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  • Real Lovers Know These Are the Best Love Songs Davido Has Ever Made

    You might disagree with us, but Davido is a lover boy. From the broke lover boy anthem, Aye, to Assurance, which is his dedication of love to his wife, Chioma, it’s clear that OBO loves love in whatever shape or form. 

    We love all his lover boy songs, but everyone would agree that these are the best ones of all time (arranged in no particular order).

    No Competition with Asake

    Who wants to compete with anyone for their baby’s love and affection? Nobody.

    Davido and Asake did this one for the people who love words of affirmation. The song starts and ends with them hailing their baby and waxing lyrical about how nobody could touch the helm of their baby’s garment because she’s just that wonderful.

    Notable lyric: “Fami mo’ra, Angelina Jolie Iwonikan, nikan-nikan-nikan, o ti toh mi.”

    Kante with Fave

    Have you ever been so in love with somebody that you don’t understand how you feel around them? All you know is that you love the feeling and would do anything to ensure it never stops. That’s how Davido felt about the girl this song is about.

    Notable lyric: “I wanna love you for life I no go like to say goodbye.”

    E pain me

    Technically, this is a heartbreak song, but Davido starts the song by saying that the girl who broke his heart is bad (hot AF). He’s hurt by the breakup, but he still wants to be with her. If that isn’t love, then what is?

    Notable lyric: “Bad girl wan carry me do jangulova.”

    Na money with The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo

    Love without money is fine, but as we can clearly see, in this current economy, love with money is GREAT. Davido, The Cavemen, and Angelique Kidjo knew this when they sat down and put this song together.

    Notable lyric: “Them no dey chop gravel, money go surplus o.”

    Fall

    We understand that love is a strong feeling, and he most likely just wanted to show us how much he loved the person, but someone, please tell Davido that sending money and bananas to fall on someone’s head like rain then sending paparazzi to follow them is not the best way to declare your love.

    Notable lyric:  “I don’t wanna be a player no more”

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

    Assurance

    If your partner has refused to commit to your relationship, you have two options: play this song to remind them of the “lifetime insurance” you’ve been asking for, or leave. We suggest you do both. You may find someone who loves you enough to make money when you go, and Prada will fall on you.

    Notable lyric: “And if I ever leave oh make water carry me dey go.”

    Aye

    It’s nice to know that someone loves you for you and not what they have to offer, but can someone please ask Davido if love will pay for dates or feed me and my baby?

    Notable lyric: “Emergency, baby, you ’cause emergency.”

    1 Milli

    Let’s be honest; how much is even 1 million dollars? Nothing is too much for someone if you love them and want to keep them by your side forever.

    Notable lyric: “How much is one milli, one million dollars?”

    ALSO READ: All the Drama We Can Expect at Chivido 2024

    Chioma Munachi

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  • All the Drama We Can Expect at Chivido 2024

    Davido and Chioma Rowland are getting married on Tuesday, June 25, and it’ll be one of the biggest celebrity events of 2024.

    Ahead of the ceremony, here’s our prediction of some of the drama going down at this star-studded event.

    Pretty Mike moving unhinged

    All the Drama We Can Expect at Chivido 2024

    We can’t say if the socialite is invited to the wedding, but if he is, he’ll probably show up with a dozen heavily pregnant ladies, shirtless dwarves or some batshit crazy idea.

    Cubana Chiefpriest spraying bundles

    The socialite is facing three counts related to abusing the national currency at social gatherings, but this won’t stop him from doing the most for his best friend. He’ll probably spray bundles.

    30BG reunion

    All the Drama We Can Expect at Chivido 2024

    We’ve not seen the 30BG crew together in a hot minute. From Peruzzi to Mayorkun and Dremo, the gang might pull up for a joint performance to honour Davido.

    The wedding guests reveal

    All the Drama We Can Expect at Chivido 2024

    Davido is bent on proving he’s not as accessible as people assume, so the guest list for this wedding is pretty tight. Apart from some close allies, it’s hard to tell who snagged an invite to the ceremony.

     [ad]

    Governor Adeleke on the dance floor

    We all know how much Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke loves his nephew. He’s definitely one to look out for on the dance floor at the wedding ceremony.

    Isreal DMW doing the most

    All the Drama We Can Expect at Chivido 2024

    Davido’s aide is one of the happiest people alive to see his boss get married. From causing a scene on the dance floor to praise singing and sharing hot takes on Instastory, it’s hard to tell what mischief he’ll come up with.

    Nikos Babi serving live updates

    If you need to catch up with all the inside drama from the wedding, you should probably sleep on Davido’s cousin’s Instastory. She’s got you covered.

    Wizkid tweeting unhinged all-day

    His tweets in the last 24 hours show that he’s clearly not invited to the wedding. And he probably still has more chaos cooking in his drafts for today. God, abeg.

    Read this next: #Chivido2024: A Timeline of Davido and Chioma’s Love Story

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • #Chivido2024: A Timeline of Davido and Chioma’s Love Story

    Davido and his longtime lover, Chioma Rowland, are finally set to marry in a traditional ceremony on Tuesday, June 25.

    Ahead of what’s set to be one of the biggest celebrity weddings of the year, let’s take a trip down memory lane to see how it all started for these two lovebirds.

    January 2018

    Davido confirmed his relationship with Chioma after years of rumours about the women in his life. The couple made a joint public appearance at a family function in Ede, Osun State.

    February 2018

    Weeks after introducing the love of his life to the world, Davido showed just how serious their relationship was when he took her along on his 30 Billion Tour. Chioma featured prominently in photos and videos from the tour, making many believe the relationship had prospects.

    April 2018

    During a Beat FM interview, the 26-year-old singer shut down rumours that he was planning to settle down with Chioma. He admitted they were in a relationship but said marriage was still off the table. The singer also gifted Chioma a ₦45 million Porsche for her birthday in the same month.

    May 2018

    Chioma debuted as a video vixen in Davido’s Assurance music video, a song he dedicated to her.

    December 2018

    Amid rumours of a breakup, the couple silenced naysayers after they were publicly sighted together during a dinner date. He also formally introduced Chioma to his fans during a performance in Lagos, bringing her on stage.

    January 2019

    Chioma deleted her verified Instagram page, implying that she and Davido had issues. However, during a Q&A session with fans, the singer revealed that she took time off social media to focus on her career as a chef.

    February 2019

    Journalist Kemi Olunloyo alleged that Chioma was cheating on Davido. Olunloyo released alleged WhatsApp screenshots in which the singer’s crew member, Special Spesh, claimed Chioma was sexually involved with several men.

    April 2019

    The couple again shut down rumours of a rocky relationship after Davido celebrated Chioma’s birthday and called her his “wifey” in an Instagram post. It was the first time he publicly addressed her as his wife.

    June 2019

    Chioma clamped down on pregnancy rumours. The chef harshly responded to a nosy fan who slid into her DMs to ask if she was truly with child.

    September 2019

    Wedding introduction photos captured by Fortune, Davido’s official photographer, surfaced on social media. Davido and Chioma were seen in the company of their family members, with a 2020 wedding date in view. In the same month, Davido popped the question during a private proposal party with friends and family in London.

    October 2019

    Months after denying pregnancy rumours, the couple welcomed a baby boy—their first child together.

    March 2020

    Chioma tested positive for coronavirus, forcing Davido to go into self-isolation. The singer shared the news on his official Twitter handle.

    April 2020

    Davido returned to social media, announcing that Chioma had recovered from coronavirus after testing negative twice. The singer thanked fans for their outpouring of love and support.

    June 2020

    Chioma released a statement shutting down rumours of domestic violence and abuse in her relationship. “Never has there ever been an incident of abuse in my home. He has never in his life lifted a finger to touch me, and I have never so much as even pushed him,” the statement read in part.

    September 2020

    Davido revealed he and Chioma called off and postponed their wedding plans during an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. The singer said the COVID pandemic ruined their plans.

    February 2021

    Davido stirred breakup rumours with Chioma after he was spotted holding hands with supermodel Mya Yafai during a trip to the Caribbean.

    [ad]

    May 2021

    The breakup rumours intensified after Chioma penned a casual message to mark Davido hitting a decade in the music industry. Social media users couldn’t get over her calling him “bro.”

    October 2021

    The couple again put to rest rumours of their breakup after they made a joint appearance at their son Ifeanyi’s second birthday.

    April 2022

    Social media was abuzz with rumours of Chioma allegedly dumping Davido for a Dubai-based socialite, King Carter. The rumours started after she allegedly attended his birthday party in Dubai. In the same month, Davido and Chioma followed each other on Instagram, putting to rest rumours of a breakup.

    November 2022

    The couple lost their only child together to a drowning accident at their home. Ifeanyi had just turned three before the heartbreaking incident.

    March 2023

    Davido returned to social media after a long hiatus. The singer also revealed he married Chioma in a private ceremony, and family and close friends were in attendance.

    June 2023

    Davido and Chioma’s relationship was once again tested after different ladies came forward with pregnancy claims. One of the ladies, Anita Brown, also hinted that Chioma was pregnant with twins.

    October 2023

    Months after pregnancy speculations, Davido and Chioma welcomed twins together. A viral video online showed both parents stepping out of the hospital with their children.

    June 2024

    Blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus reported that Davido and Chioma were set to hold a traditional wedding. The singer confirmed the rumours in a video that surfaced online on Tuesday, June 11. In the viral clip, Davido was heard inviting a friend to his wedding.

    On Sunday, June 23, Davido released official pre-wedding photos for the wedding ceremony which will be held on Tuesday, June 25.

    Read this next: The Perfect Answers to “When Will You Marry?

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • Have Wizkid and Davido Resurrected Their Age-Long Beef?

    In January 2023, Davido and Wizkid announced a joint tour that finally put to bed rumours of their age-long beef. However, one year and four months after the announcement, the singers appear to have taken a U-turn following a public faceoff on social media.

    Their potential joint tour now hangs on a thread.

    What happened?

    On April 29, Wizkid went on a wild rant on X, formerly known as Twitter, coming at colleagues unprovoked and clapping back at fans.

    Things took a turn when a fan asked the singer to release new music, and he responded with an embarrassing video of Davido where he was on his knees begging an unidentified person.

    Have Wizkid and Davido Resurrected Their Age-Long Beef?

    The Davido video went viral weeks ago in the heat of cheating allegations against his wife, Chioma.

    While Wizkid’s tweet might have been pure banter, Davido didn’t seem to take it well. The singer took a direct sub at Wizkid’s music.

    Have Wizkid and Davido Resurrected Their Age-Long Beef?

    Unlike the past where both singers threw subtle jabs and left fans to speculate, what followed after Davido’s tweet was a no-filtered verbal attack against each other.

    In response to Davido’s tweet, Wizkid clapped back at the singer, saying “You still not on my level”.

    Wizkid also made standalone tweets on his TL where he called Peruzzi a “pant washer” and stated that Davido’s crew has nothing on him. He claimed the entire 30BG crew members are delusional.

    Have Wizkid and Davido Resurrected Their Age-Long Beef?

    This was Davido’s response to the tweet:

    Also responding to the “pant washer” tag, Peruzzi had this to say to Wizkid:

    Have Wizkid and Davido Resurrected Their Age-Long Beef?

    And Wizkid, yet again, responded with Davido’s viral clip which started the entire back and forth.

    Davido’s response:

    Have Wizkid and Davido Resurrected Their Age-Long Beef?

    In another post Davido shared on Instagram stories, he came after Wizkid claiming he has no hit records. He also dared the singer to release music on the same day as him.

    Get a free ticket to Strings Attached and enjoy a feel-good evening of music, dancing and games at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos on May 11, 2024.

    How are the fans reacting?

    As expected, the faceoff  has stirred different reactions from fans of both singers.

    Have Wizkid and Davido Resurrected Their Age-Long Beef?

    However, others have expressed worry about the implications that lie ahead.

    READ NEXT: 6 Celebrity Social Media Fan Bases You Don’t Want To Mess With

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • Everything to Know About Davido’s New Music Label, “Nine+ Records”

    On April 18, 2024, news broke that Nigerian singer Davido launched Nine+ Records, his new music label called in partnership with UnitedMasters. This news comes as a surprise as the Afrobeats star announced a restructured version of his Davido Music Worldwide label (AKA DWM 2.0) in March, 2023.

    But new label operations have kicked off, and this is everything you should know about it.

    What’s Nine+?

    As it has been established, Nine+ is Davido’s new music label. According to David Adeyemi, a member of Davido’s PR team, the name was culled from the lyrics of Davido’s 2022 song Stand Strong: “OBO elemi nine plus,” meaning “OBO has more than nine lives.” If not for its idiomatic interpretation and mystique, the name possibly alludes to being an “old cat” or part of the “Big 3” in the industry.

    Why is UnitedMaster in this?

    UnitedMasters, an American music distribution company, expanded its operations into Nigeria in December 2023. Its founder, American music executive Steve Stoute said he met Davido while in Nigeria last year and they talked about the possibilities of working together. It sounded like a great idea to the business-minded Davido. So, here we are.

    OBO is now a music executive

    Davido’s role at Nine+ starts his career as a music executive. He’ll take on many of the same responsibilities he held at DMW, but with a key difference: shared leadership. 

