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Music | Page 5 of 10 | Zikoko!
  • We Don’t Rate You If You’re Not Listening to These 10 Female Artists

    We Don’t Rate You If You’re Not Listening to These 10 Female Artists

    Young? Yes. Female? Yes. Killing it? Hell, yes. 

    The women on this list are some of the brightest musicians poised to change the game and upgrade your playlist in 2023 with their incredible sound. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the mood to kick ass, cuddle up and watch anime or cheat back on your partner, the range here is insane, and we can’t help but stan. 

    Brazy

    “Attends shekeleba” 

    Source: Zikoko Memes

    Are you really a hot girl or city boy if you’re not rinsing Brazy’s Attends like there’s no tomorrow? Kindly check our membership portal for validation because Attends is our official anthem. Remember when Saweetie spoke about making something cute for the summertime? She must’ve heard Brazy deliver her iconic “Cheat on me, I’ll cheat on you” line. Fun and bursting with personality, Brazy’s music will have you in a chokehold once you get into it. 

    Morravey 

    If there’s one thing we know now, it’s that Davido is clear when it comes to scouting talent. It just makes sense to trust the guy who delivered superstars like Mayorkun and Peruzzi. Despite not having a solo track in sight, Morravey (Davido’s latest musical discovery) holds her own on In The Garden, a standout track off of his newest album, Timeless. With her distinct vocal style and Davido’s push, I have a strong feeling we’ll be hearing a lot of Morravey before the year runs out. 

    Bloody Civilian 

    Bloody Civilian is an effortlessly cool badass. I don’t know how else to explain it, but who else drops a debut song titled How to Kill A Man then follows it up with I Don’t Really Like You? The Abuja export has been raising a storm in the music industry since she made a striking appearance on the soundtrack to 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever alongside Tems, Rema and Fireboy DML. Bloody Civilian’s music feels like she’s whipping out two middle fingers. I don’t know who she’s flipping off, but best believe I’m on her side. 

    Ugoccie 

    Ugoccie might’ve won over the internet with her viral and hilarious TikTok remake of Rotimi’s In My Bed in 2019, but it’s been four years now, and it looks like the singer/rapper has turned her 15 seconds of fame into a thriving career. Following the success of her 2022 debut EP, A Piece of Me, and collaborations with Phyno and Niniola, Ugoccie has set the stage for the long haul, and we’re excited to hear what she puts out next. 

    SGawD

    We weren’t capping when we put SGawD’s 2021 Savage Bitch Juice EP on our list of the best albums/EPs of that year. With a sick flow that can stand toe-to-toe with most of the male rappers in the game right now, SGawD has successfully stamped her name on the Nigerian rap scene, demanding our attention with each bar. Her follow-up singles — 2022’s Telfar with Ronehi, and 2023’s Intermission — further prove that SGawD takes no prisoners every time she gets behind a mic. 

    RECOMMENDATION: It’s Time to Give Female Nigerian Producers Their Flowers

    Oiza and Meyi 

    Oiza and Meyi make great music, but what makes them better artistes than most of your faves right now is their live shows. These girls know how to put on a show and get the crowd going even if they’ve never heard their music before. Famous for their TikTok covers of artistes like The Cavemen and a Shakira elevator performance, the twin sisters were born to be entertainers.

    If you don’t believe me, check out their singles Santi and Outside, or better still, catch them at one of their live shows in Lagos or Abuja, singing the hilarious unreleased Jesus Told You to Break Up with Me

    Somadina 

    The music on Somadina’s 2022 album, Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable, sounds just as weird as the album title, but this is one case where weird is a good, no, great thing. Taking on a more experimental approach to alternative R&B, Somadina is fearless about the type of music she wants to make. It might be an acquired taste, but best believe her music is tasty AF. 

    Solis 

    Solis makes music for the girlies who love to talk about star signs and watch Sailor Moon. I don’t know how else to explain it, but the girls whothat get it, get it. Whether she’s asking to be your Angel or begging you not to leave her on Abeg, Solis’s ethereal voice makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. As a matter of fact, it’s the literal representation of this Spongebob meme: 

    Source: Giphy

    Efe Oraka 

    If you were on the internet when SoundCloud stars like Odunsi the Engine and Tay Iwar started transitioning into the mainstream scene in 2016, then the name Efe Oraka wouldn’t sound strange. After stealing our hearts with covers on social media, Efe cemented herself as an artiste to watch with the release of her debut single, Wonderland. Although she’s been on and off for a while, each new project she’s put out confirms the singer has become more confident in her sound and identity as an artiste. Efe Oraka is the alt R&B princess the Nigerian music scene has been missing. 

    Kold AF 

    There’s something cool about listening to an artiste for the first time and understanding that they’ve done the work needed to figure out their sound. Kold AF is one of those rare finds. After an impressive run of features with Moelogo, Kaey and MoGunz, she made her solo debut in 2022 with the aptly titled EP, Kold SZN

    From a night of fun and seduction on Wasted to using booze and music to deal with the trauma of a toxic relationship on Blues, Kold AF presents a five-minute preview into the different aspects of navigating love and life as a young Nigerian. 

    ALSO READ: The Ultimate 30+ Guide to Understanding Nigerian Pop Culture

    Listen to our hot girl playlist here:

  • The Best Songs of 2023 (So Far), Ranked By Their Chances of Surviving Till Detty December

    The Best Songs of 2023 (So Far), Ranked By Their Chances of Surviving Till Detty December

    Can you believe we’re already four months into 2023? It feels like just a few weeks ago, we were making New Year resolutions and plans to conquer 2023, and now, we have eight months left. 

    We’ve had so many hits between January and April, but these seven are some of the best. But will they still bang by the time IJGBs come back for Detty December? We have the answers. 

    Yoga — Asake 

    Asake’s Mr Money with the Vibes was probably the biggest album of 2022. From Terminator to Joha, Asake’s voice was everywhere in December. After dropping songs every two weeks, Asake took some time off before dropping Yoga in 2023. The song showed us a zen Asake, who’s taking time away from the party scene to wear white and meditate by the beach (God, when?). It was the perfect song to start the year with and a testament to the artiste’s versatility. 

    Chances of surviving till December: I highly doubt it. Yoga is too calm for the gragra of Detty December. The holidays are about hyper energy, so imagine people screaming, “Palazzo, jiggy, burger..” instead of chanting, “Yoga yoga”.   

