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  • First Half of 2024: 10 Hot Songs by 10 Rising Nigerian Artists

    With few remarkable projects churned in the year, Nigerian music’s first six months of 2024 ended with an impressive note of the underground sound. Some of our favourite songs so far have come from up-and-coming artists. So, we shortened our listening history to ten of the hottest jams released from January to June by rising Nigerian artists.

    My Dealer — Kaestyle feat. Omah Lay

    The culture of smoking in Nigeria now perches class with an expensive cannabis strain called Canadian Loud. Kaestyle and Omah Lay crush their inner thoughts, feelings and stress into a blazing escape. My Dealer is more of than a stoner anthem; it’s about vices and escapism.

    Dealer — Ayo Maff feat. Fireboy DML

    Whether it’s a youthful exuberance, drug epidemic or mental awareness, Ayo Maff and Fireboy DML beautifully portray the emotional wreckage of the average Nigerian youth. They can’t wait for a new day to break; their first to-do is to call their dealer to fix what they think is broken. This song’s popularity among young Nigerians is all you need to know about our culture of substance indulgence. Sweet jam still.

    Instagram — Muyeez feat. Seyi Vibez

    Muyeez’s self-titled EP is still pulsating in the streets. But his first single Instagram is where the heart is. It’s cute, holla-at-your-boy-esque and stuns with a Seyi Vibez verse. The song gets one in a hyper sing-along mode; then an afterthought hits that Muyeez would likely serve punishments for being too young to say these lyrics in an African household. But it’s playing everywhere and will be in steady rotation throughout the year. He has his talent, distinctive voice, and charisma to thank for this.

    https://youtu.be/pViYv9qwVLk?si=qEcVGFOor546kdK8

    Wells Fargo — TML Vibez

    TML Vibez released Wells Fargo the same day Muyeez released Instagram, both as part of the rollout for the “Vibez Incorporation Mixtape Volume 1” project. Wells Fargo is a hustler’s anthem, echoing the ethos of street hustlers and scammers on a grand, slowed-down, pop-kissed Fuji production dangling in Maracas.

    DWS — TDB feat. VRSD and Droxx

    This Drill music collaboration is nature-threatening. DWS (short for Don’t Want Smoke) shells out a smug hook and three rounds of shootout verses by rappers TDB, VRSD and Droxx. Their delivery is potent; it’s fade-to-black for whoever looks for these guys’ smoke, AKA trouble.

    Better — Bizzonthetrack feat. Malik Abdul

    In Better, Bizzonthetrack and Malik Abdul remind us that there’s no life better than yours, but you mustn’t forget you’re not as special as the next man. Life lessons and a good time all in one song—inject it.

    Sakura — ShineTTW

    On Sakura, ShineTTW sings in a self-possessed and breathy soprano about devotion to romance and intimate bedroom activities in Afrobeats. He’s a rising Afropop artist currently popping in the Lagos music scene. With Sakura, Hiiii and a few other definitive tracks on his EP, “THE CHOSEN ONE EP”, ShineTTW shows readiness for a bigger audience.

    Left Right — Keys the Prince

    Although Yinka Ayefele’s Tota E Mole, the interpolated song on Left Right, is about fighting spiritual warfare, Keys the Prince’s song stomps on haters just to flex on them. It’s a bop.

    Life of the Party — oSHAMO

    It’s a turn-up on oSHAMO’s Life of the Party. From signal to the opposite gender to money-spending and subtle broke-shaming, this jam’s an active Friday night for ballers in an audio form.

    Quarter Life Crisis — Toyé

    If you’re stagnant and left behind or worried about your progress and life trajectory, Toyé speaks for you on Quarter Life Crisis. Instead of making the song an extension of your brooding, Toyé’s single lightheartedly lifts the spirit in optimism.

    Listen here:

    Tomide Marv

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  • QUIZ: Can You Guess these Naija Artists’ States of Origin?

    Take the quiz:

    Wizkid

    Tomide Marv

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  • Maybe these Naija Artists Use ChatGPT Too

    You might be wrong if you think the tone, wordy, complex sentences and repetitive structure of ChatGPT text flourish only in research papers and formal documents.

    Have you heard ambiguous Nigerian song lyrics or the ones that read straight out of an AI generator? Let’s delve into it.

    Boy Spyce

    Despite getting curved by “Folake”, Boy Spyce still made a song titled after his crush to express his feelings to her. The song takes a turn when he starts to flatter the babe. Instead of calling her his dream babe, Boy Spyce goes “Automatic, aromatic, acrobatic, diplomatic, cinematic” We may have a new son of Afrobeats won our hand, and its name shall be Afro-Grammar. 

    Anendlessocean

    Anendlessocean’s love for words is as endless as the ocean in his name. Every album, the good brother let us know he’s a word freak without saying he’s a word freak. Even when he says seemingly simple things like “Infinity ” and a “ten-side polygon”, he uses a plethora of wonderful words to express them. E.g “Apeirogon” and “Decagon”. 

    M.I Abaga

    Let’s put concept albums aside, nothing screams “I hired ChatGPT for my album, look at my titles now” than M.I’s “A Study On Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl”. The song titles also read like daily motivational messages. E.g “I Believe In You, You Too, Should Believe In You.”

    Vector

    I love VEC, but when he starts getting “deep” on songs, the listener can get lost in the sauce. Exhibit A: “If I fail because you fail to see / Then it’s very clear that one of us failed, it’s you or me”?

    He said if we don’t understand, that’s our problem.

    Wizkid

    If Wizkid and ChatGPT have one thing in common, it’s repetition. Wiz has said “She tell me say” on songs multiple times that, I’m wondering when GPTZero —  the AI writing detector — will finally have his time and say “song already exists.”

    These Are the Greatest Afrobeats Albums According to ChatGPT

    Tomide Marv

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  • Is There An Industry for Older Artists?

    When Nigerian artists, especially rappers, get older, an uncommunicated hiatus or retirement lurks around — impacts of personal decisions and the fickle nature of an industry that lives in the moment.

    But should whatever new music they make remain in the vault indefinitely because they’re no longer the rave of the moment? Will anyone give them any time of the day if they release new music?

    Let’s look at these issues, using Nigerian Hip-Hop artists as case studies, in this piece.

    In-between the general banter and check-in between Vector tha Viper, Sinzu and Ikechukwu in a recent 11-minute long screen-recorded IG live video, the three rap veterans discussed their status as older artists and renewed focus to make more music. The core of their conversation bench-presses on this year’s Nigerian unofficial watchword: “No gree for anybody”, which can be colloquially interpreted as “to stand on business.”

    Evidently, these three rappers are standing on business: Sinzu is posting new music snippets, Ikechukwu released a new album, “O.G.Unkle.Killz” on March 15, and Vector, who hasn’t stopped releasing music in the last six years, is ready to go harder.

    During the IG live, Sinzu mentioned that Gen Zs act like they don’t know him, which is almost true. Sinzu (FKA Sauce Kid) hasn’t been in the spotlight in almost a decade, not since his 2017 run-in with the law in the U.S. His last EP went by without a noise in 2021. On the other hand, another colleague put out a project without much care for Gen Z’s acceptance. Breeze, a song on Ikechukwu‘s new album has been labelled a fresh breath of air since its release.

    But I think that instead of being hyper-focused on Gen-Z, OGs should direct their energy to their dedicated fans. They’re familiar with the brand and will listen to the music as long as it’s great. While life, family and other things may take priority, if a released music resonates, new fans will pick it on the way. In November 2023, Reminisce released “Alaye Toh Se Gogo”, seven years after his last album. Fans’ demand inspired the project and the reception he’s since received has surpassed his expectation. Four years after “ILLY CHAPO X”, rapper Illbliss put out a new album, “Sideh Kai” in February 2024. Modenine is still active and catering to the fans who enjoy his art.

    The “small” matters of finance and profitability can’t be ruled out, though. Nigeria is a poor country and has no industry structure and funds for OGs to stand on. Here, people make money when they are on top. Diminished star power and fanbase and intangible streaming revenues aren’t enough fallback options either.  In markets like the U.S., artists can do 500-1000-capacity halls because investment in infrastructure supports them — Older international acts like Sisqo can still go on tour simply because there’s a structure to cater for him. The opposite is the reality that plagues the elderly class of contemporary Nigerian music.

    There’s no need for OGs to force or recreate what they were widely known for anymore. Identity crisis, fear of ageism and criticism should go out the window. No one will be on top forever. But the grace is always there. The veterans may not be popping like they used to but their core fans — their community — will always listen.

    The realisation and acceptance of everything above comes with an openness to tell new stories in tune to their current reality. This has played out in the case of Reminisce who’s embraced fatherhood since “Baba Hafusa” till “Alaye Toh Se Gogo,” which talks about getting older, navigating relevance and putting on the next generation of artists.

    Illbliss’ “Sideh Kai” is a testament to giving back to his fans and importantly, being a family man and a dad. Vector and M.I have also been on self-discovery yet triumphant journeys— it’s clear in the content of their new music. This openness pushes their art to more impact and opens them to more interpretations. This is the only way they’ll possibly make music that gets finer with their age.

    The beauty of making music at an old(er) age is rooted in the purpose and passion of the artist. So, instead of worrying about investing in streaming farms to push albums like Ikechukwu jestingly said on the IG live, he should double down on the newly found purpose that’s fuelling his passion.

    As we go deeper into the year, more veteran artists should quit watching on the sidelines and get back into the game. Not to prove a point or dump stashes of stale music on us, but to find love in what they do again. People are still cheering.

    We Wondered Where These Nigerian Artists Are, So We Went Digging

    Tomide Marv

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  • The Other Side of the Radio: 7 Nigerian Acts With New Sounds

    We came into 2024 demanding for new sounds, a breakaway from Amapiano for good. And last week, a rising singer named taves went viral with his pop-alt singles Folake and Bodija, which people called a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian music space.

    The clamour for more unconventional music set us into action to bring you some of the other new artists that aren’t on your radar.

    Wapo

    Wapo’s music sounds like a big, shiny disco ball in a large ballroom. One can clearly hear his experimentation with African rhythms, ‘80s pop and R&B on songs like No White Tees, Bleed and Walk on Water. Wapo’s music is similar to Runtown’s recent album, “Signs”. His latest, “Afraid of the Dark”, is heavy on synth and fearful emotions like he’s running through the dark woods. His music is an interesting and comfortable deviation from the formulaic logdrums the Afrobeats industry is plagued with.

