. We look forward to hearing more hits from her in the future.
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8) Flavour
Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, is a highlife singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has kept the Nigerian music industry alive with his unique style. The 37-year-old artist started his career in 2005 and has since then released numerous hit tracks.
Flavour’s music is a fusion of different genres such as highlife, hip-hop, and R&B. He has a knack for infusing traditional African instruments into his songs, creating a distinct sound that has captured the hearts of many music lovers.
Some of Flavour’s notable tracks include “Ada Ada,” “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix),” and “Golibe,” which have received widespread acceptance both in Nigeria and beyond. Flavour’s music videos are also a sight to behold, with colourful and lively visual representations of his songs.
Apart from music, Flavour is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has used his platform to support the less privileged in society and has established a music academy to help young artists hone their skills.
Flavour’s contribution to the Nigerian music industry cannot be overstated, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. His ability to fuse traditional sounds with modern music styles has earned him a place among the top 10 artists that have kept the Nigerian music industry alive.
9) 2Baba
Another iconic artist that has had a major impact on the Nigerian music industry is 2Baba, also known as 2Face Idibia. With a career spanning over two decades, 2Baba has consistently delivered hit after hit, cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s most respected musicians.
2Baba’s music is characterized by his soulful voice, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics that touch on various social issues affecting Nigerians. Some of his most popular songs include “African Queen,” “True Love,” and “Implication.”
Aside from his music, 2Baba is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his support for various causes in Nigeria. He has been involved in campaigns against drug abuse, and the fight against malaria, and even launched a foundation to promote peace and unity in Nigeria.
Overall, 2Baba’s influence on the Nigerian music industry cannot be overstated. He has inspired countless other artists and continues to be a role model for many aspiring musicians in the country.
10) Rema
Last but certainly not least on our list of the top 10 artists that kept the Nigerian music industry alive is Rema. This young artist may be relatively new to the scene, but he has made a big impact in a short amount of time.
Born Divine Ikubor, Rema burst onto the scene in 2019 with his hit single “Dumebi”. The song quickly became a viral sensation, propelling Rema to instant fame. He followed up with a self-titled EP that featured more hits, including “Iron Man” and “Why”.
What sets Rema apart from other artists on this list is his unique sound and style. He blends elements of afrobeat, trap, and R&B to create a sound that is entirely his own. He has been praised for his songwriting skills and ability to create catchy hooks that stick in your head for days.
Despite being relatively new to the scene, Rema has already won several awards, including the Headies Award for Next Rated and the Soundcity MVP Award for Best New Artist. He has also caught the attention of international stars like Drake and Rihanna, who have both shown him love on social media.
It’s clear that Rema is a rising star in the Nigerian music industry, and we can’t wait to see what he does next. With his unique sound, catchy hooks, and undeniable talent, he is sure to keep the industry alive for years to come.