    GWAGWALADA — BNXN, Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez

    BNXN’s decision to make a song about Gwagwalada in Abuja is almost as random as the two artistes he chose to feature, yet somehow it all works perfectly. The Sarz-produced beat is BNXN’s to devour, and he eats it up like the shawarma he mentions in the song. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez also make memorable appearances here. 

    Chances of surviving till December: Even though Finesse came out a year ago in 2022, there’s a higher chance of that song soundtracking Detty December parties as opposed to Gwagwalada.  

    Stamina — Tiwa Savage, Young Jonn and Ayra Starr 

    Tiwa Savage, Young Jonn and Ayra Starr’s Stamina is the consent anthem we didn’t know we needed until it was released. Produced by frequent Asake collaborator, MagicSticks, the song finds Ayra offering to do sexy kung fu with her lover, while Tiwa and Young Jonn engage in an intense back and forth that Chioma explains better in her SYDHT recap of the video

    Chances of surviving till December: While Stamina is a major jam, there’s a high chance it’ll sound like a throwback song when it comes up in the club when Detty December rolls around. 

    Who’s Your Guy? — Spyro and Tiwa Savage 

    With all the shoutouts on Who’s Your Guy?, the Spyro and Tiwa Savage hit could easily be an owambe song. Giving us a much needed break from songs about bumbum, hustling and popping champagne, Who’s Your Guy? is a beautiful song that talks about the importance of friendship and checking in on your tribe. Knowing all the craziness happening around the world, we all need to be more invested in each other, now, more than ever. 

    Chances of surviving till December: Be prepared to hear this song every time someone orders Azul for their table in December, and also on every IJGB’s TikTok or Reel when they connect with the friends they left behind in Nigeria. 

    RECOMMENDED: ​​Drill Music Is Hot Right Now and These Are the 8 Nigerians You Should Listen To 

    Sability — Ayra Starr

    No other artist captures the defiant “I’m a bad bitch” Gen Z energy like Ayra Starr. Sability, her Awilo Longomba-inspired first single of 2023 tows the same lane as Bloody Samaritan and Rush, with Ayra reminding everyone that she’s that girl; the original sabi girl. 

    Chances of surviving till December: This is a jam for baddies, and being a baddie isn’t a seasonal job; it’s a year-round lifestyle. There’s a high chance you’ll hear Sability on the insta stories of those IJGB girls who live and breathe NollyBabe’s fashion. 

    UNAVAILABLE — Davido and Musa Keys 

    Davido is a master hitmaker and that’s on Mary and her little lamb. Despite the tragic events of last year, Davido somehow manages to find and share joy through his album, Timeless, especially on the Musa Keys-assisted amapiano hit, UNAVAILABLE. Our ever-so-generous king also made sure the TikTok dance challenge for the song was easy, smooth and inclusive because not all of us have Gen Z legwork energy. I stan. 

    Chances of surviving till December: This is the anthem most offices will hear as soon as they close for the year. Everyone on holiday for Detty December will probably post their UNAVAILABLE video on social media for their co-workers and haters. How else will your boss know not to send you emails in December? 

    Holiday — Rema

    Nothing unites Nigerians more than a grass-to-grace story, and boy, did my inner spirit feel it when Rema sang, “I will never forget the time wey bad belle dem cast us away. Fast forward to today, every day na holiday.” 

    Even though 2022’s Calm Down has refused to allow Holiday get the love it deserves, this song is further evidence that proves yet again that Rema hasn’t missed since 2019

    Chances of surviving till December: The song is literally called Holiday, and you think it won’t bang during the biggest holiday of the year? Chelsea, come on now. This is the ultimate Detty December banger. 

    ALSO READ: The Ultimate 30+ Guide to Understanding Nigerian Pop Culture

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  • Stan Culture in Nigeria: How Far Would You Go for Your Fave?

    Stan Culture in Nigeria: How Far Would You Go for Your Fave?

    It’s one thing to be a fan of a musician, but being a stan? That’s another thing entirely. Stans are fans who are willing to actually throw hands because of their faves. 

    Source: Zikoko Memes

    With stan culture taking over the +234 internet (and real-life) thanks to Wizkid FC, Savage Soldiers, Outsiders, 30 BG and Rebel Gang, we decided to talk to some stans about the most outrageous things they’ve done for their faves. 

    “My family doesn’t know I have a Wizkid tattoo” 

    Kayinsola*, 23
    Source: Zikoko Memes

    I come from a very religious family that doesn’t even allow me or my sisters to have more than one piercing. But during Detty December in 2022, I randomly got a tattoo of Wizkid’s full name, “Ayodeji Balogun”, on my thigh. I don’t wear short skirts or shorts at home, so my parents haven’t seen it yet. I could lie that it’s my boyfriend’s name. At least, maybe they’d think I’m less of a nutjob if the person knows I exist. But they’d also ask to see this boyfriend, and I don’t have one. 

    I’ve been a Wizkid fan since my first year of secondary school when he dropped Holla At Your Boy. He’s the greatest Nigerian musician of all time. I don’t regret my tattoo, but I wish I’d gotten it after I japa. I know my parents will unalive me if they see it. 

    “I used ₦‎1.6m to cover my favourite rapper’s bill in the club” 

    Buchi*, 31
    Source: Zikoko Memes

    For someone who isn’t rich, tell me why I cleared the table of one of my favourite musicians in the club. I’m a huge fan of Nigerian rap music from back in the day. I ran into one of my favourite rappers at the club in Enugu one night and was starstruck. He’d come into town to perform at a wedding, so he pulled up with his entourage to chill after. That’s how I told the club owner, my friend, to tell him not to worry, “Bills on me”. 

    By the time the bill came, omo, I was looking at about ₦1.6m. He came into an Enugu club with Lagos energy. I’ve never paid that type of money for anything. Even for my brother’s wedding, I only contributed ₦1m. Never again. 

    “I’m only on social media as a stan account” 

    David*, 29
    Source: Zikoko Memes

    Tiwa Savage is my favourite musician and the only reason I have social media accounts. I don’t have a social media presence besides the LinkedIn and Facebook accounts I don’t even have access to anymore. But I run a stan account to share Tiwa’s articles, new songs, interviews, etc. Olorun Mi saved my life when I lost my brother, so since then, I’ve been a dedicated Savage Soldier. Everyone has hits, but no one serves vocals like my girl, and for that, I’ll drag anyone who says rubbish on Twitter. 