    Odenose

    Are you looking for a genre mixologist? Odenose (formally OD) is the answer. From jazz to hip-hop to spoken word, neo-soul and afrobeats, the Abuja-based musician is capable of blending genres into a refreshing African music cocktail. Let her recent album “MissChief” lead you into endless flavours of Afro-fusion and live instruments.

    Seanmichael Ike

    It’s time to discard the family situation that turned the lights on Seanmichael Ike and shift the focus on his artistry. He’s a singer-songwriter making the chill Afropop of a shy and hopeless romantic with enough rizz to steal people’s babes. While we wait for his 2024 releases, his songs, Shy Shy and Stargirl, are good places to start.

    Bagetti

    Entering into 2024, Jonzing introduced its latest signee, Bagetti, with Hard Girl, and it’s now a viral TikTok jam. On March 12, she followed up with Dawn, the last single before her debut EP drops on March 15. Bagetti explores familiar territories like dancehall and Afropop, but her confident and non-conforming delivery make the difference.

    Tega Ethan

    Tega Ethan is an Ibadan-based singer-songwriter and guitarist making records about love, longing, hope and other fleeting emotions. If you’re looking for some delicious poetry and soundtracks that say a lot without saying too much, Tega’s music is where it’s at.

    Modim

    Modim has found a way to synthesise Afrobeats, African folklore and alternative rock into one electrifying performance. Complex guitar riffs, evocative vocals, thoughtful lyrics interspersed with local stories, and catchy hooks make his music wholesome. Songs like Eko Meji, Eni Aráyé and Emini Nii will light up any stage if given a moment.

    Ayo Maff

    Street-pop music constantly breaks the stereotype that its artists have to be rogues and good-for-nothings. Ayo Maff’s take on it goes far beyond the penchant for street upbringing and hustle life; he poignantly sings about his background, dreams, fears, deceased loved ones and the lives of ordinary men. Ayo Maff isn’t political, but he sounds very much like the “voice of the people”.

    Tomide Marv

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  • QUIZ: Only Cultured Nigerians Can Correctly Identify These Music Groups

    Music groups may be be popular thing in Nigeria right now, but some guys dropped hits like Yori Yori, Olori Oko and many more. Which of them do you remember?

    Take the quiz:

    Tomide Marv

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  • 5 Nigerian Songs that Birthed Myths

    Growing up, you may have heard the story of a Nigerian artist who made rain fall with a song. Or the one whose song was inspired by a mermaid. 

    We can’t confirm if these are true or not, but we can research other songs which also had myths attached to them.

    Guitar Boy — Sir Victor Uwaifo

    Sir Victor Uwaifo made ‘Guitar Boy’ in 1966. The late artist stated in an interview that he once had an encounter with a mermaid at the Bar Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos. True or not, the story has gone far, and many people think the song title is “Mami Water” instead of Guitar Song.

    Send Down the Rain — Majek Fashek

    The legend of Majek Fashek is hugely attached to his 1987 hit ‘Send Down the Rain.’ A year after the song’s release, Nigeria recorded an average annual precipitation of 121.6cm, making it the second rainiest year in the 1980s. The heavy rainfall came at that time the song was at its peak, so many people considered the song prophetic.

    Esubiribiri Ebomi — King Sunny Ade

    This song was King Sunny Ade’s protest anthem when he had label issues with Bolarinwa Abioro in 1974. The legend says that each time King Sunny Ade touched the guitar, he was “struck by madness.” And then on the record, he chanted incantations that hinted at defiance.

    If I Die — Da Grin

    After the success of Da Grin’s first album CEO (2009), the rapper went mainstream. While preparing to release his sophomore album, he put out ‘If I Die’ —  a song about death.

    A few months after the song’s release, the rapper passed away in a car crash. His death made the public believe ‘If I Die’ was Da Grin’s premonition of his own demise.

    Osondi Owendi Remake — MC Loph

    In 2011, rapper MC Loph did a contemporary remake of ‘Osondi Owendi,’ originally made by highlife music legend Osita Osadebe. There was a rumour that Osita’s family forbade MC Loph from using the song, but he did anyway. Although the song shot the rapper into the limelight, it wasn’t for long. He died in a car accident later in 2011, and many remarked it was a consequence of going against the Osadebe family.

    If You Are Old Enough to Remember These Popular Hearsays About Nigerian Songs, Take This Quiz

    Tomide Marv

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  • QUIZ: Are You Old Enough to Remember These Popular Hearsay About Nigerian Songs?

    Let’s test your attitude to rumours.

    Tiwa Savage once dedicated a sexy song called ____ to Jesus?

    Hey! The third episode of our Valentine Special out. We brought back two best friends to share how their relationship has evolved in the last five years. Watch below:

    Tomide Marv

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  • QUIZ: How Well Do You Know the Nigerian Music Fandom Names?

    Psst! Have you seen our Valentine Special yet? We brought back three couples – one now with kids, one now married and the last, still best friends – to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years. Watch the first episode below:

    Tomide Marv

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  • QUIZ: Can You Remember The First Albums These Artists Released?

    Are you a big music lover and you think you’ve rinsed every album Nigerian artists have put out? Show us if you remember these guys’ debuts.

    Take the quiz:

    Psst! Have you seen our Valentine Special yet? We brought back three couples – one now with kids, one now married and the last, still best friends – to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years. Watch the first episode below:

    Tomide Marv

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  • Bump This: 7 New Drops to Help You Relax Into the Weekend

    Another Friday, another day of fresh music releases. We handpicked the seven most chill drops to enjoy this weekend.

    Listen here:

    PALMWINE IN A BENZ — 02Morse

    Don’t be disappointed if this song doesn’t welcome you with the Highlife guitar riffs we’ve come to associate with the palmwine sound. The rich flow, sandwich of bars and chorus make PALMWINE IN A BENZ highly digestible. IB City’s 02Morse signals to the rap scene that it’s open season as listeners throw their hands to the intoxicating bounce and hi-hats of this trappy song and its sticky lyricism.

    No Gree for Anybody — Oladips ft. Otega

    Drill music is one of the rap sub-genres that best documents crime, but the Nigerian spin to it takes it from fist fight and violent rhymes to relatable stories of dreams and money chasers. With this, rappers, Oladips and Otega, jump on Nigeria’s unofficial theme of 2024: “No gree for anybody” (meaning “don’t let anyone mess with you”). Since Oladips’ “Lazarus moment” in 2023, he’s made a consistent effort to prove he deserves as many ears as his contemporaries. His latest drops perhaps articulates this resilience.

    IMAGINE SAY — AfroSelecta-BBK ft. Reeplay & Laxy-BBK

    Reeplay opens this song with a chorus imagining if he was broke. This song implies that “You’re nobody till people speak highly of you”. Laxy-BBK performs alongside him on this song off the fourth installment of the Driller and Vanilla projects produced by AfroSelecta-BBK.

    P.P.P (Puff Puff Pass) — Bahd Man Niko

    P.P.P isn’t just a cannabis anthem. Bhad Man Niko is unapologetically a product of the trenches, delivering on sexual adventures with detailed imagery. His sonic connection with white garment churches and Islamic Yorùbá music offer melodies reminiscent of older Streep-pop artists like Oritsefemi, but he’s carving a niché for himself. True to his hunger to be in everyone’s faces, his latest EP, BOYAHNAH, is here 19 days into the new year and barely three months after his Off The Planet EP dropped in November 2023.

    Skata — Funfillage ft. Adam Srae & Luka Pryce

    Funfillage’s Skata is a song on their new seven-track Smile on Sofa (SOS) EP featuring artists from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. Naija singer-songwriter, Adam Srae, and Mzansi’s Luka Pryce coast together to create a love atmosphere on this Afrobeats instrumental. Altogether, Skata is smooth, jazzy, groovy.

    Lady Fiona — Cobhams Asuquo ft. Sauti Sol

    Lady Fiona opens with guitar medleys that brew with Cobhams’ soft vocals. “I feel all my chains breaking, ‘cause since I met you, it’s been freedom from the start” is the kind of heartfelt line that distinguishes him not just as a talented singer and producer, but as a seasoned songwriter. Interestingly, the song features the defunct Kenyan music group, Sauti Sol.

    50-50 — Vasa

    Teenage singer, Vasa’s first song of 2024 is an emotional take on life’s possibilities. On 50-50, Vasa sings about the uncertainty that comes with being a dream chaser. The youngster is focused on climbing to the top and is ready to take his chances — goals realised or not. If you’re at a similar stage in your journey, you’ll vibe to this.

    You Should Also Dive Into The Best Afrobeats Songs of 2024’s First Weekend

    Tomide Marv

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  • Nigerian Artists Who Took Their PR Stunts Too Far

    To promote music and keep it alive, artists devise the most interesting stunts. While some create campaigns that build a great relationship between them and the audience, others push controversial, offensive and even morbid narratives.

    We look at some Afrobeats artists who took their PR Stunts to the extreme.

    Skiibii

    On August 14, 2015, Skiibii Mayana was pronounced dead in a now-deleted IG post by his former manager, Soso Soberekon. Wizkid, Davido and other celebrities sent their tributes and condolences, but less than 24 hours later, Skiibii’s former record label, Five Star Music debunked the news, stating that their artist was hale and hearty. 

    Although Skiibii initially claimed he had a medical issue that made him blackout, he later revealed that the promotional stunt was Soso’s doing. This threw the once sympathetic public into a rage. Even Falz snuck him a diss on Soft Work: “You fit fake your own death, you still fit no blow”. 

    Image Source: GoldMyne TV

    Kogbagidi

    Kogbagidi is the show promoter credited for discovering Portable. In 2018, he faked coming out of the closet after Snapchat videos of him and Bobrisky getting cozy together circulated online. Later, he revealed in an interview that it was a stunt to promote Whine 4 Me by Kadex — one of his artists. He laughed the tasteless joke off as a “normal thing”.

    Adokiye

    When the Chibok kidnapping and #BringBackOurGirls campaign was hot and at the top of every news story in 2014, a singer and self-acclaimed virgin called Adokiye offered to give her virginity to the Boko Haram terrorists in exchange for the kidnapped girls. Although her statement went viral, she didn’t enjoy much attention as a person. Neither did her music.

