Nigeria is home to some of the most talented and prolific songwriters in the world. From modern-day stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage, to legendary acts like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade, Nigerian musicians have a long and storied history of crafting beautiful music.
With so many incredible songwriters from Nigeria, it can be difficult to narrow down the best of the best. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best songwriters in Nigeria for 2023.
1) Asa
Starting off our list of the top 10 best songwriters in Nigeria 2023 is the talented singer-songwriter, Asa. Known for her unique style of music that blends elements of soul, pop, and jazz, Asa has made a name for herself in the Nigerian music industry and beyond.
Her ability to tell stories through her music and capture the emotions of her listeners is what sets her apart as a songwriter. From songs like “Jailer” to “Be My Man”, Asa has proven time and time again that she is a master of her craft.
As she continues to release music and connect with fans across the globe, we can only expect to see more great work from Asa in the years to come. She is definitely a songwriter to watch out for in 2023 and beyond.
2) Davido
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States but moved back to Nigeria at the age of 7. He rose to fame in 2011 with his hit single “Dami Duro” and has since released numerous successful songs and albums.
One of the most remarkable things about Davido is his ability to infuse local Nigerian music styles into his music. His music has a distinct Afrobeat sound that has resonated with fans not only in Nigeria but also across Africa and beyond.
In addition to his music career, Davido is also known for his philanthropy and activism. He has been actively involved in several social causes and has used his platform to raise awareness about important issues affecting Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Davido’s songwriting abilities have earned him a spot on this list. He is a master of storytelling, and his music often addresses social issues such as corruption, inequality, and injustice. His lyrics are catchy, relatable, and memorable, making them popular among his fans.
Davido’s impact on the Nigerian music industry cannot be overstated. He has won numerous awards and has collaborated with several local and international artists. He is truly one of Nigeria’s best songwriters, and we can only expect him to continue to deliver hit after hit in the years to come.
3) Wizkid
One of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry, Wizkid is undoubtedly one of the best songwriters in the country. With several hit songs and collaborations under his belt, he has consistently proven his writing skills to be exceptional.
Wizkid’s music is known for its catchy hooks and melodies, as well as his ability to infuse African sounds with global music genres. Some of his most popular songs include “Ojuelegba,” “Come Closer,” and “Fever.”
Apart from his music, Wizkid is also known for his unique fashion sense and overall artistic expression. He has been a major influence in the music industry, especially in Nigeria, and continues to inspire new and upcoming artists.
With his undeniable talent and growing influence, there is no doubt that Wizkid will continue to be one of the top songwriters in Nigeria in 2023 and beyond. His music will undoubtedly continue to break barriers and dominate the African music scene for years to come.
4) Olamide
Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He has been in the music industry for over a decade and has released several hit songs. Olamide is one of the best songwriters in Nigeria and has won several awards for his songwriting skills.
Olamide’s style of music is unique, and he often blends the Yoruba language with English to create his signature sound. He is known for his storytelling abilities and has been able to connect with his fans through his music.
One of Olamide’s most significant achievements is his album “Baddest Guy Ever Liveth,” which received critical acclaim and went on to win the Best Rap Album of the Year at the Headies Awards. The album featured several hit songs, including “Story for the Gods,” “Durosoke,” and “Yemi My Lover.”
Olamide’s songwriting skills are evident in his hit single “Science Student,” which has become an anthem for many Nigerians. The song talks about the dangers of drug abuse and has been able to create awareness about the issue.
Overall, Olamide is undoubtedly one of the best songwriters in Nigeria, and his music has inspired many. His ability to tell stories through his music is what makes him stand out in the industry, and we look forward to seeing more of his exceptional work in the future.
5) Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has made waves both locally and internationally. She is known for her sultry vocals and empowering lyrics that speak to women. Tiwa Savage has won several awards for her music, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female and the City People Entertainment Award for Female Musician of the Year.
In addition to her music career, Tiwa Savage is also a brand ambassador for Pepsi and has collaborated with other major brands such as MTN, Konga, and Forte Oil. She has also been named one of the 100 most influential women in the world by the BBC.
Some of Tiwa Savage’s biggest hits include “Kele Kele Love”, “All Over”, and “Ma Lo” featuring Wizkid. Her music has also been featured in popular television shows such as Shuga and Gidi Up.
Tiwa Savage is not just a talented songwriter, but she is also a role model for women all over the world. Her music and brand represent empowerment and the ability to overcome challenges, making her one of the best songwriters in Nigeria.
6) Mr Eazi
Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria as Oluwatosin Ajibade, Mr Eazi is a talented singer and songwriter with a unique sound that has earned him worldwide recognition. His music is a blend of Afrobeats, Ghanaian highlife, and Western influences.
Mr Eazi rose to fame with his hit song “Skin Tight” featuring Ghanaian artist Efya. He has since then gone on to release several other hit songs including “Leg Over”, “Pour Me Water” and “Miss You Bad” featuring Burna Boy.
