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The rise of female Nigerian music stars in the last few years isn’t only applaudable, it’s also sparked a conversation about a possible female takeover: Lady Donli put out one of the best albums of 2023. In 2024, Tiwa Savage released a first-of-its-kind, well-acclaimed soundtrack album and Ayra’s latest album, “The Year I Turned 21”, received even wider critical acclaim.
The girlies are up and creating their lanes. They bring newness to the game, and diversity in genre, vocal dexterity, delivery and lyrical content. We know seven on the come-up that should be on your radar.
Yimeeka
The combination of a music producer and recording artist in one person is an advantage that usually distinguishes a super-creative individual from an average one. Her musical ingenuity and production skills set her apart among the new wave of Nigerian female pop stars. Her debut EP, “Alter Ego” (2022), expresses relationships, and her latest self-titled EP, “Yimeeka,” explores personal moments.
Syntiat
Syntiat is an impressive vocalist, producer and songwriter who graduated among the best of The Sarz Academy’s class of 2023. Get on her if you’re looking for music to play during heartbreak, as candles burn and you sip wine in a bathtub.
Mahriisah
Mahriisah’s pop style interplays with African rhythms, R&B, Highlife and reggae. Her music is perfect for glamming up to go flex outside or in a speedy car ride with your girlies.
Amaeya
Since Amaeya moved from Delta state to Lagos to push her music dreams in 2020, she has done backup work for A-listers like Tems, Ric Hassani, Tiwa Savage, Asake and Lojay. But she’s fully focused on her thing now. Amaeya’s stories of love, relationships and identity are bold pictures of the spoken and unspoken emotions of a careful romantic turned into music. Since her debut on “The Voice Nigeria” in 2021, she’s stayed true to her soul-drenched Afropop and r&b sound. Singles like On My Own, Delusion and Too Much will get any new listener started.
Aema
From Aema’s solo releases to her notable collaborative work with fellow singer, Kold AF, it’s easy to tell that her alternative soul music won’t be underground for long. When she’s not conquering her ego on No Place to Hide, Aema’s protecting her mental well-being, addressing relationship issues and women’s places in society on “ALT SOUL, Vol. 1” and “No Pity.”
Clayrocksu
In recent times, Nigerian Afrorock music has been referenced to the likes of Neo, Modim, The Isomers and Clayrocksu, among the very few women making music in that scene. Clayrocksu’s style blends rock, metal and alternative with Afropop, with relatable tales of Nigerian dreams and hustle, love and romance, optimism and higher calling. Her new EP “Hate It Here” is a mirror of all these and fun experimentation. One of the tracks, Nu Religion, mixes atilogwu with rock. What’s more daring than that?
Reespect
Reespect is a rapper who brings all her emotions to her songs. It doesn’t matter what kind of production she hops on; she’s going to spazz and bring out the soul in her bars. Her latest performance on Showoff Rap show (one of Africa’s biggest hip-hop platforms) is proof she’ll rap circles around the competition and still spit vulnerable lines if she feels like doing so. Put respect on her name.
Since childhood, Tobi Amusan has dreamed of running the world. Born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, she took an early interest in football, but it didn’t matter if she tactically passed the ball or dribbled like Jay Jay Okocha; she did another thing better—tirelessly running around. Her football coach recognised her talent and advised her to switch to tracks. Thankfully, Tobi found a track coach who took her under his wing after. That marked the start of her career in Ijebu-Ode.
Since coming into national consciousness in 2013, Tobi Amusan has gone from a local champion to a national sensation. She is now a top world runner. Her trajectory has taken an upward flight and this is a look into her career and growth.
March 2013: Tobi Amusan’s win at the African Youth Championships
In 2013, the first edition of African Youth Championships, a bi-annual competition for African athletes aged 15 to 17, kicked off in Warri, Delta State. Tobi Amusan participated and won the 200-metre silver medal. In the same year, Tobi competed at the World Athletics U18 Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine, but she was disqualified for lane infringement. This setback didn’t hold her back, though; she bounced back the following year.
2014 – 2015: Back to winning medals
By 2014, Tobi Amusan had switched to hurdles and debuted at the African Youth Games in Botswana, where she won a silver medal in the 100 metres hurdles. A year later, Tobi claimed her first African U20 gold medal at the African Junior Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa and her second gold at her debut at the All-Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.
2016: Scholarship and the World Junior Championship
Tobi received a scholarship to study at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2016. There, she earned the 2016 Female Track Athlete of the Year award, won two golds in 100m and 200m hurdles,a silver medal in long jump, and broke a 33-year-old hurdles university record.
Subsequently, she participated in the 2016 World Junior Championships and came fifth in the final. Then, she participated in and reached the semi-final of the 100m at the Rio Olympic Games.
Tobi Amusan spent 2017 setting more hurdles records at the University of Texas, El Paso, where she met her new coach, Lacena Golding-Clarke, a three-time decorated Olympian from Jamaica. Later, in August 2017, she represented Nigeria at the IAAF World Championships in London.
2018: More championships and medals
In 2018, Tobi reached the final at the Birmingham World Indoor Championships in London, where she represented Nigeria. She also won the final race at the Commonwealth Games hosted at Gold Coast, Australia.
Later in the year, Nigeria hosted the 21st Africa Championship in Athletics for the second time in Asaba and Tobi won a gold medal and her first African Championship title, becoming the first Nigerian to win gold for the country in the 100m hurdles since Judy Bell-Gam at the first edition in 1979.
2019: She won one, lost one
Tobi defended her title at the 22nd edition of the Africa Championship in Athletics in Rabat, Morocco. Despite the winning streak, she came fourth place at the World Championship in Doha, Qatar in October 2019.
2021: First Nigerian Diamond League Champion
Tobi Amusan competed at the Zürich Diamond League, got to the final, and set a new African record of 12.42 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian to win a Diamond League trophy. It was an incredible feat.
2022: More wins
In June, Tobi successfully defended her 100m hurdles title at the African Championship.
Tobi was at her new best at the 2022 World Championship. She ran 12.06 seconds at the final and emerged as the first Nigerian world champion at the World Athletics Championships.
Not resting on her oasis, Tobi retained her title at the Commonwealth Games and a second gold medal in August. She ended 2022 by winning the 100m hurdles to defend her Zürich Diamond League championship title successfully.
Tobi Amusan spent 2023 fighting anti-doping charges and suspension. Eventually, she was declared not guilty. Though she returned to the track in the same year, her performance wasn’t impressive.
2024: The fastest woman in the world
In January, Tobi set an African record of 7.77 seconds at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan. One month later, she set a new African record of 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston. Three months later, she won the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational where she defeated World champion Danielle Williams and set a world lead time of 12.40 seconds, becoming the world’s fastest woman in 100m hurdles.
Muri & Ko, the highly anticipated drama starring Kunle Remi and Bisola Aiyeola, is coming to a cinema near you soon. According to sources, the film, another Inkblot Productions collaboration with ace director Biodun Stephen, will arrive in box offices nationwide this June.
The excitement around Muri & Ko has been steadily building since Inkblot, the creative powerhouse behind hits like Far from Home and A Weekend To Forget, announced its second collaboration with Biodun Stephen in February. Their first joint venture, Big Love, was a resounding success, ranking among the top 30 most-watched titles on Prime Video in 2023. With Biodun Stephen’s impressive track record, including Nollywood hits like Breaded Life and Picture Perfect, Muri & Ko is poised to be another blockbuster.
With the imminent release of the teaser, Nigerian moviedom is buzzing with excitement and fever-pitch anticipation. Insider scoops also revealed that the ramp-up to the movie’s release in cinemas nationwide in June would come with different activities, with all the updates curated on Inkblot Productions’ social pages.
Joining Kunle and Bisola on Muri & Ko is a brilliant ensemble cast that includes Bucci Franklin, Bukunmi Adeaga- Ilori (Kiekie, Charles Okocha, Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga, Femi Jacobs, and Gloria Anozie.
We know Zikoko throws the hottest parties in Lagos, right?
Zikoko has another party for boys and girls on May 11, 2024 at Muri Okunola Park. We’re calling it “Strings Attached”, a social event for lovers, families, friends, frenemy, singles, situationships, etc., to reconnect, make friends and build community.
But first thing first
Secure your entry to the event, AKA your ticket. String Attached tickets cost ₦0.00. All you have to do is follow these steps.
Now, you’re ready to party. If you need someone to guide you on what to do, I’m your guy and I know everything you need to do..
Dress to kill
Get your best attire and throw your swag on. You’re coming to have a fabulous time, so you should look the part.
Become a lyrics genius
Chewing your mouth as artists like Johnny Drille, Fave, Qing Madi, Dwin, The Stoic and Aramide perform their songs won’t cut it. Doesn’t it just feel so good to sing along to the music?
Between now and May 11, listen to these artists’ catalogues and know their lyrics by heart. It’ll be worth it, you’ll see.
Bring your dancing shoes
It doesn’t matter if you’re a bad dancer or can give PocoLee a run for his money, boogie down and dance away.
Mingle with others
You’re at this party to relate and meet new folks. You see a fine boy or girl you want to say hi to, don’t be shy.
Capture every moment
Take photos and record videos. The memories will make you happy a month or year from now. Keeping memories >>>>
Discover music gems
Strings Attached is your best opportunity to discover new artists and create a new party playlist — especially if the DJ is real lit.
It’s been 14 years since prolific Nigerian rapper Dagrin passed away, and we remember him through the music he left behind. If you’re getting into his music for the first time or you haven’t listened to his work in a while, here are fourteen popular songs he made and featured on.
Pon Pon Pon
Pon Pon Pon is Dagrin fully in his element as a rapper, bragging about his skills and coolness and trolling his competition at the same time. This is arguably Dagrin’s and Nigerian biggest rap song. It’s also a rite of passage for budding rappers— if they don’t use the instrumental for a freestyle, it’ll come up in a rap battle.
Democracy
If Dagrin released Democracy this year, it would bang so hard and people would crown him the “mouthpiece of the masses.” From education to insecurity, undeveloped economy and neglected creative industry, Dagrin spoke to the powers that be. And indeed, it’s still important as ever to ask ourselves if what we have in Nigeria is democracy or demonstration of craziness.
If I Die
To many listeners, If I Die is a premonition of Dagrin’s death due to its timing. Whether he saw it coming or not, he faced his mortality and communicated his grime thoughts clearly.
Kondo (Magic Stick)
Kondo is Dagrin’s coded way of talking about his phallus and sexual engagements. During the peak of this song, its hypersexuality made it one of the jams that Nigerian parents said their kids weren’t allowed to sing.
Thank God featuring Omawumi
If Dagrin made a gospel record, it’d be Thank God. While reflecting on his humble beginning and the harsh experiences he saw on his journey, Dagrin bursts into gratitude mode. Singer Omawumi assisted with the chorus.
Ghetto Dreams featuring Sossick
As an inner-city child, aiming high can be a long shot due to environmental factors like unfinished education, poverty, lack of direction. Dagrin rapped about his aspirations before music took him out of the slums. Ghetto Dreams speaks for those held back by systematic problems and motivates people stuck in or trying to find their way out.
Owo Ati Swagga featuring Dagrin
The time of Owo Ati Swagga in Nigerian rap was the fly and bougie guys era. This song revolved around money and swag. Alongside Eva Alordiah, Terry tha Rapman, Gino, Dagrin designed a verse about sporting G-Wagons and rocking luxury brands like Gucci and Prada.
123 Remix featuring Dagrin
DJ Neptune assembled the best rappers of that time — M.I, Naeto C and Dagrin — for this remix in 2010. This isn’t a battle of the best verse, but a showcase of emceeing and craftsmanship.
Mercies of the Lord featuring Dagrin
Dagrin opened up the remix of Ortisefemi’s Mercies of the Lord and in his usual fashion, he stuck to the song’s motivational theme.
Gboro
This song is about Dagrin’s popularity and credibility in the streets. One of the interesting things about it is the singer on the hook. Listeners mistook him for 9ice due to their vocal similarity, but his name is Isolate.
Jimmy Jump Off featuring Dagrin
Dagrin’s session at DJ Jimmy Matt’s Jimmy Jump Off remains one of the most memorable. It’s a launchpad that allowed Dagrin spazz heavily with bars and also gave him more of the mainstream attention.
Everyday
Dagrin’s past, upbringing and life was a big part of his music. Everyday details the daily life of people hustling nonstop to get out of the rat race.
Loni featuring 9ice
On 9ice’s “Versus” album, he had Dagrin on Loni (meaning “today”). Although it’s about attending every party in town, Loni emphasises the essence of time and kicking against procrastination.
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.”
To the average Nigerian music listener in Nigeria, shedding an emotional burden on wax is synonymous with making music for those who are losing it. The younger audience, especially, gives the music a distinctive, morose name like Afro-depression quicker than the artist can say what actually inspires their tracks. Before they know it, they’ve become a spokesperson for the listener’s existential crises.
This is the box Lucid, a 22-year-old singer from Abuja born Victor Barnabas Nanribetmun, has found himself in, even though he doesn’t fit into it. Let’s examine Lucid’s inspiration and what it means to be a young artist in 2024, stripping down the stereotypes about his music to decipher the context of his two popular “Afro-depression” songs, Hooligan and Therapy.
Lucid
Since Omah Lay’s 2020 “Get Layd” release that drowned him purple in vulnerability and confessions, there’s been a sudden buzz use of the word “depression” in connection with Nigerian music. No doubt, mental health deserves more awareness, and Omah’s music has a melancholy to it. His soft Afropop, soulful falsetto and emo-focused phrasings have inspired more artists.
Lucid is one of them, but only on a sonic level.
Lucid caught my attention with Hooligan, a track that came out alongside Why in a two-song single package on February 7, 2024. He opened the song with “Righteous boy I am, but this life turn me to sinner man / And each time I do the best I can, something go turn me to hooligan”, a confession about taking unexpected turns when life doesn’t pan out how he wants. Scratching off the surface of the lyrics that painted him a depressed kid with little affinity for inside life, Hooligan expresses that extreme instincts take charge when faith is tested. [ad][/ad]
Although Lucid sings with an understanding of the duality of life, he maintains enough consciousness to stay in the right lane. “I’m lucky to come from a good background. My family are good folks. My dad is a pastor. But I understand that sometimes hands get dirty because it’s the only way to make something work out. That was how I felt when I wrote Hooligan, guided by the things I’ve heard and seen too,” the young singer said when I asked him about this.
Lucid
“This life turn me to sinner man” from his Hooligan chorus brings to mind the “I’m a born sinner” line on J. Cole’s Born Sinner. In Christianity, every human is born a sinner, but we can get better through repentance. Although J. Cole swore he’d die better than a born sinner, Lucid is yet to find that clarity. Speaking of his hooliganism in the context of the song, he’s a young adult who finds himself drowning in liquor or in bed with a partner faster than he could finish his vow to abstain from both.