    KCee

    In April 2017, KCee shared a photo of banded $100 bills on his IG page and claimed he made all the money in a day. Unfortunately, a guy in America called him out for stealing his photo — which he’d posted two months before KCee — and lying to the public. In an interview, KCee stated that it was all part of the PR plan he cooked with his manager to promote his new song, Desire. Apparently, he’d reached out to the American guy for permission to use the image but got no response.

    Hmmm, Mr. Ojapiano.

    Image Source: GoldMyne TV

    Teni Makanaki

    On November 14, 2023, a tracklist for Teni’s sophomore album set to drop on November 17 went viral due to the lineup of heavy hitters like Bruno Mars, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber. Apparently, it was a fake concocted by overzealous fans. But neither Teni nor her team has addressed the situation so far. Instead, they’ve rode the wave to build anticipation for the album.

    Good or bad PR may still be PR, but when the album finally drops, will it be worth the hype?

    Fave

    Later that November 14, Fave also became the talk of the internet. On November 9, she announced a $2000 competition, inciting graphic designers in her audience to create the artwork for her next single. She announced a winner, but the public, who were disappointed with her choice, became convinced that the competition was just a stunt to create a buzz around her upcoming song. 

    Ladipoe

    In June 2023, a “Where Is Ladipoe?” hashtag popped up on X and IG before taking to the actual street. Some “loyal fans” protested and marched to the MAVIN Records Lagos headquarters to demand for Poe’s whereabouts. Next thing we saw, Layi Wasabi had abducted the rapper. Guy Man dropped a few days later.

    I wonder how much the fake protesters were paid.

    Tomide Marv

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  • Afrobeats Remix 101: Why Some of Them Don’t Give

    The sole aim of a remix is to stretch a song’s visibility and run in the market. But it must be done properly to ensure listeners get a fuller experience than the original song gave.

    Here are seven key points our fave artists need to take note off for better remixes.

    Remixes of “back in the days” were better

    P-Square’s Bizzy Body Remix featured Weird MC, Terry G’s Free Madness had part one, two and three; Ay.com’s Pass Me Your Luv Remix with Timaya, Yori Yori Remix with 2Face and Banky W’s Mr. Capable Remix all have different beats and song structures from their originals. Afrobeats remixes these days lack variety.

    Timing

    Always strike the iron while it’s hot. Don’t wait till a song’s hype has withered, and people are on to the next popping track or sound, before you release your remix. Tell me why Oxlade’s Ku Lo Sa Remix dropped long after the original reigned? For how well-loved the song was, it was sad to see people not care when the remix suddenly dropped.

    No budget

    Perception is everything; if a record isn’t playing on every street, it won’t give “jam”. So don’t just spend all your budget on getting Chris Brown on a remix, save some on promotion too.

    Valuable collaborators

    Based on impact and social currency, Cardi B would’ve been a more valuable feature on Unavailable than Latto. Some songs deserve remixes, but others should be left alone if you can’t get the most suitable collaborator.

    Obvious money grab

    Today’s remixes are mainly money grabs or for reach. The evidence is the lack of sonic chemistry between collaborators. What was happening with Omah Lay and Justin Bieber on the Attention Remix?

    Are local remixes no longer enough?

    It’s understandable that everyone wants a western artist’s name on their song for global reach. But we shouldn’t overlook the possibility of great collaborations with fellow homegrown artists entirely. Or are we not our brother’s keeper again?

    The features are too short

    These days, the average song lasts around two minutes. But remixes are worse, giving little space for the featured artists to show themselves. Just look at Skiibii’s Baddest Boy with Davido. We can’t continue like this.

    Tomide Marv

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  • Naija Rap Is Tired? These 12 August Releases Say Otherwise

    Nigerian Hip-hop may not be mainstream yet, but it’s not dead or tired, you’ve just been looking in the wrong direction. While the OGs pop out once in a while, the new guys are making a loud noise. These are Naija’s most unique rap drops of the month.

    Street Jam by Olamide

    Olamide rhymes about his heavy bank account in street lingo, while having fun with the jiggy DMX/Ruff Ryder-esque flow. The sauce of the song — the last track on Baddo’s latest studio album, UNRULY, which came out on August 9 — is in its carefree attitude. 

    Pressure by Caleb Clay

    Blowing up as an artist in this part of the world is a waiting game, and it’s even worse for rappers. Lagos-based Caleb Clay, and PH City emcee, Sknny, weaved some clever penmanship to express their underdog frustrations. Everyone who’s working hard for a good life would relate.

    Air by Lifesize Teddy

    Air is the opening track of Lifesize Teddy’s titular EP. On it, she displays her ability to deliver smooth hooks and clean-cut rap verses. It’s soulful as it effectively announces the arrival of a new rap chick in the +234, with lines like “Gat many women underneath this skin. They all fighting to be seen.” Don’t play with this babe.

    E.N.K.R by Reminisce

    If you know Reminisce’s music well, you’d know he never misses a chance to fire at his haters on any song. This track is no different. “E.N.K.R” is an acronym for “Eni kure”, which means “You won’t die well”. Alagba Ibile raps about performing daddy duties while maintaining his credibility in the streets and music scene. Braggadocious rap at its smoothest.

    Boju Boju by D.S.6

    Inspired by the local game also known as hide-and-seek, D.S.6 (Droxx and Slimsyxx) gives us a taste of their perfected afro-drill sound. Drawing an angle from the streets, Slimsyxx did his smooth sing-rapping on the chorus and first verse, leaving Droxx to finish off with an aggressive delivery and some details of his upbringing from Lagos to London and back to Lagos.

    Run! remix

    Abuja-based rappers Yôrkk and PsychoYP linked up for the remix of Run! off of Yôrkk’s two-song pack that came out in May 2023. It’s a trap song that warns other rappers to “japa” when these two guys step into the same space.

    Operation Sweep by Falz

    Falz confidently raps on his new single about his return to rule the airwaves and music charts. With a commanding title to match the theme, the rapper calls his guys up as he hits the streets.

    [ad][/ad]

    11:11 by Jeriq

    It’s get-the-money o’clock. On this track, Jeriq is only concerned about his financial freedom. Whether 11:11 is his personal manifestation, or he made the song at 11 a.m. or p.m., the artist leads the comeback of eastern rap in a fashionable way, with heavy drill music and catchy flow patterns.

    To the Moon by Tonee C

    Listen to this one to witness the beautiful transition from singing to rapping as Tonee C reflects on his music journey. To The Moon is the dope hip-hop track that will get your head bumping and hand wagging in the air. Enjoy.

    Dump All Your Worries on the Dance Floor by SGaWD

    In two verses, hopping from flow to flow on GMK’s house music production, SGawD raps about her talent, hotness and unshakable confidence. After a long or stressful day, you can close your eyes, plug this to the ears and lose yourself like the extras in Party Rock Anthem.

    My Way by Benjamz & Dremo

    My Way is the last and best track on Tunnel Vision, a collaborative EP by music producer, Benjamz, and former DMW-signee, Dremo. On a dark, cinematic beat best for reflection or expressing pain, the rapper talks about paying his dues, doing things how he sees fit and his perceived setback since his disappearance from the mainstream. You’ll hear Dremo rap with that fierce energy reminiscent of Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares. 

    Sure Odd by Gen Uru

    For this song about being sure of success and respecting other people’s choices, members of Gen Uru (a south-east and south-south music group), Kolaboy and Kodopearl join forces. Using the betting term, “sure odd”, they express how certain they are that there’ll always be a way, whether they’re in Okuku or Kafancha. Gen Uru employs Igbo gyrate music with trap elements, another example of what Nigerian rap should sound like — easy to pinpoint its cultural origin with a beat that leans more towards African than conventional Western rap elements.

    ENJOY.

    Tomide Marv

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  • Dear Minister, Nigeria Already Has Theme Songs to Choose From

    News hit the streets on August 24, 2023, that the newly appointed Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, announced her immediate plan to commission a national theme song for Nigeria. And our question is: Isn’t the national anthem the same as a national theme song?

    Well, we’re collectively seeing shege, so the least we can do is sing in harmony. But not to curb the honourable minister’s enthusiasm, so many popular Nigerian songs are already doing the work well.

    The Lijadu Sisters did it with Orere Elejigbo. So did their second cousin, Fela Kuti, whose music still accurately captures the daily life and nuances of the average Nigerian. The 2000s also gave us some of the best songs that express diverse Nigerian experiences, especially that of the common man.

    African China’s 2003 Mr. President — the lead single on his debut studio album of the same title — is still a widely accepted theme song for life in Nigeria today. From the president to the governor to the policeman, the lyrics left none of the important positions of law and power out. Mr. President reminded them to lead us well, govern us well, there’s hunger in the street, stop police brutality — sound familiar? Everything has only gotten worse since. Perhaps to show us that songs change little.

     Jaga Jaga, the controversial second track on Eedris Abdulkareem’s 2004 album of the same title, expressed some harsh realities in Nigeria — corruption, fuel scarcity, insecurity, unstable electricity and extreme poverty that leaves the poor robbing the poor. It’s a danceable jam, and while Obasanjo’s government banned the song from the airwaves, Jaga Jaga still resonates like it did both on and off dance floors when it first came out. Contrary to the remarks that Eedris is soiling Nigeria’s image, he was being a brave citizen demanding for better. 

    The same thing younger people like Oritse Femi and Vector tha Viper talked about on the Better remix in 2012. Two years before that, Sound Sultan and M.I Abaga teamed up on 2010 Light Up to shine some light for people to see road and stop following clueless politicians blindly. It gets realer on the song as late Sound Sultan compares Nigerians to the biblical Israelites under the tyrant, Pharaoh. Although the candles in 2023 are more scented, Nigerians still need to light up to see in the dark — because no light.

    Using familiar analogies on Life Drama (2014), 9ice painted a large canvas on karma, the rat race, uncertainty of breakthrough and how bustling and hustling cities like Lagos rarely slumbers. The song also delivers subliminal messages to public office holders that attack one another over stolen public funds, appreciating hard-earned wealth and bemoaning the large responsibility that comes with it. 

    Although M.I Abaga had Jos in mind when he wrote Wild Wild West in 2010, it could also be about Nigeria in general. “Better get your gun, better get your vest…” reminds us of the unending violence and insecurity we suffer. With “Down here, everyone curse, no one bless”, he expresses the anger and frustration of the masses.