    RECOMMENDED: These 10 Tiwa Savage Songs Are Also Gospel Songs, Let’s Explain

    “Most of my salary goes to K-Pop merch, and I’m okay with it” 

    Hassana*, 25
    Source: Zikoko Memes

    There’s a massive K-Pop community here in Nigeria, and I’m very active in it. I discovered K-pop through a co-worker in 2019 and haven’t looked back since. I stream their albums and performances, but the most outrageous thing I do is buy and ship merch, especially from BLACKPINK. Dollar rates rising or not, I’ll always support my girls.

    “I lied at work to go look for Burna Boy at Eko Hotel” 

    Sheryl*, 30
    Source: Zikoko Memes

    I was obsessed with Burna Boy during my NYSC. I mean, I still love my boo now, but back then, I was actually obsessed. One day in 2014, I saw him post on his Instagram stories, and I recognised the pool in his background as the one at Eko Hotels. I wasn’t even sure if the post was recent, but see, I told my office HR my mother had collapsed and I needed to rush home. I hopped on a bus and ran to Eko Hotel. I just sat in the lobby for the rest of the day, hoping I’d run into him. 

    I remember watching that Korty video and laughing because it felt like a personal drag. 

    “I secured my Beyoncé Renaissance tickets before getting my visa” 

    -Jesse*, 30 
    Source: Zikoko Memes

    My plans in life come second to Beyoncé’s plans for me, and that’s on period. As soon as she dropped the Renaissance tickets, I was in a queue to buy mine online for the UK show — since she’s not coming to Nigeria. It wasn’t until I’d paid for my ticket that I realised I hadn’t renewed my visa. I’ve applied and everything, but what if I don’t get it? I’m focusing on positive thoughts for now. 

    “I stopped talking to a girl because she said Wizkid was overrated” 

    Nti*, 28
    Source: Zikoko Memes

    Imagine trying to get to know someone and they diss your favourite artiste? That’s what happened with a girl I was toasting two years ago. We met at a house party in Lagos, and I liked her vibe. Wizkid’s Come Closer came on shuffle as I was driving her for one of our hangouts, and unprovoked, this babe started insulting Wiz. 

    Granted, that song is somehow, but to call him overrated and a Wande Coal dupe? That was too much, so I ghosted her after that day. I didn’t need that negative energy around me. 

    ALSO READ: We Ranked the Best Wizkid Songs of the Decade

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  • Why Is BLACKPINK Headlining Coachella 2023? 

    Why Is BLACKPINK Headlining Coachella 2023? 

    Short answer: Because they’re THAT girl.

    Source: WeHeartIt

    Longer answer: Because they’re THAT girl, and Coachella is lucky they said yes. 

    For those who still don’t get it, let me take you on an unsolicited trip that shows why BLACKPINK are the first Asians to headline Coachella.

    The “Hot Debut” of 2016

    It all started with a performance of their two debut singles, Boombayah and Whistle, at SBS Inkigayo in August 2016. Rosé laid on her back and slid through the other members’ legs across the stage floor, Lisa simulated a loose machine gun with her arms, Jennie jumped on the other three and they carried her forward, all while singing live. They won their first Inkigayo award two weeks later.

    The “Product Launch” debut

    Wait, no. The real story begins when BLACKPINK’s agency, YG Entertainment (AKA Psy’s former agency), introduced them to the people of South Korea like they were Steve Jobs and BLACKPINK was a new iPhone edition. BLACKPINK is better, obvi.

    Source: Pinterest

    The first music festival performance

    Five months after their hot debut, SBS invited the girls to perform at their end-of-year music festival, Gayo Daejun (or “Battle of the Bands”), the biggest in Korea. BLACKPINK brought their live singing, rapping and energetic dancing to the now iconic performance. 

    Source: Zikoko Memes

    The cover performance of 2017

    BLACKPINK performed their cover of Miguel’s Sure Thing at another SBS TV music show, and it remains an iconic moment for global BLINKS (BLACKPINK fans) today. The Pinks sang live, completely in English, pulled off some pretty cool harmonies, and Jennie and Lisa rapped bars they wrote themselves. Even Nicki Minaj would approve of this performance.

    A live performance with 300m+ views

    2018 marked BLACKPINK’s transition into global success — they released their game-changing hit song, Ddu-ddu ddu-du, in June, and Jennie dropped her record-breaking first solo, SOLO, in November — so their return to SBS Gayo Daejun in December was next-level and the perfect closing to a great year. The performance currently has over 300 million views on YouTube.

    RELATED: BLACKPINK Isn’t Overrated, and We Have Proof

    Performing at the 20th Coachella

    Source: Coachella website

    While Burna Boy fans would remember Coachella 2019 for his rant about font size, BLINKs know it as the year BLACKPINK became the first K-pop act to perform there. Nothing gave us higher dopamine spikes than hearing the live organs, followed by Jennie singing “Yeah yeah yeah” and Lisa screaming “BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA”, as the girls started their performance of Kill This Love.

    A dance practice video with over 1 billion (with a “b”) views

    How You Like That’s official music video broke three Guinness World Records when it dropped in 2020, but this article is about performances. So instead, let’s talk about how BLACKPINK’s dance practice for the song now has 1.3 billion views (100 million more views than the actual music video).

    The Show: their virtual live concert

    When BLACKPINK decided to drop their debut album in the middle of the 2020 pandemic, every fan’s immediate question was, “What the hell, YG?” From making BLINKs wait four years for The Album (yes, that’s the name of the album) to keeping BLACKPINK from performing at most South Korean shows, YG is the bane of the fandom’s existence. 

    But in December 2020, BLACKPINK announced The Show — a virtual live show to perform all their new songs — partnering with YouTube to sell a premium subscription no one still wants. 

    YouTube: Pay us for premium treatment

    The world:

    Source: Tenor

    The Show was a huge success though, selling W11.7 billion ($10.5 million) worth of tickets. Most importantly, they gave Ddu-du ddu-du, the song that put them on the map in 2018, the awe-inspiring performance she deserved.

    The Virtual: their award-winning metaverse performances

    BLACKPINK aren’t just elite performers in the physical world, their avatars run the metaverse too. In July 2022, YG announced The Virtual, a series of in-game shows on PUBG Mobile. The ten-day “tour” was free and exclusive to game users, recording 12.5 million viewers and earning BLACKPINK the Best Metaverse Performance Award at the 2022 MTV VMAs. 

    The Pink Venom special stage performance of 2022

    BLACKPINK made us wait two years before they dropped their sophomore project, BORN PINK, in 2022. And its title track, Pink Venom, broke records as usual. But it’s their performance of the song that stands out most about it. This is best showcased in the Grammy Awards-level special stage video the group posted on their YouTube channel.