    According to his manager and lawyer Bobo F. Ajuda, “Davido will collaborate with Steve Stoute to identify and develop talent. Their respective teams from Nine+ Records and UnitedMasters will work together to support these artists. This includes everything from artist development and branding to securing market opportunities.”

    Why now?

    This is the right time to expand, considering his superstar status at home and abroad. His music and relationships with global brands like Puma, Martell and now UnitedMasters are easy keys to open doors worldwide for the youngins in the industry back home. 

    Nine+ will absorb DWM

    If you’re wondering if the birth of Nine+ means the end of DMW, you may be up to something. Although Bobo confirmed earlier that DWM will continue its independent operations and maintain its roster as a record label and Nine+ will focus on its global journey, Davido tweeted last night that he’s moving all his DMW artists to Nine+ Records. In a press release signed by UnitedMasters, the new label will announce more artists and partners in the future.

    Nine+ is more than Afrobeats 

    The mission of this new music company is to sign and work with global talents. Nine+ will not only work with Afrobeats, but also with Hip-Hop, R&B, Latino sounds, etc. It’s OBO for all.

    What this venture means for him and Afrobeats

    Think of this as a career upgrade and portfolio diversification. Stepping into a new position as a label executive comes with responsibilities and an additional stream of income. It was stated that Nine+ Record Ventures is an additional channel and opportunity for the local industry to connect with the global audience and market.

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

    Tomide Marv

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  • The Funniest Things That Happened During Kai Cenat’s Visit to Nigeria

    Unless you live under a rock, or internet service providers stole your joy these last few days, you’d know Nigeria recently received an August visitor. August because it’s not every day a 22-year-old American content creator visits the country and grown folks lose their shit.

    While Kai Cenat is now in Ghana causing similar chaos, here’s a breakdown of what went down during his Nigerian visit.

    Shank’s airport hero’s welcome

    The Funniest Things That Happened During Kai Cenat’s Visit to Nigeria

    We don’t know why it had to be Shank, but our boy was at the international airport with singers and drummers to welcome Kai BBNaija royal homecoming style. He then proceeded to make Kai dance to a chant of his new name “Femi Omo Werey”.

    The Davido hijacking

    The Funniest Things That Happened During Kai Cenat’s Visit to Nigeria

    You know how you invite your cool friends to the house, and your siblings hijack them from you? This was Davido. He’s currently getting the heat for being an “agbaya” by ruining one of Shank’s planned activities with Kai. On their way to the spot, Davido’s security aide scared the shit outta Kai after telling him the location wasn’t safe. 

    Na mumu dey go boutique

    Our boy Cenat hit one of the local markets and got a little too excited when he saw an “original” Louis Vuitton duffel bag priced at $14. What can we say? Our Igbo brothers came through. 

    AmeriNigerian accent on steroids

    The Funniest Things That Happened During Kai Cenat’s Visit to Nigeria

    We have just one question: Why does the Nigerian brain betray the Nigerian tongue when we have to interact with people from the Abroad? From Shank to Davido, Cubana Chiefpriest and every other random person Kai met, everyone almost bit their tongues trying to “Wanna-Gonna”.

    That awkward Cubana Chiefpriest link up

    During a night out at the club, Chiefpriest AKA Industry Egbon Adugbo pulled the “I love you brother” card to which Kai replied: “I love you UNCLE”. That response was heavy on the “70 year old man” vibes.

    “No talk that one o”

    The Funniest Things That Happened During Kai Cenat’s Visit to Nigeria

    During a road trip, Kai and Davido stopped to greet some fans, and the content creator hollered, “Who dey?” unprovoked. Davido quickly shut him down with, “No talk that one o.” OBO needs to explain why he’s never given fans this same warning.

    Davido spilled some tea unprovoked

    We need answers to why Davido moved around Kai like a kid in a candy store, saying, “I don’t know if I should be saying this…” Why did he make an on-the-spot announcement his management probably didn’t co-sign? Anyway, a new album with 15 songs and six features is on the way.

    Casamigos a la water

    Kai was bamboozled for real and had questions after he downed ten shots of Casamigos and didn’t feel a damn thing. In Shank’s words: “Welcome to Lagos, bro.”

    Breakfast

    What’s the complete Nigerian experience without breakfast served hot hot? Shank introduced a couple of ladies to Kai and got him to choose his Nigerian princess. 48 hours after choosing a lady identified as Chisom, he found out she’s got a boo. He’s probably still stewing in the heartbreak in Ghana. 

    Read this next: 17 Annoying Things Nigerian Guests Do When They Visit

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • Grammy 2024: Davido Bags First Nomination, Major Categories List

    The nomination list of the upcoming 2024 Grammy Awards dropped on November 10th, 2023, with a new category for African music called “Best African Music Performance.”

    Nigerian artists, Davido, Ayra Starr, Olamide, Asake, Bloody Civilian and Blessing Offor, all got their first Grammy nominations, joining the growing list of nominees that includes Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Tems.

    We bring you the list of categories and nominees you should care about.

    Record of the Year

    Worship – Jon Batiste

    Not Strong Enough – boygenius

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus

    What Was I Made For? (From Motion Picture Barbie) – Billie Eilish

    On My Mama – Victoria Monét

    Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo

    Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

    Kill Bill – SZA

    Album of the Year

    World Music Radio – Jon Batiste

    the record – boygenius

    Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus

    Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey

    The Age of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe

    GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo

    Midnights – Taylor Swift

    SOS – SZA

    Song of the Year

    A&W – Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey and Sam Drew

    Anti-Hero – Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift

    Butterfly – Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson

    Dance the Night (From Barbie The Album) – Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein and Michael Pollack

    Kill Bill – Rob Bisel, Carter Lang and Solána Rowe

    Vampire – Daniel Nigro, Olivia Rodrigo

    What Was I Made For? (From Motion Picture Barbie) – Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell

    Best New Artist

    Gracie Abrams

    Fred again..

    Jelly Roll

    Coco Jones

    Noah Kanan

    Victoria Monét

    The War and Treaty

    Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)

    Jack Antonoff

    Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II

    Hit-Boy

    Metro Boomin

    Daniel Nigro

    Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical)

    Edgar Barrera

    Jessie Jo Dilion

    Shane McAnally

    Theron Thomas

    Justin Tranter

    Best Pop Solo Performance

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus

    Paint The Town Red – Doja Cat

    What Was I Made For? (From The Motion Picture Barbie)

    Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo

    Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    Thousand Miles – Miley Cyrus

    Candy Necklace – Lana Del Rey feat. Job Batiste

    Never Felt So Alone – Labrinth feat. Billie Eilish

    Karma – Taylor Swift feat. Ice Spice

    Ghost In The Machine – SZA feat. Phoebe Bridgers

    Best Pop Vocal Album

    Chemistry – Kelly Clarkson

    Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus

    GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo

    – (Subtract) – Ed Sheeran

    Midnights – Taylor Swift

    Best Dance/Electronic Recording

    Blackbox Life Recorder 21F – Aphex Twin

    Loading – James Blake

    Higher Than Ever Before – Disclosure

    Strong – Romy and Fred again..

    Rumble – Skrillex, Fred again.. and Flowdan

    Best Pop Dance Recording

    Baby Don’t Hurt Me – David Guetta, Anne-Marie and Coi Leray

    Miracle – Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding

    Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue

    One In A Million – Bebe Rexha and David Guetta

    Rush – Troye Sivan

    Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

    Playing Robots Into Heaven – James Blake

    For That Beautiful Feeling – The Chemical Brothers

    Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022) – Fred again..

    Kx5 – Kx5

    Quest For Fire – Skrillex

    Best Alternative Music Performance

    Belinda Says – Alvvays

    Body Paint – Arctic Monkeys

    Cool About It – boygenius

    A&W – Lana Del Rey

    This Is Why – Paramore

    Best Alternative Music Album

    The Car –Arctic Monkeys

    The Record – boygenius

    Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey

    Cracker Island – Gorillaz

    I Inside The Old Year Dying – PJ Harvey

    Best R&B Performance

    Summer Too Hot – Chris Brown

    Back To Love – Robert Glasper feat. SiR and Alex Isley

    ICU – Coco Jones

    How Does It Make You Feel – Victoria Monét

    Kill Bill – SZA

    Best Traditional R&B Performance

    Simple – Babyface feat. Coco Jones

    Lucky – Kenyon Dixon

    Hollywood – Victoria Monét feat. Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét

    Good Morning – PJ Morton feat. Susan Carol

    Love Language – SZA

    Best R&B Song

    Angel – Halle Bailey, Theron Feemster and Coleridge Tillman

    Back To Love – Darryl Andrew Farris, Robert Glasper and Alexandra Isley

    ICU – Darhyl Camper Jr., Courtney Jones, Raymond Komba and Roy Keisha Rockette

    On My Mama – Dernst Emile II, Jeff Gitelman, Victoria Monét, Kyla Moscovich, Jamil Pierre and Charles Williams

    Snooze – Kenny B. Edmonds, Blair Ferguson, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Solána Rowe and Leon Thomas

    Best Progressive R&B Album

    Since I Have A Lover – 6LACK

    The Love Album Off The Grid – Diddy

    Nova – Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy

    The Age Of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe

    SOS – SZA

    Best R&B Album

    Girls Night Out – Babyface

    What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe) – Coco Jones

    Special Occasion – Emily King

    JAGUAR II – Victoria Monét

    CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP – Summer Walker

    Best Rap Performance

    The Hillbillies – Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar

    Love Letter – Black Thought

    Rich Flex – Drake & 21 Savage

    SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS – Killer Mike feat. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane

    Players – Coi Leray

    Best Melodic Rap Performance

    Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage

    Attention – Doja Cat

    Spin Bout U – Drake & 21 Savage

    All My Life – Lil Durk feat. J. Cole

    Low – SZA

    Best Rap Song

    Attention – Rogét Chahayed and Amala 

    Barbie World (From Barbie The Album – Isis Naija Gaston, Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr. & Onika Maraj, songwriters (Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Featuring Aqua)

    Just Wanna Rock – Mohamad Camara, Symere Woods & Javier Mercado, songwriters (Lil Uzi Vert)

    Rich Flex – Brytavious Chambers, Isaac “Zac” De Boni, Aubrey Graham, J. Gwin, Anderson Hernandez, Michael “Finatik” Mule & Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, songwriters (Drake & 21 Savage)

    SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS – Andre Benjamin, Paul Beauregard, James Blake, Michael Render, Tim Moore & Dion Wilson, songwriters (Killer Mike Featuring André 3000, Future And Eryn Allen Kane)

    Best Rap Album

    Her Loss – Drake & 21 Savage

    MICHAEL – Killer Mike

    HEROES & VILLIANS – Metro Boomin

    King’s Disease III – Nas

    UTOPIA – Travis Scott

    Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

    A-You’re Not Wrong B-They’re Not Either: The Fukc-It Pill Revisited – Queen Sheba

    For Your Consideration’24 -The Album – Prentice Powell and Shawn William

    Grocery Shopping With My Mother – Kevin Powell

    The Light Inside – J. Ivy

    When The Poems Do What They Do – Aja Monet

    Gospel and Contemporary Christian Music

    God Is Good – Stanley Brown Featuring Hezekiah Walker, Kierra Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard; Stanley Brown, Karen V Clark Sheard, Kaylah Jiavanni Harvey, Rodney Jerkins, Elyse Victoria Johnson, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Valencia Sheard & Hezekiah Walker, songwriters

    Feel Alright (Blessed) – Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, William Weatherspoon, Juan Winans & Marvin L. Winans, songwriters

    Lord Do It For Me (Live) – Zacardi Cortez; Marcus Calyen, Zacardi Cortez & Kerry Douglas, songwriters

    God Is – Melvin Crispell III

    All Things – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

    Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

    Believe – Blessing Offor; Hank Bentley & Blessing Offor, songwriters

    Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live] – Cody Carnes

    Thank God I Do – Lauren Daigle; Lauren Daigle & Jason Ingram, songwriters

    Love Me Like I Am – for KING & COUNTRY feat. Jordin Sparks

    Your Power – Lecrae & Tasha Cobbs Leonard

    God Problems – Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine; Daniel Bashta, Chris Davenport, Ryan Ellis & Naomi Raine, songwriters

    Best Gospel Album

    I Love You – Erica Campbell

    Hymns (Live) – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

    The Maverick Way – Maverick City Music

    My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds

    All Things New: Live In Orlando – Tye Tribbett

    Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

    My Tribe – Blessing Offor

    Emanuel – Da’ T.R.U.T.H.

    Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle

    Church Clothes 4 – Lecrae

    I Believe – Phil Wickham

    Best Roots Gospel Album

    Tribute To The King – The Blackwood Brothers Quartet

    Echoes Of The South – Blind Boys Of Alabama

    Songs That Pulled Me Through The Tough Times – Becky Isaacs Bowman

    Meet Me At The Cross – Brian Free & Assurance

    Shine: The Darker The Night The Brighter The Light – Gaither Vocal Band

    Best Global Music Performance

    Shadow Forces – Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily

    Alone – Burna Boy

    FEEL – Davido

    Milagro Y Disastre -Silvana Estrada

    Abundance In Millets – Falu & Gaurav Shah (Featuring PM Narendra Modi)

    Pashto – Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain Featuring Rakesh Chaurasia

    Todo Colores – Ibrahim Maalouf Featuring Cimafunk & Tank And The Bangas

    Best African Music Performance

    Amapiano – Asake & Olamide

    City Boys – Burna Boy

    UNAVAILABLE — Davido feat. Musa Keys

    Rush – Ayra Starr

    Water – Tyla

    Best Global Music Album

    Epifanías – Susana Baca

    History – Bokanté

    I Told Them… – Burna Boy

    Timeless – Davido

    This Moment – Shakti

    Best Reggae Album

    Born For Greatness – Buju Banton

    Simma – Beenie Man

    Cali Roots Riddim 2023 – Collie Buddz

    No Destroyer – Burning Spear

    Colors Of Royal – Julian Marley & Antaeus

    Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

    AURORA – (Daisy Jones & The Six)

    Barbie The Album – (Various Artists)

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By – (Various Artists)

    Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3: Awesome Mix, Vol. 3 – (Various Artists)

    Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – Weird Al Yankovic

    Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)

    Barbie – Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt (composers)

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Ludwig Göransson (composer)

    The Fabelmans – John Williams, (composer)

    Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
    – John Williams (composer)

    Oppenheimer – Ludwig Göransson, (composer)

    Best Song Written For Visual Media

    Barbie World (From Barbie The Album) – Naija Gaston, Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr. and Onika Maraj, songwriters (Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice feat. Aqua)

    Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) – Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)

    I’m Just Ken (From Barbie The Album) – Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Ryan Gosling)

    Lift Me Up [From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By) – Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Robyn Fenty and Temilade Openiyi, songwriters (Rihanna)

    What Was I Made For? (From Barbie The Album) – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

    Best Music Video

    I’m Only Sleeping – The Beatles 

    (Em Cooper, video director; Jonathan Clyde, Sophie Hilton, Sue Loughlin & Laura Thomas, video producers)

    In Your Love – Tyler Childers
    (Bryan Schlam, video director; Kacie Barton, Silas House, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thornton & Whitney Wolanin, video producers)

    What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
    (Billie Eilish, video director; Michelle An, Chelsea Dodson & David Moore, video producers)

    Count Me Out – Kendrick Lamar
    (Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jason Baum & Jamie Rabineau, video producers)

    Rush – Troye Sivan
    (Gordon Von Steiner, video director; Kelly McGee, video producer)

    Find the full list here.

    Tomide Marv

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  • A Look Inside Davido’s ₦1 Billion Wristwatch Collection

    I’ve concluded that Davido takes Skibii’s “Ice on My Wrist” lyrics too seriously. Nothing else explains his obsession with wristwatches and, expensive jewellery. 

    The singer recently lit up the internet when he shared a video showing a large part of his ice collection. 

    Like many Nigerians on Obasanjo’s internet, I was intrigued and went down a rabbit hole of the singer’s watch collection. The first thing I found was that they’re worth over a billion naira.

    Let’s take a look at them.

    Platinum Day-date Oyster Perpetual

    Estimated value: $60k

    It’s not exactly screaming “I’m that guy” but I think I get it. Even the rich want to be lowkey sometimes.

    Skeleton Santos de Cartier with a skeletonized dial

    A Look Inside Davido’s ₦1 Billion Wristwatch Collection

    Estimated value: $45k

    If you know OBO, you’ll know he loves to show up, and that explains why he splashed millions on this piece. 

    Patek Philippe Nautilus 

    A Look Inside Davido’s ₦1 Billion Wristwatch Collection

    Estimate value: $60k

    Is it me or is this piece subtly screaming, “I’ll buy you a dozen times over”? OBO, easy on us please.

    Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Stainless Steel

    Estimate value: $60k

    Only OBO will splash $60k on a basic-looking piece like this one. But hey, there’s a saying about empty barrels making the loudest noise. 

    Rolex Day Date Gold

    A Look Inside Davido’s ₦1 Billion Wristwatch Collection

    Estimate value: $35k

    Ooouuu! Now this is some African royal prince-type shit. Also, if you know ball, you’ll agree that Rolex is the Rihanna of wristwatches.

    Richard Mille 011

    Estimated value: $400k

    If you’re wondering why he has an album named Timeless, this should be enough explanation.

    Franc Vila Cobra Chronograph Grand 

    Estimated value: $35k

    It’s giving “I could have been Ben 10 in another life”. But hey, I’ll gladly accept it as a gift.

    Richard Mille Skeleton Dial Rose Gold

    A Look Inside Davido’s ₦1 Billion Wristwatch Collection

    Estimated value: $300k

    I mean, just take a close look at his wrist in this photo and tell me you’re not intrigued.

    Rolex Daytona Rainbow Black Dial 

    Estimated value: $600k

    If I lay my hands on this piece, God knows I’ll also be unavailable.

    What does your budget for meat look like? You’ll find out at our upcoming meat festival in Lagos. Grab tickets to Burning Ram here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • 10 Unconventional Twin Names Davido Should Consider

    Davido and his wife, Chioma Rowlands, recently welcomed twins in the US. He shared the news on Saturday at the UnitedMasters SelectCon 005 event while speaking as a panellist.

    The naming ceremony is billed to hold this week, so we went to the trouble of compiling some name suggestions.

    David and Davina

    10 Unconventional Twin Names Davido Should Consider

    It high-key slaps hard to name your kids after yourself. 

    Likeadis and Likeadat

    10 Unconventional Twin Names Davido Should Consider

    Is Davido a fortune teller? He personally coined this in his 2016 hit song, Skelewu.

    Explain and Evidence

    So that Chioma and David wouldn’t stress for answers when the twins get up to mischief. “Explain, who broke this cup? It is Evidence.”

    Oginidis and Oginidat

    10 Unconventional Twin Names Davido Should Consider

    Chioma wouldn’t have to stress whenever she wants to scold them since “ogini” is the Igbo word for what. For example, they scatter the house and she goes “Oginidis, Oginidat?”

    Terms and Conditions

    10 Unconventional Twin Names Davido Should Consider

    We know the twins are already set up for life but seeing “Terms and Conditions apply” on job vacancies is a real morale booster. 

    Woss and Wobi

    In case he wants to give them a good scolding in the Yoruba daddy style. 

     [ad]

    Iskaba and Iskelebete

    When your daddy is an afrobeats legend, your name should be music to the ears. 

    Goodness and Mercy

    So that they’ll always follow them. 

    Praise and Worship

    Because the Lord has been good.

    Sungba and Sungbalaja

    So that Grandpa and Grandma will rest easy knowing their grandkids have traditional names. 

    You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • Should We Suspect These Other Lady-Names in Davido’s Songs?

    OBO is experiencing shege pro-max at the moment, but it’s an even more troubling time for the 30BG fans who are trying to separate the artist from his personal life.

    Should We Suspect These Other Lady-Names in Davido’s Songs?

    An American lady, Anita Brown, who claims to be carrying his baby, said he referenced her in his song, Assurance, and it got us asking one question: “Which other names of potential side chicks have been named in Davido’s songs?” Well, we checked and found these ones.

    Caroline in “FIA”

    No need to worry here. The Caroline in this song is none other than the Nollywood actress. Davido explicitly called her out on the track after a falling out.

    Shukura in “FIA”

    Should We Suspect These Other Lady-Names in Davido's Songs?

    Caroline wasn’t the only lady who got subbed in FIA. A certain Sukura was also trolled for her fashion. Who could she be?

    Chidinma in “Something Fishy”

    Should We Suspect These Other Lady-Names in Davido’s Songs?

    The third track off his 2020 album, “A Better Time”, has Davido mentioning a Chidinma who appeared to have caused a rift between him and another woman.

    Amina in “Jowo”

    Should We Suspect These Other Lady-Names in Davido’s Songs?

    In “Jowo”, the singer passionately appeals to one Amina to accept his love.

    Monalisa in “Maga 2 Mugu”

    Should We Suspect These Other Lady-Names in Davido’s Songs?

    On the second track off his 2016 EP, “Son of Mercy”, Davido shouted out a Monalisa and even mentioned her city.

    Obianuju in “IF”

    Another interesting female mention pops up on Davido’s hit single, “IF”. He pleads with her and even proceeds to ask if she has charmed him with “juju”. God, please.

    Bridget in “IF”

    Davido also had words for a certain Bridget. He mentions his love for her mini-skirt and how smart she is. Hmmm. Sounds oddly specific.

    Got a story to share? Send a pitch here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • The Top Trending Nigerian Songs of 2022

    2022 might’ve come and gone, but the music we got that year was premium vibes. From Asake’s arrival and eventual takeover to Pheelz’s turn from hit producer to hit singer, the music scene was on fire. These were the 15 songs Nigerians rinsed the most, according to TurnTable Charts. 

    1. Buga (Lo Lo Lo) — Kizz Daniel

    Kizz Daniel created an anthem for Nigerian mummies and aunties worldwide. Buga (Lo Lo Lo) was the one song that united Nigerians across generations. This jam was like crack in music form, so it makes sense that it’s the biggest song of 2022. 

    Songwriters: Yung Willis and Anidugbe Oluwatobiloba

    Produced by: Reward Beatz and Blaise Beatz

    2. Bandana — Fireboy DML featuring Asake 

    Fireboy has been on a roll since his 2018 debut single Jealous became a national anthem. Recognising another baby legend in the making in his label mate, Fireboy brought Asake on board for Bandana, the unforgettable second single off his 2022 Playboy album. 

    Songwriters: Adedamola Adefolahan 

    Produced by: P.Prime

    3. Overloading (OVERDOSE) — Mavin All Stars

    With huge shoes to fill following the successes of Mavin bangers like Dorobucci, Adaobi and Looku Looku, the new school of Don Jazzy’s post-Mo’Hits project came in guns blazing on their 2022 joint effort, Overloading (OVERDOSE). Featuring standout performances from Ayra Starr, Boy Spyce and Crayon, the song proved that Don Jazzy’s pension is in safe hands. 

    Songwriters: Alexander Adewunmi Adelabu, Charles Chibueze Chukwu, Ladipo Eso, Oluwadamilare Aderibigbe, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, Prince Omoferi, Treasure Apiafi Banigo and Ugbekile David Osemeke 

    Produced by: Don Jazzy 

    4. Sungba Remix — Asake featuring Burna Boy 

    We’ve already offered reasons why Asake’s Sungba is one of the greatest songs ever. But why settle for having a song that’s a GOAT when you could feature a GOAT on its remix? Well, that’s what Asake asked himself when he called on Burna Boy to deliver one of his best verses ever on the remix of Sungba. We’ll always remember life in two parts: life before the Sungba remix dropped and life after Burna Boy sang, “Tell me what you see when you look at me?” 

    Songwriters: Ahmed Olalade Asake and Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu 

    Produced by: Magicsticks

    5. Calm Down Remix — Rema featuring Selena Gomez

    We’ve only ever had two Nigerian artistes crack the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart: Wizkid with Essence and One Dance, and Tems with WAIT FOR U and Essence. But with the remix of Calm Down, Rema officially joined this elite list. While we initially had doubts about this remix, months and months of hearing it everywhere has made us forget that an original even existed, and that’s how you know a remix actually works. 

    Songwriters: Alexandre Uwaifo, Divine Ikubor, Amanda Ibanez, Michael Hunter and Selena Gomez

    Produced by: Andre Vibez and London

    6. Peace Be Unto You — Asake 

    Dropping Peace Be Unto You after a string of hits with Omo Ope, Sungba and Palazzo, Asake stepped into the musical ring with the confidence and badassery of Adonis Creed himself. With this song which samples the viral “E dey carry me where I no know” clip, Asake reminded everyone that even though he was finally having his moment in 2022, he’d been around for a long time, and his reign was inevitable — “I just blow, but omo, I know myself.” 

    Songwriters: Ahmed Olalade Asake 

    Produced by: Magicsticks

    7. Last Last — Burna Boy 

    Chopping breakfast might be sad, but who says you can’t turn your pain into a massive hit? At least, that’s what Burna Boy did with his biggest song yet since Ye. Throwing a Toni Braxton sample into the mix, Last Last became the unofficial song of summer 2022, solidifying Burna Boy’s position as a leader in the exportation of new school afrobeats. 

    Songwriters: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, Fred Jerkins III, Harvey Mason Jr, James Malcolm Olagundoye, LaShawn Daniels, Mikael Haataja, Robert Laukkanen, Rodney Jerkins, Samuel Haatja and Santeri Kauppinen. 

    Produced by: Chopstix, Mds, Off & Out and Ruuben. 

    RECOMMENDED: Grab Your Tissues Because Nigerian Music Is in Its Sad Boy Era

    8. Baddest Boy Remix — Skiibii featuring Davido

    “She go chop Nigerian koboko, straight from Magodo.” We all know what “koboko” means in this context, but why is it from Magodo? We still need the association of Magodo residents to explain how and why their kobokos entered the mix. Still, there’s no denying the Davido effect on the remix to this 2022 party starter. 