    Songs like Oritse Femi’s Flog Politicians (Koboko) and Olamide and Terry tha Rapman’s Boys Are Not Smiling (B.A.N.S.) prompt the poor to react aggressively to the “anyhowness” of elected public servants as they keep pushing us to the wall. Falz scattered the internet in 2018 when This Is Nigeria, a cover of Childish Gambino’s This Is America, came out. Borrowing from the social consciousness expressed on Gambino’s record, Falz talked about SARS brutality, corruption, drug abuse, religion, murderous Fulani herdsmen, with a powerful music video that brought every line to vivid imagination.

    Even though Burna Boy’s politics often feels performative, tracks like My Cry, Soke, Yawa Dey, Collateral Damage, Common Person, and notably, Monsters We Made, have touched on plights of the common people and the need to hit the streets and say “enough is enough”. For the days when Nigeria wants to take our lives, but all we want to do is sweat out all negativity, Rema’s Are You There? is what Minister Musawa should consider. 

    Clearly, we have bountiful songs fit to be the Nigerian theme song. So maybe the honourable minister should focus more on policies that’d encourage investment and other means of improving the creative economy?

    Tomide Marv

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  • Naija EDM Scene Is Growing Fast, Get Familiar With These Acts

    Electronic dance music (EDM) isn’t new in Nigeria but it’s not a popular genre. Around 2017, the scene began working its way back up. Though slow but steady, it’s multiplying and gearing up to capture the mainstream and Naija music industry at large.

    Buzzing with great talents right now; from producers to DJs to recording acts. If you love it, or just enjoy exploring different sounds or dancing, these are some of the Nigerian EDM artists that should be on your radar.

    Sigag Lauren

    He’s a known DJ, music producer and songwriter-singer who’s been building his rep since he entered the industry in 2018 after he put out his debut single, Party Night. Since then, he’s made numerous notable EDM remixes of popular hits songs like Joeboy’s Baby, DJ Neptune’s Why, etc. Beyond his remixes, Sigag has released original singles such as Jollof and Silver Lining and an EP, Sounds From The Internet. Although his sound is primarily EDM, he fuses afrobeats to achieve a percussive and electronic rhythm. Sigag Lauren is doing really cool stuff in the EDM space; no wonder cosigns have been coming in left and right from popular artists and producers like Adekunle Gold and Major Bangz. In June 2023, he featured Ric Hassani on his single, Minds Already Made Up.

    Sensei Lo

    She’s a DJ and Afro-EDM producer that’s actively present in the Lagos nightlife. She’s been playing DJ sets for over nine years, but started producing EDM in 2019. Since then, she has gone on to perform at Eko Electro, Asa Baako (One Dance) Festival (2019 and 2020), Major Lazer Live, etc. As a producer, she has featured on Moto Kiatu’s Yele, Chike’s Insecure remix. Sensei Lo has cemented herself as one of the top women and biggest players in the Nigerian and West-African EDM movement.

    Maze x Mxtreme

    These talented EDM duo are instantly recognisable; with their to-match fashionable hats, nose masks and attires. Their uptempo music and electrifying performances transform legs on the dancefloor. While they’re pure EDM musicians, their sound has slight fusions of afrobeats, dancehall indie, house and future bass. Their music has  taken them to places like the South-South Music Awards Opening 2016 (the same year they started making music), Jamrock Easter Fiesta and Club Cubana. Recently, they produced the Fast Lane Motorsport theme soundtrack. Just like their slogan, they didn’t come to play, they came to play!

    Jamie Black

    Jamie Black’s Afro-EDM remixes set him apart among his peers — his high energy, unique reimagination of songs are unparalleled. He has remixed songs like Wizkid’s Bad To Me, Burna Boy’s It’s Plenty, Rema’s Calm Down. As a producer, he worked on Roju, off Chike’s Dance of The Booless, Vol. 2. When he’s not remixing or producing, he’s putting out singles and collaborations with the likes of Sigag Lauren and CALIX who he featured on his latest song, FELA IN IBIZA.

    Tony Koya

    Apparently, Tony is a music producer that got into EDM after a friend introduced him to the sound. From that moment he knew music production was inevitable for him. His style spreads across chill lo-fi productions to bass heavy electronics inspired by other ranges of sound. There’s a unique thing in Tony Koya’s music; it can feel really chill when that’s your mood, but also fits right into rave His new single, Norturne explores trap metal and jersey club sounds, producing a nostalgic vibe of old video game soundtracks and the modern energy of rave dance music.  

    CALIX

    He started DJing in university in 2015, but quickly got bored of the monotonous sounds that played everywhere, so he went back to the drawing board and fleshed out another plan to set himself apart among peers and in the industry. Some time between 2016 and 2017, he came across EDM and hasn’t looked back. In 2018, he shared a stage with the likes of DJ Snake and Major Lazer. In the same year, he started Village Sound System group with three other DJs (Sensei Lo, A and Isimo).

    Tomide Marv

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  • An Important Guide to Afrobeats History 

    Nigerian music has blown at all fronts, but what about its history and documentation? We have to record our own history, we can’t afford to sit and wait for foreigners to do it. Screaming “Afrobeats to the world” won’t write the story for us. Thankfully, there are a few people who are doing the work.

    So, if you’re looking to learn about Afrobeats, its history, significant moments and events, these are the people that are currently working on documenting that rich history: 

    History Made: The Most Important Nigerian Songs Since 1999

    Instead of low-hanging popular songs, this 173-page book, authored by Jide Taiwo, looks into 21 of the most important songs in Nigeria since 1999. This is no casual selection; these songs had massive impacts on the music culture; with history, rare interviews and personal insight tied to them. For anyone who’s loved Afrobeats since The Remedies’ Shakomo, “History Made” is a must-read.

    The Sample Axis Podcast

    This podcast started in December 2020 and is hosted by Gboyega Adeoya, and Nwaenie Nelson. They travel through time with music and decipher old songs sampled by Nigerian artists today. Each episode focuses on each featured song with the artists’ profiles and impact. To bring the knowledge closer to the masses, The Sample Axis Podcast made its radio debut on Crest 91.1 FM, Ibadan on April 17, 2023.

    Afrobeats: The Backstory

    This is a docuseries created and produced by Nigerian filmmaker Ayo Shonaiya. On 29 June, 2022, Afrobeats: The Backstory premiered and became Netflix’s first-ever Afrobeats documentary. With 12 episodes, this project clearly distinguishes between Afrobeat and Afrobeats. It also gives up close and personal highlights of the development of the latter, from the golden age of R&B to the Hip-Hop of the 1990s that has a huge influence on it.

    Journey Of The Beats

    This is another docuseries, produced by music industry executive and entrepreneur, Obi Asika. Its ten episodes explores the origin of afrobeats while going back in time to the black artistic expressions of the transatlantic slave trade days. Nigerian historians and writers like Ed Keazor and Jide Taiwo worked as part of the team that examines the history of afrobeats from times before colonialism. This docuseries is an effort that celebrates current Nigerian music and times before it.

    READ: The Zikoko Guide: Nigerian Music Industry 101

    Afrobeats Intelligence

    This is founded and operated by Nigerian pop culture journalist, Joey Akan; started in March 2020. From a popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence has expanded into a podcast that talks about the Nigerian music industry, its ecosystem and culture of music. With broad interviews, diverse perspectives and sneak peeks into the industry, it digs into the past, present and future of Nigerian music.

    A Music In Time Podcast

    This is produced by Global Village and hosted by popular and respected Nigerian entertainment journalist, Osagz Alonge. Taking a break from his other Nigerian music podcast, Loose Talk, Osagz started A Music In Time in July 2022 to focus on Nigerian artists and their music over the years. 

    Afrobeats Weekly

    An educative Afrobeats podcast, also produced by Global Village, is hosted weekly by Tunde and his co-host ShoWontStop. From song and album reviews to conversations around music politics, gatekeeping and cultural appropriation, Afrobeats Weekly informs on the current climate of the genre and offers insights into its future.


    ALSO READ: You Should Have These Nigerian Music Album Series In Rotation

    Tomide Marv

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  • Nigerian Musicians Took A Break From Amapiano This Friday

    It’s another new music Friday in Nigeria and not a single log drum or Amapiano whistle to be heard. Is the music industry slowly shifting from Amapiano and returning it back to the South Africa it came from? Well, these top Nigerian songs that dropped today are making a case for that.

    Yawa — Fireboy DML

    A groovy afropop song far removed from the Jersey sound experiment on previous single, Someone.

    Fireboy DML teamed up with music producers, Magicsticks and Telz, to make a statement about not minding haters and busybodies. He reveals a new smoking habit, and you can even hear Olamide smoothly backing him up at the end, but the clearest takeaway from the whole song is that it’s very much for the Nigerian audience.

    Angelus and My Darling — Victony

    Victony finally served us the singles he’s been teasing since June 11, 2023. On Angelus, Victony went back in time to pick inspiration from sounds reminiscent of Oliver De Coque. My Darling, produced by Ghana’s Juls, Victony continues to admonish to be in his life. No wonder Victony has been dancing in his promotional videos, these songs are groovy af.

    Sittin’ On Top Of The World (Remix) — Burna Boy ft. 21 Savage

    Burna Boy first released this single on the 2nd of June, but it didn’t pick up as you’d expect. Today, he re-released Sittin’ On Top Of The World with a verse from British-American rapper, 21 Savage. Hip-hop’s influence is clear on this remix; another proof Burna doesn’t miss when he links with foreign rappers.

    My Own — Major AJ ft. Blaqbonez

    Major AJ tapped his labelmate, Blaqbonez, to collaborate on this song. They’re saying what most people already know: finding love in Lagos is the hardest. My Own is a chilled bop with choral backup and serenading trumpets. It sounds inspired by Burna Boy’s Last Last, but with it, Major AJ shows he’s a versatile artist who can’t be boxed.

    Sokoto — Minz ft. Zinoleesky

    Apparently, Minz is now in a better position compared to the pre-release of Wo Wo, and he’s less-concerned about what detractors have to say about him and his music. His new single, Sokoto, is a party jam that explores his sexcapes. Coming from the success of Wo Wo single, Minz links with Zinoleesky to bring this sensual song to life. It’s afrobeats with a sprinkle of house music, produced by Babybeats and Mike Bgrz.