    Performing with a royal orchestra for a president

    Actual evidence of THE French President fangirling BLACKPINK 
    Source: Yahoo News

    You know you’ve made it when you kick off a new year performing in front of a foreign president. The French First Lady called them for the 2023 edition of her annual Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes charity event in Paris. And BLACKPINK performed their new songs, Shut Down and Pink Venom, with a famous classical cellist, violinist and an orchestra.

    Do we even have to say everything about the performance was iconic?

    And finally, Coachella 2023

    BLACKPINK is on their second world tour till July 2023, and Jisoo just released her debut solo work, but that didn’t stop them from booking a gig as high-profile as Coachella 2023 Headline Act. They have a headline slot at Hyde Park British Summer Time (BST) festival lined up afterward too. 

    If “booked and busy” had an alias, it would be this K-pop group. But even the members are shocked by how far they’ve come. According to them, they only dreamt of attending Coachella as part of the audience, not headlining it. They promise to repay our love with constant improvement and perform each stage “as if it’s their last”.

    We have no choice but to stan their grade of humility and success for clear skin.

    RECOMMENDED: Just Imagine: We Made a K-pop Girl Group With Your Fave Nigerian Gen-Z Stars

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  • The Real 30BG Know These Are the 15 Greatest Davido Songs of ALL Time 

    The Real 30BG Know These Are the 15 Greatest Davido Songs of ALL Time 

    Making a list of the greatest Davido songs of all time is hard to do, but someone must do the dirty work.

    OBO is a hitmaker of gigantic proportions, a pop culture icon and afrobeats superstar, whose unique sound has influenced many artistes — from Peruzzi to Fireboy DML. But his real fans will tell you these are his biggest hits of all time (arranged in no particular order). 

    Dami Duro 

    Davido’s Back When was a bop, but if there’s one song that made him a star to watch (and started our obsession with carrot jeans), it’s Dami Duro. Produced by Shizzi, Davido finally stopped pretending to be poor like the rest of us and fully accepted his nepo baby title, shouting, “Emi omo baba olowo,” which means “I’m the son of a rich man.” And I’d do the same thing if my father was rich AF. 

    Dami Duro was a banger back then and still has the power to get everyone turnt up the minute it comes on now. 

    D&G with Summer Walker 

    Davido didn’t perform the magic of seeing Summer Walker’s waist through her eyes for D&G not to be on this list. Even though we all laugh at that unhinged line, there’s no denying that this Afro-R&B banger is high up there as one of Davido’s greatest collaborations of all time

    Aye 

    If you got married between 2014 and 2020 and didn’t play Davido’s Aye at your wedding, your marriage doesn’t have a solid foundation. Find the DJ from that day and fight him now. 

    Before he gave us Mad Over You, Runtown wrote this love song for Davido, to convince people that love is more important than money in a relationship. Quick question for Runtown and Davido: Can I use love to book a baecation or pay for a date? I’m just asking o. Even Davido wised up by the time he sang Assurance — “Love is sweet o. But when money enter love is sweeter.” 

    Fall 

    Why do Yoruba men flirt like you’re fighting with them? Not only does Davido want to drop money and bananas on his lover’s head in Fall, at one point he even asks her, “Are you done talking?” It’s giving Ogbomosho Christian Grey, and I’m here for it. Playing on the sounds Tekno and Runtown popularised on Pana and Mad Over You, Davido and Kiddominant created one of the most successful afro beats of all time. This song was chilling on Billboard’s chart way before other Nigerian acts started smelling it. Fall made Davido a global superstar. 

    FIA 

    It doesn’t matter whether it’s 30 billion naira or one million dollars; one thing about Davido is his willingness to scatter his lover’s life with excess funds. But what makes FIA a special song in Davido’s discography is how he turns the table, complaining about a lover who’s not content with all he’s given her. FIA is a reminder to walk away before love empties your bank account and ruins your life. 

    Stand Strong with The Sunday Service Choir

    If we’re being honest, we were all shocked when we heard Davido was putting out a Pheelz-produced song with Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. Like, what were they going to sing about? Davido flexed his versatility with 2022’s Stand Strong. Letting go of all the gragra we’ve come to know him for, he created a raw and deeply personal song about finding the strength to keep going — a message Atiku could relate to after running for president and losing six times. 

    Divine with Odunsi The Engine 

    Divine is an underrated Davido gem. Way before people understood or even started fucking with the alté sound, Davido was ahead of the curve, collaborating with Odunsi the Engine on this song off his 2018 album, rare. Odunsi’s funk-R&B-inspired sound met Davido’s “Shekpe” in this collaboration we didn’t know we needed until we heard it for the first time. 

    If 

    If was more than just a song; it was a movement. After everyone dragged him for the mid Son of Mercy EP, Davido came back with If to remind us that he’s not to be played with. Written and produced by Tekno, If started Davido’s year of back-to-back hits in 2017. It’s also the song that helped his stans decide on a name for themselves — 30 BG. 

    RECOMMENDED: Shakespeare Has Nothing on Davido and We Have Receipts to Prove It

    High with Adekunle Gold 

    We were all shocked when Adekunle Gold rebranded from the Yoruba folk singer Nigerian mothers would allow you to hang out with, to a full-time Afropop zaddy. Even though AG Baby was already a pop hit maker by the end of 2020, his collaboration with Davido on High fully cemented him as the man of the moment. The two men killed it on the Pheelz-produced song. High was so good it ended up at the top of our best amapiano songs of 2021 list

    All of You

    Davido was 19 when he released a song announcing that he was bigger than everyone else in the industry. A bold move for a new artiste, but when you have it, you know you have it. Davido knew he had it back then, and now, over ten years later, he still has that X factor. 

    Like Dat 

    This song deserved so much more than it got, and that’s the hill I’m willing to die on. After dropping back-to-back hits all through 2017, Davido closed out the year with what I believe was his best song that era. Produced by Shizzi and written by Teni before she blew, Like Dat was a standout R&B track way ahead of its time. Just imagine how different the reception would be if he dropped it now. 

    Ke Star with Focalistic and Virgo Deep

    Davido has hacked this South African/Nigerian collaboration thing. From Tchlete with Mafikizolo to The Sound with Uhuru, every Davido SA collab has been a hit. He continued this winning streak with Focalistic and Virgo Deep on the remix to Ke Star. Tell me you don’t loose the little home training you have when you hear, “It goes down when my gees connect,” and that bass beat that follows? This is a remix that’s even better than the original. 