    Songwriters: Davido and Skiibii

    Produced by: Runcheck

    9. Peru Remix — Fireboy DML featuring Ed Sheeran 

    When Fireboy DML announced Ed Sheeran would be on the remix of his hit song, Peru, many people were shocked, but not us. While the collaboration sounded a bit off on paper, true Fireboy stans could’ve seen this from a mile away. Apart from being resident musical lover boys, Need You, the opening track to Fireboy’s 2019 album, Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, sounds exactly like Ed Sheeran’s 2014 Tenerife Sea. This collaboration was a match made in musical heaven from the very start. 

    Songwriters: Ed Sheeran, Fireboy DML, Ivory Scott, Klton and Shizzi

    Produced by: Shizzi and Kolten Sippiboy Perine 

    10. Omo Ope Remix — Asake featuring Olamide

    Arguably one of the biggest songs of 2022, Asake came out of nowhere and turned 2022 on its head with his smash hit, Omo Ope. Featuring the hardest working Nigerian rapper, Olamide, it was hard not to fall in love with this song, especially when those backup vocals kick-in with “Mo saare f’owo mi sh’aye”. 

    Songwriters: Ahmed Olalade Asake and  Olamide Adedeji

    Produced by: Magicsticks

    11. Terminator — Asake 

    Is Terminator the greatest Nigerian love song of all time? Maybe. Asake was deep in his lover boy bag when he made this banger about finding someone and holding on to the romantic contract they’d signed. That’s the type of love we’re looking for on these single-pringle streets. 

    Songwriters: Ahmed Olalade Asake and Olamide Adedeji

    Produced by: Magicsticks

    12. PALAZZO — DJ Spinall featuring Asake 

    Hopping on the never-ending DJ Spinall train of collaborations, Asake delivered what could only be described as part club hit, part church thanksgiving anthem. Palazzo came right after the Sungba remix with Burna Boy, setting the stage for the singer’s epic year of back-to-back hits. 

    Songwriters: Ahmed Olalade Asake and Olamide Adedeji

    Produced by: Spinall and Magicsticks

    13. Don’t Call — Lil Kesh featuring Zinoleesky 

    Remember when Lil Kesh had us all in a shoki-hold back in the day? This guy was the reason Olamide banned Don Jazzy from the mainland, and then, he just disappeared for a while. Lil Kesh finally made a splashy return to the scene with the Zinoleesky-assisted, Don’t Call Me, and God knows we rinsed this song like there was no tomorrow. We all love a good comeback story. 

    Songwriters: Lil Kesh and Zinleesky

    14. For My Hand — Burna Boy featuring Ed Sheeran 

    It’s safe to assume that a Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran song will always slap. Teaming up again after they carried Stormzy’s 2019 Own It on their backs, For My Hand is further proof that their chemistry is as potent as ever. 

    Songwriters: Damini Ogulu, Ed Sheeran and Richard Isong

    Produced by: P2J

    15. Finesse — Pheelz featuring BNXN 

    We’ve begged Nigerian musicians to leave Folake alone, but they’ve clearly put cement in their ears because Pheelz and BNXN continued the train with Finesse. And honestly, we were not mad at it. This song reminded us it’s okay to be broke. As a matter of fact, it encouraged us to own our lack of funds with our chests. 

    If you thought this song was a banger, wait until you listen to the live version with this sick backup choir. 

    Songwriters: Daniel Benson, Ishola Owolabi Michael and Phillip Kayode Moses 

    Produced by: Pheelz

    ALSO READ: 15 Nigerian Pop Culture Moments That Got Us Through the Shege of 2022

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 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

    Can you handle the hotness of Zikoko’s Hertitude? Click here to buy your ticket and find out.

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 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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    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 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”

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • QUIZ: Which Song on Davido’s “Timeless” Fits Your Current Mood?

    Sheriff Alimi

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  • 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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    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 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 Time — The 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

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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

    Sometimes, you hear two artistes are working together, and it makes a lot of sense — Wande Coal and Olamide, Wizkid and Burna Boy, The Cavemen and Asa or Flavour and Phyno. Other times, your first reaction to a collaboration is, “WTF?”

    This is a list of the collaborations that started out as “WTF?” but after listening, changed to “Yasss.” 

    Showmetheway — Cruel Santino and Poco Lee

    A collaboration between alté king, Cruel Santino, and hype man, Poco Lee, wasn’t on my bingo card for 2023, but here we are today. Even though Showmetheway has been a popular sound on TikTok since 2022, listening to the full version with its unexpected feature is a whole other experience. Poco Lee’s appearance is a blink-and-you-’ll-miss-it moment, but it further amplifies the synthy-owambe fuji music vibe of the song. 

    Stand Strong — Davido and The Sunday Service Choir 

    It’s easy to imagine Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir providing backup to some inspirational song by Cobhams, Asa or Darey Art Alade that’ll get you teary-eyed. But a song with David Adeleke, Nigeria’s very own Shakespeare? No one saw that coming.

    Surprisingly, Stand Strong stands out, pun very much intended here, as one of Davido’s best songs to date. Over ten years into his career, the song is a testament to Davido’s growth from Back When to international choirmaster.

    All I Ever Wanted — Asa and Amaarae 

    2022 came with many surprises, but listening to Asa and Amaarae vibe on lyrics about hotel sex, eating coochie and five-star diamond dick was lowkey one of the year’s biggest surprises. Having the artiste who made alté music way before it was called alté on a track with one of the sound’s new leading voices was the gift we didn’t know we needed until we got it. 

    Every time Burna Boy collaborated with white people 

    From rock bands like The Fallout Boys (Sunshine Riptide) and Coldplay (Monsters You Made) to British icons Lily Allen (Heaven’s Gate), Sam Smith (My Oasis) and Ed Sheeran (For My Hand), Burna Boy has built a reputation for the most unhinged international collaborations.

    If you think an artiste’s sound won’t work well with Burna’s, that’s the artiste he’ll carry on his head. The best part is his coloniser collabs always slap. 

    Coming — Naira Marley and Busiswa 

    Naira Marley and Busiswa’s Coming is everyone’s guilty pleasure. Granted, we can’t play it in our Nigerian homes (or you’ll have to explain doggy style to your parents).

    Still, it’s two artistes who lead two very different movements. Naira Marley rules street pop, and Busiswa is the South African queen of house music. Now, we just need someone to erase this Tiny Desk version from the internet and our minds: 

    Crown of Clay — M.I and Vector 

    What if 2Pac and Biggie Smalls squashed their beef and released a song together after years of dragging each other like small gen? That’s what Vector and M.I did when they hooked up with Pheelz for the song, Crown of Clay.

    This 2021 collaboration was so unexpected because I can’t imagine working with someone who called me Judas, The Rat. M.I is a much better person than most because the beef would’ve turned to shaki by now. Nice song, though. 

    RECOMMENDED: 5 Celebrity Beefs That Had The Internet In Shambles

    Beautiful Onyinye — P-Square and Rick Ross 

    P-Square and Rick Ross’ Beautiful Onyinye remix is hands down one of the most random international collaborations ever. Then again, the song came out when Nigerians were willing to take any international collaborations that came their way. Remember Wizkid’s remix of Don’t Dull with Akon? P-Square threw in a random rapper on an audience fave, and now, we can’t listen to the original because the remix is somehow better. 

    Sweet in the Middle — Wurld, Zlatan and Naira Marley 

    Only Davido could think of adding Wurld on a Zlatan and Naira Marley feature. After dropping R&B and alté-inspired songs like Show You Off and Contagious, Wurld laying vocals alongside two of the biggest names in street pop sounded weird, but Sweet in the Middle became a major bop. Each featured act killed their parts, with Davido’s adlibs tying it together. 

    Calm Down — Rema and Selena Gomez

    Before anyone drags me, I’ll drag myself by admitting I didn’t like this Rema and Selena Gomez remix when it first dropped. But you know what? My opinion has changed. 

    Although the remix doesn’t even come close to the magic Rema captured on its original, it’s hard not to like it — especially after hearing it 100 times a day thanks to the radio, TV and social media. 

    High — Adekunle Gold and Davido 

    Adekunle Gold’s transition from sweet Orente baby boy to Afropop Zaddy reached an all-time high in 2021 when he dropped High alongside Davido.

    While an Adekunle and Wizkid collaboration might’ve sounded very on-brand, something about collaborating with Davido felt off. But that’s exactly what Adekunle needed to complete his transition. High was so good it ended up on our 2021 list of best Amapiano songs. 

    ALSO READ: 5 International Afropop Collaborations that Were Totally Meant to Be

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 8 Upcoming Albums That’ll Make 2023 Bang Like Today’s Bread

    Let’s be real, the music from 2022 slapped harder than the aftertaste of the best agbalumo you’ve ever had. Asake, Wizkid and Rema took us to the dancefloor. Asa, Victony and CKay made us fall in love, while Omah Lay and Obongjayar had us deep in our feelings. It was a great year for Nigerian music. But can 2023 repeat that magic? 

    With new stars on the horizon, and some of our faves returning with brand-new albums, 2023 might have some musical juju up its sleeves. These are some of the albums you should be excited about this year. 

    Davido 

    After showing us A Good Time in 2019 and A Better Time in 2020, Davido is gearing up to show us the best time in 2023. Initially scheduled for 2022 but postponed following a personal tragedy, Davido’s fourth album is one of the year’s most anticipated projects. With singles like Stand Strong and collaborations like Electricity with Pheelz and High with Adekunle Gold, it’s safe to say Davido has served us appetisers, and now, we’re ready for the main course in March. 

    P-Square 

    Mary Slessor is somewhere grinning for joy because her efforts were not in vain. After public back and forths pushed our favourite twins to try out life as solo artistes, Peter and Paul of P-Square reunited in 2022, proving that blood is thicker than beef. While the duo have been on tour since their surprise reunion, they’ve hinted at a new album in 2023, their first since 2014’s Double Trouble which gave us bops like Collabo and Shekini. 

    Tems 

    Billboard Hot 100 regular, BFF to Beyoncé and Rihanna, BET International Act of the Year winner and Oscar nominee? God of Tems, your boy is loyal. 

    With two goated EPs to her name and a long list of hits, the only thing left for Tems is a debut album, and 2023 might be the year we finally get it. This album is sure to have the whole world shook, but for me, I’m just hoping she considers calling it “Tems and Condition”, or “On My Own Tems” at least. That’s all I want from Temilade. 

    RECOMMENDED: 12 Nigerian Songs You Probably Forgot Share the Same Titles

    Olamide 

    It’s been one year and six months since Olamide dropped his last album, UY Scuti and wallahi, I’m not okay. Despite working with Phyno and Wande Coal, and helping artistes like Asake and TI Blaze cross over into mainstream consciousness with his remix of Omo Ope and Sometimes in 2022, Olamide has been guarded with his own material for a while now. But all that is about to change in 2023 with the release of Unruly, his 10th and final album. No, you’re not the only one crying. 

    Asake

    If there was one artiste who had their foot on our necks with back-to-back hits, it’s Ololade mi Asake. From the moment he dropped the remix of Omo Ope with Olamide in February 2022 to his latest single of 2023, Yoga, Asake has refused to leave the studio and the charts. Knowing his itch to drop new music every three to four business days, there’s a high chance Asake might drop a whole other album in 2023. But don’t fight me if he doesn’t. 

    Lady Donli 

    It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since Lady Donli showed us a good time with her 2019 debut album, Enjoy Your Life. From Tems to The Cavemen, that album introduced us to artistes who eventually became major rockstars. But most importantly, it provided an avenue for joy and escape despite all the wahala Nigeria kept throwing at us. With a new album, Pan African Rockstar, on the way, I can’t wait to see what Lady Donli has up her musical sleeves. 

    Tay Iwar 

    Tay Iwar is one of the most exciting voices on the Afrobeats scene right now. You don’t believe me? Well, ask Wizkid, M.I., Asa and Tiwa Savage why they’ve worked on features with him. Since dropping his 2018 debut album, Gemini and the 2021 pandemic-influenced Love and Isolation, Tay has worked behind the scenes with Wizkid and other artistes. But we might finally be getting a new EP this year. Hopefully, it has the song he recorded with Ayra Starr during that recording session they both posted on their Instagram stories . 

    Odumodublvck 

    Odumodu’s time is now, and he’s seizing the moment. The Abuja-based rapper, known for his punchy flows and Okpu Agu, has built a cult following within Nigeria’s burgeoning drill and rap scene since 2017 when his first tape dropped. But with the release of the Zlatan-assisted Picanto in 2022, Odumodu seems poised for a major crossover season. Currently lining up songs with Santi, BOJ and Blaqbonez, Odumodu’s next album might be his biggest yet.

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

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Any Wizkid and Davido Joint Tour Without These 34 Songs is Fake

    Wizkid has hinted that he’s going on a tour with Davido. *screaming*

    Even though Big W hasn’t given us a date or a list of locations yet, I’ve taken it upon myself to create a setlist. Are you really a fan if you don’t help your faves plan every aspect of their lives? 

    Let’s get into this setlist. 

    The Beginning 

    The show has to open with a blast from the past. Before we get to the colour-coordinated fashion icon Wizkid, we need to revisit the Mohawk and shambala-wearing Wizkid of hits like Holla at Your Boy and Pakurumo. The same goes for Davido, who made carrot jeans super popular with his Dami Duro video back in 2012. 