Lucid
Therapy is a song off his seven-track “Hi I’m Lulu” EP that came out in May 2023 — the only song in his discography that actually hits on mental health. The lyrics express the feeling of speaking to no one, being alone, an undiagnosed mental health issue and his need for therapy. This song calls for concern for his health and not a satirical categorisation that sets artists up for uninformed comparisons and stan wars.
When I asked Lucid about the story behind Therapy, he said, “People around me might perceive me to be quiet and anti-social. This song tells them what I might not be able to tell them in actual conversations. It’s titled Therapy because I try to distract myself with anything I find therapeutic, which is mostly music. I know there are many people out there who can relate perfectly to this song, and my advice is to always try to be more positive, and whatever it is that takes you out of that dark space, use it as therapy.”
Lucid
“Afro-depression” is considered a playful tag as a subgenre for Nigerian dysphoric contemporary music. This is the wave Lucid has decided to latch on to as long as the listener keeps his name and music in conversation. This became clear after I asked him why he hasn’t shut down the “Afro-depression” label. “Most Nigerians consider a jam that isn’t upbeat an Afro-depression song.” Naive, but he knows where his art belongs. “I get sad like every human, but I’m not a sad artist,” he stated.
Lucid is as poignant in some of his songs as he is fun and explores light topics in others. He’s a versatile artist who engages his Afropop heritage and sometimes channels his inner Travis Scott.
“I understand being a young artist in 2024 means being different and outstanding every day. Many young cats are working as hard as I am. We’re at a time when one needs to maximise whatever he has. I can’t relent.” Lucid sees the saturated industry’s competition as motivation and charges it to continue to improve.
His music isn’t Afro-depression, neither is it a musical offspring of Omah Lay’s. If anyone is carefully listening, Lucid’s music mirrors his experiences with matters of the heart, like love, intimacy and heartbreak. He wants to make evergreen music like his top influences, Fela Kuti and Asa.
Last week, “Finding Messiah” threw the X app into a frenzy. Users swore it’s the best teaser they’ve seen and should convince anyone to start seeing Nigerian films.
Well, we’ve found five more captivating Nollywood movies that will hit the screens shortly. Find out about them.
Finding Messiah
You don’t see Nollywood teasers that are five minutes long everyday. Written and directed by Ghanaian-Nigerian music executive and entrepreneur Oscar Heman-Ackah, the film is about the politics, corruption and the power tussle in the fictional country of Zambay. Its diverse cast boasts of Pete Edochie, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Daddy Showkey and Ngozi Ezeonu.
Aside from the plenty of drama that Finding Messiah is about to serve us, its impressive and colourful costumes can’t be ignored. Tiannah Styling, is that you?
Watch 5-Minute teaser for political-music Drama, ‘Finding Messiah’ by Oscar Hermanackah.
Set in the fictional Zambay, starring Pete Edochie, Bucci Franklin, Majid Michael, Shine Rosman, Lilian Afegbai, Keppy Ekpeyong and Segun Arinze. pic.twitter.com/tnEZJkmjp4
The title translates to “Blacksmith” in Yorùbá. This bilingual (English and Yorùbá) movie is set in the 90s and focuses on two desperate friends and blacksmiths who are tired of being poor. After going in search of wealth, they’re given the price to pay. Will they take it or find another way? Find out when this hits the cinema later in the year.
Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Kehinde Bankole, Fathiat Williams and Jaiye Kuti are co-stars in this production.
Adio and friends decide they’re are sick and tired of being poor blacksmiths. When they’re faced with a price to pay, will they cave? or make it big?
Wole Soyinka’s “The Man Died: Prison Notes of Wole Soyinka” is the latest to be adapted into a Nollywood film. Featuring performances from Sam Dede, Segilola Ogidan, Nobert Young and Wale Ojo, The Man Died will premiere in July —around Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
Wale Ojo to play Nobel prize winner Wole Soyinka in ‘The Man Died’.
The Period film will premiere in July,coinciding with Wole Soyinka’s 90th Birthday. pic.twitter.com/x4bfrBrrna
Love, friendship, relationship, genders, sexuality are explored in this upcoming web series about what it means to be queer in Nigeria. She He They is executively-produced by The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERsNigeria), and directed by Uyaidu Ikpe-Etim and Ayo Lawson.
“Aburo” (meaning “Younger one”) shows dreams and aspirations, streets, poverty, love and altruism. A talented, young athlete has all it takes to further his dreams abroad, but will it come to fruition? It premiered at the cinema on May 1st. Streamers will have patience.
“In this story of determination, Mide, a former athlete, notices Aburo’s rare talent which leadings to destiny unfolding.
‘Aburo’ opens in cinemas on May 1st.
directed by Yemi Morafa.
Starring: Maleek of Ikorodu bois, Efa Iwara, Toni Tones, Yemi Cregx and Charles Inojie.” pic.twitter.com/qWwW7cfidu
If you’re in the mood to party with the cool kids and creatives this March, the Alté Culture Festival 2024 is the yard to stomp.
It’s another year, another Easter period, and the Alté Culture Festival is back in town. Since 2022, the festival has brought cool millennials and Gen Zs in the Alté community together, curating unforgettable fun experiences.
Here’s all you should know about it.
What’s the Alté Culture Festival?
A festival for the non-conformist, people who aren’t boxed into the conventional ways of life and expression. Now, imagine a festival where these cool folks come together to interact, party, showcase diversity and support innovation. That’s what the Alté Culture Festival is all about.
The 2024 edition
After two successful editions, the festival returns on March 30, 2024, live in Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island. To those outside Lagos, if you love the Alté community, you’ll find your way here, dear.
Behind the festival
If you’re wondering what cool force is behind the Alté Culture Festival, it’s Q21 Solutions — a Nigerian corporate event planning and management firm who have worked on the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Jameson Connect, Martell House and many more. With Q21 Solutions, you already know the standard to expect at the Alté Culture Festival — exceptional.
Activities to expect
Alté Culture Festival embodies entrepreneurship. Creatives, big and small businesses get to showcase their products. People in photography, fashion, arts, music, food, are all welcome to showcase their uniqueness.
Music performances
At Alté Culture Festival, you get to experience live performances (no backtracks) from the performing artists who are masters in their craft and not bound by style or genre. Artists such as BOJ, OdumoduBlvck, Lady Donli, Somadina, Jeriq, Made Kuti, Prettyboy D-O and more. TGarbs’ DJ set will entertain the crowd with hits, and Sheye Banks will hype them up.
Tickets are out
Be the last one to know about the Alté Culture Festival? No way. Be the last one to get to this cool-ass party? No way! Get your tickets ASAP, and let’s make Lagos cool again.
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.
Nina Simone once said, “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times,” so Nigeria deserves all the artistic scrutiny it gets. While there are uncountable songs about the many social issues that resonate with Nigerians at the moment, we highlighted the seven that are articulate about our collective sentiments on electricity issues.
NEPA — Tony Allen
In 1985, the late Tony Allen released Never Expect Power Always (NEPA), and he just might’ve jinxed us for good with that title. The song was all about how useful electricity supply is to society and how its inconsistency affects people.
Just Like That — Fela Kuti
Fela trolled the government on “Just Like That”, a track off his 1986 Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense album. “White man rule us for many years, we get electricity constantly. Our people come take over, dem come build Kainji Dam. Dem come build the dam finish. Electricity come stop.”
N.E.P.A. Bring The Light — Neo
N.E.P.A. Bring the Light is a 2007 pop-rock song by a Nigerian band called Neo. Listeners will croak at the part that goes, “I went to NEPA office, they told me they never took the light.”
2010 Light Up — Sound Sultan feat. M.I Abaga
Sound Sultan sang, “When we ask our government o, when Dem go give us light, dem say na 2010,” over a decade ago. It’s 2024 and nothing has changed. We’re still asking when we’ll have stable electricity.
Rara — Tekno
In 2016, Tekno bemoaned how frustrating generator noises are on this danceable hit. He talked about fuel scarcity and encouraged government officials to invest in structural development. That was eight years ago. Nothing till now.
Nepa — A-Q
On “Nepa” off his 2020 God’s Engineering album, A-Q reminds us that Nigerian electricity always disappears anytime rain comes around. He compares NEPA to rappers that splurge on shiny jewellery but have no longevity. Another proof Nigeria’s messy situation is still bad enough to remain a relevant pop culture reference.
UP NEPA — XYZ
When hip-hop music producer and rapper, XYZ, lamented about the light issues on UP NEPA in 2023, he told us ceiling fans don’t roll when there’s no light. But the call-and-response chorus is where all the fun is at — “When I say Up, you say NEPA / Up! Nepa!” NEPA, please, answer our desperate cries.
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 second episode below:
Knowing only songs isn’t enough. Can you glance at these album arts and guess the year they were released?
Questions
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Do you have a store in Alaba Market yet? Consider becoming a music marketer. You have the knacks.
You got #{score}/#{total}
We think you picked your faves and you’re biased to other albums.
You got #{score}/#{total}
You are definitely the type to ask people to send songs to you on WhatsApp.
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 second episode below:
The next time artists have a score to settle with each other, instead of posting long, subliminal insults on social media or making diss tracks, they should try these more interesting, quicker methods.
Call first
Consider a call to iron things out in-house before doing your dirty laundry outside.
Pray like a warrior
Pray for the heart of your opp to be softened. Or copy Elijah and invite your opp to an open space then loudly pray, “Send down fire!” For this to work, you must be a child of God. If you’re not, see the next option.
Impersonate each other
If like Prettyboy D-O and OdumoduBlvck, comparison is the reason for your beef, this is for you. Swap lives for a day or two and adopt each other’s style. Go to each other’s studio sessions, attend each other’s shows and interviews. The best impersonator is the fraud because why can you impersonate your opp so effortlessly if you weren’t trying to be like them already?
Go on an ultimate search
The beefing artists should just embark on a treasure hunt to confirm who’s the winner of the beef.
“Verzuz”
Get fans from both sides in a large space, perform your best music and see who reigns supreme.
Mouth wash
Has it occured to you that the reason one person moves like they’ll punch their opp in the mouth is because someone’s talking actual shit? To settle scores, do an oral test. The person with the worst mouth odour loses the beef.
A dambe match
Fix a boxing match to knock out your beef in the Hausa martial art style. The man standing over the knocked-out guy wins the beef. We recommend the hard ground under Ojuelegba bridge as a suitable venue.
Source: Leadership News
“Old West” style
Invite your opp to the outskirts of town, then attach a revolver and holster to your waists. Play a song like Davido’s Fem, and as soon as it ends, whoever draws their gun quicker lives wins.
With all the Grammy nominations, new Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy appointments and the promise of a Afrobeats Museum we’ve gotten so far, things are looking promising for the industry this year. Here’s everything we expect to happen.
Afrobeats gets a seat at the Grammy table
If you missed it, “Best African Music” has been added to the Grammy list of categories, and Nigerians dominated the nominations last year. Burna Boy’s Alone and Davido’s FEEL were also nominated for “Best Global Music Performance”. Blessing Offor, a Nigerian gospel singer, got two nominations. Rema, Bloody Civilian and Tems were on the Grammy-nominated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever album, Fireboy DML on Jon Baptiste’s nominated album, World Music Radio, and Janelle Monae’s nominated Age of Pleasure album brought in CKay and Seun Kuti.
Who said it’s not plenty for Nigerian music?
The new federal directors show themselves
January 12, 2024, came with the appointment of Nigerian creative industry figures like Obi Asika (Storm Records), Tola Akerele (Bogobiri House) and Ali Nuhu (Nollywood) into the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy. We can’t wait to see what they do first.
An Afrobeats museum
On January 13, 2024, we published a two-part story about why we need an Afrobeats museum, and what it would look like, which motivated pop culture journalist, Jide Taiwo, to announce the launch of his museum. We can’t wait to see this brilliant idea come to life.
Next Afrobeats Star
Ultima Studio, the makers of the now cancelled hit music talent show, Project Fame, are back with a replacement: Next Afrobeats Star. They haven’t revealed a launch date yet, but it’ll air for ten weeks, and the four judges are music producers, Sarz, Puffy-T, Andre Vibez and P.Priime — a huge win and recognition for our producers.
X.com: @joeyakan
AMVCA re-evaluation
MultiChoice’s Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, Dr Busola Tejumola, announced on January 15, that the categories of the famous Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) have been reduced from 33 to 27, to “meet global trends and standards”. Also, the Best Actor and Best Actress in Leading/Supporting Role will now be decided solely by a jury. These changes mark the tenth edition of the award show this year.
Source: BellaNaija
Another Big Brother Naija?
The reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, just announced the coming of Season 9 audition dates. Nigerians are about to obsess over strangers and make them celebrities once again.
More industry drama
The new year is just 18 days old, and we’ve already seen enough online gbas gbos to last the year. From Stefflon Don and Jada Kingdom fighting over Burna Boy to Prettyboy D-O calling out NATIVE Records’ president, TeezeeDRB, for owing his videographer-friend $500 and Tiwa Savage petitioning Davido over his threat to her life, it looks like a “No gree for anybody” year for the industry too.
2023 plagued Nigeria with crazily high inflation, foreign exchange rates and low purchasing power, among other things. And so, 2024 started with an unofficial theme for most Nigerians: “No gree for anybody” AKA “Stand on business”.
Let the church say..
In simple English, these statements mean Nigerians will give zero chances to anything negative this year. If you accept the challenge, from today henceforth, model your actions after these Nigerians who are famous for varying levels of not giving a fuck.
Jola and FK
Jola Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu have been pushing their “I Said What I Said” podcast since 2017. Their consistency has paid off because the podcast is one of the biggest in Africa today. In December 2023, they hosted a 1500-people live show in Lagos. Not only that, they’re known to platform important conversations around social bias, support small businesses and speak out against societal issues when it counts.
Portable
Throughout 2023, Portable kept himself in the news. Whether for his hometown coronation or airing his baby mama issues, he stayed in our faces. His music releases didn’t suffer either; he put out singles and an album. You don’t have to be uncouth like him, but you can emulate the way he makes noise against cheaters and about his hustle and wins. Also, keep being yourself whether people believe in you or not.
Asake
Asake’s steady domination of streaming charts is something to study. Despite releases from established acts like Burna Boy and Davido, Mr Money climbs to the top time and time again. In the first half of 2023, Asake’s debut album, Mr Money With The Vibes, had 440 million on-demand streams across platforms in Nigeria — almost twice what Seyi Vibez got in the second position. By August 2023, Lonely At The Top had become the most dominant single on streaming platforms and radio since Davido’s FEM in 2020. It came as no surprise when Spotify Wrapped 2023 listed Asake as the most streamed Nigerian act. Be a “landlord” like Asake in 2024 — turn the top to your house.