    The Best with Mayorkun 

    Davido and Mayorkun’s musical chemistry is unrivalled in the industry. Is it Betty Butter, I Got a Friend or Bobo? These two have hits for days. But their best hit has to be The Best. Not only do they match each other’s flow on this song, but they’re also hilarious on it. Even though Mayorkun has now left Davido’s label, we hope they’ll give us more collaborations in the future. 

    Skelewu 

    Remember those dance challenges before TikTok turned every dance into a mortal kombat fight scene? Good times. In 2013, Davido released Skelewu and joined artistes like Marvellous Benji (Swo) and Artquake (Alanta) as one of the few icons to drop a song that organically became a dance trend.

    FEM 

    Davido dropped FEM to address Burna Boy his haters, and Nigerians used it to tell the government, and a particular governor, to shut up. If that’s not iconic, I don’t know what is. We can’t talk about the #EndSARS protests without mentioning how FEM became an anthem.

    ALSO READ: We Ranked all the Features on Davido’s New Album, “Timeless”

  • We Ranked all the Features on Davido’s New Album, “Timeless”

    We Ranked all the Features on Davido’s New Album, “Timeless”

    After making us wait for 20 three years, Davido has finally released his fourth studio album, Timeless, and we cannot keep calm. 

    Everyone knows that besides being better than Shakespeare, Davido is also the king of features. So, with Timeless having not one but ten of them, it’s only fitting that we rank them from the most sizzling bangers to the ones we could do without. 

    Davido after dropping Timeless

    Let’s go. 

    Kante featuring Fave 

    It’s high time we all come together as a community and give Fave her flowers because if there’s one thing the Baby Riddim-singer is going to do, it’s eat up a hook and leave absolutely no crumbs in sight. From the minute Fave’s rich vocals opened up the Damie-produced track, I knew I was in for a treat. But Kante is more than a treat; it’s a full buffet. 

    Davido and Fave in the studio recording Kante

    Davido, on his own part, has consistently proven himself to be an incredible duet partner on female collaborations — D&G with Summer Walker and the highly underrated Tanana with Tiwa Savage — so it’s no surprise that he flows on Kante with finesse. We also have to recognise the icon status Davido has achieved. Only an icon would sample his old song (Risky) on a new song. 

    Questions that’ll keep me up at night: First, it was Odumodublvck with Declan Rice, and now, Davido and Fave have dropped Kante. Are we in the era of songs named after footballers? If we are, then who’s next? 

    Na Money featuring The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo 

    Davido, The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo’s Na Money will make you want to drink palm wine and spray mint new notes (if you can find sha). The highlife tune about romancing a woman with money is classic The Cavemen — how Benjamin sings “roll” with all those rrrs should be a crime. 

    Angelique Kidjo makes a brief but delicious appearance towards the end of the song, and unlike some of her other Nigerian collaborations, she sounds right at home there. Na Money is sure to be one of the timeless songs off of Timeless (sorry, I couldn’t help myself). This is the Davido song you, your mother and your grandmother will fall in love with. 

    Question that’ll keep me up at night: Is it me, or is there a part of the song that sounds like it’s Obongjayar singing? 

    Picasso featuring Logos Olori 

    Picasso is proof a Davido and Wizkid song would bang really hard. It would be so good that we’d all vote to make it our National Anthem. The guitars, the smooth saxophone, the melody, the overall production, even the featured act, Logos Olori, sounds like Wizkid. Picasso could’ve been on Made in Lagos, and we would’ve eaten it up. The vibe feels like a warm breeze and a glass of white wine without a care in the world. 

    Questions that’ll keep me up at night: Is Davido trying to tell Wizkid he’s down for a collab? Do I have to start looking for the deed to my grandfather’s land so I can buy tickets to their joint show? Is nature healing? Will the BVAs work during the next elections? So many questions here. 

    No Competition featuring Asake 

    Forget how turnt everyone gets when an Asake song comes on. The truth is Ololade Mi is, at his very core, a die-hard romantic. Listen to Terminator again, and tell me it’s not a love song to rival 2Face’s African Queen

    On No Competition, Asake and Davido try to out-romance each other, with Asake rhyming Angelina Jolie with Indomie, and Davido adding a new word to the Oxford dictionary: “Istolobo”. These men are down bad for love and unafraid to show it. 

    Question that’ll keep me up at night: No, but seriously, what does “Istolobo” mean? I need answers. David Adeleke, rise. Don’t waste my money. 

    RECOMMENDED: 10 Random AF Collabs No One Saw Coming…But Still Worked

    Champion Sound featuring Focalistic

    This song has been out for over a year, but hearing, “Take me away. Way far away. Oshey far away. Light me up o Faraday” still gets everyone hyped AF. Yes, there are new songs and sizzling collaborations on Timeless, but Champion Sound was and still is THAT girl in Davido’s discography.

    Unavailable featuring Musa Keys 

    Still maintaining that amapiano bug he caught from Focalistic on the Ke Star remix and Champion Sound, Davido taps South-African singer, Musa Keys (you should definitely check out Selema if you haven’t heard it already), for Unavailable, the perfect rich man middle finger to the haters. It’s almost like Davido took the “No dey look for us. We no dey house” line from Ruger’s Asiwaju and turned it into an amapiano banger. I already know club DJs and people on vacation will rinse this song like crazy. 

    Question that’ll keep me up at night: So if Davido is unavailable, should we move to Lojay, who’s announced that he’s very much available? 

    U (Juju) featuring Skepta 

    How many times has Davido announced that money is not a problem when it comes to the woman he loves? If 1milli wasn’t a big enough PSA, on U (Juju), Davido enlists the internet’s favourite UK daddy rapper, Skepta to convince his woman no amount is too much for him. E for energy. 

    I have to hand it to Skepta. He’s one of the few rappers who understand the importance of not doing too much and letting the lead act shine on a song. U (Juju) sits up there with Energy (Stay Far Away) and Dimension as one of Skepta’s best Nigerian collaborations of all time. 

    Questions that’ll keep me up at night: Am I the only one who remembers Ice Prince’s Juju when Davido sang, “Juju dey worry me”? By the way, is egusi soup really the way to Skepta’s heart? Asking for a friend. 