    Holla at Your Boy/Dami Duro 

    First hits.

    Pakurumo/Gobe

    Owambe party starters. 

    For Me featuring Wande Coal/Back When featuring Naeto C

    Major collaborations off their first albums

    Underrated Bops 

    Davido and Wizkid have massive hits, but we still need to appreciate the bops that were either ahead of their time or drowned out by a busy year. 

    Daddy Yo/Like Dat 

    Two songs that were way ahead of their time. 

    Fever/Tanana featuring Tiwa Savage 

    A Tiwa Savage cameo and duet? I couldn’t have planned this better. 

    Steady/Nwa Baby

    Nwa Baby deserved so much more just because of the lyric, “My baby, no feeding bottle”, alone. 

    Lover Boys 

    This is when all the lovers in the audience start heavy PDA, and the single people whisper, “God, when?”

    Love My Baby/Aye 

    Davido and Wizkid’s biggest love songs, in my opinion. 

    Sweet Love/1Milli 

    Are you really getting married if the DJ doesn’t play one of these? 

    True Love/FIA

    Tay Iwar’s vocals are amazing on True Love. And Davido screaming, “You for dey for me” and “Shukushaka aya shoemaker” will definitely get the crowd hyped up. 

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

    Back-to-Back Hits

    The real party is about to start. Drink some water and stretch as we dive into some of the biggest hits that helped cement Davido and Wizkid’s position as modern-day Afrobeat legends. 

    Energy (Stay Far Away) featuring Skepta/If 

    Wizkid kicking things off with a Skepta hit and Davido finishing it with If feels like a good start. 

    On Top Your Matter/Jowo

    These men were gone when they made these bops. May bumbum and love not land us in trouble.  

    Jaiye Jaiye featuring Femi Kuti/The Best featuring Mayorkun

    Songs that have Davido and Wizkid singing about being GOATs who deserve all the best things in the world? Inject it, please. 

    Beat of Life featuring Sarz/Champion Sound featuring Focalistic

    Two collaborations that can turn any gathering into a major rave. 

    Anoti/FEM

    One invented a new dance move, while the other kept us going during the #EndSars protests — iconic. 

    Essence featuring Tems/Fall

    You can’t talk about Davido and Wizkid’s career without talking about these songs — epic stuff, right here. 

    Encore 

    We’ve finished dancing our asses off, and it’s time to book that ride back home. What songs should our faves close out the show with? 

    Blessed featuring Damian Marley/All of You 

    There’s nothing that says we’re coming to the end of a show better than songs about being thankful and proving the haters wrong. 

    Ojuelegba/Stand Strong  

    Everybody, put your lighters in the air. It’s worship time. 

    The End.

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

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • We Need These 14 Artistes to Go on a Joint Tour Like Wizkid and Davido

    After years of “Are they friends?” or “Are they beefing?” Wizkid and Davido are finally working together. And no, it’s not a song; it’s a freaking tour. What God cannot do does not exist for real. 

    With two of Nigeria’s biggest stars burying the past under a concert stage, it’s time for other “beefing” celebrities to take the high road, reconcile and work together. Nigeria is tough. We need this, dears. 

    Burna Boy and Davido 

    Only God knows when the beef between these two started because it’s been on since Mary Slessor stopped the killing of twins in Calabar. From throwing shade on Fem and Way Too Big, to throwing hands in a Ghanaian nightclub in 2020, this beef has been messy AF. 

    With Big W and OBO entering the BFF zone, I hope he helps mend the fence with Odogwu so their tour will have three GOATs, not just two. 

    BNXN and Ruger 

    I still believe BNXN and Ruger’s beef is a publicity stunt — they only start fighting when they’re about to drop new music — but I’ll hold my peace until I get solid evidence. 

    As two of the biggest new acts in the game, BNXN and Ruger’s beef has been mad entertaining and educative — remember the streaming farms gist? But you know what would make this beef sweeter? A joint tour. Imagine getting to watch Asiwaju and Kilometer live in one night. 

    2Baba and Blackface 

    Is it me, or should we have an age limit for beefs? Like, no one should be nursing a beef and pushing 50 at the same time. Our daddies, are you guys not tired? 2Baba and Blackface’s beef is older than some Gen Zs, and it’s high time they squash it, hit up Faze and head out on a Plantashun Boiz reunion tour. Trust me, millennials like me need this. 

    Naira Marley and MohBad

    Even though MohBad had been hinting at trouble in paradise for a while, his public beef with Naira Marley in 2022 still had most of us shook. The situation between MohBad and his record label boss was so serious they had to involve a couple of “My lord, May I?” to settle the issue. With the wounds still fresh, and MohBad out with his diss track, Tiff, there’s a high chance we’ll have to wait like three more years for a reconciliation tour. But fingers and wallets crossed sha. 

    RECOMMENDED: 5 Celebrity Beefs That Had The Internet In Shambles

    Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay 

    Imagine going to a salon to get your edges laid, only to watch two of Nigeria’s biggest acts drag themselves by their edges? That’s the live show some people got in 2021 when Tiwa Savage went ham on Seyi Shay because she dissed her in a Kizz Daniel #fuckyouchallenge. 

    Even though these two have been real quiet about the incident for a while now, I’m sure the fans would kill to watch Tiwa Savage’s take on Irawo and Seyi Shay’s version of Kele Kele at a joint concert. 

    Ladies, what say you? 

    Omah Lay and Victony 

    BNXN and Ruger couldn’t just fake beef with each other in peace, they decided to help launch another beef between Omah Lay and Victony. While trying to defend BNXN in 2022, Omah Lay called Victony a child, and let’s just say it really made him kolomental. This beef ended up undercooked, as it didn’t even last up to a week.

    But when you think about it, the best way to show all is forgiven is by collaborating, so I’ll need Omah Lay and Victony to cook up something for the emo-lover boys this year. 

    Zlatan and DJ Cuppy 

    Bold of DJ Cuppy and Zlatan to assume I’d let them beef after they gave me my number one guilty pleasure jam, Gelato. 

    This beef went public when DJ Cuppy revealed that Zlatan had blocked her everywhere after they worked together. And to make matters worse, Zlatan denied Cuppy like Peter did Jesus when he was asked about her on a show. Ouch. 

    They’ve settled now, but we still need a follow-up to Gelato before the end of 2023. Please, do it for the culture, Florence. 

    ALSO READ: 12 Nigerian Songs You Probably Forgot Share the Same Titles

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 12 Nigerian Songs You Probably Forgot Share the Same Titles

    Have you ever heard a song title and gotten deja vu, like you’ve heard that title before? Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I heard Mavin’s Won Da Mo — Burna Boy dropped a song with the same title almost ten years earlier, in 2013. 

    Because Zikoko pays me to do weird things, I decided to hunt for more songs that share the same title, and let’s just say, the list is long. 

    Jailer 

    Even though Olamide and Asa’s songs share the same title, they couldn’t be more different from each other. While Asa spends time begging for freedom from her jailer AKA Nigeria, Olamide is in another corner begging his own jailer to suffocate him with bumbum. The interesting thing is I agree with both of them. 

    Baddest Boy 

    How do we choose the ultimate bad boy between Skibii, Davido, Banky W, Wizkid and Skales? Well, only one of these men has serious koboko, straight from Magodo. I can’t argue with bars like that. 

    Won Da Mo 

    Mavin’s Won Da Mo was one of the biggest songs of 2022, used in TikToks left, right and centre. Do you want to guess what one of the biggest songs of 2013 was? Yep, Burna Boy’s Won Da Mo. Crazy coincidence of divine alignment? 

    Kilometre or Kilometer

    If Burna Boy is British and BNXN is American, what am I? 

    All Over 

    Between Tiwa Savage wanting to “scatter the club and dance like say na fight” and Magixx willing to wait for ten years because of one person, I don’t know who this love thing was affecting the most. They really meant it when they called their songs All Over, because it’s clear they’re both down bad. 

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

    Monalisa 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmnzViCgw6A

    Everybody and their daddy knows Lojay and Sarz’s Monalisa, but what if I told you Ruger also has a song called Monalisa? While Ruger’s version might not be as popular as Lojay’s or his new song, Asiwaju, I’ll give it major props for the hilarious line, “I want to deplete your ozone layer. Give you tungba tungba”.

    Woman 

    Simi and Rema show us that there’s more than one way to hype the superior human species. While Simi takes the “Who runs the world? Girls” path with her Woman, Rema appreciates the physical attributes of the women in his life, regardless of shape or colour — even Patience Ozorkwor gets a shoutout here. 

    Born Again 

    Cruel Santino and Adekunle Gold might not have sang about giving their lives to a higher spiritual power, but at least, they got badass features from Amaarae and Fatouma Diawara respectively. If you thought any of these songs were religious, I’d tell you for free, Santino has a line that goes, “I got your jet wet”. Do with that information what you will. 

    Anoti 

    Almost 13 years after grabbing my attention for the first time with his chorus on M.I’s Fast Money, Fast Cars, Wizkid dropped Anoti, a song that shares the same title as another popular M.I song. However, if there’s one thing Wizkid’s version did, it reminds me I still don’t know the meaning of Anoti, after all these years. Any ideas? 

    Apollo

    The fact that Victony, Tay Iwar and Show Dem Camp don’t see a girl making them catch Apollo as a red flag proves that Nigerian men are the most romantic men on earth. We might do a little bit of cheating here and there, but no one comes close when it’s down to professing love. If you don’t believe me, try other men and see. 

    Energy 

    Whether it’s asking people with bad vibes to stay away, like Skepta and Wizkid on Energy (Stay Far Away), or reminding the haters that they can’t steal my power, like Runtown on Energy, all songs with the word “energy” highkey represent my mood for 2023. 

    Amin  

    Dammy Krane and Ayra Starr’s Amin are two spiritual bops sharing the same name and theme — praying and believing the best is yet to come. 

    ALSO READ: 10 Years Later: Please, What Did Mavin Record Put Inside Their Stew?

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Nigerian Music Label Collabs Ranked from Massive Hit to Chaotic Mess

    When a record label decides to put out a collaboration with most of its artists, the song either becomes a massive hit, an underwhelming miss or just a chaotic mess. From rebranded labels like Mo’Hits to artist-led labels like DMW, we ranked some of the collaborations to come out of Nigerian record labels. 

    Booty Call — Mo Hits All Stars

    Somebody needs to check on Wande Coal because it couldn’t have been easy carrying one of Mo Hits’ biggest hits on his vocal chords. Even though it’s been 15 years since Booty Call dropped, no other record label collaboration has been able to beat this iconic jam. 

    A part of me just wishes they’d been representation for small booties on this song. #LittleBootysMatter 

    Overloading — Mavin 

    Is Overloading high up my list because it’s new? Or is it high up because I still can’t get over Ayra Starr rhyming “Trips to L.A, taking photographs” with “If it’s signed by me, then it’s an autograph”? The truth is, you’ll never know. 

    Raba — G Worldwide

    Kizz Daniel might be stealing the hearts of aunties and mummies all around the world right now, but before Buga and Barnabas, Kizz was a part of G-Worldwide alongside Sugarboy. Even though the label fallout was messy AF! Their joint hit Raba will always slap like party jollof. 

    Mind — DMW 

    Davido’s DMW really had their feet on our necks in 2018. After putting out David’s If and Fall, Mayorkun’s Mama and Peruzzi’s feature on 2Face’s Amaka, DMW established itself as the label to beat. If you need a little reminder, listen to Mind again and you’d understand why 2018 was the year of DMW. 

    RECOMMENDED: Davido’s “OBO: The Genesis” Doesn’t Slap 10 Years Later, But It’s Okay

    Comment Tu T’apelle — Aristokrat Records

    You can’t talk about Burna Boy’s journey from outsider to African giant without talking about his incredible musical relationship with producer Leriq. Comment Tu T’apelle is a classic example of this relationship even though it has other scene stealers like Dammy Krane and Ozone. 

    Baddest Boy — EME Records

    After the success of Wizkid’s Superstar in 2011, Banky W went into full record label mode with EME records, putting out the label’s official compilation album, Empire Mates of Mind. While most of the songs were mid, Baddest Boy seemed to be the only collaboration that actually carried weight. 

    Pere — Mo Hits All Stars

    You know a song is special when Don Jazzy decides to bless us with his vocals. In unrelated gist, the video for Pere is very on brand for early 2000s Nigerian music videos, complete with South African scenery and light-skinned video vixens — oops, the light-skinned video vixen part hasn’t changed sha. 

    Soco — Starboy 

    Wizkid really sat down and sang “Soco-Soco” for four minutes, sixteen seconds and we didn’t riot or fight him? Ayodeji, Nigerians deserved better than this. 

    Aje — DMW

    Another DMW song that still sets the club on fire every time it comes on. 

    Get Down Tonight — EME Records 

    Get Down Tonight was as unforgettable as most of the songs on the Empire Mates of Mind album. It’s also very sus that most of the collaborations featuring the label’s biggest acts at the time didn’t feature their leading lady, Niyola. 