Emmanuel Akinsanmiro
18-year-old midfielder, Emmanuel Akinsanmiro, was signed on a four-year contract to Inter Milan U-19 football club from Remo Stars, Ogun State, in January 2023. Before then, he’d helped his former team get promoted from the Nigeria National League to the Nigeria Professional Football League in the 2020/2021 season. Emmanuel is proof you can do great things from a small place, so let nothing deter your dream in 2024.
Nasboi
The comedian was once a musician signed to Omotola Jalade’s record label in 2014 before he delved into comedy in 2017. In November 2023, possibly inspired by other successful comedians-turned-musicians — Broda Shaggi, Basketmouth, Kenny Blaq — he reignited his old dream by releasing his most popular song, Umbrella, featuring Wande Coal. He’s since gotten entertainment heavyweights, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Mercy Aigbe, Funke Akindele, Don Jazzy, Layi Wasabi and Sabinus, to push his new music. If a “comedian” is pressing hard to dominate musicians on the charts, who are you to not dominate things in and outside your field?
Paula Sai
Paula Sai is a budding rap artist who’s been posting freestyles and covers on her socials since 2019. Her delivery style mirrors Ice Spice’s but with Nigerian flavour. In 2023, she had a mild viral moment with one of her freestyles, when popular X users reposted it to make fun of her. In October, she shared her frustration in an X post about the public discouragement, stating that she’d return with a single or EP. Lo behold, Paula announced her comeback and new song this January. Let Paula’s resilience inspire you today.
Rabiu Ali
Rabiu Ali is a 43-year-old Kano Pillars footballer who’s been active for over 16 years. He has won consecutive Nigerian Premier League Cup (NPLC) titles for the club (2012, 2013 and 2014). Despite being above “football age” and the oldest player in his club, Rabiu remains tenacious, showing up to play the football he loves. His fans even call him Pele. Moral lesson here? No gree for old age.
Eroticism is one theme that Afrobeats effortlessly eats anytime it comes to it. Whether directly, subtly or figuratively, it’s clear through these particular songs that artists can communicate their romantic and hedonist desires well.
Bump this:
Ready — Sarz, Fxrtune & Pjstar
Straight-up uncouth, Ready fills your head with Kama Sutra. This song is for the real eaters — the ones who won’t leave the sheets before a complimentary buffet.
YAHWEH — Lojay
Hold your church mind; don’t get it twisted that this has anything to do with God. This song supports the sweet gibberish you mutter in the course of the sloppiest “slurp-slurp”.
Water from Wine — Amaarae
Amaarae sings for those who’ll text back “omw” when their sneaky link calls. They just want to have a good time that’ll keep their satisfier on speed dial.
Water — Tyla
When realisation hits that this song isn’t about hard labour nor a conversation with a workout instructor, your mind quickly unwraps the subtle request for an intense genital meet-and-greet. As a queen who values her time, Tyla asks, “Can you blow my mind?” If she has to hustle for her own nut, you’re better off seated in your house.
Attends — Brazy
This fast-tempo House song takes you straight to the dance floor. When Brazy says, “Whine your waist, oda bi rubber,” you have to obey and put your flexible low waist to serious grinding. But with, “Cheat on me, I cheat on you” Brazy preaches that you pay your liaison back in their coin.
Amma HOE — Bizzonthetrack
On this self-confessed jam about being a hoe, Bizzonthetrack makes it clear he’s unavailable for commitment. He’s only committed to whoring activities.
Boytoy — SGaWD
The sexual awareness SGaWD flaunts on Boytoy is admirable AF. This song is for the sexually liberated folks who own it with their chest.
Shibebe — Olamide feat. Fireboy DML
Indoor is where the fun is at. You have all the time, space and privacy to “shibebe” (flaunt your waistbeads), Netflix and chill, do waterworks and all other sorts of debauchery. At least, that’s what Olamide Baddo and Fireboy DML said on this track.
On the morning of December 22, 2023, Wizkid released a short EP titled S2 (Soundman Vol. 2), a follow-up to Soundman Vol. 1. Two days earlier, on Instagram, he posted an album artwork out of the blues, with the caption “See you on Friday”, throwing fans into a frenzy.
S2 is his first release since More Love, Less Ego in 2022. Coming in the Christmas season, just like Soundman Vol. 1 which dropped suddenly on December 6, 2019, Big Wiz has given us four new songs to rinse and repeat as we face a new year head on.
S2 takes on Amapiano while flexing Wizzy’s usual Afrobeats and Dancehall sound, achieving a balance between the low and mid tempo Made In Lagos and the thematic cohesion of More Love, Less Ego.
On the rhythmic rush of slapping log drums and meshed shakers of Ololufe, Wizkid confesses love to his interest. What’s spellbinding is the gentle delivery and verse exchange between Wiz and Wande Coal, which we haven’t got enough of since their collab on For You off Superstar (2010). The P.Priime-produced jam is a modern love story that somehow emphasises on sexual pleasure. It has all the recipes to be great but sounds more in-the-moment than intentional.
Diamond is an assortment of self-reflection, hedonism, smug brags and luxury that rubs in the face. Wizkid likens his tribulations and ensuing superstar lifestyle to his diamond accessories and the pressure they undergo. Life can be fleeting, but Wizkid has seen better days, and he remarks about that with, “Diamond no dey force himself to shine.”
All in all, Diamond takes a familiar Wizzy approach with a relatable story and production handled by P.Priime and Bigfish. It calls for slow dancing and glasses of wine.
Energy plays next. Wizkid, in a superchilled mood, throws woman-worship into his verses, recognising in the hook that he has good and bad days like everyone else. But he keeps himself together with his vices: smoke and sexcapades. He runs through the song smoothly like a butter knife. Wizkid’s romance, soft-life formula and sexy melody never fail — they yield a bop in this song.
S2 closes out with its best track, IDK, featuring Zlatan. TheElements’ production is lush, gets the head nodding and creates an aura of celebration. Big Wiz calls for a good time as a choir subtly backs him up.
Zlatan performs the second verse, the highlight of the EP. Zlatan raps about the luxury lifestyle, fair-weathered women and hustle, with a sprinkle of his animated ad lib and choral backup too. Afrobeats’ poster boy for hustle culture is a worthy guest artist. Wizkid’s writing on the other hand isn’t remarkable, but he continues to prove himself a melody molder.
S2 is experimental and feels like a prelude to what Wizkid has cued up for his next project. He’s featured on Rexxie’s Abracadabra, Metro Boomin’s SPIDERMAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, Wande Coal’s Ebelebe and Don Toliver’s Slow Motion all year without a solo release.
Wiz has also been on the road for most of the year. He took his music across international stages like Afronation Miami (May), The Other Stage at Glastonbury (June) and Rolling Loud Germany in July — the same month he filled the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in England.
Meanwhile, it’s been a bittersweet year for Wizkid. His mum passed away in August 2023. And his “More Love, Less Ego” Europe tour which was scheduled for October has been postponed till further notice.
Despite that, on December 11, Wizkid posted about a ₦100 million giveaway on his IG story. Later that day, he appeared in Surulere, Lagos, and gave back to children in his community.
The same giving spirit has brought us S2. In 12 minutes, the four songs on the extended play cater to the majority of Wizkid’s fanbase. Diamonds is for dancehall lovers. Energy and IDK are for OG Afrobeats fans, and his Amapiano fans have a winner in Ololufe.
Overall, S2 is a decent project that offers a good time. Wizkid likes music, and he’s having fun with it.
It pays to have global recognition because Afrobeats has stepped up in the “compelling visuals” department this year. These were the best of the best music videos of the year.
Yoga — Asake
In January 2023, Asake released Yoga with a music video ahead of his second album drop. The TG Omori-directed visual captured Asake and his cast members by the seaside and in the tropical city of Dakar, Senegal. As Asake roamed the streets, looking like he was in the middle of an epiphany, he still found the time to fish, perform ceremonial rites and practise yoga.
FEEL — Davido
Davido bragged that the music video cost him ₦100 million to shoot. When it came out in October, we all saw why. What we got was more “movie” than “music video”. Top choice director of the stars, TG Omori, was to blame for this war flick, featuring displaced citizens, flying aircraft and explosions. Meanwhile, Davido played strategist in a library with a globe and sketching paper. Plot twist: he’s plotting to rescue his love interest from the war zone. While it would’ve fit better with a politically charged song, the shot was a cinematic gem.
Korokoro — Prettyboy D-O
The first minute of this video released in May, dramatised two friends in a herbalist’s house impatient to get rich by any means necessary. Pan to Prettyboy D-O hanging with individuals brandishing shiny machetes like playthings. D-O worked alongside BadFlicks to direct this very Nigerian video that showcases a high energy characteristic of us and the rampant gangsterism that’s overtaken our society.
Obapluto — Shallipopi feat. Pa Monday-Edo
October came with a Shallipopi’s Obapluto video. In this homage to the great Benin kingdom and his Edo roots, the artist landed in a spaceship to celebrate the ascension of his Plutomania era. The cast were adorned with mud-red beads from head to chest, neck and shoulder, and strapped in white robes. It’s beautiful to see Pa Monday-Edo Igbinidu who initially sued Shallipopi for illegally sampling his song, Iyovbere. Lagos-based KEMZ (SkiiBii’s Baddest Boy, King Perry’s YKTV) directed the video.
Money & Love — Wizkid
Seated on an open rooftop with a paint palette and brush in hand, Wizkid channelled his inner Picasso in this March-released video. Next, we saw an outdoor garage of classic Ferraris and a house party. Director K made it simple but portrayed the elegance expected of a man surrounded by money and love.
All Eyes On Me — Niniola
This Pink-directed music video came out in June, and it’s a “rich aunty” masterclass. It starts with a stress-free preparation at the make-up desk and a night-out look that turns heads with envy and side gossip. In another scene, Niniola lays out her gold jewellery and shoes, native lace dress and satellite gele. It’s no shock when she owns the Owambe gathering on arrival, bringing all attention to herself as the song demands.
Charm — Rema
Self-directed alongside Perliks and Folarin Oludare, Rema went from expressing himself through dance to being mesmerised by a woman’s seductive moves in the first 30 seconds. He was so mesmerised that he flew out of an explosion like an action star just to get a closer view of her fire dance. This video premiered in May and subtly introduced us to Rema’s current era, with the colour red and “raver” aesthetic. Five months later, he launched his RAVAGE project.
Dejavu — Seyi Vibez
Before the baddies make an appearance and cash starts to flow, Seyi Vibez and the video cast glow in white robes that look like martial arts attire, for a funeral procession-like scene. Seyi is shedding his old skin and transitioning into a new being. TG Omori and Seyi Vibez delivered yet another exhilarating video at the tail-end of September.
Still Sober — Aguero Banks feat. Phyno
In November, Oluthewave dropped this Hip-Hop music video focused on cliche street activities like rolling dice, outdoor workouts and run-ins with the police. As day morphs into night, the street hustle and exchanges carry on. Its cinematography applies a creative style of side shots that make the video a unique watch.
AGBALAGBI — OluwaMillar
On December 14, 2023, OluwaMillar released his very first music video. In it, he recreates Baba Suwe’s classic “Agbalagbi” scene before hanging with cameos on yellow buses in a Dashiki and cap, borrowing from Yorùbá Nollywood to offer a relatability that hits home. This music video complements the theme of the song well, judiciously managing an apparently limited budget. Emsi Lucky is a video director to watch out for.
Growing up in a Christian Nigerian home in the 90s to early 2000s meant you listened to certain gospel songs over and over again. We all sang along to these tunes during weekend chores, and danced choreographies to them in church or at end of the year parties.
Come, Let’s Praise the Lord — Panam Percy Paul
Panam Percy Paul released Bring Down the Glory 2 (God of War) in 1989, and its first song, Come, Let’s Praise the Lord, instantly became the go-to for choreography presentations in schools and churches. Once upon a time, at this time of the year, kids across Nigeria would be rehearsing their synchronised moves to the gospel worship song.
Akanchawa — Princess Njideka Okeke
Akanchawa is an Igbo gospel song that was popular across households in the South-East and Lagos. The title means “The hands that bring good things”, a reference to God’s hands. Akanchawa is the first track on Princess Njideka Okeke’s Ministration Worship Part 1 album. Almost every Nigerian mum had the audio CD and played it on Saturday mornings.
Apata Ayeraye — Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (Surulere District)
The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church choir, Surulere, Lagos, released their Oke Mimo album in 1991. Apata Ayeraye which means “rock of ages” in Yoruba, was a standout hit for most families throughout the 90s. The worship song interpolates from the popular Yorùbá hymnof the same name.
Opelope Anointing — Dunni Olanrewaju
Every Sunday morning before rice and stew, this song was the tonic. If you grew up in a Christian Yorùbá home in the early 2000s, there’s no way you escaped this song. The titular track on Dunni Olanrewaju’s Opelope Anointing (2000) became a pop statement for gratitude and escaping adversity. The filling station closed immediately after they sold me fuel? Opelope anointing.
Chioma Jesus — Amaka Okwuoha
In 2003, Amaka Okwuoha released her hit song, Chioma Jesus, under New Jerusalem Music. She performed the song in Igbo with her iconic high-pitched vocals backed with heavy keyboard and drums. Chioma Jesus became such a hit that the singer is still referred to as “Chioma Jesus” today.
Oga Eme — Rosemary Chukwu
In 2008 and 2009, you couldn’t travel from Lagos to the South-East for Christmas and back without hearing this jam. It was a favourite for bus drivers and Igbo mothers alike. Oga Eme is fast-tempo and full of traditional Igbo music elements.
Baba Mimo Mowa Sope — Tope Alabi
Baba Mimo Mowa Sope (2001) is one of Tope Alabi’s classics and most diverse records. The praise song has a Makossa sound that sampled Magic System’s 1er Gaou (1999). It wasn’t just a turn-up jam in Christian circles, it was the ultimate birthday party favourite. Back then, the best dancer to this song always got sweet and biscuit. What a period.
Igwe — Midnight Crew
The year was 2008 when a music quartet called Midnight Crew stormed the country with Igwe, their multi-lingual gospel hit. It was recognisable instantly from its beat drop — the perfect ringtone material. If Midnight Crew, made up of Patricia Uwaje-King, Odunayo Ojo-Onasanya, Mike Abdul and Gbenga Oyebola, put this out today, it’d be a TikTok bop.
Olori Oko — Infinity
Infinity arrived in the era when Nigerian Gospel music was experimenting with diverse genres to bridge creativity with spirituality. Although Olori Oko came out in 2006, it’s an evergreen gospel bop today.