    In The Garden featuring Morravey `

    Davido has always had a great ear for talent — Dremo, Mayorkun, Liya and Perruzzi. So it makes total sense his newest Davido Music Worldwide signee, Morravey, is a serious singer to watch out for. Introducing her to us on In The Garden, Davido allows the singer to shine, and she kills it. The subtle guitar in the background is sickening, and the amapiano beat switch when Morravey starts singing, “I’ll change your status”, will cause a madness for anyone listening. 

    In The Garden is a bop, but it feels rushed, especially with Davido’s verse. The song should’ve been longer. 

    Bop featuring Dexta Daps 

    It’s ironic that the song Davido titled Bop is the least boppy bop on the entire album. While production on this song hints at what could’ve been a hit, neither Davido nor Jamaican singer, Dexta Daps, fully taps into its full potential. Bop is not a bad song, but it doesn’t stand a chance when you place it beside all the other sick collaborations on Timeless

    ALSO READ: 8 Upcoming Albums That’ll Make 2023 Bang Like Today’s Bread

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  • Drill Music Is Hot Right Now and These Are the 8 Nigerians You Should Listen To 

    Drill Music Is Hot Right Now and These Are the 8 Nigerians You Should Listen To 

    You have to be living under a rock not to have heard (or heard of) Odumodublvck’s Declan Rice. Less than a week since the song was released, the Abuja-based rapper has gotten co-signs from both Wizkid and the footballer the song was named after. But before Declan Rice became a smash hit, Odumodu had been kicking it in a rap subgenre everyone needs to get into — drill music. 

    Influenced by the UK and Chicago drill scene, Afro-Drill is the table all the cool kids are currently seated at. How do you get a seat at the cool table? Start by getting into these eight mind-blowing drillers who are grabbing the industry by the jugular. 

    Tomi Obanure 

    Source: Ajay Abalaka

    Whether you call him Big T or The Wickedest, one thing is for sure, Tomi Obanure‘s music (and black and white visuals) demands your attention and respect — and it’s not hard to understand why. One of the most eclectic drillers in the game right now, Tomi is at the forefront of Abuja’s rap movement. This, thanks to Kinfolk — the record label he co-owns with fellow rapper, Nvthy — and his menacing flow on projects like No Rest for the Wicked and I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

    With Odumodublvck transitioning from underrated Abuja rap hero to global superstar, Tomi is getting ready to take the next spot — lookout for the Kinfolk EP dropping in 2023 — proving that you don’t have to be in Lagos to make an impact on the music scene. 

    EESKAY 

    Source: Instagram/DisrespectThe_Gram

    If EESKAY decides to retire today, he can do so confident that he’s already made two Afro-Drill classics: his 2020 Odumodublvck-assisted banger, Agbalagba, and his 2021 album, Drill.Or.Nah. But best believe the drill scene will be at a loss if he makes that move. 

    The energy and cadence with which EESKAY delivers his music can turn even the most composed audience into a mosh pit of overzealous drill lovers. One minute, you’re trying to figure out his sound. Before you know it, you’re spreading the EESKAY gospel far and wide. 

    Zilla Oaks 

    Source: Instagram/Zilla_Oaks

    Whether you consider Zilla Oaks a driller or not — because of all the other subgenres of rap he’s ventured into — it’s still impossible to deny his mastery of drill music on songs like Still Up, Bussdown and Psycho YP’s 2022 standout, IC3 with Backroad Gee.

    Zilla’s dabble into different sounds makes his delivery of drill music unique. He’s not coming at the sound as someone hyper-focused on being the best driller. Instead, his attack of the beat hints at an artiste who’s hell-bent on being the best, regardless of subgenre. Zilla said it best on Still Up, “Is it grime or drill? Anything Zilly Z touches, he kills.” 

    RECOMMENDED: Psycho YP Doesn’t Know How to Drop a Mid Song

    Droxx

    Source: Instagram/Droxx_Official 

    It’s hard to talk about the #EndSARS protest of 2020 without touching on the role music played in gingering protesters across the country. From Davido’s FEM to Ajebo Hustlers’ Barawo, music was everywhere during that period. However, one song that accurately described what everyone was protesting happens to be Droxx and Mo’gunz’ Officer

    Combining the urgency of drill music with Yoruba, Officer talks about navigating police culture as young Nigerians who get harassed, abused and killed by the people employed to protect them. The Lagos-based rapper has continued to swing between expressing the complex and hedonistic sides of life in Nigeria, across collaborations with Slimsyxx (fellow D.S.6 member) and Emmanuel Best. 

    KVV

    Source: Alexander Beamer

    KVV might be new to the game, but it’ll be in your best interest not to underestimate him. While the rapper’s bars might be jarring to a first-time listener, a specific potency to how he narrates his experiences and dreams makes for an exciting story, whether you believe it or not. In the face of a willingness among most rappers to make their version of drill palatable for a Nigerian audience, KVV stands out with an uncompromising sound reminiscent of the type of music your parents probably warned you about. 

    Outside of killer verses on Kinfolk’s upcoming EP, word on the street has it that KVV might be dropping a project soon. 

    Jaiye 

    Source: Instagram/Jaiye234

    It’s safe to say Jaiye was on this drill thing before the subgenre found its Nigerian audience. Itchin, his 2018 single, came first, and by the time Jaiye dropped his first EP, Foreign, in 2019, he’d quickly built a cult following of curious rap lovers ready to follow him off the edge. A combination of the hard-hitting UK drill flow and that Lagos “main character” energy distinguishes Jaiye from the new pack of drillers in Nigeria. 

    His 2022 EP, Disappointed But Not Surprised, with songs like Enemies and Kweng It, shows that Jaiye’s done trying to prove himself or get Nigerians on board with his music. If you don’t fuck with Jaiye’s music at this point, it’s quite honestly your loss. 

    Legendary Styles 

    Source: Instagram/ILegendaryStyles

    If there’s one drill artiste who shouldn’t need mainstream introduction, it should be Legendary Styles. While his name might result in some head-scratching here and there, his 2021 viral hit, I See I Saw, is one of Nigeria’s most popular drill songs, even if most people can’t tell it’s drill. 

    Unlike most drill rappers who tilt towards intimidating lyrics and British slang, Legendary’s drill style creatively merges funny Nigerian slang with Igbo bars — think Nigga Raw, but drill. If you thought I See I Saw was a one-time thing, you clearly haven’t listened to Legendary’s other gems, like Selfish (Papa Peter) and Old Roger

    Reeplay

    Source: Instagram/ReeplaySumtin

    Reeplay’s The Jig Is Up is one of the hottest projects of 2023, and we’re not even halfway into the year. Making drill as Nigerian as possible, Reeplay’s music leans on Pidgin English and a rap-sung delivery that removes the foreign barrier between the imported sound and a Nigerian audience. 