    Chasing Wind — Tim Lyre

    There’s nothing like staying original to your sound as a musician, perfecting it while dropping quality projects. Alternative singer-songwriter and producer, Tim Lyre, has made himself a standout among peers with his unconventional approach and reggae-influenced tone. On his latest single, Chasing Wind, he details the burden of dream-chasing.

    Pariwo — Mohbad & Bella Shmurda

    Since Adura came out in 2020, these two have returned with Pariwo, an uptempo song, telling whoever cares to listen that they’re unavailable for stressful conversations. Mohbad warns that he’s not in a playful mode, and no one should step on his toes. Pariwo is a testimony to the trajectory of their careers and how far they intend to go.

    Eleyele — Taves

    Taves is BNXN, fka Buju’s, new signee. His debut, Eleyele, is a laid-back fusion of afropop and r&b. On it, Taves bares his feelings about longing for a faraway lover.

    Submit your contribution here.

    Tomide Marv

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  • Nigerian Musicians Aren’t Playing; They’re on the Biggest Sports Stages Now

    It’s now casual doings for afrobeats to break or set one or two records daily. And performing at the biggest sport events in the world is just part of it. We compile all the times our music has been on these iconic stages.

    Several CAF Awards

    This organisation is obviously a huge fan of afrobeats. Everyone from Yemi Alade and Korede Bello (2016) to Wizkid (2017) and Tiwa Savage (2017 and 2022) have graced that stage. And it’s hard to forget Flavour’s 2016 performance with the cultural dancers and masquerade.

    2022 World Cup final

    Two major historical things happened at this huge event. France became the first team to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final and lose. And it was the first time the competition would put out a theme song collection, featuring different international artists. Davido was one of them, making him the first Nigerian musician to perform on a FIFA World Cup stage, joining Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour and Benin Republic’s Angelique Kidjo.

    2022 World Tennis League commencement ceremony

    On the 20th of December, 2022, Wizkid made history as the first and only afrobeats artist to perform at the league’s commencement ceremony, alongside Ne-Yo and Armin van Buuren. At the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Wiz entertained the multicultural audience with hit songs like Azonto, Fever, Soco and Mood.

    READ: How Much Would Nigerian Musicians Cost if They Were Professional Footballers?

    2023 NBA All-Stars halftime show

    It was a three-peat moment for afrobeats at the 72nd All-Stars halftime show, as Tems, Burna Boy and Rema gave the U.S. basketball audience a taste of African rhythm and sounds. Burna performed Anybody and It’s Plenty, Rema followed with Calm Down and Holiday, ushering in Tems to close the performance with Crazy Things, Free Mind and her verses from Wizkid’s Essence and Future’s Wait For U. Nigerian music went from playing on NBA stars’ Instagram stories to featuring live on their game court.

    2022/2023 Champions League final

    After Burna sold out a stadium in London, it’s well-deserved that he’d headline the UEFA Champions League’s opening ceremony of the final game. The world’s greatest football club competition, hosted Burna Boy in Istanbul, where he performed a medley of It’s Plenty and Last Last and gave further proof that he’s one of afrobeats’ greatest performers.

    Quai54 2022

    The world’s biggest streetball tournament finally made its return after the 2020 pandemic in July 2022. And Yemi Alade, 1da Banton, Fally Ipupa and DaBaby were invited to Paris to give some electrifying performances. While Yemi Alade’s music isn’t new to French-speaking communities, the crowd didn’t spare Ida Banton’s music any excitement. 

    2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN)

    https://youtu.be/BmO1B7bATSg

    The afrobeats movement took centre stage at CHAN’s closing ceremony, as CKay took the gospel of Love Nwantiti and Emiliano to over 40,000 people. They turned the sad romance tunes into a rave at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers. Seeing as artists like CKay and Burna Boy are gracing major stages, there may be benefits to eating breakfast after all.

    Take our survey here.

    Tomide Marv

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  • Asake Can’t Stop Having Fun on “Work of Art”

    About nine months ago, Asake solidified his fresh and unique sound with his debut album Mr. Money With the Vibes — an album that went on to influence the current soundscape of the industry with log drums and choral backups. Back with a taste for paintings, Asake is set to take us on artistic vibrations with his new album, Work of Art.

    Prior to his debut album, Asake first made a colourful splash on the scene with his EP Ololade Asake, which took Nigerians straight to the dance floors. Carefully fusing Afropop with styles that slowly creep into Fuji and Apala, Asake sang about having money, a good time and being streetwise. With MMWTV, Asake became the biggest breakout star Nigeria has ever seen with the biggest album of the year and the most streams for an artist, culminating in a recent BET award nomination. It’s Asake’s world and the rest of us are just paying rent and agency fees.  

    In the buildup to his latest, Work of Art, Asake released three songs, Yoga, 2:30 and Amapiano, and they were all number one singles on Official Nigeria Top 100. In all this, Asake hasn’t strayed from the fast life narrative. But while we enjoy the omo jaiye jaiye persona, the important question is: will it keep fans to their feet like it did nearly ten months ago?

    The Breakdown

    Asake opens the album with a mouth full of gratitude to God who translates to Olorun (the opening track title) in Yoruba. On this record, he recalls his life’s journey, the hard times and his meteoric rise. The introspective track is followed by the indulgent Awodi in which he continues the story of his successes and turns Pasuma’s name into wordplay. Early single, 2:30 comes after and it fits in seamlessly, picking up the pace of his Amapiano-inspired direction. Asake asks what the probability of anyone catching up to him is, or if they have the agility to even move. 

    On Sunshine, Ololade Asake becomes more flexible. The song is a shift from his usual pattern (stripped down beat, minimal horns, whistle and choral backups), but still manages to deliver a light-hearted message of motivation. 

    Maintaining a similar direction to Sunshine production-wise, Asake shifts gears to Mogbe which finds Olamide’s protégé in top form, with infectious lyrics about having a good time. Basquiat, the sixth track named after the famous American painter, Jean Micheal-Basquiat finds Asake in his artistic bag, comparing himself to a priceless work of art. After the year that was 2022, Asake’s worth on the music scene fully reflects his position on this track. The Olamide-assisted Amapiano enters next to subtly remind us of their exotic lifestyles and the overall sound the album sets to achieve.

    The party continues with What’s Up My G and I Believe, songs complete with log drums, drawn out storytelling and braggadocious lyrics meant to assert his dominance. At this point, it’s clear the plan is to keep us dancing— he reminded us again on Introduction that he’s Mr. Money with a sprinkle of no food for a lazy man.

    Asake admonishes his lover to “give it to him” while flexing his big vocabulary muscles on Remember. Lonely At the Top follows and switches up the ambience, now in a more solemn but groovy mood; Asake shows some vulnerability and preaches self-love. We’re with him on this.

    Before you proceed, take our survey here.

    Mr. Money’s fun isn’t stopping anytime. He flexes on Great Guy about catching flights, wearing the finest satin, and being in his woman’s bosom. The song ends with a popular Michel Legris’ Mo Capitane sample, ushering us into the trance-like closing track, Yoga, where he accepts the burdens of success, warns detractors and vibe killers.

    Final thoughts

    Asake has never shied away from being heavy on vibes and melodies. He heavily taps in feel-good grooves and since Amapiano is still a darling out here, it works in his favour.

    Though the hooks and choruses are infectious, the album sounds like he’s using the same beat for the 100th time sometimes. Asake paces himself on Work of Art and triumphantly soaks in the momentum.

    Tomide Marv

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  • You Should Have These Nigerian Music Album Series In Rotation

    The ability to make cohesive albums with  great replay value takes immense talent and skills.

    Some Nigerian artists have made conceptual albums that have resulted in series and volumes. In this article, Zikoko highlights seven Nigerian music albums that feel and sound like a continuous story.

    Clone Wars Vol. 1 – 5 — Show Dem Camp

    In 2010, Show Dem Camp dropped the first Clone Wars: their Hip-Hop series that explores the Nigerian political landscape, mental health and toxic masculinity. Clone Wars I was fueled by braggadocious bars and fierceness that could be heard in their voices. The second volume (Clone Wars II: The Subsidy) came out in 2012; inspired by the subsidy removal protest during former president Goodluck Jonathan’s regime. In 2016, “Clone Wars III: The Recession” came out during the start of the recession of Muhammadu Buhari’s government. The fourth volume, “Clone Wars IV: These Buhari Times”, also inspired by the former president’s era, dropped in 2019. Then the fifth installment is called “Clone Wars V: The Algorhythm” — inspired by the aftermath of the 2020 pandemic lockdown.

    Palmwine Music Vol. 1 – 3 — Show Dem Camp

    Since they perfected their palmwine music formula on their 2013 single, Feel Alright (featuring BOJ), it’s been an overflowing tap of grooviness, Lagos romance tales, and showcasing the talent of younger generation artists. The first volume came out in 2017 and featured frequent collaborators like BOJ, Ladipoe, Ajebutter22. In 2018, they followed with volume two, featuring Burna Boy, Worlasi (from Ghana), Lady Donli, etc. Completing a musical series of Nigerian love and Lagos nightlife stories. Show Dem Camp released the most recent installment of the series in 2022 to critical acclaim and it boasts of guest artists like Oxlade, WurlD, Tay Iwar, etc.

    Make E No Cause Fight Vol. 1 & 2 — BOJ & Ajebutter22

    These two artists have been collaborating since  2012, after they did on  the popular song, Omo Pastor. It wasn’t news to their avid listeners when they announced their joint EP, but it was a transcendent experience after it dropped in 2018. With productions from Ekelly, Spax and Studio Magic, they explored topics of sex, love and living a soft life. The second volume came out in 2019, this time with Falz in the mix. On Make E No Cause Fight 2, they brag about their baller status and Lagos rendezvous.

    Illegal Music 1 – 3 — M.I Abaga

    M.I’s 2009 Illegal Music is the poster project for the consecutive series. M.I rapped on uncleared instrumentals that sampled popular records made by other artists. He knew he did something crazy and he had continue the series. Illegal Music 2 came out in 2012 and unarguably became one of the best Nigerian Hip-Hop moments; boasting of high-level features from talented rappers like Ice Prince, Phenom, Boogey, HHP (from South Africa), etc. In 2016, he completed the trilogy with Illegal Music 3, which found him at one of his most vulnerable states of mind.