Ijoba Orun — Lara George
Lara George’s 2008 debut album, Forever In My Heart, gave us the hit single, Ijoba Orun, which has since become the Nigerian church’s call-to-action for those seeking to become “born again”. Ijoba Orun is a mellow and soulful cut, and Lara did absolute justice to it with her skilled vocals.
Opomulero — Angel
As a kid, Opomulero (2009) by Angel signalled gospel music’s complete shift from the stereotype to elements of secular pop instrumentals and delivery. Opomulero didn’t just eat as a party jam, it was the go-to for choreography presentations across Nigerian primary and secondary schools.
Joy, Joy, Joy — Destined Kids
“Joy, joy, joy in my heart is ringing” was on the lips of every kid when it came out in 2008. The Iwueze siblings (Favour, Rejoice, Joshua, Best and Caleb) had everywhere in a chokehold when they debuted with Joy Joy Joy, the first volume of their gospel music installations.
Artists come and go, but the exceptional ones stick around to build name and relevance. As we wave 2023 goodbye, we’ve marked out ten new cats we believe will seize 2024.
These artists made our list because of their talent, uniqueness, consistency and quality of the music they put out this year.
Pop
Kold AF
The light has been on Kold AF, born Aninooritsewarami Alero Oritsesesan, since she and French music producer, BGRZ, put out the six-track EP, KOLLIDED, in October 2023. Almost every stage that gave space to upcoming stars this year — The Future Award Africa 2023, Jameson Distillery On Tour and Indie Vibe House Party — has seen her in action. She was one of the highlights of Aristokrat Records’ Open House Volume One album, which showcased some artists on the come-up in December 2022. In the same month, Kold AF released a two-song pack called Kold Szn. Influenced by Burna Boy and Cynthia Morgan, her voice and vivid storytelling distinguish her from the crowd.
Image source: Kold AF
Morravey
Morravey is more than just Davido’s latest signee. She’s one of the brightest talents out of one of Nigeria’s biggest breeding grounds for talent, Port Harcourt (PH). With a catchy delivery and vocal range, her impressive performance on Davido’s IN THE GARDEN introduced her to a wider audience. In November 2023, Morravey released an introductory album called RAVI, and with her label’s backing, she may be everywhere in 2024. Based on the project and with her PH background, the singer-songwriter is set to tell Afropop stories in new and interesting ways.
Instagram: Davidonews
Qing Madi
Qing Madi’s See Finish (2022) enjoyed some viral moments this year and earned her a position as Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador in June 2023. Madi has since released other singles like Why, Ole with BNXN and Journey, and finally, her self-titled debut EP. At just 17 years old, Qing Madi’s music has peaked on popular charts like Apple Music chart, Turntable Official Nigeria Top 100 and Official Charts Afrobeats. With this trajectory, she’ll only get bigger in 2024.
Instagram: @aijaupdates
Rap
OluwaMillar
Favour Joshua Oparemi, AKA OluwaMillar, penetrated the underground rap scene in 2022 with a series of songs and features. He was on For Her (Voice2Rep’s compilation album), Menu with Droxx, Kokoka with VRSD, Fake Heads with Blvck Oreo and a remix of Menu with Emaxee, O’Shea and PayBac iBoro. In 2023, he came out with a two-song pack titled Agba Beef, which featured the songs AGBALAGBI and Beef Dey. The beautifully unique delivery of Yorùbá language in his music sets him apart from the many rappers springing up these days.
X.com: @llarim9
Jeriq the Hustler
On December 10, 2023, Jeriq the Hustler filled the 15,000 capacity Okpara Square in Enugu for a concert. The Igbo-speaking rapper’s catalogue goes back to 2018 with releases every year till date. With upcoming features and co-signs from top industry people, Jeriq is about to be in our faces in 2024.
X.com: @the49thstreet
Droxx
Only a few artists can boast a solid streak of up to 20 guest features in a year. Droxx, AKA African Chief, has long proved himself as one of the pioneers of Drill music in Nigeria and a top contender for most revered new rapper in the country. He opened for Davido’s “Timeless Concert” alongside Rebelwav in Abuja on December 15, 2023. With every performance, Droxx showcases true passion, consistency and his charisma places him as one of the coolest young emcees who’ll make 2024 a year to remember in Nigerian Hip-Hop.
Image source: Droxx
R&B
Brum3h
Brumeh Oghenekaro is a singer-songwriter, record and vocal producer and sound engineer who calls himself “Emo Boy”. The name accurately describes the deep feelings Brum3h expresses on his songs. As the R&B scene returns to its purest form in Nigeria, you’ll find acts like Brum3h in the frontline, uncompromising and passionate with his rhythm and blues. In September, he released Typewrit3R Volume One — a set of love letters to a difficult lover.
Image source: Spotify
Rukmani
Rukmani is managed by Cokoon Records (sister company to Aristokrat Records). Straight out of Port Harcourt, Rukmani masterfully renders intimacy, vulnerability and youth onto her soul-searching audio material. And her debut album, Angel On the Run (2023), encompasses these elements perfectly.
Image source: Spotify
RnB Princess
Staking her claim as a singer and storyteller capable of deep emotion and soulful melodies, RnB Princess’ voice carries a warm appeal. Her dear diary EP, produced by Beezyx, proves this point.
Image source: Spotify
Alternative
DoTTi the Deity
Forever Sweet (2022), a neo-folklore jam that’s been reigning at wedding parties all year, has solidified DoTTi the Deity as an amazing songwriter, singer and performer. More than that, his lyrics showcase him as a Yorùbá language custodian for the new generation. In 2023, DoTTi released another EP titled For You Knew Me, giving us a peep into the greatness the singer will unleash in the coming year.
Image source: Spotify
Bizzonthetrack
With Bizzonthetrack, you’ll get a mix of pop, R&B and lo-fi influences. You’ll also get simple lyrics that cover hustle culture, good life and sensuality. If you want to relax and have a good time or marinate in your feelings, Bizz is the guy. Start with his latest, Sir Jaiye Kuti, or attend his concert in Ibadan on December 23 to experience him live.
X.com: @bizzonthetrack
Ravington
Sitting at the intersection of rap, singing and music production, Ravington has conveniently designed his own brand of alternative music. Borrowing from Cruel Santino, Odunsi the Engine and Black Magic, Ravington adds in his abstract style of production to go with his deep vocals. After his Retrograde Blues EP dropped in 2022, he put out five songs and produced for fellow up-and-comers in 2023. We look forward to his 2024 offerings.
Image source: Ravington
Production
Afroselekta-BBK
An Abuja-based music producer and artist, Afroselekta-BBK has collaborated with EESKAY, Zilla Oaks, Reeplay, Laxy-BBK and more of the city’s finests. His expertise is an alternative blend of Afropop, Amapiano, EDM and Hip-Hop sounds like drill, grime and trap. His music projects like AED & AMAPIANO (2023), DRILLER & VANILLA (2022), Dangerous (2021) and AED (2019) helped establish him as an expert on these sounds. We can’t wait for what he’ll bring in 2024. He’s also carved a dynamic spot for himself as an animator, writing scripts and animating videos for his music releases.
Image source: The Guardian Nigeria
Kemena
Some may recognise Kemena as a recording artist, songwriter and sound engineer, but he’s also a music producer with credit on all the tracks off his projects, Bond (2020) and Guitars and Malaria (2023). He creates and arranges his music from scratch and has produced for Joeboy (The Best For You), Badboywilz (Agbalagba) and Music Business Africa 2022 finalist, Jola Bello (Rain). His style swings between Afropop, R&B and alternative rock music.
Facebook: @Kemenamusic
NYRP
NYRP is an Afrobeats music producer making his name underground after he left the Sarz Academy in 2022. His soft popping beats have earned him production credit on songs like Jimni Abdul’s Royal Rumble, Söulaar’s Balance, Muis’ Saati Ramoni and The Lemon Vinyl’s Majo and Tomorrow.
Instagram: @nyrp_szn
DJing
WEAREALLCHEMICALS
When she’s not modelling or working on Dencity, her skateboard collective focuses on empowering women, Blessing Ewona AKA WEAREALLCHEMICALS, DJs. She has Gen-Zs spellbound with her Afrobeats, electronic dance (EDM) and House music mixes. You can catch her performances at every cool youth party in Lagos, such as Activ.Yard, Science Club and MELT. She’s on to something incredible with her unique mix style, and the mainstream will soon get fixed on her chemical doses. It’s only a matter of time.
Instagram: @blessing_ewona
DJ Kiss
Anyone who’s paid attention to DJ Kiss since her Unilorin days circa 2018 knows she’s cut from a different fabric. She never misses with her selection of romantic early 2000 pop hits, both local and foreign. She also works with afropop and rap jams of the 2010s, and a slew of current Afropop, Amapiano, House and Hip-hop hits. Kiss has worked stages like the Jameson City Takeover, Afrobeats in the City and even her very own U.K. Summer Tour from August to October 2023. But no matter the size of the venue she plays, her set always brings the crowd alive.
Instagram: @celebritydjkiss
DJ 212
DJ 212 is popular in the NYSC orientation camp and corporate events in Lagos for hot playlists of Afrobeats and Amapiano mashups. He’s the guy for anyone who needs twedding turn-ups and themed parties. After his Press Play Party 2.0 featured Asake and YhemoLee in February 2023, he’s set to have a blast with parties next year.
Signal is a new producer on the Afrobeats block, who got his big break working on Khaid’s Carry Me Go in March 2023. Since then, he’s worked with Joeboy, DJ Neptune and other household names. Signal took time out from putting his personal project together to share the process behind these hits, the pressure he’s faced since and what the music production game needs.
Tell us about yourself
Signal: I’m Signal, the Plug. I’m a music producer originally from Ekiti State, but born and bred in Ibadan. IB City is a massive part of my musical influences.
How so?
Signal: I grew up listening to Yoruba music. I still listen to a lot of Tungba, Fuji and Juju music, and it’s reflected in the drums aspects of my production.
How did you get into music production?
Signal: My interest developed in National Open University (Ekiti Chapter) in 2018. My mum noticed I liked computers, so she gave me her laptop. I got a production software my brother had told me about and messed around with it, and watched YouTube tutorials, for nothing less than a year. Then I started to recreate top-charting tracks.
Our local music and electronic dance music (EDM) influenced my early production. I’d constantly listen to music and blend different sounds based on how I felt about it. That was my start. In 2020, I jumped in and out of Lagos many times, going from studio to studio, linking up with artists that people recommended and those that I met online to create. From going studio to studio; producing and recording, I have since met more artists and music business people.
Describe your signature sound
Signal: I call it a “happy sound” because 99% of the time, my sound will put you in a happy mood. My catalogue is proof of that.
What’s your creative process like now?
Signal: I produced Carry Me Go in January 2023, and it was one of the most straightforward jams I’ve ever made. I was in the studio with Khaid and Boy Spyce, and we decided to work on something. I had the drums down, we figured out the melody on it, we vibed for a bit, and when it got to the “Carry me go” part, we were sure the jam was done. We left it, returned to the studio later, trimmed it and moved to the mixing session.
For Mumu, I recorded it with Joeboy on my birthday — February 23. I went to his side, and he asked if I had beats to play for him. At first, I said no because I didn’t have any beat I’d made for him in particular, but I eventually played him a random beat. He was like, “But you said you didn’t have any”. He got to writing, and we finalised on the song that night. Months later, he connected me with DJ Neptune to release it.
Has anything changed for you since you made these hits?
Signal: Yes. How people view me. More people are willing to work with me. They feel like since I have hit songs under my belt, I can replicate it for them. If people insist they want me to recreate something I’ve done before, I will. But I don’t miss the chance to convince them that we should work on something new. If I’d stayed recreating stuff I’d made before, I probably wouldn’t have any of the popular jams I’ve made now.
I’m a beat selector now; people seek for my special sound. I have to stay innovative. Music production began as fun for me. It’s more work now, but I can’t afford to lose the fun part.
How hard has it been to keep the fun part?
Signal: Quite hard.
My experience so far has changed my idea of what it’s like to be a musician. Beyond making beats, I’ve had to learn to be strategic.
My experience with creators outside Nigeria has changed how I create too. Now, I know music is more than just recording a song. I also have to constantly adapt to new technology.
What are your thoughts on the current Nigerian music industry?
Signal: We need more transparency. The industry can be more open about information musicians need to navigate the business. People who contribute to songs should be credited appropriately. There should be an official platform where listeners can read the lists of people who worked on their favourite songs. We need more recognition for the people on the backend.
The situation is getting better though. And that’s exciting.
What’s next for Signal?
Signal: I’m working on my own project. Most of the tracks are ready, but getting clearances from different artists and their managements takes a while. I might make an instrumental project too, but we’ll see. Signal isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Many will return home to spend time with their loved ones because it’s the end of the year and holiday season. Those who haven’t seen each other in a while will link and catch up. People will bond over food and create new memories.
But in all these doings, there are some types of people who must be avoided if cheer and relaxation is what you want.
Reckless spenders
It’s important to spend and ball wisely this December because January will be here in mere seconds. Don’t let your peer’s spending spree lead you astray. Go out with the elderly ones and leave the burden of payment to them.
People who bill
But in choosing the elderly loved one to move with, don’t choose a black taxer by mistake. Anybody who bills you this holiday is inconsiderate — except you’re Tinubu’s minister or an assistant to his assistant. You might want to bill them, but that’s different.
Entitled people
You haven’t seen or heard from them in a long time, but they get upset because you’ve forgotten them? Except they’re those area brothers you have to settle to avoid trouble, please avoid them..
People who don’t send invites
They’re your “friends”, but they haven’t invited you to their house to eat Christmas food? Please, tell them to fix up before it’s too late and they lose you forever.
Team promise-and-fail
If your friend pledges to waybill you your Christmas food, but no delivery guy shows up to your door, he or she is a scammer. Immediately, start avoiding such friends.
Unappreciative people
Detach yourself from people who don’t appreciate and respect your time or feelings. Don’t let them take you on an unnecessary cruise this Christmas.
Party poopers
Anybody who dulls your vibe in or outside your house should be thrown away.
FitFam people
These ones are the worst of them all! Anyone who won’t let you breathe eat this festive time without bringing up your weight or the gym, cut them off till after New Year’s. There’s a time and place for everything, please.
One morning, toward the end of November, rising Nigerian artist, Vasa, woke up to find he was trending on TikTok. A video in which he performed his latest song, Treasure, had garnered over 300k likes on the popular platform.
Vasa — coined out of “versatility” — dropped the emotive song, Treasure, on November 10, 2023, in an attempt to stretch his bright beginning. Just four months before that, he’d dropped his two-single coming-of-age debut, which showed us a glimpse of his storytelling skills.
We look into his budding music career, how it all started, the viral TikTok moment and his upcoming EP.