    Janta Manta — Mavin 

    The fact that Janta Manta even exists is a big problem for me. While I’m tempted to drag everyone on this song, I’ll leave out Reekado Banks, Di’Ja and Korede Bello because they were kids. Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince and Dr. Sid on the other hand need to pay for their crimes because what is this song? And worse, what is this video? 

    Shoro Niyen — YBNL All Stars 

    No one even remembers this song exists. That’s all I’m going to say about this. Thanks and God bless. 

    ALSO READ: Want to Feel Old? These Nigerian Songs Are Turning 10 in 2022

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Davido’s “OBO: The Genesis” Doesn’t Slap 10 Years Later, But It’s Okay

    Davido is an indisputable force when it comes to Nigerian music today. Since making a major splash in 2011 with the explosive Naeto C-assisted hit, Back When, he has cemented himself as a universal leader of new school Afrobeats, paving the way for a new generation, all while churning out back-to-back hits. 

    His last album, the 2020 closer, A Better Time, was responsible for the protest anthem, Fem, club bangers like The Best with Mayourkun and La La with Ckay, and international collaborations with Nas, Nicki Minaj and Lil Baby. His guest features have also made songs like Adekunle Gold’s High and Young Jonn’s Dada bigger hits than they would’ve been without him. 

    With over ten years in the game and multiple hits to his name, it’s still shocking that Davido has released only three albums: 2012’s Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis; 2019’s A Good Time; and A Better Time. But to be fair, it’s not that shocking, because Nigerian artists avoid albums like a biblical plague. 

    Following the massive success of Wizkid’s 2011 debut album, Superstar, 2012 was immediately set aside as the year for another hotly anticipated debut, this time, Davido’s. The anticipation was warranted, though. At the time, Davido had already put out Back When, taken over clubs with Dami Duro and killed his guest feature on Saucekid’s Carolina. 

    Playing into the image the public had given him (and, to be fair, his reality), Davido named his 17-track debut album, Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis, which means, “The child of a wealthy father.” But fans were less than thrilled with this mid body of work when the album eventually dropped. 

    RECOMMENDED: Which Nigerian Music Producer-Turned-Singer Surprised You the Most?

    To mark the album’s 10th anniversary this week, I’ve decided to revisit Davido’s musical firstborn to figure out what worked, what flopped and how it foretold the type of musician Davido is today. 

    The Breakdown

    If there’s one thing we know now, Davido is not one to back down from a fight or downplay his worth. The opening track and one of the album’s best songs, All Of You, finds him with the biggest shoulder pads you can find, singing about how he’s the best in the game. A bold statement for a 19-year-old dropping his first album. 

    For an album about being born into wealth, lyrics like “Back when I was broke yo” sound pretentious AF when Davido sings them on Back When. This doesn’t mean the song doesn’t slap, though, because it does. The first sign of a crack in the album comes up on New Skul Tinz with B-Red and Sina Rambo. Here, we find Davido and his crew trying and failing woefully to convince us they’re the next big thing. 

    The next five songs — except for Ekuro — Video, Down, No Visa with Sina Rambo and Enter The Centre with B-Red, can only be described as noise with a sprinkle of Davido’s vocals (if we can call it that). These roughly-produced songs drown out his voice and show one of his biggest flaws at the time, weak songwriting.

    Ekuro is, however, a big moment for Davido to shine as he holds his own, singing about love — the song lowkey feels like the less than perfect older sibling to songs like Jowo, 1 Milli and Assurance. 

    With Davido currently standing as one of the kings of features, it’s surprising to see his album had five features from outside his label: Back When with Naeto C, Dollars In The Bank with Kay Switch, Feel Alright with Ice Prince, For You with 2Baba and Bless Me with May D. Feel Alright, Back When and Bless Me are tolerable, Dollars In The Bank fall flat because of its weak production, while For You fails to hit the mark for a song that has Davido and 2Baba. 

    Davido tries to hit high notes on Sade, but there’s only so much autotune can do. Thankfully, his vocals on songs like Stand Strong work as evidence that in this life, you have to try and try until you succeed. The album is rounded up with the twerk anthem Gbon Gbon, where Davido exchanges actual lyrics for an unknown language (or maybe it’s just gibberish). 

    Final Thoughts

    Debut albums are either the best or worst projects on an artist’s discography. Thankfully, for Davido, it’s the latter. Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis was wild back then, and going back ten years later doesn’t make it any better. One thing it does, though, is show us just how much Davido has grown as an artist and collaborator. A feat not many of his colleagues can boast of. 

    To get the hit-making Davido we have today, we needed to experience the cringe Davido we had on this album. I’m grateful for that because it’s all about the journey in the end, and Davido’s has been nothing short of remarkable. 

    ALSO READ: Want to Feel Old? These Nigerian Albums Are Turning 10 in 2022

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Which Nigerian Music Producer-Turned-Singer Surprised You the Most?

    There’s a popular saying that goes, “The only constant thing in life is change,” and the music producers on this list embody this philosophy. 

    After making hits for some of our favourite singers behind the scenes, these producers have gone on to replicate the same (or almost the same) level of success for themselves as singers in their own rights. 

    But of all the producer-turned-singer transitions, which one shocked fans the most and which one made us go, “Oh, yeah, this makes sense”? 

    Young Jonn

    Between 2014 and 2016, almost every Olamide song started with the lines, “It’s Young Jonn, the wicked producer.” He showed his “wickedness” producing songs like Story For The Gods, Bobo, Falila Keitan and Blood Money. But nothing prepared me for his 2022 EP, Love Is Not Enough or just how much I’d be obsessed with Dada, his single with Davido. 

    While I couldn’t place a face to the name when he was producing, now I know what Young Jonn looks and sounds like when he’s singing. And let’s just say, I’m totally here for it. 

    Pheelz 

    I can’t recap 2022 without talking about how we were all shouting, “If I broke na my business!” at the top of our voices. It didn’t matter whether we were at the club or on a long queue for spicy rice at Chicken Republic, Pheelz and BNXN’s Finesse has been everywhere this year. 

    But before becoming a household name and badass performer (this video lives rent-free in my head), Pheelz was always behind the scenes and in his producer bag creating major hits like Durosoke for Olamide, Billionaire for Teni, Scatter for Fireboy DML and Pick Up for Adekunle Gold. No one was doing it like Pheelz as a producer and it looks like he’s moved that energy to his singing as well. Love it!

    Kiddominant 

    What do Orezi’s Rihanna, Davido’s Fall, Mr Eazi and DJ Neptune’s Marry and Mayorkun’s Mama all have in common? Yes, you guessed right — it’s Kiddominant’s special touch. Even though he’d churned out major hits as a producer, I was still shocked to hear his voice singing the chorus on AKA’s Fela in Versace. Since then, Kiddominant has dropped an EP and changed the spelling of his name to KDDO. 

    Nigerian artists are taking this rebranding thing seriously. 

    RECOMMENDED: We Listened and These Are the Biggest Songs of 2022 So Far

    Maleek Berry 

    Cutting his teeth behind the scenes as a UK-based producer creating bangers for  Wizkid, Maleek Berry made a big shift becoming an artist with songs like Kontrol, Eko Miami and the unforgettable Juice with Ycee. You had to be there for his 2016 EP, Last Daze of Summer. Someone needs to bring Maleek back because the streets miss his vocals for real. 

    Don Jazzy 

    Technically, we heard Don Jazzy’s voice on D’banj’s Tongolo when it dropped back in in 2005. Even though some of us thought it would be a one-time thing, as producers sometimes make vocal cameos on their songs, Don Jazzy has become one of the most sought-after Nigerian singers. And he does this while running a massive record label, producing hits for everyone from Burna Boy to Ruger, and killing it as a social media influencer.  

    Does he have two heads, or are the rest of us just lazy? These are the questions. 

    Tekno 

    Many of us didn’t even know Tekno was a producer until his career blew up as a singer. From rhyming Lagbaja with Gwagwalada on Pana to calling out all the tribal female names he could find on Duro, we’ve all come to know Tekno as a big hitmaker. But while working as an upcoming musician, Tekno produced songs for Bracket, Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince. After he “blew”, he produced If for Davido in 2017.

    Davido 

    Guys, his first hit as a producer was his own song, so it just makes sense that Davido is the least surprising producer-to-artist transition story on this list. While Davido had produced for Dammy Krane, everything changed when he dropped his debut single, Back When, and we all heard him say, “On the beat, it’s Davido.” 

    Breaking out as a producer and an artist simultaneously is a major feat. But if there was anyone who could pull it off, it had to be OBO himself. 

    ALSO READ: These Producers Helped Make Afrobeats Famous, Give Them Their Flowers

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Want to Feel Old? These Nigerian Albums Are Turning 10 in 2022

    We have one question for time: Sis, where are you running to? One minute we’re asking people for their BBM pin, and the next thing, we’re out on the streets wearing nose masks and dancing on TikTok. While we all, unfortunately, remember 2012 as the year of Ama Kip Kip and My Money Grows Like Grass t-shirts, these were some of the albums that truly defined that year. 

    OBO (Omo Baba Olowo): The Genesis — Davido 

    From the early days of “On the beat is Davido” to major worldwide tours, Davido has come a long way since his debut in 2012. OBO (Omo Baba Olowo): The Genesis was responsible for songs like Back When with Naeto C and the smash hit, Dami Duro. Davido took over with his carrot jeans, and Afrobeats has never remained the same. 

    YBNL — Olamide 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL2wgKQWjno

    Ten years and with over ten albums to his name now, Olamide has refused to drop the ball. YBNL gave us the azonto-heavy, First of All, as well as Voice of the Streets, Ilefo Illuminati and the seriously underrated International Local with Tiwa Savage. 

    Solar Plexus — Mavin 

    We were all shook when Don Jazzy confirmed that Mo’Hits Records had separated in 2012. But the shock reached a new level when Don Jazzy announced a new record label, Mavin Records, and dropped a surprise album, Solar Plexus drop later that year. Mo’Hits’ blood was still fresh on the streets when we started singing, “Take banana till you go yo.” Yes, D’Prince had the best song on this album. While Mavin has evolved over the years to become the label for stars like Ayra Starr and Ladipoe, those “Mavin activated” days were golden. 

    Blessed — Flavour 

    Flavour came in, took off his shirt, whined his waist furiously, sang about forgetting enjoyment and stole our hearts just like that. Please, fear Igbo men. Blessed is one of his best albums to date. Even today, no wedding is complete without Ada Ada, and no party can close without breaking people’s waists with Shake. I for iconic!

    RECOMMENDED: Do Nigerian Music Albums Need to Be Cohesive?

    Empire Mates State of Mind — EME All Stars 

    In 2012, no record label was complete until it dropped a compilation album. After Don Jazzy pulled up with Solar Plexus, Ebute Metta crooner, Banky W dropped Empire Mates State of Mind for his label, Empire Mates. The album included hits like Baddest Boy, Dance For Me, Roll It and Get Down Tonight. Ah, nostalgia!

    Book of Rap Stories — Reminisce 

    It’s hard not to lose your home training when Kako Bi Chicken comes on, even in 2022. Admit it. No one will judge because we’ve all been there. With Olamide and the late Dagrin blowing up street-influenced rap, Reminisce’s Book of Rap Stories came at the right time and left its mark on the music scene. 

    Above and Beyond — 2Baba Idibia 

    You had to be there. 

    Do we wish one of 2Baba’s best songs from this era, Only Me, was on Above and Beyond? Yes. But he still gave us Ihe Neme, Dancing in the Rain and the pre-Instagram-dama romantic bop, Rainbow. You have to give it to Annie’s man. He was dropping bops up and down. Come through, African king!

    Oga Boss — Ill Bliss 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VXKCzYvYpM

    Yes, kids, Ill Bliss from King of Boys is the same person responsible for street anthems like Anamachi Kwanu and Emini Baller with Chidinma. This man killed it with his album Oga Boss in 2012, and now he’s literally killing it on our screens. It’s giving range; Love it. 

    The Year of R ‘n’ B — Capital F.E.M.I 

    What happened to Capital F.EM.I? This man popped up with some Joe and Tyrese early 2000s baby-making R&B vibe and disappeared. Baby, I Got It with Eedris Abdulkareem was inescapable that year, and we thought he’d be around for much longer. Bring back grown R&B!!

    ALSO READ: Want to Feel Old? These Nigerian Songs Are Turning 10 in 2022

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Can’t Get These Slangs Out of Your Head? Blame These Artists

    You can’t talk about Nigerian slang without talking about Nigerian music. Right from time, Nigerian artists have intentionally or unintentionally coined new words or provided a platform for niche slang to make their way into regular pop culture. Zule Zoo did it with Kerewa, 2Baba did it with Nothing Dey Happen, and Olamide did it with Baddo and Who You Epp? 

    With new music dropping every day, the shelf-life of slang has reduced. So befpre the current crop of popular slangs fade away, let’s find out the artists responsible for them.

    1. E Choke 

    Yes, Shakespeare wrote about two annoying lovers who drank sniper. But did he come up with one of the most iconic slangs of all time? No. Once you like something, the first thing that comes to mind is E Choke. It could be a song or a bomb ass outfit; omo, anything can choke you these days. If you’re feeling like a baddie, follow it with E restrict airflow or Who dey breet? Once again, Davido >>>>>>>Shakespeare.