    Jagz Nation Vol. 1 & 2 — Jesse Jagz

    After Jagz’s exit from Chocolate City in 2013, he launched his own independent music outfit, Jagz Nation. That was the road to his Jagz Nation albums creation. He showcased his full capacity as a music producer and artist, producing all tracks by himself. In the same year, he put out the first volume; a projection of who he is, and examines themes of love, sex, intoxication and spirituality. The popular single Bad (featuring Wizkid) came from Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come. The second installment, Jagz Nation Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company came out in 2014, a proper rap album Hip-Hop lovers will continue to relish years to come.

    Pendulum Vol. 1 – 4 — Femi Leye

    Femi is a Nigerian guitarist, singer-songwriter, composer and producer that blends African sounds with modern jazz, soul, r&b and funk in his music, and he’s worked with heavy hitters like Burna Boy, Akon, Salif Keita, Adekunle Gold, Angelique Kidjo and Don Jazzy. In 2021, he started his Pendulum music series: a soothing instrumental music project that combines afrobeats, lo-fi, hip-hop and jazz and melodious guitars. The first volume dropped in January 2021, the second in June 2021, the third was released in September 2021 and the last installment dropped in December of the same year.

    The Collectiv3 EP & Live. Create. Repeat. — The Collectiv3

    Music executive, Chin Okeke brought together a group of Nigerian musicians: Show Dem Camp, Funbi, Ladipoe, Nsikak, Temi Dollface, and producers IKON and Kid Konnect; to be The Collectiv3. They put out their debut offering, The Collectiv3 LP, to mark Nigeria’s 55th independence in 2015. In 2018, they released their sophomore album, Live. Create. Repeat, a celebration of creativity. Their productions fuse afropop, alternative, Nigerian R&B with some alté sounds. 

    LOFN 1 – 4 — WeTalkSound 

    In 2018, WeTalkSound made a shift from being just the biggest Nigerian creative community, with members home and abroad, to a tastemaker in the music industry. They curate original collections of love stories, told from different perspectives, with different styles, across genres. “LOFN” is derived from Norse mythology which translates to “loving” the idea of the series being a collection of love stories. The first compilation dropped on SoundCloud on February 13th, 2018 to celebrate the year Valentine’s Day. This has now become their annual tradition. The second one came out 14th February, 2019. LOFN 3 dropped on 14th February, 2020, and the last installment came out in 2021.

    Take our survey here.

    Tomide Marv

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  • These Naija Cats Are Giving A Music Promo Masterclass

    It’s 2023 and hardly any smash hit goes out without marketing and a strong rollout plan.

    To gain a wider reach and keep momentum going for a long time post-release, a pre-planned rollout of promotional activities is necessary. Nigerian music has evolved such that a lot more intentionality goes into executing a project release.

    It’s no longer enough to hold your money and be creative, the average Nigerian musician needs to find new ways to engage people. Learn from Davido, Joeboy, Victony and Ladipoe, who are currently running the hardest rollout campaigns.

    Davido released his latest album, Timeless, in March 2023, bouncing back from a major personal tragedy. He set a new bar with the project, which became the number one album on Spotify in 24 hours, broke Boomplay’s debut week record in four days, had the highest on-demand streams across all platforms in its first week, and is one of the best albums of 2023, according to Rolling Stones — all results of his star power and the fantastic rollout he put in place with his team.

    From March 30 to April 1, 2023, Davido collaborated with Beat FM, who changed their name to “Timeless FM” to promote the release.

    A partnership with PUMA to produce his merch and sneakers line followed, as Davido joined their list of famous partners — Jay-Z, Skepta, Dara and more. PUMA, who’s also making Manchester City FC’s home kits for the 23/24 season, invited Davido to the club to see its match against Chelsea on May 21, 2023, to celebrate its third Premier League cup in a row.

    When you think of levels, his partnership with Martell is one for the record. An exclusive blend cognac blend — Martell x Davido — was launched to honour their partnership renewal in June, 2023.

    These events put the already loved superstar in the world’s face, announcing his return and increasing exposure for his new body of work, Timeless. 

    But Davido didn’t stop at brand visibility; he’s also killing it in the pop cultural department. The world is doing his “Unavailable” dance challenge as they prepare for his tour in three weeks. He’s made appearances on popular platforms like The Lateish Show (his UK TV debut), Forbes, Drinks Champ, NativeMag, Billboard, spreading his message to a larger audience across the globe. And in May, he was awarded an honorary title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). 

    We stan a king who knows his business and is aware he must hawk it.

    Joeboy has also applied a new approach to engaging his fans; his new album campaign has shown there are no restrictions to music promotion. While most musicians limit it to media tours and a little social media interaction, Joeboy unlocked a new channel for Body and Soul, which dropped in May, 2023. 

    He understood that podcasts are the hot cake of media, so why not set one up to talk about his album, the stories and processes behind it and the creatives who contributed to it? And that he did in May.

    He’s only taken this further by hosting some fans at his birthday/album listening party — an experience many couldn’t get enough of.

    He has done a great rollout so far but most impressive is the unprecedented provision of free transportation — in effort to reduce the subsidy stress people face, he provided buses to help people in Lagos shuttle between 8 a.m to 6 p.m without hassle.

    Stayed true to his words.

    Since “Body and Soul” dropped, he has put his foot on the gas, and he’s not stopping anytime soon.

    Victony is another artist rolling out like a king right now. Coming after the success of his Soweto remix, Victony announced that “Ebelebe Music” will drop this June, and we don’t even know if it’ll be an album, EP or single.

    He’s since brought dramatic content to our phone screens, featuring artists like BlaqBonez, OdumoduBlvck, comedian, Nasboi. In these short clips, Victony has been walking around with a briefcase that has “Outlaw” written on it.Victony hands the featured artist the panama cap and watches them wear it. Could these videos be hinting at possible Ebelebe Music collaborators? Victony is cooking, and we’re here for it.

    The game is slowly changing and demanding artists’ A-game. For example, Ladipoe’s quietness after his appearance on his label’s recent album, “Chapter X”, has caused a sudden outburst from fans, who are demanding new music through protests and hashtags.

    Nigerian comedian, Layi Wasabi, joined the list of people demanding for new music, even addressing Ladipoe by his government name. Yes, it was that deep.

    On June 1st, these starved fans went on a mission spearheaded by Layi Wasabi; tailed down the rapper, kidnapped and held him hostage for hoarding songs. The ransom, new music.

    Not a joke.

    These fans took control of his social media accounts to make demands.

    You’ll think it’s a skit, but as the drama unfolds, you begin to see that there’s something in the water. After hot slaps and gbas gbos here and there, he agreed to their terms.

    Freedom at last.

    Ladipoe went straight to the studio and gave the kidnappers their ransom with the release of “Guy Man”, featuring Bella Shmurda. All we’ll say on the matter is Ladipoe has learnt well from Nollywood.

    The level of intention, out-of-the-box ideas and passionate teams behind these rollout strategies have made more people connect with the music. 

    Afrobeats in 2023 has gained huge visibility and gone from performing theatre shows to selling out stadiums, penetrating the Asian market and being formally recognised as a music genre with a new Grammy Award category — “Best African Music Performance”.

    Please, take our survey here.

    Tomide Marv

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  • These Are the Hardest Rebrands in Modern Afrobeats

    We’ve seen many Nigerian musicians take different routes over time, in their quest to find themselves and become bigger brands.

    But these artists did a complete 180° with their craft and turned their careers around.

    Adekunle Gold

    This brother joined the full beard gang, started using Simi’s hairdresser, ditched adire and batik for designer clothes, shifted from alternative music style to pop sounds and became everyone’s baby. If only Mr. Biggs had attended AG Baby’s rebranding school, they could’ve been so much more.

    Chidinma

    When we first heard Chidinma on Emini Baller in 2012, we knew the industry had a real problem on its hands. Because who else could sound posh, sultry and street at the same? Then she went on hiatus for three years and returned as Minister Chidinma Ekile, a gospel musician. We didn’t see this coming, but she’s making some of her best songs right now, so we don’t hate it.

    Don Jazzy

    If these were the Mo’Hits days of looking like a mob boss, we doubt any Instagram comedian would look into the Don’s eyes, much less make him act in their funny videos. But the old days of walking staff, strong face, keeping mute and whispering in his artists’ ears are over. Since he activated Mavin, Don Baba J has become more accessible, drawing more fans to pay attention to his artists.

    Mr Eazi

    He appeared on the scene in straw hats and dashiki-like tops, and we thought he was some cool nomadic herder. We were right, only that music was his cattle; he took it from Lagos to Accra to London. Although Mr Eazi just put out a new album, Chop Life: Mzansi Chronicles, in May 2023, he’s more focused on being a venture capitalist, investing in tech companies like Paisa, Eden Life, Pawapay, and most recently, South Africa basketball team, Cape Town Tigers.

    READ: We Wondered Where These Nigerian Artists Are, So We Went Digging

    Falz

    It’ll be hard to find someone as creative and funny as Falz in the modern Nigerian music scene. But he went from cracking us up in music and movies to being at the frontline of protests, calling out bad governance. He even made an album, Moral Instructions, to address societal issues like corrupt politicians, police brutality, social injustice, etc. Falz is another episode of things Nigeria will do to you.

    Teni Makanaki

    Since the start of her career, she’s stayed different, even going for baggy clothes and vibrant accessories. But in 2022, she broke the internet with her body transformation, which seemed like the beginning of a new era for her. And after listening to No Days Off, we’re wondering, is she the alté sugar mummy now?

    Larry Gaaga

    He went from general manager at Young Shall Grow (YSG) Entertainment to managing Nigerian rapper Vector, to collaborating with afrobeat stars as an artist and producer. He has even executive-produced soundtrack albums for movies like Living In Bondage: Breaking Free and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story. Larry Gaaga has come a long way. In 2022, he resumed in Def Jam Africa as vice president and head of its A&R division.

    Olamide

    Baddo will go down as one of the most influential African artists of all time. Who else has leaped from breaking himself out as a superstar, dropping street knowledge as music hits to signing and breaking out other artists who’ve also gone on to become superstars?

    TeeZee

    Regarded as one of the pioneers of the Alté music movement, fans prayed and fasted for nine years for Arrested by Love to drop in 2022. TeeZee also makes music with DRB Lagos, his collective with artists, BOJ and Fresh L, and runs NATIVE Records — a label he formed with Chubbziano, his co-founder at The Native Mag. In the last year, we’ve seen him focus on his new signees, Smada and OdumoduBlvck — the current heartthrob of the industry.