Vasa
18-year-old Vasa, born Freedom Alli, was born in Benue State and raised in Lagos. Since age nine, he has gravitated toward the arts and creativity. He first expressed himself as a sketch artist then a creative writer whose friends paid him to tell them stories.
By age 14, he’d directed most of his creative energy into songwriting and music. In 2020, when Vasa turned 15, he started posting freestyles and covers on his Instagram page. His consistency positioned him in many people’s feeds and faces, including his dancer-friends, one of whom forwarded the posts to Ize Records in 2023. The label signed Vasa soon after.
In August, Vasa put out his official debut. The first, Bolanle, talked about young lovers who couldn’t let go of each other. The second, Teriza, had Vasa serenading listeners with an upbeat Afropop tune about his romantic desires and moments with his love interest. Next, he released a sped-up version of each song to optimise for TikTok.
Then came Treasure, a follow-up to Bolanle. Blending heartwarming vocals with moody mid-tempo R&B, Vasa’s writing abilities soar. Professing his steadfast desire for his love interest, his persona on the song showcases the sheer significance of vulnerability as a bonding tool in relationships. As he echoes her identity as his “treasure”, his gentle vocals soothe the listener’s tension and the percussion glides the song to a crescendo.
In November, Vasa gained much-needed visibility. More people are tuned into his music than ever, with his songs and music videos gaining traction on TV and radio. Treasure is currently on Apple Music’s East Africa Risers Shazam Top 200 and Viral Top 50 on Spotify.
Vasa
As he progresses, Vasa maintains an unwavering commitment to his love for music, focusing on recording his first full-length project. “It’s an EP I’ve been preparing for next year (2024). I can’t wait for people to hear that I’m versatile and good”.
The release could be a significant milestone in his career if it captivates listeners and further showcases his growth as an artist.
No one saw the iron hand 2023 dealt Nigerians coming. From neck-breaking inflation to crazy fuel price and transport fare hikes, the poor barely gets a chance to breathe. As the year draws to a close, we deserve premium enjoyment to help us recover. We don’t want the Santa who comes with nothing but legwork and photo sessions. It’s these types or nothing.
The charity givers
Anyone who takes it upon themselves to give to the needy this holiday is the type of Santa Claus we need in this economy.
Santa Wizzy
Wizkid is in Lagos and high in Christmas spirit. On December 11, 2023, he posted on his IG story that he has ₦100m to give away this Christmas in the name of his late mum. This is how a proper Santa moves; in millions and merry.
Mint note relatives
This is a callout to all our uncles and aunties who are known to dole out crispy naira notes. Don’t let us miss you this December.
A boss who approves “13th month”
A 13th month salary or Christmas bonus would bang right now. With that, we can ball in December and still manage through the 80 days of January. Any boss that disburses the funds should be awarded Santa Claus of the Year.
Anyone in Tinubu’s government
Appointments have been flying up and down. The federal government just sponsored over 500 non-professional people to the COP28 summit in Dubai. It’s clear to see that the biggest ballers of this period are the direct beneficiaries of Tinubu’s government. Find one today and tell him how good you’ve been all year.
IJGB people
They shouldn’t even bother to change their cash to naira. Let them just come with their hard currencies and squeeze them into our hands.
Friendly police
We need policemen who won’t harass us for not giving them “something” for December.
Afrobeats remains a global top boy with the closing of 2023. But as we head into 2024, it should take some things much more seriously if it wants to stay ahead.
Giving full credit
Nobody will go hungry if everyone involved in creating a song is fully credited for their contribution. In fact, everyone eats — from producer to songwriter to graphic designer. Let’s take metadata seriously from now on, please.
Owning our narrative
Nigerians may love grass-to-grace stories, but for how long will afrobeats musicians from privileged backgrounds keep up that facade? There’s no shame in having a billionaire dad or respected family name, beloved, nor is there shame in being a trust fund kid. So own it.
Leaving Amapiano for the owners
Shout out to Nigerians for borrowing the beautiful South African sound and making memorable, chart-climbing hits out of it. But it’s time to focus on our many sons of Afrobeats. Because TBH, we’re tired of log drums.
More unique looks
Not everytime locs. Sometimes, Tuface or Portable style.
Clear samples
There’s no gain in waiting until lawyers write you, or your song is taken down from streaming platforms, to pay up for illegal sampling. Get permission and clear samples before using copyrighted material in your music.
No to fake PR
People need to stop fake dying or pulling other unnecessary promotional stunts. Maybe get a creative director to do organic, professional work with you instead.
No more comparison
Pitting artists against each other will never be cool, nor will disrespecting your colleague’s work. Artists should just stay away from fan drama. Or address them to kill the flames of stan wars.
Seyi Vibez has put out three projects in 2023 alone: Vibe Till Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Kingdom Come and his latest, NAHAMciaga EP — which drops on the first anniversary of his Billion Dollar Baby 2.0 album.
On December 1, he released his new EP on Deezer and Tidal alone. Seven days later, he finally put the project on other streaming platforms, and I got to listen. I’ve now rinsed it over ten times even though it’s eleven minutes long.
Image source: BellaNaija
The culmination of his back-to-back releases has solidified that Seyi Vibez holds the secrets to street hits. In this write-up, we’ve taken notes to give you the clear-cut recipe.
Image source: BellaNaija
Before you pick up your pen and paper (or whatever you take notes with), you should know you need significant competence in your mother tongue. To be a voice of the streets, you must be in sync with the local audience.
Most of Seyi Vibez’s music is in Yorùbá. But don’t forget you need to spit in a few more languages. He spoke Xhulu on Hushpuppi. In Highlife Interlude featuring Phyno, he sang in Pidgin English, Yorùbá and Igbo!
Image source: Nairaland
Next, when you get in the booth, work with a music producer you’ve grown up as Siamese twins with. Seyi and Dibs Tunez created hits like Man of The Year, Hat-trick, Chance (Na Ham), Professor and more together. If you have their kind of synergy with your producer, nothing can box you. From Highlife to Apala, Fuji, Afropop, and Amapiano, Seyi has built a solid CV on the back of this relationship. Even Indian sounds aren’t left out; he executed them well on Psalm 23.
If people made you lead praise and worship whether you liked it or not as a kid, send them money today. According to his lyrics on Kingdom, Seyi was once in a Quranic school for nine years and he’s better for it. His Psalm 23 covers everything from BBLs and pleasing women to his singing skills, and at the core, his quest for divine protection. Apply your Bible or Quran knowledge to your music. Asides from hacking the substantial religious demography, this is a smooth way to convince your parents about your music dreams. They love God, and you love music; everyone is happy.
Image source: Bella Naija
Don’t forget choral effects and sonorous background vocalists like Nelly Baradi, who harmonises on Seyi’s songs.
Once you’ve added these ingredients, your music is set to blow and the street is yours. But if it still doesn’t work out, don’t panic. Check your swag. Fix a gold grill and add more XXL clothes to your wardrobe.
The current burst of youthful energy in Nigerian Hip-Hop is thanks to drill music, a bubbling subgenre. +234 Drill, as Nigerian rappers call it, has enjoyed visibility and churned out great records this 2023.
In March, we introduced you to the Nigerian drill artists you should know about. To celebrate the end of year, we picked out 30 impressive drill tracks of 2023 and narrowed it down to 14 undisputed jams of the year.
Bump this:
AGBALAGBI – OluwaMillar
The intro to AGBALAGBI flows with joyous flutes that cue in a sample of a Baba Suwe classic, “Agbalagbi to ju agbalagba lo”. The chorus is catchy, but the verses are even more infectious. It doesn’t only tick the boxes of puns and punchy one-liners, it’s a showcase of superiority that distinguishes MC OluwaMillar from the crowd with spellbinding tongue-twisting rhymes and apt football references in mostly Yorùbá. You may be good, but Millar says he’s better.
AGBALAGBI artwork
No Excuses — MOJO AF & EESKAY
MOJO AF and EESKAY are skilled rappers and braggarts. On this upbeat drill record, EESKAY’s verse hammers on the years he’s spent in the game, consistently working hard to stay in the conversation. He passes the baton to MOJO AF, who drops self-appraisal bars, stoner quotables and money brags. These guys are always an exciting duo when they come together, and some rap listeners’ new favourites.
Omo Yahoo — Norchkingz
This song went viral on TikTok and exposed indigenous rapper, Norchkingz, to a broader audience. Omo Yahoo captures the youthful exuberance of the internet fraud lifestyle with uncouth bars. It sarcastically asks “ballers” from wretched homes if their parents know they’re squandering millions — a Nigerian reality.
FLATLINE – Tomi Obanure & KVV (Kinfxlk)
“If you’re not gang, why you throwing up gang signs?” Obanure and KVV of Kinfxlk take a swing at pseudo-gangsterism with the hook of this track. With the music video, they paint vivid imagery that’ll comfortably sit under horrorcore, an anthem bursting with the obtrusive energy of Olympic weightlifters. Their music may be niche, but it’s quickly gaining traction with Abuja at the forefront of Nigerian Hip-Hop — thanks to the meteoric rise of ANTIWORLD GANGSTAS and Psycho YP.
Grealish — Runjozi
Titled after Jack Grealish, a Manchester City football club player, this song talks about feasting on opps and beats like “Popeye’s spinach”, but its sweetest part is the thematic beat that protrudes over Jozi’s baritone vocals. A skilled rapper, music producer and sound engineer, Runjozi distinctly designs his sound around his flow, cadence and voice texture. Grealish is the third track on eight-man rap band, BAD INFLUENCE’s Under the Influence EP, and it’s an absolute sports car stereo tester.
Apapa — Alpha Ojini
The sapa tale on Alpha’s self-produced jam is more celebratory than sympathetic. Of course, he had to douse the heavy lines on finding beauty in the struggle with humour. Alpha has lofty dreams of owning shipping containers in Apapa, living his best life and compensating for all the times he was down. Don’t we all?
Oloun — PayBac iBoro feat. Payper Corleone
Oloun, the 12th track on PayBac’s latest album, West African Goat, had him diluting his passion and persistence with prayerful yearnings to succeed. PayBac iBoro has cemented himself as one of the most consistent and diverse Naija rappers. From boom bap trap and drill to soulful rap songs, Afropop and alternative music, he proves to be a trailblazer on the modern Nigerian rap scene.
Hamilton — T.O.D SZN feat. Mo’Gunz
Hamilton sparks with a tone sinister enough to wake night marauders. Although juiced up in metaphors and street slang, T.O.D SZN and Mo’Gunz paint a picture of explicit street violence and what it means to be territorial. Their charismatic back and forth is simply a rap lover’s delight.
Jaiye or Not — D.S.6
“Jaiye” is Yoruba for “enjoy”. This hard-hitting tune about only living once, in multilingual delivery, skippy drums and haunting melodies, has become the Nigerian driller’s template for a local resonating hit. In the current music climate, anthemic songs in four minutes are rare. Jaiye Or Not by D.S.6 (Droxx and Slimsyxx) is one of those rarities.
Numero Uno — Mo’Gunz feat. President Zik
In a rap world complicated by ego and one-man movements, Mo’Gunz stakes his claim as “number one”. He is insatiable about taking over the game, but he’s also open to healthy collaborations. Numero Uno is a brute, bouncy, sing-along rap jam.
Darth Vader — Kaylu
It’s a different feeling when you’ve been in the game for a while but you don’t get the accolades you think you deserve. Kaylu sees that the mainstream music game differs from his champion days in Unilag. Strapped up to ignite momentum on bigger stages, Darth Vader is his entry as one of Naija’s most powerful rap Jedi ever.
OSHAMOR — Qeeb feat. Mo’Gunz
Qeeb has been silent since 2021, but his latest EP, ROUGH & READY, released in October 2023, mirrors his go-getter mindset. He channelled this energy especially with Mo’Gunz on OSHAMOR (meaning “You know”). If head-knocking verses and an aggressive chorus about pushing through hurdles get you pumped, here you have it.
Superman — Kene Himself feat. Droxx & Soto Eon
Kene Himself’s baritone vocals erupt with the command of a sophisticated Igbo chief as he runs through this beat with a sharp verse about poise. Superman’s chorus is infectious and memorable. And Droxx’s and Soto Eon’s contribution took the song from a nice rap joint to a spirited one.
Afghanistan — Rebelwav & Droxx
Collaboration has been one of the most vital elements of drill music. It’s why Rebelwav and Droxx have been more visible in 2023. On this track, they liken their daily Nigerian experiences to harsh living in Afghanistan — a well-understood exaggeration. Afghanistan is the last track on their joint EP, Haram Pack, which dropped in November.
If you asked teenage me who Reminisce was, he’d recite: “How far, how far? 1827765. Report your location. Sarz on the beat, AKA Knackdemus. O ja?!” — Reminisce, Kako bi Chicken (2012).
I got into the veteran rapper’s music in 2013, and he’s never let me run out of cool slang to recite with my friends. First, it wasHurricane, a song he dropped as a warm-up to his sophomore album, Alaga Ibile. Beyond the unmatched thrill of bursting out “bai” at the end of each bar, Hurricane introduced me to my current favourite rapper, PayBac iBoro, who Reminisce met at music producer, Sossick’s studio and gave a chance to take the second verse.
A decade later, Alaye To Se Gogo (ATSG), Reminisce’s latest body of work, shows remarkable evolution— his testimony as a street conqueror. With this album, he’s pushed through the ranks and sits in the upper echelon of the game. I sat down with the 42-year-old rapper and had him share the inspiration behind Alaye To Se Gogo, its significance and what he’s learned in his 20-year career.
What inspired Alaye Toh Se Gogo Volume 1?
Reminisce: The will to make music for people who still want to listen to me.
Before I returned to the studio, I asked my team if people genuinely wanted my new album; making music is expensive. I wasn’t sure I cared about making an album, but they convinced me that the request was high and we put it out. Since then, I’ve been extremely surprised. A lot of folks are listening to the album and talking about it. I actually have a huge, loyal following.
People still like me this much? It’s great. I appreciate it. This album came from a place of love and passion.
What was the creation process like?
Reminisce: I like to sit in my home studio, listen to music and do my thing. I prefer to write to the beat. It’s easier because I don’t have to adjust anything after. It’s plug-and-play; I load the beat and write on my phone.
What’s a day in your life like?
Reminisce: I typically wake up around 12 p.m. or 1 p.m., brush my teeth and sneak in one or two smokes to start my day. I go through my emails and digital numbers on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. I check my socials to see who’s banting who — I love Twitter so much.
If I have work to do, I get to it. If travelling is involved, I’m up in the morning and on my journey. Whether by road or plane, I try to make it early and get to wherever I’m going by 4 p.m. at most. On days I have music to make, I get in my home booth and record. Or play my video games, if I’m less busy.