    Since grabbing our attention alongside Odumodublvck on the 2018 track, Finesse, Reeplay has grown as a rapper, keeping his bars tight and maintaining the commanding presence that made him stand out.  

    ALSO READ: 2022 Was the Year of Asake, But Look Out For These 10 Artistes in 2023

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  • Even Zinoleesky Would Approve of This Ranking of His Best Features

    Even Zinoleesky Would Approve of This Ranking of His Best Features

    There are a ton of new kids on the music block, but only a few of them have Zinoleesky’s hit-making power. Since Kilofeshe came out at the close of a pandemic-heavy 2020, Zinoleesky has remained one of the most consistent voices in music, dropping back-to-back solo and collab hits. 

    Source: NME

    Two new collaborations, with Adekunle Gold and Nonso Amadi, are currently gaining attention, so I decided to rank his best based on how much they slap. 

    O’dun with Naira Marley 

    From Asake and Olamide on Omo Ope to Davido and Mayorkun on Bobo, every artiste has a song with the artiste who signed them, and most times, these songs slap. This was no different with Naira Marley and Zinoleesky, who have made massive hits separately. The only thing is O’dun sounds just like Naira Marley’s Coming with Busiswa, which makes it hard to like the song the way it deserves. It’s still a hit though. 

    Lock Up with Nonso Amadi 

    Zinoleesky rarely sings about romance, but when he does, it’s really good (Loving, duh). Rhyming “miracle” with “pinnacle”, Zinoleesky joins lover boy ,Nonso Amadi, on a song where they threaten to respond with violence if anyone touches their babe. Even though I don’t support violence, I definitely support this jam. 

    Jaiye Foreign with Tiwa Savage 

    One of the best things about Tiwa Savage is her ability to serve range back to back. Are you looking for ballads? She’s got you with Olorun Mi. Are you down to get the party rocking? Best believe Koroba and Diet will be on your DJ’s setlist. Teaming up with Zinoleesky, for Jaiye Foreign, Tiwa shows that versatility, while Zinoleesky feels at home with the Pheelz-produced amapiano bassline he’s been known to devour over and over again. 

    Party No Dey Stop with Adekunle Gold

    Adekunle Gold is slowly transforming into a feature king right before our eyes. Between 2020 and 2023, AG Baby dropped songs with Davido, Patoranking, Lucky Daye and Ty Dolla Sign — all bangers, in my opinion. On Party No Dey Stop, he skates smoothly on a Killbeatz production that sounds tailor-made for Zinoleesky to shine. It’s an unlikely collaboration that works out perfectly in the end. 

    RECOMMENDED: We Ranked the Best Adekunle Gold Songs

    Kilometer Remx with BNXN 

    When BNXN is not fighting Ruger on social media, he’s dropping back-to-back hits. Since the success of Feeling, BNXN hasn’t stopped, and why would he? Even though Kilometer was already a major hit from his 2021 album, Sorry I’m Late, BNXN decided to take it further with a Zinoleesky-assisted remix in 2022. If you thought the original Kilometer was delicious, then the remix will make you lick your plate. 

    Don’t Call Me with Lil Kesh 

    Who doesn’t love a good comeback? Remember when Lil Kesh had us all in a shoki-hold back in the day? This guy is the reason why Olamide banned Don Jazzy from the mainland, then he just disappeared. Making a comeback in 2022, Lil Kesh rubbed some of Zinoleesky’s anointing on Don’t Call Me, a party starter that has become one of Zino’s signature songs. 

    Blessings with Niphkeys 

    Blessings should be goated just for the line “I no go say make person matter no matter”. But outside of that hilarious line, Niphkey’s killer beat and Zinoleesky’s beautiful narration of his grass-to-grace story are what makes Blessings really shine. It’s one of Zinoleesky’s best works, and a song everyone can relate to because, sometimes, we all just need to pause and be grateful for the little things. 

    ALSO READ: Ranked: Olamide’s Top Ten Features of All Time


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  • 9 Artistes We’d Like to See on Davido’s New Album, “Timeless”

    9 Artistes We’d Like to See on Davido’s New Album, “Timeless”

    Davido is back. I repeat, Davido is back. This is not a drill.  And all is well with the world again. 

    Coming back from a much-needed break, Davido recently broke the internet when he announced his new album, Timeless. Because we’ve not had a Davido album since 2020, everyone naturally started freaking out. What will the album sound like? Who else is going to be on it? 

    https://twitter.com/_itzgb/status/1638617368317313024?s=20

    Well, as someone who’s listened to all of Davido’s albums (more than twice), here’s a list of artistes we might see on the new one.

    Wizkid 

    Source: Channels Television

    Sorry to Burna, but this is the Wizkid collab everyone actually wants. No, but let’s take a second to imagine the impact a Davido and Wizkid collab would have on the industry. 

    I’d like to see this happen now that they’ve squashed their beef for the 100th time. And we wouldn’t even be able to diss the song if it was bad because who wants to risk fighting 30BG and Wizkid FC at the same time?

    Zinoleesky 

    Source: instagram/zinoleesky

    Davido is always on the pulse of who people are currently listening to, and if there’s one artiste that’s taken over the streets and playlists in Nigeria, it’s Zinoleesky. Borrowing from Davido’s strategic collabs with Naira Marley on A Good Time and CKay and Bella Shmurda on A Better Time, there’s a high chance Zinoleesky might make an appearance on Timeless. But no one should take it personally if he’s not on the album. 

    Chance the Rapper 

    Source: instagram/davido

    Davido has a thing for featuring American rappers on his album. A Good Time had Gunna and A Boogie with da Hoodie, while A Better Time had Nicki Minaj, Nas, Lil Baby, Young Thug and Hit-Boy. Since we have this picture of Chance and Davido recording something in Ghana, it’s safe to assume he might be 2023’s token American rapper, and I’m not mad at it. 

    Amaarae 

    Source: instagram/amaarae

    Remember when Davido looked into Summer Walker’s eyes and saw her snatched waist on D&G? Or the time he wanted to play Tanana with Tiwa Savage? We all love Davido’s sweet romantic duets.

    If Mr Adeleke plans to continue his romance streak on Timeless, Amaarae is the right woman for the job. She got Asa to sing about breaking backs, so I’m dying to see what she does with Davido. 