    ALSO READ: Feature Gods: They Came, They Saw, They Chopped Everybody on The Track

    Tomide Marv

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  • Nigerian Gospel Artists That Should Be On Your Radar

    Gospel music remains one of the most popular genres in Nigeria. Beyond the four corners of the church, the songs have elevated to become foreign exports and taken its artists to big stages such as Afrobeats Festival, The Experience, Afropunk London, Coast 2 Coast Music Festival, etc.

    In the last decade, Nigerian gospel music has experienced new generation musicians who’ve helped bring younger people and unbelievers into the fold. If you’re looking for the gospel musicians making waves with their music, here’s a list.

    Anendlessocean

    He’s a fast-rising Nigerian singer-songwriter from Lagos. Well-known for his blend of R&B, pop and soul music— a sound some of his fans have described “gospel but doesn’t feel like gospel.” With one album to his name, Anendlessocean is slowly building a solid fanbase. He’s considered one of the best talents of his generation. His second album, Decagon comes out August 18.

    Limoblaze

    If you’re not familiar with his brand, you’d call this cap, but Limoblaze is one of the biggest exports the Nigerian music scene has seen in recent times. The Nigerian gospel rapper started his music career independently in 2014. Since then he has gone on to develop consistency, versatility and music-making skills that set him apart from peers. His six music projects testify to this. He’s now signed to Reach Records, owned by famous American gospel artist, Lecrae. Limoblaze is set to join the list of Nigerian superstars who’ve sold out and performed at the O2 Academy this September.

    Ty Bello

    She’s known for songwriting skills and live music approach. In 2008, Ty Bello’s  Greenland, her debut album, won multiple awards like Sound City Award and Nigeria Music Award. Her sophomore album, The Future,  was released in 2011— with features from Banky W, Tara Fela-Durotoye, the late  Sound Sultan, etc. Since then, four other full-length projects have followed, including her latest album, Heaven Has Come; a 20-track album, which was released in May, is already making statements as some of the best music to come out of 2023.

    READ: These Christian Songs Are Nostalgic for Every Nigerian Christian Adult

    Apostle Iren

    Apostle Emmanuel Iren is the founder and general pastor of Celebration Church International, popularly known as CCI, with its headquarters in Lagos. When he’s not preaching, he’s singing or writing songs, and leading his Outburst Music Group. Although many listeners acknowledge Apostolos as his first album, he actually released a debut titled Kerygma in December 2017.

    O’tobi

    “Otobi lomo na” as he fondly praises himself on songs, is that guy. His 2017 EP, Son of God is an example of how the talent makes some of the best gospel music in the country— he infuses African percussion and contemporary swag into his songs. In 2021, he released his debut album titled Breakfast (Afrogospel Vol 1). Throughout 2022, he dropped a series of singles. 2023, he is back with another one called Take It featuring Marizu and Tbabz.

    CalledOutMusic

    Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, now based in England, CalledOutMusic is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He started his career In 2016, and between then and now, he has released two successful albums, won a Best Gospel Act at UK Entertainment Award (2020), MOBO awards (2020), and toured internationally. CalledOutMusic is famously known for his deep lyricism.

    Greatman Takit

    Former member of award-winning music group The Gratitude, Greatman Takit is one of Nigeria’s best young gospel artists. He’s a rapper and singer who has struck a fine balance with his raps and Afrobeats elements. In 2016, he released WildFire (The EP) and put out another EP titled Energy (Afropop Gospel Vol. 1) in 2021. His 2023 singles, Melody and Asiwaju are more proof of his conscious efforts to dominate our playlists. Greatman Takit is an incredible musician, unconfined to a musical box— on any type of sound, he showcases great artistry without losing sight of his goal to uplift and spread gospel messages.

    Jlyricz

    Jlyricz is a Lagos-based singer-songwriter, author and poet, born and raised in Benin-City.  He hasn’t looked back since his debut in 2017. His discography is full of singles and projects like The Redeemed (2017), Thankful, Love Play (2018), Love & Gospel: The Collection. This year, he has released another album titled Spirit & Rhythm II and a new single, Lifting Me High. Besides his impressive consistency, Jlyricz’s soulful vocals and puts him on lists of Nigerian gospel artists that should be on your radar. 

    QUIZ: Can You Unscramble the Names of These Nigerian Gospel Artists?

    Tomide Marv

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

    2022 was an incredible year for Nigerian music: Burna Boy’s Last Last became a global hit, Ayra Starr gave Gen Zs musical bragging rights with Rush, Omah Lay made emo boys feel seen and Tems caused some damage with acts like Beyoncé, Future and Rihanna. Despite all this, the one name we couldn’t stop calling was Asake. 

    With hit after hit, Asake put his foot on our necks, marking one of the biggest runs the industry has seen since Naira Marley’s 2019 breakout. Can Asake’s big break be replicated? Probably not anytime soon. But there’s a high chance the artistes on this list could end up as major breakout stars by the time we close out 2023. 

    Seyi Vibez

    The biggest underdog of 2022, Seyi Vibez has become one of the most streamed artists in Nigeria without the backing of a label — even though fans are just finally getting to attach a face to the sound and name. 

    Building his following organically, with honest stories about his early days in Ikorodu and the complex reality of adjusting to fame, Seyi has used songs like Chance (Na Am), God Sent, +234 and Para Boi to keep Nigerians in a chokehold, and we’re here for it. 

    Odumodublvck 

    Rap is not dead in Nigeria, it’s changing, and Odumodublvck is one of the rappers at the forefront of this movement. 

    One of the pioneers of the Nigerian drill scene, his fearless lyrics and high-life-inspired melodies have called out the government on Potor-Potor, spoken against police brutality on Bloody Pavements and soundtracked some of the biggest raves in the country with Agbalagba. Closing out 2022 with the addictive single, Picanto, Odumodu and his Okpu Agu seem set to take over 2023 with vim. 

    Bloody Civilian 

    We were all psyched when the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack dropped. After being excluded from the first film’s soundtrack, it felt good to see Nigerians dominating the conversation this time. But among heavyweights like Burna Boy, Rema and Tems, was Bloody Civilian, an artist not many people had heard of before. Wake Up, Bloody Civilian’s entry on the Marvel Soundtrack was a loud, rousing banger, but it had nothing on her follow-up single, How to Kill a Man. 

    Remember how Tems and Ayra Starr came and changed the game? There’s a high chance 2023 might be Bloody Civilian’s year. 

    TAR1Q

    TAR1Q’s 2022 EP Son of the Moon might be just 15 minutes long, but it still manages to make a strong introduction to the type of artiste he’ll be. From the opening track, Emotions, which has him in love with two women, to Dear Insecurities, the album-closer on which he battles with his inner demons, TAR1Q shows different sides of himself, all while making the five-track project cohesive AF.

    If you’ve spent hours listening to Omah Lay, you need to add TAR1Q to your playlist ASAP!

    Bayanni 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF8xqCf-ArE

    Mavin Records’ latest signee might not have a face as famous as Ayra Starr or Rema, but best believe you’ve heard his voice before.

    From his star-making verse on the label’s 2022 hit, Won Da Mo, to the viral TikTok sound coined from his single, Ta Ta Ta, Bayanni has proven himself a worthy baton-collector in the Mavin hit-making factory. The next move? Increase social media presence and push a unique personality Nigerians can relate to. 

    RECOMMENDED: ​​We’re Judging Anyone Who Didn’t Listen to These 10 Albums in 2022

    Ugoccie

    Not everyone can successfully turn 15 seconds of fame into a thriving singing career, but that’s exactly what Ugoccie did after Do You Really Love Me? her TikTok parody of Rotimi’s My Bed transitioned into a bonafide hit. Since then, the rapper/singer has worked with artists like Phyno and Niniola on her 2022 debut EP, A Piece of Me. Best believe you’ll see and hear a lot of Ugoccie’s cheeky humour in 2023. 

    Lobi 

    Lobi’s Freemotion is hands down one of the most underrated debut projects of 2022. A deadly combination of Wande Coal-like circa Ololufe falsettos, Tay Iwar-inspired harmonies and the seductive BDE of The Weeknd before the whole pop fiasco, Lobi’s take on R&B feels familiar yet distinct. From the brooding Roses to the self-assured No Pressure, Lobi makes his mark in under 20 minutes, and now, we want more. 

    Efe Oraka 

    Efe Oraka is no stranger to the game. Stealing hearts with her 2017 single, Wonderland, Efe quickly became a fave of SoundCloud babies just around the time artistes like Odunsi the Engine and Cruel Santino started to achieve widespread attention.

    While she’s been on and off for a while, Efe’s ethereal voice has only gotten better with each project, as evidenced by her 2022 singles, No More and Damn, Daniel. Hopefully, she puts out more music and finally claims the alt. R&B princess crown that’s been waiting for her. 

    Major AJ 

    Afrobeats is constantly evolving, with new iterations popping up every day. Rema helped make Afro-Rave a thing, and before him, Fireboy DML introduced audiences to Afro-Life with Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps. Now, thanks to Major AJ, a new sound is brewing, and he calls it Afro Disco.

    Taking elements from the strings that carried some of our parents’ fave highlife and funk records of the 80s, Major AJ’s EP, Retroverse, was a major standout of 2022. With tracks like Taboo and Mr Lover (which samples Angelique Kidjo’s Agolo) bringing the past into the present, I can only imagine what new musical territory Major AJ will explore in 2023. 

    SirBastien

    SirBastien makes music for misunderstood Gen Zs who get tattoos when they’re sad and profess their love by sending playlists. While I don’t do any of these things, I still deeply connect to SirBastien’s music because he reminds me of a Frank Ocean and Thundercat love child. 


    After 2022 which saw him work with Rihanna and Tems on the Black Panther soundtrack, there’s no telling where SirBastien’s music might take him in 2023. But I’m down for the ride as long as he remains quirky and exciting.

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

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • QUIZ: Four Pics, One Word: Nigerian Artists Edition

    If you get less than 4/10 on this quiz, we don’t want to see you at any concert this December.

    The Zikoko Game show is finally here!! In the first episode, the contestants attempt to decipher the name of Nigerian artists from two picture clues shown to them.  Do you think you can do better than them?