Around mid-afternoon, my daughters are back from school, so I spend an hour or two with them, go back to my studio to watch evening football matches, listen to music, watch podcasts, whatever. My day is basically about me, my work, my kids and my family.
Are you ever worried about ageism in the Nigerian hip-hop industry?
Reminisce: No. It’s almost as if people don’t want to see older artists who’ve donned stages and mics for years keep going. But everyone has their audience. People who grew up listening to my music and are still alive, so I have to serve them.
All the online reaction to Alaye Toh See Gogo has been from a certain demographic: people who’ve listened to my music since secondary school or uni and have grown up. They feel like they grew up with me and my music.
Who influenced your music growing up?
Reminisce: Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound crew and Dr. Dre were huge influences. But the overall impact was Michael Jackson. I can sing 20 Michael Jackson songs right now. My favourite is Billie Jean. MJ was my eldest brother’s age-mate, and they shared the same birthday. So, my admiration is also a bit personal. I was sad when he passed away.
MJ was the first celebrity I recognised before falling in love with hip-hop. Then in secondary school, there was the Snoop Dogg and Juice and Gin period, and there was Biggie and 2Pac. I used to mime all their lyrics. Nas and Jay-Z came into the picture, and their music finished work on me. I preferred Nas; I respect money-making talk and all, but I’m for lyricism.
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But everything you’ve heard in my music so far is about my own life. I lived with my mum growing up. After she passed, I shuffled between my step-mum and grandmother. This was a bit of an eye-opener for me: understanding different people, perspectives and polygamy.
I grew up in a liberal Islamic home. We performed duties and rites as Muslims, but my dad never pressed us to be religious. When success came, and my life changed, I started trying to be a proper Muslim. I make more time for my children and my relationship with my creator. I don’t want my kids to see me as a pagan. I want them to identify me as Muslim. I’m still liberal, but I practise Islam as a way of life beyond prayers and fasting.
What’s one thing you still aspire towards?
Reminisce: Nothing. All I’ll ask for is a long life. Anything material or career-related? No. I don’t make demands on myself because I understand what will be will be. I only need the will to do things I want to do. Suppose I want to put out an album. I’ll ensure the standard is good enough for anything that wants to happen from there. Anything besides that is pressure, and I’m done with that.
I once saw a photo of you with your head buried in a book, and my takeaway was you’re a book lover. Am I right?
Reminisce: Yes.
My favourite book is Sir Alex Ferguson’s “Just Champion!” Growing up, we watched Manchester United all the time. Sir Alex was Michael Jackson standard to me — untouchable. His first book came, and I had access to his life story, dressing room issues and many backstories. The book touched me. I read it five times. It was emotional, and it’s still on my shelf.
It could’ve been football over music?
Reminisce: I no too sabi like that. I played for my secondary school twice. The two times, they fired me. I have friends who forced themselves to play but didn’t make it. I knew football wouldn’t work for me; I was honest with myself. But rap? There was no doubt it was my thing.
How did you know you were a good enough rapper?
Reminisce: As a teenager, I was doing it for fun, but people listened and showed support every time. When I asked my sister if I was excellent, she’d acknowledge me and boost my confidence. So I was sure about it. But for football, I was like Wan-Bissaka or Harry Maguire — average. If you put me inside a team, nothing would show. Football fans would liken me to Kalvin Phillips — nothing exceptional on the pitch.
What was your early experience as a rapper?
Reminisce: I had the worst experience with rejection.
In the early days, I was the radio station DJs’ joke material. They used to call me “The King of Promo CDs” because I printed a lot of them. I used to print a thousand copies of three to four singles a year. Everybody knew me; everybody had my CDs. But I’d go to radio and TV stations, and I’d see them in the dustbin because people didn’t care. I was that guy. But I’ve never let that weigh me down or make me look at people who didn’t help differently.
It’s part of my journey. Specific incidents happen to me so I can remember where I come from and where I’m headed. I don’t dwell too much on them, whether positive or negative. No matter how much good or bad happens to me, nothing stops my movement. That’s why when people say I’m a good storyteller, I refute it. I have many stories to tell because I’ve been through a lot. I don’t have any regrets about my life and decisions.
This reflects in your stage name, Reminisce
Reminisce: Reminisce came up because of the first four letters of my name, Remilekun. I went with the flow because it sounded nice. I actually wanted to use MC Khalid, but no one used Muslim names back then, except maybe Rakim, and he was older.
Each of your projects seems curated to take listeners through the significant phases of your life. Is that intentional?
Reminisce: I’m intentional about my art and its perception. I have to grow, and I want anyone who listens from the start to grow with me. As the listener evolves with Reminisce, the music must level up. If you listen to Alaye Toh Se Gogo and you heard shit I already said on Alaga Ibile, there’s a disconnect.
My albums are portraits. See it as a young guy who once didn’t have a beard growing a goatee. Soon, the beard will connect, and you’ll see that “Alaga is getting older.”
I don’t want to force anything. I evolve, and so do the people I serve my music. I carry them along and make it fun.
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learnt so far?
Reminisce: Zero expectations.
People will always be people. Know this, and you won’t be disappointed. My dad told me I shouldn’t pressure myself. I have to make it, but I also have to ask myself what I want. He told me to have it at the back of my head that the fruit of any decision I make will affect my family. Whether for good or bad, I have the option to choose.
What does success mean to you?
Reminisce: Success is relative in the Ibile Movement. It’s why Olamide’s Grammy nomination means the shit to us. We can’t compare ourselves to new kids who have the springboard or backing, doing genres way more popular than we do. People’s journeys and stories are different. To me, whatever makes anyone feel like they’re made or fulfilled is a success. Some people will never win a Grammy. Some people have been nominated for the award but will never win. Whether a Grammy is your metric for success or not, it’s all about perspective.
You just have to figure out what audience you want to reach because there’ll only be a few global talents every year. You need to focus on your audience, serve them what they want and milk it. Everyone can’t be Drake; he’s a rare phenomenon. Stick to your thing. There’s money to make everywhere.
As a rapper in Nigeria, understand that you represent a disadvantaged genre right now. Even the numbers and metrics overseas are saying the same thing. You must be extremely smart about your music and business.
Portable, AKA Dr. Zeh, is one of the most talked about artist in the Nigerian music scene at the moment, after he made a random appearance at the British Fashion Awards 2023 with Skepta.
Since he burst into the industry in December 2021, he’s kept his name in the news and on people’s lips. Born Habeeb Okikiola, Portable is a controversial figure, but that’s exactly what feeds his continued relevance. To understand how he’s captivated a mainstream audience, this is a timeline of his journey.
December 2021: Sango Ota to Lagos
It was a different December for Portable in 2021. A social-media personality known as Don Blu posted a video of Portable singing ZaZoo Zehh, a freestyle, on Instagram and Snapchat. Many viewers found it funny and thought he was just another local artist looking for fame. But the freestyle made the rounds on the internet and reached popular street-dancer, PocoLee, who heard a potential end-of-year jam. Upon request, Don Blu facilitated the link-up between Portable and Poco Lee. Next thing, YBNL boss, Olamide, asked Portable to pull up to Lekki, Lagos.
On December 14, 2021, they dropped the audio (produced by P.Priime) and music video (directed by TG Omori). ZaZoo Zehh became one of the breakthrough Nigerian songs of 2021, and barely 72 hours later, Portable climbed the Livespot X stage to perform his hit with Olamide and PocoLee. Wizkid joined them on this stage to spray Portable with dollar bills. Four days after, Portable was dragging Poco Lee online for “ripping” him. He stated that he owns the song and should rightfully be credited as the primary artist instead of “PocoLee feat. Portable & Olamide”. Portable also claimed that Poco only gave him $600 out of the $3000 Wizkid sprayed.
Image source: X.com
Next thing, Kogbagidi (born Quadri Taored), a show promoter Portable used to call his “helper” sent him packing from his house. In the video Kogbagidi posted on his page, he called the “$3000” Poco Lee’s money and told Portable to return to his village in Sango Ota, Ogun State. As some guys packed Portable’s belongings out, Kogbagidi blamed them for not monitoring Portable in his absence.
The drama generated online sympathy from music lovers and artists like Slimcase, who took to Instagram to plead for Portable.
Portable apologised to Poco Lee, Kogbagidi and Olamide, asking them to forgive him for the earlier flare-up. Kogbagidi and Portable made up, but soon after, they had another clash about cars and contracts. In a video that surfaced online, Portable held a baseball bat, complaining about being cheated, while Kogbagidi begged him. They made up yet again. But on Jahbless’s “Original Intelligence” podcast in January 2022, Portable announced that the relationship ended.
January – April 2022: Billboard charts and U.K. debut
On January 5, 2022, ZaZoo Zehh debuted at number 14 on Billboard Top Triller Global Charts. On January 19, he released All Eyes On Me featuring Barry Jhay, and Neighbour with Small Doctor on the 29th. On February 11, Portable released his Zazuu Zeh EP and spent the next two months consistently putting out songs and features. In April, Portable performed at AY’s Easter show and went with socialite and 5-Star Records owner, E-Money, to the U.K. for shows in Peckham, Birmingham and Manchester.
May – July 2022: Zeh Nation is born and Headies drama
In May, Portable posted a certificate of incorporation for a new record label called Zeh Nation Limited on Instagram. The Headies 2022 nominee list came out on May 24, and Portable was in the Rookie of the Year category alongside Fave AV, Ugoccie and Magixx. He was also nominated for the Best Street-Hop category with Bella Shmurda, Mohbad, Naira Marley and Goya Menor.
On May 25th, Portable threatened to cause harm to other nominees if he didn’t win the awards. The Headies asked him to retract his statement and tender an apology. Instead, he offered a back-handed apology, claiming they knew his attitude before they nominated him.
On July 18, Portable called himself the founder of cult group, One Million Boys, and The Headies swiftly disqualified him from all categories.
August 2022: Chief of Zeh Nation
On August 22, Oba Olabode Thomas-Fagbayi (Onitigbo of Tigbo-Ilu) conferred upon Portable the chieftaincy title, Amuludun of Tigbo, Aworiland, an area in Yewa Local Government, Ogun State. He posted videos of his coronation ceremony on Instagram, and days later, he signed his first artist, Olamzzy, to Zeh Nation.
September – December 2022: International shows, album drop and coffin entrance
Portable went from losing a South African gig due to his social media fights in September, to performing in Germany and Italy in October, where he claimed to have faced extortion and escaped death. On November 25, he released his album, Ika of Africa, a few days after he signed Youngy Duu to Zeh Nation. And on December 28, Portable arrived in a coffin to Portable Live In Concert at Fela’s Shrine, Lagos — his debut show as the main act.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyCvIcbhAgs\
April 2023: A prison-inspired hit
On March 30, police officers were at Portable’s Odogwu Bar in Sango Ota for unspecified reasons. The artist took to his IG story and claimed they came to assault him. The following day, he ended up in police custody. On April 3, the court granted bail after he met some conditions.
Four days after his release, he put out the viral hit, Am Not a Prisoner.
August 2023: Terry G link-up and U.S. tour
Portable and Terry G released Ogbafia on August 16, 2023, after their viral link-up. Soon after, Portable and his wife, Omobewaji, hosted a ceremony to celebrate the first anniversary of his chieftaincy title. He later announced his United States tour to run from September 8, 2023 to March 23, 2024.
November 2023: The sophomore album
Portable released his second studio album, Anikuleti Street Don Jazzy (meaning the Don Jazzy of Anikuleti Street), on November 24, 2023. Although there’s no noise around it, Dr. Zeh is still on his U.S. tour as of the date of publishing.
December 2023: Skepta link-up and Brit Fashion Award
It came as a surprise to many when Nigerian-British artist, Skepta, asked for Portable’s whereabouts on his IG story and X. On December 5, the rapper posted a photo of Portable’s reserved seat at the 2023 British Fashion Awards before they both pulled up to the function.
Image source: X.com
Knowing how Skepta moves, he ended up making a record titled “Tony Montana” with Portable. The music video was released on March 1st on YouTube.
In the Nigerian music industry, most copyright infringement cases go unpunished. But on November 22, 2023, the Nigerian proverb, “Everyone is a culprit. But the one caught on the day is a thief,” latched onto former NATIVE Records artist, Smada.
SMADA EH! vs Hamba Wena
In April 2023, Smada posted a video in which he was hanging with Poco Lee at Obi’s House. In October, the two made another video that went viral. In it, Poco and Smada sang along to a short but infectious “Smada eh, Smada ah” snippet.
Soon, the X timeline was filled with requests for them to release the song. But many South African and Nigerian listeners were furious at the snippet and remarked that it was a copy of Deep London’s Hamba Wena. Unconcerned, Smada released SMADA EH! featuring Poco Lee and producer-DJs, Smeez and Dean, on October 27th. Smada performed the still trending song in public for the first time on November 4, 2023, and on November 7, he kicked off a promo challenge that helped it gain even more traction.
The copyright infringement and imitation comments from South African and Nigerian music listeners too, while other Nigerians maintained that Amapiano “belongs to us now”. Even Nigerian producer, Killer Vybez, tweeted that Nigeria doesn’t recognise copyright.
On November 23, Deep London quoted one of Smada’s promo tweets with “Can you please at least respect South Africans?” In a subsequent quote, he promised to take legal steps against Smada. The following day, he posted a statement that included a suit against Smada for copyright infringement. On November 29, Deep London posted that SMADA EH! had been removed from all digital music platforms. As of December 4, Smada still performs the song.
To understand how copyright infringement works in the music industry, we spoke with Nigerian entertainment, intellectual property and data protection lawyer, Lola Oyedele. She explained the infringement in Smada’s case and what the situation means for the African music scene.
Good vs bad interpolation
Lola: Interpolation is when a song is re-recorded, note by note, copying the basic composition. Artists do this when they don’t have enough money to pay the owner to sample the original song. However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay to interpolate it. It’s just a cheaper alternative. You still have to get a mechanical license, and you have to give credit.
Sampling is taking an original composition and using it as is in an entirely new song.
Smada interpolated both the beat and melody of Hamba Wena in his song, SMADA EH!. Anyone who doesn’t know who Smada is will hear “Smada ah, Smada eh” and assume Deep London and Boohle made a remix of Hamba Wena.
But none of the money earned off SMADA EH! goes to the South Africans who created the original composition.
Copyright infringement
Lola: What Smada did on his song is copyright infringement because he copied someone’s work without permission. The moment you use and commercialise someone’s creation, it’s an infringement. The only exception in the Nigerian Copyright Act 2023 is in cases of fair use — writing your thesis or news articles with footnotes, you don’t need express permission to do so.
If Smada didn’t get express permission to use the musical composition, there’s no reason why the matter should be taken lightly. That’s somebody’s intellectual property, so he needs to pay.