    2. Ma Fo

    Naira Marley made this slang popular with his 2019 song of the same name. Yoruba people will tell you Ma Fo means “don’t break it”, but marlians will look you in the eye and tell you it means “Don’t be intimidated or afraid”, and honestly, I’ll go with the latter. 

    3. Zazoo 

    No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative, and it gets the people going! If you know the meaning of Zazoo, please step forward and teach me. Portable, how far? Let’s run these extra moral lessons. 

    4. Opor 

    This list has so many people attached that it’s crazy. From the Naira Marley song of the same name that features Zlatan and Lil Kesh to the other Rexxie version that features Zlatan (again) and Ladipoe, collaborations with this word, omo, o por. 

    RECOMMENDED: 6 Slangs Every IJGB Needs To Learn

    5. Aza

    Making a massive comeback on features with Wizkid on Fake Love, Tiwa Savage on Lova Lova and Davido on Aza, 2018 was undoubtedly the return of Duncan Mighty. While all these songs slapped, Aza featuring the DMW was the one that introduced us to this slang. Apparently, saying the word account is too much work for us these days, so we had to shorten it. 

    6. E Be Tins 

    You’ve probably said E be tins once or twice and sighed right after if you live in Nigeria. Even though this was already common, it took Dremo making a song about it for the slang to actually stick. Truly and truly, e really be tins on the streets these days. 

    7. Gege

    You must hear someone shouting Gege anywhere you see people dancing. While its origin is debatable, it sounds like the short form of another slang, Mayorkun’s “This bread no be Agege.” If it is, then Mayrokun needs to get his flower for introducing us to this sick hype sound.  

    8. Watimagbo 

    Davido strikes again! Gen Zs have been rinsing Watimagbo and who can blame them. Dropping this gem on High with Adekunle Gold, Davido reminds us that he’s not our mate, and we should’ve heard about his doings by now. But for those who aren’t familiar, they’ll soon find out. 

    9. Gbe body e

    Nigerians love a good motivational slang, and Gbe body e provides peak motivation. Made popular by Zlatan on Killin Dem with Burna Boy, this slang provides ginger that goes beyond dancing or having fun. When life hits, it’s necessary to gbe body no matter what. 

    ALSO READ: 10 Silliest Nigerian Secondary School Slangs

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • These Producers Helped Make Afrobeats Famous, Give Them Their Flowers

    It’s easy to shout “Afrobeats to the world” and talk about all the incredible artists breaking records these days, but the truth is that Nigerian music is nothing without its producers. With new age producers like P.Prime, Niphkeys, London, and Rexxie getting the praise they deserve It’s time to give flowers to some producers who started experimenting years ago and remain relevant to this day. 

    1. Young Jonn 

    Producing back to back hits for Olamide and Lil Kesh, Young Jonn quickly earned his title as “The wicked producer”, with the hits he made during his time with YBNL still being talked about today.. You’ve got to give it to the man responsible for Bobo. 

    Hits: Mama with Kiss Daniels, Story for the Gods with Olamide, Don’t Call Me Back with Lil Kesh and Biggest Backside with Davido. 

    2. Don Jazzy 

    Do we have to say anything here? The man is Don Jazzy. That’s enough. 

    Hits: Dorobucci, Oliver Twist with D’banj, Lift Off with Jay Z, Kanye West and Beyoncé, Bounce with Rema, Surulere with Dr Sid and Eminado with Tiwa Savage. 

    3. Masterkraft 

    It’s safe to say that Masterkraft has worked with all the big names in Nigerian music, from Wizkid to Bella Shmurda. Starting out making hits for Flavour and Bracket back in the day, Masterkraft has evolved into one of the most versatile producers in Nigeria. He even makes his own music now. 

    Hits: Jasi with Banky W, Fine Lady with Lynxx and Wizkid, Ukwu with Timaya, Kwarikwa with Flavour and Hallelu with Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.

    4. Del B 

    Remember when Kcee had the world in his hands thanks to Limpopo in 2013? Del B is the producer we have to thank for that boppity bop. Famous for songs that incorporate highlife and makossa, Del B has continued to make hits year after year, Mad Over You, duh.  

    Hits: For Your Matter with Wizkid, Shake with Flavour, Reggae Blues by Harrysongs and Tilapia with Mr. Eazi. 

    RECOMMENDED: Ranked: Olamide’s Top Ten Features of All Time

    5. Shizzi 

    Shizzi is the incredible producer responsible for giving us baby Davido hits like Dami Duro and Skelewu. He also worked on Wizkid’s Love My Baby and, more recently, Beyoncé’s The Gift. It’s giving range, and we’re here for it. 

    Hits: Blow My Mind with Davido and Chris Brown, Show You Off with Wurld and Who You Epp with Olamide and Wande Coal. 

    6. D’Tunes 

    You would have had to be living under a rock in 2012 if you didn’t hear or dance to Iyanya’s Kukure. After winning project fame years before, this was the song that finally put Iyanya on our radar. Fast Forward to 2013, and Sean Tizzle’s Sho Lee had become a bonafide hit. What do these songs have in common? D’tunes. The moment you heard, “It’s D’Tunes again o”, you just knew your waist was about to be destroyed. Good times for real. 

    Hits: Your Waist with Iyanya, Mama Eh with Sean Tizzle and For My Matter with Emma Nyra. 

    7. Cobhams Asuquo 

    Can you believe the same guy who produced Catch Cold by Maintain also produced Jailer by Asa and Strong Thing by Banky W? That’s Cobhams Asuquo‘s power. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a heartbreak song to make you cry hot tears or a love song to make your enemies say, “God, when?” When it comes to emotions, Cobhams is your guy. 

    Hits: If You Ask Me with Omawunmi, Ego with Djinee, No Lele with Dekunle Fuji and Iyawo Mi with Timi Dakolo.

    8. Spax

    Show Dem Camp has always been on another level when it comes to ballsy rap music. And while they teased us with Feel Alright in 2013, nothing prepared us for 2018’s Palmwine Music Vol.1, and we have Spax to thank for that. Known for blurring the lines between alté and pop, Spax has created magic with everyone from rap kings like Lynxx and M.I to new stars like Tems and Oxlade. 

    Hits: Up to You with Show Dem Camp and Funbi, Marry Me with Falz and Yemi Alade, DKT with Oxlade and Damages with Tems.

    9. Legendary Beatz

    If these two decide to retire and invest in Akara or Crypto, we won’t be surprised. Do you know what it means to be the group behind hits like Ojuelegba and Essence? These two not only produced Wizkid’s biggest hits, they indirectly produced two of Nigeria’s biggest hits. That’s on periodt! 

    Hits: Caro with L.A.X and Wizkid, Ibadi with MayD, Take Care of Me with Skales and Crazy with Seyi Shay and Wizkid. 

    10. Sarz

    When Sarz says he’s not your mate, you better believe him. From the moment he dropped Beat of Life (Samba) with Wizkid in 2013, we knew this guy would be a big problem. Since then, he has worked alongside Niniola to make Afrohouse a thing with hits like Maradona, also producing songs for Drake and Beyoncé. When he’s not dropping thirst traps these days, he’s dropping mad ass EPs with artists like Obongjayar, Lojay and Wurld. 

    Hits: Come Closer with Wizkid and Drake, Bad Energy with Skepta and Wizkid, MAD with Wurld, If You Say with Obonjayar and Monalisa with Lojay. 

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

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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

    People often refer to Shakespeare as one of the greatest writers of all time, but did he write Watimagbo? No. 

    After careful research and deep thought, we’ve decided to throw Davido’s name into the mix as the best thing to happen to lyricism. With the Baddest Boy remix currently taking over social media, it’s only right we have this conversation now. These lyrics serve as evidence that no one is seeing David Adeleke when it comes to this songwriting thing. 

    1. “Light me up o Faraday” — Champion Sound 

    Who needs a whole Ministry of Education when David is out here dishing out knowledge for free? A little physics lesson here dears, the Faraday referenced in this song is Michael Faraday, the father of electricity and the first person to build an electric generator. Bet you didn’t know that. Come through, Prof. David.  

    2. “If nothing lasts forever o, me and you we go be nothing forever o” — Flora my flawa

    This one is elite mathematics. Everyone says, “Nothing lasts forever,” and our guy, David, wants his relationship to last forever. So it only makes sense that they become nothing. 

    3. “When I look into your eyes all I see is your waist” — D&G 

    Omo x1000. We tried our best but this time, the math isn’t mathing. David, you wrote D&G, please, come and explain yourself.

    4. “You go chop Nigerian koboko, straight from Magodo” — Baddest Boy Remix

    We know what koboko means in this context, but why is it from Magodo? We’re going to need Magodo residents to explain this one. Is the koboko from Magodo a different type? What’s going on? We have so many questions.

    5. “Wake up and jump-start. I go chop you like oha” — High

    Oha is one of the sweetest soups on planet Earth — if you don’t believe us, argue with your taste buds. That being said, if anybody offers to eat you like oha, please carry your slippers and run because when they finish, omo, nothing will remain o. 

    6. “Shukura ki lo kosi o, Shuku shaker, Aya shoemaker” — FIA

    This is one line that lives rent free in our heads. No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative. It gets the people going. 

    7. “Love is sweet o. When money enter love is sweeter” — Assurance 

    Where’s the lie? Saying “I love you” is cute and all,  but you know what makes love better? Credit alerts, private jets and creamy pasta. You know it, we know it.  

    8. “Baby no feeding bottle” — Nwa Baby

    There are two types of babies, and on Nwa Baby, we find our fave lyrical genius doing his best to make sure you know the baby he’s referring to is his lover, not a child. Overraw best in English. 

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Want to Feel Old? These Nigerian Songs Are Turning 10 in 2022

    It’s crazy how time flies. One minute you’re enjoying free food from your parents and the next thing you know, you’ve signed your soul off to become a slave to capitalism *deep negro sigh* As we get settled into the new year, we thought it’d be fun to take a little nostalgic trip down memory lane. Here’s a list of 10 songs that made 2012 memorable. 

    1. Dami Duro — Davido 

    Can you believe it’s been over 10 years since we heard “On the beat is Davido” for the first time? Wow. We’re officially old? While Back When introduced us to the baby-faced superstar in 2011, it was Dami Duro that solidified his spot as a game-changer and future leader of the afrobeats movement. 

    2. First of All — Olamide 

    If there’s one thing Nigerians know how to do, it’s “borrowing” a genre and doing it so well you might forget its original owner. Before amapiano, Nigerians copied the Azonto style of dance and music from our brothers and sisters in Ghana. A dark time also marked by “My Money Grows Like Grass” shirts and carrot jeans, this Olamide song was a major moment in 2012. Over 10 albums later (and one or two amapiano songs to his name), Olamide remains one of the most consistent artists in the game. 

    3. Kukere — Iyanya

    This song was a classic case of when it’s your time, it’s your time. Iyanya was the undisputed breakout star of 2012 and this song was so inescapable, there’s a high chance your grandma might know the words. While he hasn’t been able to top his massive breakout hit, we still spy shirtless Iyanya once in a while on social media and honestly, we can’t complain. 

    4. Like to Party — Burna Boy 

    Before the African Giant title, Outsiders fan base and Grammy Award, Burna Boy was just a cute guy in a colourful vintage shirt and round glasses looking to have a good time. If someone had told us the Like to Party guy would become one of the biggest stars out of Africa, we would have told them to jump into the lagoon. These days, when he’s not touring the world, our fave is constantly saying problematic shit on social media. God save us. 

    5. Ihe Neme — Tuface Idibia 

    Did we understand half of the lyrics in this song? No. Did we dance to it like our lives depended on it? Yes. Is Tuface Idibia an icon? Yes. Well, enough said. 

    6. Chop My Money (Remix) — PSquare 

    The fact that we were singing this song knowing fully well that we had zero money to be consumed still cracks me up. Money? Where is it, dear? PSquare was in their bag when this song dropped. Back then, getting a feature with artists like Akon was like scoring a Grammy nomination. How times have changed. Even though they had a messy breakup, our fave twins are back together again. Mary Slessor would be proud. 

    7. Kako Bi Chicken — Reminisce 

    When Reminisce popped up on the scene, no one was doing it like him. Yes, we had Olamide and before that, we had Dagrin and Jazzman Olofin, but no one delivered with ginger and cockiness like Reminisce. While Reminisce might have transitioned into a Netflix baddie, Kako Bi Chicken remains a classic in our books. 

    8. Beat of Life — Sarz & Wizkid 

    10 years later and we’re not sure we know what “Samba” means. However, if there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that this song was and still is a bonafide hit. What is Sarz up to these days? Well, our fave is still dropping hits, left, right and centre (Monalisa, duh). 

    9. Kedike — Chidinma 

    Remember when Chidinma still sang “worldly” music? Good times. This song was such a hit, Chidinma changed her name to Miss Kedike, because why not? From project fame to the top of the chart to Nollywood and now whatever she’s doing next, it’s safe to say Chidinma has lived many lives. 

    10. Omo Pastor — Ajebutter22 & BOJ

    Before the alté movement became a salient part of the musical conversation in Nigeria, artists like Ajebutter22 and BOJ were already shifting the narrative surrounding Nigerian music. We didn’t know what alté meant at the time, but we noticed that this song came with a different vibe. A decade later and songs like this are quickly becoming the norm. We love to see it. 

    Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We feel old too.

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 5 Celebrity Beefs That Had The Internet In Shambles

    Nothing gets the internet going like a hot and spicy celebrity showdown. From Olamide dividing Lagos into two (one for him and the other for Don Jazzy) to Wizkid dragging Davido by his invisible edges by likening his voice to that of a frog, the internet has given us some of the most hilarious beefs of the decade. 

    Olamide vs. Don Jazzy (2016)

    Remember the time Olamide banned Don Jazzy from the mainland and told him to #LeaveTrashForLawma? We do too! This beef which started at the 2015 Headies after Reekado Bankz (Mavin) won the next rated award over Lil Kesh (YBNL), was one of the biggest celebrity showdowns we’ve witnessed in real-time, and probably the last time people tuned in to watch that award show. The beef was so bad it got reactions from both Dangote and Obasanjo. Talk about impact! Who can forget the shady DJ who kept dropping diss tracks after each opponent made his point? 

    PSquare vs. PSquare vs. The Other Okoye Brother (2017)

    Nollywood always hammered on the saying “Blood is thicker than water”, but in  2017, after many years of wowing audiences around the world with their love songs and dance moves, PSquare decided to break up and go their separate ways. But instead of keeping it classy, the brothers (and their other non-singing brother, Jude) dragged each other for filth on the interwebs. And in typical Nigerian fashion, their wives ended up catching stray bullets as agents of discord. While they recently reunited to post their bank account details and collect money on Twitter, fans are still holding out hope for a musical reunion. 

    Wizkid vs. Davido (2017)

    Davido made fun of Wizkid for shooting his Come Closer video with an invisible Drake, and Wizkid called him “frog voice”. Wizkid went on to call Davido a “local artist”, to which Davido responded with a major flex, an American passport (God when?). The whole thing was so chaotic we enjoyed every single bit of it. 

    Tiwa Savage vs. Seyi Shay (2021)

    Imagine going to the salon to get your hair done and then getting front row seats to the biggest celebrity showdown of 2021? A prime example of “maintaining the same energy offline”, the whole shebang happened when, after allegedly dissing Tiwa in a track, Seyi Shay decided to form familiarity at a salon. In a world star move, Tiwa called bullshit and proceeded to drag Seyi Shay by her edges.  

    Burna vs. Davido (2020)

    It’s hard to pinpoint the origin of this beef. One minute, Burna Boy is attributing Davido’s success to daddy’s money, next thing, there’s a full-on wrestling match in a Ghanaian club. From Fem to Way Too Big, these two have been subbing each other for a while now. The pettiest part has to be when Davido posted a picture with Wizkid which he tagged “The two greatest of all time, no cap.” And we all know how Burna gets when his “African giant” status is not recognized. If you don’t get this, ask Coachella. 

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 8 Ways To Make Davido Share His Giveaway Money With You

    In case you haven’t heard, Davido jokingly asked his fans to send him money. He didn’t even mention “fans” per se. Here’s what he said:

    And in less than one hour, he has received close to 73 million naira.

    Let’s face it: this can never be your portion or my portion. It’s not a curse oh, but who have you given a hit song that will send you this amount of money? Where is your Anon? Ordinary 2k that you asked your followers, they did “eyes right” and aired you like a dirty rug.

    The solution to this is to find a way to make Davido share his giveaway with you. At all at all na im bad pass. Even if you get 5k out of his 73m, it is still something. Now follow our advice so you can secure your own bag. Hurry now before the door of favour closes.

    1. If you’ve ever insulted Davido, start deleting your tweets.

    funke-akindele-a-whole-mood-3 | Zikoko!

    You never know when the devil will arise on top your case. Tweets that you made out of jest, haters will pull them up and say that you are an enemy of Davido. And that has disqualified you. May we not use our hands to tweet away our blessings. Amen?

    2. TELL HIM YOUR NAME IS FLORA!

    Davido has a song called “Flora My Flawa.” You ought to know this if you want to share his bag with him. So, better start telling him now that you are the Flora he sang about. Enter his DMs on Instagram, Twitter and even Facebook. Reply every post by asking, “Davido, Flora your flawa is withering. I am dying. Please water me with money.” By the time you frustrate his life, he will give you small change.

    3. Tattoo his face on your body.

    Crazy! Fan gets tattoo of pop superstar on his chest | Pulse Nigeria

    Choose a very conspicuous spot. You can tattoo him on your back, or between your breasts or on your upper arm. Now post that picture everywhere until you secure interviews in every major gossip blogs in Nigeria. Shame will catch him and he will decide to give you money so you can rest. And if he doesn’t give you anything, don’t cry. Try the next step.

    4. Tell him your owo ori is just 100k.

    He kuku said it in “1 Milli” that if your bride price (owo ori) is 1 million dollars, he would pay it. Help him to beat the price down. Tell him it’s just 100k pere, and you can collect the payment in instalments. 10k for 10 weeks. Don’t worry, he won’t demand to marry you. He already has enough pretty women to deal with.

    5. Lie that you went to the same school and that you were best friends.

    Just come online and say that you and Davido attended the same secondary school and that you lost contact after your father was posted to Ougadougou to fight in the Kutupakutupa war, and that you did not have any internet, so you couldn’t locate him. Say that you wrote plenty letters, but they returned unread. Davido is kind-hearted, he might even invite you to his place to confirm your story. Once you are alone with him in private, just fall down to your knees and start telling him about your generational poverty. You will leave there with nothing less than 1 million naira. E sure me die.

    6. Pray and fast.

    Invoke the help of God. This should be your prayer point, “My father my father, I want to reap where I did not sow. The same way you denied King Xerxes rest until he answered Mordecai’s call for help is the same way you should deny Davido rest. Let him not sleep or eat until he shares that money with me.” Speak in tongues and pray naked. God will probably answer you because He doesn’t want to see your filthy nakedness.

    7. And if prayer doesn’t work, use juju.

    9 Babalawo ideas | african, african art, bead work

    Davido’s real name is David Adedeji Adeleke. Herbalists usually require the full name. Do with that information what you will.

    8. And if everything fails completely, take Hauwa’s advice.

    When you secure that bag, don’t forget to give us our cut, otherwise we will tell the whole world what we cooked that burned the whole house down.

    [donation]

    Kunle Ologunro

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  • We Ranked Davido’s Top Five Collaborations


    Davido is without a doubt one of the most successful Nigerian artists, possibly of all time. He has the bops and career milestones to prove it and one of the hallmarks of a truly amazing artist is their ability to collaborate with another artist and give you magic. Throughout his career, Davido has done this repeatedly but these five songs where Davido collaborated with another artist (or multiple artists) are some of the very best of his career.

    5. The Best featuring Mayorkun

    First of all, this song was haunting me. Any and everywhere I turned to, this song was playing. For me to listen to a song that much and still love it the way I love this bop rarely happens and that’s just a testimony to how good it is.

    4. Sweet In The Middle featuring Wurld, Naira Marley and Zlatan

    Like everyone, I am a sucker for a good party or club banger and this is one hell of a banger. I think why I’ll put this ahead of some of Davido’s other collaborations is that while it is very much perfect for a party or a club, it also is great for some solo listening.

    3. D&G ( featuring Summer Walker)

    This is the song that gave us the iconic line ‘when I look into your eyes, all I see is your waist’. Whoever wrote that line needs all the songwriting awards that exist on this planet. Even though I giggle whenever I hear this line and I laugh at how loud Davido is as he shouts this at Summer Walker, I have to admit it is a crazy good song with a whole lot of replay value.

    2. Know Your Worth (Khalid, Disclosure, Davido, Tems)

    This song is crazy good. The fact that this song isn’t bigger or more popular than it is makes me sad because I genuinely believe that it is one of the best collaborations of 2020 and all four collaborators put their best foot forward and created a truly amazing bop.

    1. Holyground ft Nicki Minaj

    I frankly didn’t see a Davido and Nicki Minaj collaboration coming so when this dropped I was genuinely pleased as well as shocked. I have no idea what ‘if she was a city, she be Timbukutu’ is supposed to mean but part of the appeal of Davido is not understanding half of the lyrics and just enjoying the bop. That’s what I do and it works for me.

    Desmond

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  • QUIZ: Only True Davido Fans Will Get More Than 10 Right

    Since Davido’s come back with the “If” single, he has been on a roll. Following up with back to back singles, and the fire A Good Time album. With the release of his latest album A Better Time, everyone is naturally claiming to be a day one Davido fan.

    Davido A Better Time

    This quiz will separate true day one fans from people trying to ride the wave.

    You should try this next: QUIZ: Can You Get 17/22 On This ‘Nigerian Musicians’ A–Z Quiz?

    [donation]

    Hassan Yahaya

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  • #BumpThis: Davido, Mr Eazi & Wande Coal All Dropped Potential Hits

    There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.

    Davido — “FEM”

    Following the success of his outstanding sophomore album, A Good Time, Davido is now gearing up to drop his third LP, the promisingly titled A Better Time.

    For his first single off the upcoming project, the Napji-produced “FEM”, the afropop juggernaut sends a clear and concise message to his hoard of haters: “Shut the hell up”.

    Mr Eazi & Major Lazer — “Oh My Gawd’ ft. Nicki Minaj & K4MO

    One of Nigeria’s hardest-working stars, Mr Eazi has dropped a number of solid singles this year, from the stellar “Kpalanga” to the infectious “I No Go Give Up On You”

    Now, he’s back with “Oh My Gawd”,  a vibrant track that feels primed to be his biggest hit yet, thanks to major assists from Major Lazer and the always impressive Nicki Minaj.

    Wande Coal — “Check”

    After dropping some of the best tracks he’s had in years, Wande Caal has now released his new EP, Realms, which includes three previously heard singles and three new songs.

    Out of the three new tracks, the one that instantly stands out is the dynamic “Check” — a song that greatly benefits from sounding like an amalgamation of the old Wande hits we all fell in love with.

    NerdEfiko

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  • QUIZ: Can You Unscramble These Nigerian Artists In 2 Minutes?

    There are a lot of Nigerian musicians doing great stuff. For this quiz, we’ve unscrambled 14 of them. How quickly can you unscramble them before you run out of time?

    Pro-tip: Don’t spend too much time on any question.

    Good luck:

    Hassan Yahaya

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  • #BumpThis: Tiwa Savage & Davido Are A Perfect Pair On “Park Well”

    There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.

    Tiwa Savage — “Park Well’ ft. Davido

    Following a string of very solid singles, Tiwa Savage has finally released her third studio album, Celia, and it’s quite easily the best thing the afropop star has ever put out.

    Cohesive and honest, Celia finds Tiwa Savage at the peak of her abilities, both as a singer and a songwriter. It’s also the rare album without a single wasted feature — everyone, from Sam Smith to Naira Marley, delivers.

    The song that most exemplifies everything that works about this album is the Davido-assisted “Park Well”. Both stars make such a perfect pair, it’s shocking it took this long for a collaboration to happen in the first place.

    NerdEfiko

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  • #BumpThis: Khalid, Davido & Tems’ “Know Your Worth (Remix)”

    There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.

    Khalid — “Know Your Worth (Remix)” ft. Davido & Tems

    A few months ago, Khalid teamed up with Disclosure for “Know Your Worth” — their second collaboration following their Grammy-nominated hit, “Talk”. Now, they’ve enlisted Davido and Tems for an unexpected remix.

    On the electro-r&b original, Khalid sings about a woman stuck in a shitty relationship. The message remains the same on the remix, with Disclosure adding afropop elements to the stellar production work.

    While Davido doesn’t get a lot to do on the remix, he still delivers, but it’s Tems who gets to really shine. Her inimitable voice blends beautifully with Khalid’s, making for a remix that never feels unnecessary.

    NerdEfiko

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  • #BumpThis: DMW’s “Mafa Mafa” & Oxlade’s “Weakness”

    There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.

    DMW — “Mafa Mafa” ft. Davido, The Flowolf, Peruzzi & Dremo

    At least once a year, Davido’s star-making label, DMW assembles a bunch of its strongest players to deliver a definitive banger. For 2020, that track is the Nakademus-produced “Mafa Mafa”.

    On party-starter, which sounds like it could be a Naira Marley hit, everyone involved comes correct. While Davido surprises by impressively switching up his flow, it’s Dremo that ends up stealing the entire show.

    Oxlade — “Weakness”

    Oxlade, a rising star seemingly incapable of dropping a mediocre track, just released his debut project, Oxygen. While all its 6 tracks are expectedly stellar, the obvious standout is definitely “Weakness”.

    On the song, Oxlade sings about a blatantly toxic relationship. While he admits to knowing that the object of his affections is no good for him, he also shows no interest in leaving.

    NerdEfiko

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  • QUIZ: Who Should Sing The Soundtrack To Your Life?

    Ever heard a song and related to it on every level? Well, that’s the power of music. So, based on what’s truly important to you at the moment, we’ve created a quiz that shows you which Nigerian artist is most equipped to create the soundtrack to your life.

    Take to find out

    NerdEfiko

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