Apart from being a songwriter, Mr. Eazi is also the founder of Banku Music, a record label that aims to promote African music worldwide. His passion for African music has earned him a spot on the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list.
As a songwriter, Mr. Eazi is known for his catchy lyrics, melodic hooks, and clever wordplay. His music often tackles issues such as love, relationships, and the struggles of life. His unique blend of sounds and rhythms has earned him a dedicated fanbase and a place among the best songwriters in Nigeria.
7) Simi
Simi is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and performer who has quickly made a name for herself in the Nigerian music scene. Born as Simisola Ogunleye, Simi began her music career as a gospel singer before transitioning into secular music.
Her music style is characterized by her unique voice, soulful melodies, and meaningful lyrics that resonate with fans all over Nigeria and beyond. Simi’s music addresses a range of topics from love and relationships to social issues such as inequality and corruption.
Some of her most popular songs include “Joromi”, “Smile For Me”, and “Duduke”, which went viral on social media and became a global sensation in 2020. She has won numerous awards for her music including the Headies Award for Best Alternative Song in 2018.
What sets Simi apart from other songwriters is her ability to tell compelling stories through her music. Her lyrics are relatable and authentic, often drawing from personal experiences or the experiences of those around her. Simi’s music is a perfect blend of soulful melodies and deep, thought-provoking lyrics that are sure to continue captivating fans for years to come.
8) Fireboy DML
Fireboy DML is a fast-rising singer, songwriter, and performer from Nigeria. His unique style of music blends Afro-pop and R&B to create an irresistible sound that has won him millions of fans across the country. Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Fireboy has quickly established himself as one of the best songwriters in Nigeria.
His debut album, “Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps,” was released in 2019 and it featured hit singles like “Jealous,” “What If I Say,” and “Scatter.” The album received critical acclaim and cemented Fireboy’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.
What sets Fireboy apart from his contemporaries is his ability to tell stories with his music. His lyrics are deeply personal and heartfelt, drawing from his own experiences and emotions. This has endeared him to fans who find his music relatable and inspiring.
With several awards to his name, including the 2020 Headies Awards for Best R&B Album and Best Pop Album, Fireboy is definitely a rising star to watch out for in the Nigerian music industry. His impressive songwriting skills, coupled with his exceptional voice, make him one of the best songwriters in Nigeria, and we can expect to see more great music from him in the coming years.
9) Joeboy
Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, popularly known as Joeboy, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born in Lagos State, Nigeria. He came into the music scene in 2019 and has quickly made a name for himself as one of the best songwriters in Nigeria.
Joeboy started his music career as a choir member in his church before he got discovered by Mr Eazi and signed with Banku Music. Since then, he has released several hit songs that have gained massive airplay both locally and internationally.
Joeboy’s songs are mostly centered around love, relationships, and heartbreaks. He has a unique way of blending different genres of music, including Afro-pop, R&B, and highlife. Some of his most popular songs include “Baby,” “Beginning,” and “Call.”
In 2023, Joeboy is expected to continue to dominate the music scene in Nigeria and beyond. He has already won several awards for his outstanding contribution to the music industry, including the Headies Next Rated award in 2020.
Joeboy’s lyrical prowess and his ability to tell stories through his music are some of the reasons why he is regarded as one of the best songwriters in Nigeria. He has proven that he is a force to reckon with in the music industry, and his future looks very bright.
10) Rema
Rema is one of the most promising and talented songwriters in Nigeria, with a unique style that sets him apart from the rest. His music blends afrobeats and trap, and his lyrics touch on a range of topics from love to life experiences. He burst onto the music scene in 2019 with his hit single “Iron Man,” which quickly became a fan favorite and helped him gain widespread recognition.
Since then, Rema has released numerous chart-topping singles, including “Dumebi,” “Lady,” and “Beamer.” He has also collaborated with other top Nigerian artists, such as Fireboy DML and D’Prince, to create some of the biggest hits of the past year. Rema’s songs are characterized by catchy beats, melodic vocals, and clever lyrics, making them a favorite among Nigerian music fans and beyond.
What sets Rema apart as a songwriter is his ability to craft lyrics that are both personal and relatable. He draws on his own life experiences to create music that resonates with listeners, whether he’s singing about love or the struggles he’s faced as a rising artist.
With his raw talent and unique sound, Rema is undoubtedly one of the top songwriters to watch in Nigeria’s music industry in 2023.
Conclusion
Nigeria is blessed with a plethora of talented songwriters who continue to take the world by storm with their beautiful compositions and lyrical prowess. As we’ve highlighted in this post, the likes of Asa, Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, Simi, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, and Rema have all carved out a niche for themselves in the Nigerian music industry, earning global acclaim and recognition for their creative output.
As we look forward to 2023 and beyond, it’s exciting to imagine the amazing musical contributions these talented songwriters will bring to the table. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for us and how they’ll continue to push the boundaries of Nigerian music. One thing is for sure; the future of Nigerian music is incredibly bright, and we’re all here for it!
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