How Smada could’ve avoided legal drama
Lola: When you plan to use someone else’s work in your music, you should write to them first. They may charge a fee or ask for credit as the original owner of the song. Some also demand a percentage of the music sales.
When it gets legal
Lola: Most unestablished artists use copyrighted work without authorisation because they don’t expect that their songs would exceed five or ten cities, so the original creator may never hear about the used composition.
As a lawyer working with an established artist whose music has been used without permission, I’d write to the unestablished artist saying, “I know your probably didn’t think the song would have a huge traction or reach, but here we are now. What do you want to do about it?” If my legal team decides not to take “sorry”, the next thing to do is pull down the song. But the drama doesn’t end there. My legal team would state which part of our client’s copyright suffered infringement. Smada is earning from the stolen music. “Smada, eh, Smada, ah” is all over on the internet, and he’s getting paid; it doesn’t matter if it’s just a naira or two.
I’m not sure how it’ll go in Smada’s case, but ideally, he should pay the original creators a percentage of every dime he’s earned from the song. As the infringed artist’s lawyer, I wouldn’t take a one-time fee. People are even using the catchphrase as a joke.
The song will be on the internet forever.
If negotiations don’t work, the last resort is to go to court. Court proceedings would happen in the defendant’s jurisdiction or where the infringement occurred. So, in Lagos, Nigeria, where Smada made his record. This case is a civil suit because it’s a matter of intellectual property (IP). The consideration and ruling rests finally on the judge, and the new Nigerian copyright law (2022) is stricter than ever. If Smada’s team can prove they didn’t infringe, no problem. But a case like this can drag, depending on the infringed artist’s label or whichever company might own the original musical composition. The company will institute the action against Smada.
What to do when you’re about to sample or interpolate a song you like
Lola: Don’t incorporate what isn’t yours into your work. It’s alright for inspiration, but learn to get credit. Reach out to the artist, no matter how established they are. There are many internet-savvy entertainment lawyers like Foza Fawehinmi you can also approach.
I work with Teni. Some artists from different places have reached out to use her song, and we gave them out Pro Bono.
What this means for the African creative industry moving forward
Lola: Some artists may find it harder to clear songs, and it may mean tighter copyright laws depending on the location.
Whether 2023 has been your year or it’s nothing like you wished for, you’ve tried what you can and you’re still standing as a new year approaches.
As we prepare to round up the year and welcome the holidays, take time to reflect and big-up yourself with these celebratory Nigerian songs that popped up on the radar in 2023.
Man of the Year — Seyi Vibez
Seyi Vibez is one of the most talked about artists in Nigeria this year due to his incredible three-project run this year. Thy Kingdom Come, the last of the projects, opened with Man of the Year. As Seyi throws his usual worship style on the song and lays claims at having the best year, he states the sky is enough for everyone to fly. This jam is for you to boastfully say you’re the man of the year while you motivate others they can be the men of the year too.
OVER DEM — Davido
“If dem wan turn Goliath, I be David for life,” Davido sings as he declares his dominion over haters. Not to sound like an opp, but this can also be a prayer point against Nigeria. The country can be the weapon fashioned against its people.
Eyes — Reminisce feat. Mayorkun
Reminisce grabbed Mayorkun for the opening chorus on his new album, Alaye Toh Se Gogo. Mayorkun starts by singing about the pressure he’s passed through to become somebody. Reminisce complimented this effort with two solid verses about determination and persistence. If 2023 has shown you a lot of shege, the song Eyes is the best recap of an interesting 2023.
Sunshine — Asake
“Sun gon’ shine on everything you do,” Asake sings on Sunshine, the fourth track on his sophomore Work of Art. As the choral vocals press against the log drums, the song hits on resilience and the promise of rest after work. So sit back and enjoy your 2023 wins. You’ve tried.
Sability — Arya Starr
Self-confidence is one of the best and most admirable qualities everyone should aspire to. Arya Starr knows this and turned it into an anthem.
City Boys — Burna Boy
When you finally realise your beauty, strengths and steeze, you see yourself bigger and better. From the J Hus’ intro speech to Burna Boy’s message about enjoying soft life, City Boys admonishes you to flex around your city this end of the year and live your life to the max.
Oloun — PayBac Boro feat. Payper Corleone
Even if you don’t get all you wished for, never stop fighting for them. In a painstaking but fired-up, passionate delivery, rappers PayBac and Payper Corleone swear that they must blow up and have the flyest things.
Keep optimism with you, fam.
BEZOS — BlaqBonez
With faith, Blaqbonez walks and believes that today may be challenging, but tomorrow, he may also be as rich as Jeff Bezos. This is the reality of life, and it can happen to anyone (who isn’t sitting down, lazy and entitled sha). Moreover, this is Nigeria, and the idea of waking up and blowing tomorrow morning is the delulu we need.
Holy Ghost — Omay Lay
First, let me say that I hope Omah Lay is doing alright wherever he is. Secondly, thanks to him for this emotional piece that kicks against inferiority complex. 2023 might shake your morale, but you can dance in 2024 with the assurance that the supernatural will boost your confidence. This song is consuming and uplifting.
Party No Dey Stop — Adekunle Gold feat. Zinoleesky
It’s the end of the year, and the title of this jam should be taken literally. Drink up and dance away. But don’t spend all you have on party o. 2024 is just a few weeks away, and saving will help you avoid the shege in the beginning of the year.
On May 11, 2023, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci started her 100 hours cook-a-thon, and broke the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual” on May 15th. The feat was more than just a proud Nigerian moment, it also inspired more people to attempt to break and set Guinness World Record across different categories.
So we compiled a list of all Nigerians who have attempted to break the GWR since Hilda Baci.
Philip Solomon
On January 24th, 2023, Philip Solomon from Akure, Ondo State, was declared a world record holder for the most skips (153) on one foot in 30 seconds. Philip broke Bangladesh’s Rasel Islam 145 steps record set in 2021.
Chef Dami
A month after Hilda Baci became the longest cooking chef on GWR, Damilola Adeparusi, a 22-year-old chef from Ekiti attempted to break the record, aiming to cook for 120 hours.
Although the Board of Guinness World Records didn’t affirm her as the new record holder, some Nigerians cheered her, while some criticised her.
Chef Adeola
In an attempt to surpass Hilda Baci’s world-recorded cooking hours, a chef from Ondo State, Adeola Adeyeye, embarked on a 150-hour cooking marathon. She began on June 30, 2023 and completed it on July 7th. However, GWR didn’t recognise her attempt.
Blaqk Stereo Music Group (BSMG)
Nigerian actor and comedian Hawwal Emmanuel Olarenwaju Ogungbadero led 15 artists under his company, BSMG, to set the record for the longest recording marathon on June 25th, 2023. The recording session lasted for 40 hours, nineteen seconds.
Tonye Solomon
On August 10, 2023, Tonye Solomon from Bayelsa State set the record for taking the most steps (150) climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on his head.
Hitsound
Joshua Abba Jeremiah, AKA Hitsound, is a music producer, singer and YouTuber from Kogi State. On September 28, 2023, he attempted to record several artists for 72 hours to break the longest recording session record BSMG had set earlier in June.
Lola Mewu
Nigerian painter and 2D artist Oyinlola Mewu attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon, clocking in at 72 hours. She started her painting marathon on October 28, 2023 and finished October 31, 2023 — a decade after Belgium’s Roland Palmaerts’ feat in 2013.
Chef Tope
Another Nigerian chef rose up to reclaim the title back to Nigeria on November 9th. Chef Tope’s attempt was a 200-hour cook-a-thon in Ogbomoso, Oyo State on November 18th.
Remember Irish chef Alan Fisher took the record from Hida Baci, after completing a 119 hours and 57 minutes cooking session.
Subair Enitan
Although Subair, a 200-level student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has landed in the hospital with hand injuries, she completed a 58 hours task of washing clothes. Subair applied for the GWR task last June.
The male fashionistas of today are popular for their originality and unrestricted sense of style. Gone are the days of copying the “American rapper” fashion template once deeply seated in Afro-pop culture.
Looking for inspiration from stylish Nigerian men to step up your own game? These are the guys to check out.
Teezee
As one of the founding fathers of Alté music, it isn’t hard to link Teezee‘s fashion style to the culture. He’s not your regular music and record label executive. You’ll only ever catch him in street or athleisure wear, casual clothes or adire pants for that Nigerian flavour.
IG: @teezee
Alani Gram
Alani Gram is almost always in Yoruba trad, but some days, it’s hats, suits and other comfortable clothes. Still he looks like everyday is summer to him. He recently launched MŌYÀTÒ — a unisex fashion brand making vintage Yorùbá prints and patterns into the coolest designs and wears. You can be stylishly different like Alani. Do it for the culture and carry on tradition.
IG: @alanigram
Feedy
One of the few guys who rock jerseys better than football players is Feedy. Football jerseys have broken into the fashion industry, but many folks haven’t caught on yet. Learn from Feedy AKA TheFeedbackBoy, who rocks football jerseys of all kind, from retro to classic. He’s so cool, he styles the current reigning video director, TG Omori. Feedy’s style community, Old Capsule, is focused on showcasing, selling and promoting vintage soccer jersey products.
IG: @thefeedbackboy
TG Omori
Speaking of, if you follow TG Omori on any of his social accounts, it’s clear to see why he’s one of the most fashionable young men in Nigeria today. Unique sunglasses, cool tops and unusual shoe choices are major components of his style, but he’s also unpredictable. Aside from his spectacular locs and gold grills, TG’s thick moustache makes him look even more stylish. Everything about him screams, “I’m so cool.”
IG: @boy_director
Walter Banks
Walter Banks AKA Wacko is a photographer and creative director who’s worked with many Afrobeats A-listers, and his eye for fashionable AF looks is A1. His style hangs between street fashion and Alté.
IG: @wark_jacko
Faraz
Nothing overboard with Faraz Muhammad’s steeze but lots of iconic European street and rare Asian fashion releases. He knows how to throw all the simple clothes together and make runway swag out of it. He may appear like a Korean mountain climber on some days, but kids and adults can take inspiration from him any day.
IG: @sixhunred
Dwin, the Stoic
Dwin wears silky tunics and suits, large clothes only Japanese warlords would wear, fascinating gold earrings and rings like Shabba Ranks. He’s very much royal and relaxed with his style. Out of ten folks, you’d hardly find two who dress like him.
Ejirhogene
If you want the why-couldn’t-I-think-of-those type of looks in your wardrobe, Ejirhogene is who to follow. His style creatively crosses cultures and puts different clothings together to make unique outfits. This guy can rock agbada, durag and school sandals and still be the best dressed in the room. His finesse peaks with cool and unique colour combinations and accessory collections.
Do you want to level up your fashion game, change your style or add to your wardrobe? These Nigerian ladies have the distinctive fashion tastes that might inspire yours.
Temi Otedola
Temi loves contrasting pieces and matching unique items. Her fashion style is chic, captivating but easy on the eyes. Although she focuses on her acting work these days, her JTO FASHION blog still inspires many with her personal style and fashion exploration.
Image source: @temiotedola
Fisayo Longe
Fisayo Longe owns Kai Collective, a go-to fashion brand that launched in 2016. You may have seen one of her remarkable colour-mesh designs popularly known as Gaia Dress. Fisayo’s style is pretty experimental, marrying vibrant colours together to make a dress or top. Either way, she kills it.
Image source: @fisayolonge
Hafymo
Fashion, beauty and lifestyle content? Leave it to Hafsah Mohammed AKA Hafymo. She has a penchant for wide-legged pants, bright colour combos and complex designs, a tradition that carries on in her fashion and clothing brand, Chenemi.
Image source: @hafymo
Anne Nonye Udeogu
Anne Nonye is an unconventional fashion babe and content creator who operates ThisThingCalledFashionn, an online platform she founded to showcase her personal style in 2020. To look like a hottie straight out of a Beyoncé shoot or an expensive corporate babe, or to turn ankara into a style high-end brands will envy, Nonye is your go-to. If you’re looking for more than fashion inspiration, her online store whatnaylikes, has enough looks and pieces to shop.
Image source: @ThisThingCalledFashionn
Style Senami
Apart from being one of the hottest young fashion stylists and consultants in Lagos, Style Senami, born Senami Mague, knows all the creative ways to style your skirts and corsets. You can learn one or two cool fashion things on her Fashion Bae Show. Peep her @whatshestyled page to see more of her work and people she’s styled.
Image source: @stylesenami
Veekee James
If you’re looking for gorgeous styles your strict mum or church’s mummy G.O. won’t stop fanning over, Veekee James has all the fashion ideas for you. Do you need bespoke wear? She got you — just that she doesn’t make clothes below ₦1m.
Image source: @veekee_james
OnyiiBekeh
Onyii Azode effortlessly pulls all styles. You’ll like her if you’re a fan of colours and clothes that take the Nigerian sun into consideration. Outstanding casual and street fashion? Check. Unique corporate styling? Check. Holiday, carnival or sexy style ideas, she does it all. She was studying in Medicine before fashion got her attention in 2018. Now, she calls herself a “medical doctor with a fly closet”.
Image source: @onyiibekeh
Diana Eneje
Diana Eneje is a fashion model and influencer whose style can be described as “hot city girl vibes”. From effortlessly slaying crochet designs, to rocking short dresses with beautiful bag selections, to turning athletic wear into street fashion, Diana is HER. Her YouTube channel covers her fashion and lifestyle, so go there for all the fashion inspiration you need.
Image source: @diana_eneje
Ashley Okoli
Ashley is a stylist, designer and creative director popular for her daring “Y2k Nollywood babe” look. Her hairdo, eyebrows, makeup and clothing choices always distinguish her from the crowd. Overall, her approach to fashion expresses boldness and freedom.
Image source: @ashh.ok
Bamy
Bamy is a fashionista in the intersection of music, social media management and content strategy and production (WeTalkSound, Tea With Tay). Her style mixes clean masculine fashion with femme designs. And her sunglasses combinations are top notch.
Iretizee
Iretizee, born Ireti Zaccheaus, is a fashion designer and founder of Street Souk, an African streetwear brand. Her style is sexy androgynous. Both men and women can be beneficiaries of her charming fashion steeze.
Image source: @iretizee99
Ogechi
Ogechi is a content creator who’s built a huge following off her fashion and lifestyle content. With her cool make-up game, Oge‘s style leaves bold, classy and soft-life effects on you. This may be what you need.
2023 has been a busy year for the Nigerian music industry, particularly Afrobeats. As artists like Burna Boy and Rema aggressively sell out shows and arenas, get nominations and win awards, they’re also in the studio to cook jams and feed their fans new music.
Over the past few years, the new generation artists have held our attention and climbed up to new, noticeable heights. After a series of releases and commercial success, one would expect these artists to present to us their full-length musical projects this year, but we’re still biting nails with no hope they’ll serve us.