    Sheriff Alimi

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  • QUIZ: Which Nigerian Musician Is Your GOAT?

    Before you start wars with other people over who their GOAT is, take this quiz, and we’ll match you to a Nigerian artist.

    Meyimi O.

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  • If Nigerian Musicians Rate Their Fans, They’ll Do the Things on This List

    Whether you want to believe it or not, Nigerian music is one of the hottest commodities on the planet right now. And while I love the artists behind these songs, I can’t deny that stanning Nigerian artists can be exhausting sometimes, especially when it comes to their live shows. 

    With one of our faves recently getting arrested for missing his own show, I’ve done some critical thinking and come up with some ways top Nigerian artists can do better for their fans. 

    Show up for their shows on time

    This has become the norm for Nigerian artists at this point — even recently blown acts who blew yesterday show up late to their concerts. Some apologise, while others just go on like they didn’t leave people waiting  for almost six hours. 

    I don’t know about other Nigerians, but the evil Nigerian artists have done is enough. We need justice. 

    Sing, don’t shout at us 

    Imagine giving myself to capitalism and then using my hard-earned Naira to watch an artist shout at me all night. Is it ment? Even if you don’t have the vocal range, sing to where your voice can reach so we can give you C for effort. If I wanted someone to yell at me, I’d go home and break my mum’s favourite ceramic plate. 

    Give us an actual performance, sis

    Nigerian artists need to understand that live shows are more than just trying their hands at Rupaul’s lip sync battle. It’s a SHOW. I’ve heard your voice a million times on Spotify, but now I’m here to be wowed. Remember when Wizkid used tio whine his waist vigorously on stage? Bring that shit back. Entertain me. 

    Rehearse before the show to avoid stories that touch 

    There’s no reason why an artist should get up on a stage they haven’t seen or rehearsed on before. Absolutely no reason. This is why half of the show is spent fixing technical difficulties. Yes, sis, if you’d rehearsed prior to the show, you’d know that the mic’s wire is too short. 

    Bring a live band 

    Variety is the spice of life. You won’t die if you shock us with a live band once in a while. It’s not every time, “DJ, play track 15.” Elevate your music by trying to bring something new to it. Give us range!!

    RECOMMENDED: 9 Reasons Nigerian Artists Are Always Late For Their Concerts

    Tell your hype man to be calming down

    These days, Nigerian concerts are 20% actual artists singing and the 80% hype man shouting the artist’s names and telling us they’re the baddest. Sir, I know the name of the artist I came to see, you don’t have to keep reminding me. 

    Do meet and greet 

    Even though I know that this is a reach for Nigerian artists, I’m still on a mission for some one-on-one time with Asake, Adekunle Gold and Tems. Laugh all you want, but that cute meet and greet will happen soon IJMN. 

    Be reasonable with your ticket prices

    Times are hard, and the naira is doing Buga challenge minus the part where it’s supposed to come back up. The money we used to buy three tickets last year has now turned into money for one. And the performances aren’t slapping like they should for all that money. Artists that tour in the overseas all the time, please, consider us back home and subsidise these prices. Thanks.

    ALSO READ: Nigerian Music Label Collabs Ranked from Massive Hit to Chaotic Mess

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • Add These Nigerian Artists to Your Playlist If You Like Beyoncé’s “Renaissance”

    One name has been on everybody’s lips for days now, and that name is Beyoncé. Even though the Naira keeps crashing like the national grid and there’s chaos all around us, one of the only few things that truly brings us joy right now is Beyoncé’s Renaissance.

    For those just getting into house/EDM music after listening to Renaissance, here are some Nigerian artists you should check out to continue the party. 

    Niniola 

    You have to be sleeping under a rock not to know the queen of Afrohouse, Niniola. From Ibadi to Designer, Niniola (and Sarz) have been serving us back-to-back hits over the years — who can forget the iconic opening line, “Shey footballer ni e?” in Maradona .

    Even though house music feels foreign to Nigerians, Niniola is one artist that has been able to adapt the genre in a way that sounds authentically Nigerian. You can’t hear her voice and not want to break your waist on the dance floor. And just like Queen Bey, Niniola’s vocals are unmatched. No cap. 

    Sensei Lo 

    The Nigeian-born Ghanaian is a popular DJ on the Lagos house/EDM scene, and  has moved from playing music at Elegushi Beach to headlining shows with global acts like Major Lazer. If that isn’t growth, I don’t know what it is. 

    If you want to get into Sensei Lo’s music, I suggest you start with the bangers, Don’t Let Go and Ibadan Malimbe. 

    Sigag Lauren

    There’s nothing more annoying to me than listening to a DJ struggle and fail at remixing a song that I like. But not Sigag Lauren, though, because this man’s remixes are always on fire. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Teni’s Uyo Meyo or Ayra Starr’s Away, Sigag has a way of making his remix slap even harder than the original. I have no choice but to stan.

    RECOMMENDED: Stress-Free Jobs You Can Do After Beyoncé Makes You Quit Your 9 to 5

    Kah-Lo

    Tell me what you know about being Grammy nominated. Girl, before your fave giants were grabbing Grammy nominations, Kah-Lo had already scored one for Best Dance Performance in 2017 alongside British DJ, Riton. If you loved songs like Cozy, Alien Superstar, Energy and Pure/Honey on Renaissance, or just bad bitch music, then Kah-Lo is the girl you need on your playlist. 

    Start with Fake ID and Drag Me Out. 

    Jamie Black 

    Beyoncé is the only one that’ll name a song, America Has A Problem, and proceed to ask us to throw our ass in a circle and enjoy ourselves in the face of these problems. Like Beyoncé, Jamie Black sings about Lagos so that you end up dancing so hard that you forget that this city is an absolute ghetto filled with chaos and unnecessary traffic. 

    Loving the escapism agenda, and you should too. 

    Beyo Jr. 

    Zinolesky’s Loving You may be one of the best songs to sample Asa’s Be My Man, but Body on Body by Beyo Jr, Calix and Maka, gives Zinolesky a run for his money. The track is so good with its sampling that you’ll almost forget that the lyrics sound familiar. 

    Even though Beyo Jr. gives more of a David Guetta vibe than Beyoncé on Renaissance, his take on EDM is still cool enough to make this list. 

    Bigfootinyourface

    Just like Beyoncé on Break My Soul, Bigfootinyourface’s Daylight is a song that encourages listeners to throw their middle finger to all the wahala around them and dance until the sun comes up.

    While Bigfootinyourface doesn’t make house music all the time, this song is the anti-capitalism anthem I need to listen to at least once a week to keep me sane. Nigeria will not kill us. Say amen. 

    ALSO READ: Omah Lay’s Emotions Take Centre Stage on “Boy Alone”

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • These Alté Nigerian Musicians Don’t Look Like Their Government Names

    Names are important to artists and, in some ways, contribute to whether or not they blow. While music artists like Odunsi and Tems use their real names on stage, some others don’t. And that’s fine. However, it’s one thing not to use your name, and it’s another thing to look nothing like your government name. 

    If you think I’m playing, check out these 10 alté musicians. 

    Stage Name: Cruel Santino

    Real Name: Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu 

    I honestly thought Cruel Santino would have a more gingered name like Isakaba or something. Mr. Subaru’s real name, Osayaba Andrew, feels like a big scam to me. 

    Stage Name: Lady Donli 

    Real Name: Zainab Elizabeth Donli 

    There’s nothing about this picture that screams, “I share the same name with the immortal Queen of England!” 

    Stage Name: Psycho YP 

    Real Name: Nicholas Ihua Maduenyi 

    I’m supposed to believe this man’s name is Nicholas? Say sike. 

    Stage Name: Obongjayar

    Real Name: Steven Umoh 

    Sir, your real name is not Obongjayar? You don’t mean it. I don’t know how to explain it, but he looks more like an Obongjayar than he does a Steven. 

    Stage Name: Wurld 

    Real Name: Sadiq Onifade 

    Something about a Sadiq singing about mad sex feels off. Why are you even having sex? 

    Stage Name: Omah Lay

    Real Name: Stanley Omah Didia

    Okay, let me not even lie, this guy looks like a Stanley. No wonder babes keep collecting his necklace pendant. Stanleys are always loverboys, no cap. 

    RECOMMENDED: 11 Nigerian Artists Who Look Nothing Like Their Real Names

    Stage Name: Wavy the Creator 

    Real Name: Jennifer Ejoke 

    Jenny baby, is this you? I never experred it. 

    Stage Name: Ignis Brothers

    Real Names: Edwin Madu and Ruth Zakari

    Why does their band name sound like the name of an all-white country band in Nashville, Tennessee? Also, if there’s a sister, why not just call it Ignis Brother and Sister? 

    Stage Name: Ajebutter 22

    Real Name: Akintoye Balogun 

    Akintoye sounds like an uncle’s name and not the name of a guy responsible for a song called Serenre. Then again, only millennials still use that word, so maybe it works? 

    Stage Name: Ayra Starr

    Real Name: Oyikansola Sarah Aderibigbe 

    Ayra Starr may not be the most alté artist on this list, but she sure as hell doesn’t look like a Sarah to me. Not Abraham’s wife being a bloody Samaritan. Love it!

    ALSO READ: The 7 Nigerian Singers Guaranteed to Give You a Hit Song in 2022

    Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

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  • 9 Artists Share What They Listen To When They’re In Love

    Last year, we did a series of #MyLoop interviews, asking a few stars the songs they listen to when they’re feeling any major emotion. With today being Valentine’s Day, it’s only right that we focus on love

    From Joeboy listening to his smash hit, ‘Baby”, to Ladipoe jamming Burna Boy’s sneakily romantic “Pull Up”, here are the songs 9 of our faves listen to when they’re in love.

    1. Joeboy: Joeboy’s “Baby”

    2. Oxlade: Wande Coal’s “Superwoman”

    3. YCee: Bryson Tiller’s “Don’t”

    4. Maleek Berry: Musiq’s “Dontchange”

    5. BUJU: Hozier’s “Nobody”

    6. Prettyboy D-O: Donell Jones’ “This Luv”

    7. Ladipoe: Burna Boy’s “Pull Up”

    8. Lady Donli: Snoh Aalegra’s “I Want You Around”

    9. Bella Alubo: Tomi Agape’s “Full Moon”

    NerdEfiko

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