    Olamide 

    Source: instagram/olamide

    Nigerians are going through it right now. There’s fuel scarcity, BVAs are performing wonders, and POS agents are using our money to build houses in their villages. If there’s one thing I strongly believe can make everything right again, it’s an Olamide and Davido collaboration. Davido could also return the favour by appearing on Olamide’s upcoming and final album, Unruly

    RECOMMENDED: Shakespeare Has Nothing on Davido and We Have Receipts to Prove It

    Black Sherif

    Source: instagram/blacksherif_

    From joining an all-star line-up of artistes on Stormzy’s This Is What I Mean to providing the soundtrack for fights between Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors on Creed, Ghana’s Black Sherif is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand Afrobeats rappers of the moment

    Davido has shown interest in creating music with a wide range of African artistes before, working with Mugeez, Sho Madjozi and Sauti Sol on A Better Time. With Black Sherif’s star on the rise, I can bet he’s on Davido’s radar for another intercontinental banger. 

    Mayorkun 

    Source: instagram/iammayorkun

    This is one feature I’m willing to bet my salary on. Mayorkun and Davido gave us Bobo and Betty Butter. Let’s not forget Mayorkun had not one, but two features on A Better TimeThe Best and I Got A Friend. There’s no way they’re not revisiting this magic for Timeless

    Libianca 

    Source: instagram/iamlibianca

    Before his break, Davido blessed us with Stand Strong, a beautifully written choir-assisted ballad about finding strength and resilience in the face of life’s many ups and downs. Probably one of his best songs yet, Stand Strong showed us a different, more sober Davido. 

    If there’s one singer who can help OBO reflect and tap into his emotions some more, it’s Libianca. Just like Stand Strong was, Libianca’s 2022 single, People, has become an emotional anthem. A Davido and Libianca collab will surely get us all in our feels. 

    T.I Blaze 

    Source: TI Blaze

    Sometimes, an Olamide co-sign is all you need to blow as an artiste — take Asake, for example. With a sound currently transitioning from the streets to mainstream attention, T.I Blaze is the kind of artiste Davido would be willing to hop on a track with for a similar way as Zinoleesky and Bella Shmurda. 

    ALSO READ: 8 Upcoming Albums That’ll Make 2023 Bang Like Today’s Bread

  • It’s Time to Give Female Nigerian Producers Their Flowers

    It’s Time to Give Female Nigerian Producers Their Flowers

    Nigerian women are killing it when it comes to music. Whether it’s Tems making history every three days or Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr and Teni dropping chart-topping bangers, women on stage are booked and very busy. But the moment we step off that stage and go behind the scenes, especially in music production, we’re faced with the harsh truth that the music industry is still male-dominated. 

    Source: www.instagram.com/temsbaby

    Music producers are an integral part of the music creation process. Even though they’ve been behind the scenes for years, we’ve come to know some of them and recognise their sounds. From Don Jazzy’s “It’s Don Jazzy again” carrying Mo’Hits in the mid-2000s to the signature sounds of KelP, Tempoe, P.Priime and Rexxie. These days, you can almost tell how good a song is going to be,  based on the producer tag that starts it off.

    It’s easy to assume Nigeria doesn’t have female music producers when you hear the names dominating that aspect of the music space. But the truth is, female producers exist. They just don’t seem to be getting the same level of attention and clout as their male counterparts. 

    It’s a global issue 

    Women not getting their flowers or even opportunities in music production isn’t just a Nigerian thing. A 2020 Annenberg Study carried out by the University of Southern California found that women represented only 2% of credited producers of songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart from 2012 to 2020. 

    While Nigeria doesn’t have data on female producers, I doubt our numbers would be better. After all, no female producer has ever won the prestigious Headies award for Producer of the Year, even though three of the ten men who’ve won this award won it for producing songs for female artistes: Don Jazzy for Weird MC’s Ijoya in 2006, Cobhams Asuquo for Asa’s Bibanke in 2008 and Pheelz for Teni’s Billionaire in 2020. 

    RECOMMENDED: These Women Paved the Way for Afrobeats, So Give Them Their Flowers

    Some of your favourite female singers are also producers

    Source: www.instagram.com/symplysimi

    Producers becoming singers is nothing new in the Nigerian music industry. Before Young Jonn sang about being on his ten toes for Uloma and Pheelz sang about finessing in the face of SAPA, they produced songs for Olamide, Tiwa Savage and many others. Similarly, some female singers dominating the game right now are geniuses when it comes to cooking up beats. 

    Tems’ For Broken Ears which had Damages, Free Mind and Higher was almost solely produced by the singer herself. She also co-produced Try Me alongside Remy Baggins. She recently revealed in an interview that she started producing after everyone else refused to produce for her. Can you imagine any producer saying no to Tems now? 

    Simi is another singer who doesn’t get the flowers she deserves for her work behind the scenes. Simi produces most of her own music and is credited as a producer and sound mixer on Adekunle Gold’s first album, Gold. She’s also a co-writer on Adekunle’s later songs like AG Baby, Call On Me and Mercy

    “Who’s Bloody Civilian?” was a question that came up a lot when the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever featuring Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Rema, Tems and CKay dropped in 2022. Wake Up, Bloody Civilian’s song on the album was a major standout and was produced by the singer herself. She’s also the producer behind her biggest hit yet, How to Kill a Man

    Taking in Tems’ comment about being ignored by popular producers when she started, it’s easy to see why most of these women learnt how to produce and create the sound they wanted for themselves. But this doesn’t mean female producers aren’t laying down tracks for other people. 

    Singer and producer, Dunnie is a graduate of the Sarz Music Academy, which also gave us Tempoe and P.Priime. Her client list includes Falz, Niniola, Ric Hassani, Busiswa, Focalistic and Yemi Alade. Wande Coal also revealed that Dunnie produced three songs on his upcoming Legend or No Legend album, describing her work as a masterpiece

    The industry needs to create space for more female producers

    Source: www.instagram.com/officialdunnie

    Inclusion should be an important topic of conversation in the Nigerian music industry as we push Afrobeats to the world. One of the main reasons female producers, mixers and engineers haven’t gained the same level of traction as the men is because society inherently deems women unqualified to handle “technical” jobs, same as engineering, piloting and some other areas of tech. 

    However, looking at the track record of some of these women who became producers out of necessity, it’s clear women can and have been doing the job. They just need the men to scoot over and create space at the table. That’s all. 

    ALSO READ: Thriving and Killing It: 12 Times Nigerian Women in Music Made History