These are the new school Nigerian artists we expected to drop an album in 2023.
Tems
In the last two years, Tems has trailblazed her path and registered herself as a global brand. She has worked withartists like Brent Faiyaz (Found), Drake (Fountains), Rihanna (Life Me Up), and Beyoncé (MOVE), showing her musical range. After the releases of two EPs (For the Broken Ears in 2020 and If Orange Was A Place in 2021), we’re due for an album.
Although the release of Me & U may be a step closer to Tems’ debut album, we don’t know how many steps are left to get us there. On November 20, 2023, Tems tweeted on X that she’d leave the internet and lean more into the background after her debut album drops. There’s no pointer it’s coming out in 2023. Temilade, see you in 2024.
Oxlade
We anticipate an Oxlade album, but he’ll also take the time to get back in the right headspace. The falsetto-singer mentioned in an interview this year that he went through a lot mentally and Ku Lo Sa was one of the expressive pieces that came out of this situationl.
Ku Lo Sa is now one of Oxlade’s biggest songs ever. Also, he just released a two-song pack which has a very emotional single, KATIGORI, which addresses backbiters andfolks sabotaging his brand and business. In all that, he still found a pocket to remind his peers and detractors he’s far above them. Honestly, this type of confidence sounds fresh from him and gives the let-me-talk-my-shit vibes. With his current energy, he needs to give us the album ASAP!
Victony
Victony has had an incredible run in 2023, defining the year with hits like Soweto (original and remix), Jolene, My Darling, Angelus, Jaga Jaga, No Joke, and the latest, Ohema, which has over 14 other artists on it. Though it’s an incredible idea and execution, I’m wondering why he can’t just make an album and feature each one of them.
Magixx
We heard the ATOM EP in 2022, and we were sure it was the next direction after Magixx’s self-titled debut EP. Fast forward to 2023, only three songs (Colors, Loyal and Maria) have come out from the artist. Yes, they’re great titles but we exist in a period where almost all his new-cats colleagues likeCrayon, Rema, Ruger, Teni, Blaqbonez etc., have dropped their albums.But we’re patient and looking forward to his 2024 plans. Hopefully there’s an album in it.
Fave
Honestly, we are tired of getting only singles from Fave. It’s like giving a kid a piece of biscuit but never the whole pack. Don’t you want us to get filled? If that’s Fave’s intention, releasing a few songs and doing some features here and there, then she wins. Maybe in 2024, we’ll get a full experience of her talent and artistry in an album.
On November 20, 2023, Victony posted a snippet of his new single, Ohema, along with interesting news: he worked with three music producers and featured 14 artists on the track.
While we all await Victony’s highly anticipated single, let’s travel back to the 2000s to highlight all the all-star songs we loved so much.
1,2,3 remix by DJ Neptune
The year was 2010 when three of the hottest rappers in the country took turns to drop bars on a DJ Neptune record. M.I Abaga, the song’s producer, opened up the remix, followed by Naeto C and the late Dagrin, who had arguably the best verse on it because of his strong Yorùbá delivery. While the 2011 Ako Mi Ti Poju remix gave us Naeto C and Dagrin, 1,2,3 remix is the only song to feature the three iconic rappers together.
My Pain (Tribute to Dagrin) by Sheyman
After Dagrin’s demise in 2010, veteran artist and sound engineer, Sheyman, orchestrated an emotional tribute to the memory of the late rapper. My Pain featured 20 artists including Omawumi, Reminisce, Durella, Kenny Saint-Brown, Waje, Banky W, Sasha, Jaywon, Jahbless, Tony Tetuila, Lord of Ajasa and more. We can’t talk about all-star records in Afrobeats without mentioning when artists came together to pay their last respects to a colleague.
Baddest Boy by E.M.E All-stars
In 2012, Banky W’s co-founded record company, Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), released the album, Empire Mates State of Mind. The first single, Baddest Boy, features former E.M.E artists, Wizkid, Skales and Banky W. During this period, E.M.E owned the airwaves with a cool swag every young person wanted to have. And Baddest Boy had our attention with Wiz’s confident opening verse and infectious chorus, Skales’ braggadocious rap verse and Banky’s singy-rap delivery. Till today, when the Wizkid part, “Bí wón le, le, le” bursts out of any speaker, the crowd will respond with “I’m the baddest boy”. It was an anthem.
Made in Lagos by Naeto C
Way before Wizkid’s latest album Made In Lagos, Naeto C had a song of the same title. It’s the last song on his 2008 album, You Know My P, and features his fellow ex-Storm Records artists, Jazzman Olofin, GT tha Guitarman, Darey Art Alade, Sasha P and General Pype. This was the era when label artists constantly made possé cuts, and we miss it.
Born Champion remix by General Pype
Coming off the success of the original song, General Pype assembled Dagrin, Vector, Naeto C, Sasha P and GT tha Guitarman for a remix in 2010. This remix became the ghetto gospel, giving hope to young Nigerians stuck in the trenches. It’s still a sing-along that sparks nostalgia today.
Pere by Mo’Hits All-Stars
Off their Curriculum Vitae album, Mo’Hits All-Stars — Don Jazzy, D’Banj and Wande Coal — sang to woo their love interests. At the time, Mo’Hits had the music industry in a chokehold with their hit songs and superstar label roster. Pere‘s music video directed by DJ Tee upped its relevance with the iconic scene where Wande and D’Banj argued over who had the finest babe. Pere is still a jam that’s immediately recognisable from the beat drop.
We Are Africans (Naija remix) by JJC
Femi Kuti, Dagrin, eLDee, DJ Zeez, Kel, Ay.com, Ragga Remi and Moe Money featured on the Naija remix of JJC’s We Are Africans in 2010. One of those old-school Naija classics that’s a certified sing-along, the song was their way of promoting African unity and pride to the diaspora.
Represent by M.I. Abaga
Represent was the last song off MI 2: The Movie album, featuring Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz and Brymo. The song started with a lady saying the album can’t finish without a joint from the “Choc Boyz” — the Chocolate City labelmates. Their era as labelmates was a solid run, and their songs together are some of the best releases from Chocolate City.
Once you get into the black tax pool, it’s hard to get out. Even when you tell yourself “Enough is enough. I can’t kill myself,” you keep giving and giving in to rampant demands.
But you can save yourself by self-motivating with these Afrobeats lyrics we curated against the black-tax movement.
“Sometimes you might see me looking dope but nothing’s in my bank account, the boy is broke”
This country is hard AF. People know that. But they also need to know you’re just as down as them. You’re just keeping up appearances and posting throwback pics to spark joy. The next lines go: “Trying to meet demand, I swear it’s hard to cope / Me sef I be human being o”. Black tax should not vex; you’re just a Human Being — word and song by M.I Abaga.
NotjustOK
“I’m at a point in my life, if you understand me or not / Misunderstand me or not, me, I’m okay”
Let these words of King Promise be your declaration as you walk another day. No one will beat you if you don’t give them a chance to tax you. Whatever anyone thinks about you is their business. Everyone will be okay. Or not.
“If I dey down now, who go lift me up? If battery low, na who go charge me up?”
These are the questions you need to ask yourself sometimes. The answer helps you move accordingly. Responsibility must’ve hit Joeboy too suddenly, he had to keep screaming the track title, “Only God can save me” throughout the song. Even the artwork shows he needs help.
“Na who born, na who born, na who born the maga?”
“Maga” means “fraud victim”. And if you’re the one people black-tax, doesn’t that make you their maga? Look into the mirror every morning and recite these lyrics to yourself. You won’t be a maga IJN.
“I’m unavailable. Dem no dey see me”
Davido knows how overwhelming it is to look after other people; man had to voice out. You don’t want anyone to use their own responsibility to kill you for the LOYL, so decide who has your number and avoid posting on WhatsApp.
“Tán bá disturb, ko pa data”
Zlatan said this on Blaqbonez’s BAD TILL ETERNITY. It’s straightforward — if anyone disturbs you in order to tax you, turn off your data connection.
“Keep your eye sharpen because e get as you go move around me wey fit end up for DND”
DND by Rema is the ultimate guide on how to manage your affairs and stand your ground in the face of entitlement and manipulative bullshit. He ended the chorus with “Even egbon dey collect DND,” meaning an uncoordinated elder can get a snub or two.
“Ki lo kan boys? Ki lo kan federal?”
These rhetorical lyrics from Asake’s Joha translate to, “Why should boys care? Why should the federal (government) care?” Be the black sheep of the family. Be careless like the Nigerian government. 👀💀
“Do me, I do you. God no go vex, true religion”
If the people taxing you have done you bad or worse before, I guess it’s payback time. I didn’t write this good gospel, Ghost of Show Dem Camp did on WYW.
“Is this the motherfucking thanks I get for making my people proud?”
Say whatever you like about Burna Boy’s entitlement on his song Thank You, but it’s how you truly feel when people aren’t appreciative of what you do for them.
Something is in the Edo water. The state keeps making the news rounds lately for the spectacular doings of its young talents. Rema closed out O2 for his London concert on November 15. Shallipopi released his debut album on November 10, and is one of the breakout artists of 2023.
While these two may be the current faces of Edo, there are seven other artists from the City of Bronze you should have on your listening radar.
Aiseh
Omosefe “Aiseh” Aisosa is a hip-hop artist whose music revolves around everyday Nigerian life, relationships and his Christian faith. Five years after dropping his debut album, GROWING (2018), Aiseh returned in 2023 with Heartbreak, Bars and Melodies. The project detailed his love life and showcased a versatile music maker who can sing and rap equally well, with each song connecting cohesively into the next.
thellO
thellO (Ethel Blessing Ngohonba Mote) is a Cameroonian-Nigerian singer and rapper based in Benin, Edo State. Attention first beamed on her during her stint in the 2022 Hennessy VS Class. She raps in English, Yorùbá and her native Cameroonian tongue, Bassa. She’s a battle-tested emcee, and her social pages are stacked with freestyles and song covers you should deep-dive into.
Layzee Ella
Onose Emmanuella Bagudu, PKA Layzee Ella, is an androgynous singer-songwriter best known for her soul-pop music. Her EPs When The Lights Go Off (2021) and Feel Everything (2022) are built around vulnerability and romantic experiences. Her most recent offering, Infinito, is a collaborative effort with Romanian music producer and DJ, Vanotek.
Caleb Clay
Based in Lagos, Caleb Clay (FKA BigC) has made his identity as an adept lyricist in the Naija underground rap scene. Asides from being a great storyteller who tells introspective, personal stories and Lagos city tales, Caleb walks with pockets of flow that endear listeners to every bar he spits. His rapper CV includes three EPs and a session at DJ Jimmy Jatt’s “Jimmy Jump Off” show. His new single Pressure had Port Harcourt rapper, Sknny, on as a feature.
Aisosa
Before Aisosa released his emotional At Night, You Floor My Thoughts with producer UndieJulius in March 2023, he showed his lyrical depth of love languages with releases like Abeg, All Time Low (2021), Strange Fire and Fools (2022). Aisosa, born Michael Timeyin Igbinosa is a burgeoning R&B and afro-fusion act whose vocals and lyrics will wash over you like tidal waves. Watch out for him.
Harry Carter
Harrison “Harry Carter” Ogedegbe is one of the most exciting artists from Benin. When he isn’t exploring trap and emo-trap, Carter is drilling or making afro-pop jams like Myself featuring Lil5ive. From braggadocious rhymes to chill vibes, Carter is an all-round artist. His catalogue is two EPs and several singles deep — his latest is Ovbere (“He has come again” in his native Edo tongue).
Billy the GOAT
Ihama Peter, popularly known as Billy the GOAT (BTG), is a non-stereotypical rap artist. He conveniently switches flows to fit into his fusion of pop and afrobeats, while maintaining his rap aura at the core. STOP PLAYING, his four-track sophomore EP, came out in August 2023.
https://youtu.be/3HWoUDHxRPI?si=W65JEIVEVbiaZ81V
Get into these young Edo stars through our playlist:
Nollywood has been exceptionally consistent with Netflix releases in 2023, with productions like Black Book and Jagun-Jagun making real impact. And another TV series, Olóládé (meaning “the wealthy has come”), is set to join the lineup.
We bring you exclusive info from TNC Africa on everything to know about Olóládé.
Six-part series
Olóládé, a six-part series, follows two friends — Shina, a secondary school teacher, and Lateef, an auto-mechanic — who run into sudden wealth, which they use to build a betting business. Then the consequences find them.
PulseNg
Inspired by an old Yorùbá classic?
Olóládé the series brings to mind an old Yorùbá Nollywood film by Ebun Oloyede’s Olaiya Films, titled Olóládé Mr Money, a dramatic horror about a man who did rituals to become wealthy. Whether the series borrows from the old Yorùbá film or not, its production team has collectively described it as a “homage to Nollywood TV classics”.
Language
While Yorùbá is the primary language, the writing team — headed by Lani Aisida (Skinny Girl in Transit, Rumour Has It) — brings us a relatable script that permeates ethnicity and tongues. According to the director, Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo (TAJ), “When you watch Olóládé, you will feel a lot of nostalgia. It’s good storytelling at its core. You can expect to see relatable, well-developed characters and drama unfolding, which for me, is what good storytelling should be”.
We’re backkkkk!! Naked Tribe, you know we would never just leave you hanging like that 🌚
See you on Netflix! 😉
Synopsis: The road to quick wealth is paved with deadly consequences. Ololade, a 6-episode series, our homage to Nollywood TV classics is coming to Netflix on… pic.twitter.com/rvnZbVCOQO
The production company behind Olóládé was co-founded by Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Daniel Aideyan and Olawale Adetula — the series’ executive producers — in 2021 to focus on making original African TV series. So far, they’ve produced A Little Black Book and My Name Is A-zed.
Production team
Olawale Adetula, Adaugo “Falcon” Uzoma and Dele Ishola are the producers of Olóládé. The consultant producer is Leye Fabusoro, with Adeniyi Joseph-Omobulejo (TAJ) as the director.
With Olóládé, we wanted to pay homage to Nollywood TV classics – pure drama, no distractions. The show launches in 10days. Set your reminder. #OloladeNetflixpic.twitter.com/jrTC58l3Ru
The cast list boasts veteran actors like Femi Adebayo, Kunle Idowu (Frank Donga), Mercy Aigbe, Jaiye Kuti, Mide-Funmi Martins and Liz Da-Silva. It also features emerging Nollywood stars like Adebowale Adebayo (Mr. Macaroni), Oluwatobi Olubiyi (Agba) and Debby Felix.
Image Source: BellaNaija
Principal photography
Principal photography commenced in the first week of January 2021 in Lagos, Nigeria, and was completed in March 2021.
Image Source: TNC Africa
Debut release
Olóládé the series will make its debut on Netflix on November 24, 2023.
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.
