Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bcm/src/dev/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Wizkid | Zikoko!Wizkid | Zikoko!
In January 2023, Davido and Wizkid announced a joint tour that finally put to bed rumours of their age-long beef. However, one year and four months after the announcement, the singers appear to have taken a U-turn following a public faceoff on social media.
Their potential joint tour now hangs on a thread.
What happened?
On April 29, Wizkid went on a wild rant on X, formerly known as Twitter, coming at colleagues unprovoked and clapping back at fans.
Things took a turn when a fan asked the singer to release new music, and he responded with an embarrassing video of Davido where he was on his knees begging an unidentified person.
The Davido video went viral weeks ago in the heat of cheating allegations against his wife, Chioma.
While Wizkid’s tweet might have been pure banter, Davido didn’t seem to take it well. The singer took a direct sub at Wizkid’s music.
Unlike the past where both singers threw subtle jabs and left fans to speculate, what followed after Davido’s tweet was a no-filtered verbal attack against each other.
In response to Davido’s tweet, Wizkid clapped back at the singer, saying “You still not on my level”.
Wizkid also made standalone tweets on his TL where he called Peruzzi a “pant washer” and stated that Davido’s crew has nothing on him. He claimed the entire 30BG crew members are delusional.
This was Davido’s response to the tweet:
Also responding to the “pant washer” tag, Peruzzi had this to say to Wizkid:
And Wizkid, yet again, responded with Davido’s viral clip which started the entire back and forth.
Davido’s response:
In another post Davido shared on Instagram stories, he came after Wizkid claiming he has no hit records. He also dared the singer to release music on the same day as him.
Get a free ticket to Strings Attached and enjoy a feel-good evening of music, dancing and games at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos on May 11, 2024.
How are the fans reacting?
As expected, the faceoff has stirred different reactions from fans of both singers.
However, others have expressed worry about the implications that lie ahead.
Only Wizkid’s listeners have all the tea about his relationships. If you don’t know these songs where he spilled the gist, it’s time to leave Wizkid FC and find another fandom to disgrace.
“She got her own, but she need some love”
“She tell me say she no shako si mi o woah”
“She tell me bad man see I need your love”
“She tell me say she love me every day without remorse”
“She tell me, “Wizzy, control me””
“She tell me say na me go be her mentor.”
“She tell me say na you dey make me slow down”
“She tell me every day she wanna see me, ooh-yeah”
“She say she gimme ghetto loving, tell me say I really-really don’t know”
“But she tell me say she really love me pass me”
You got #{score}/#{total}
You should be the Chairman of Wizkid FC. We’re solely behind you.
You got #{score}/#{total}
You’re still new to the party. Keep rocking.
You got #{score}/#{total}
Your FC card is revoked with immediate effect.
Psst! Have you seen our Valentine Special yet? We brought back three couples we interviewed in 2019 – one now with kids, one now married, and the last, still best friends – to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years. Watch the first episode below:
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.
Everyone says AI is the future. After all, it can write a 5,000-word essay faster than any human being. But does AI have taste when it comes to afrobeats music? I reached out to ChatGPT — the Beyoncé of AIs — for its top ten greatest afrobeats albums of all time. While the list looks good, I don’t agree with a couple of things.
Let’s get into this ranking.
10. Once Upon a Time — Tiwa Savage, 2013
Tiwa Savage doesn’t get enough credit for how she has and continues to impact afrobeats. At a time when the Nigerian scene was a boys’ club, she came in and disrupted the system.
But while there was a lot of anticipation for her debut album, Once Upon a Time, after excellent back-to-back singles — from Kele Kele Love to Without My Heart — outside of a few standouts like Middle Passage, Folarin and Ileke, most of the non-singles on the album sounded like filler tracks. That being said, an excellent replacement for this album would be Tiwa’s 2020 masterpiece, Celia, which finally found the balance between vocalist and club-friendly Tiwa.
9. Get Squared — P-Square, 2005
Can we go back to the smooth R&B days when men were dramatic AF, break-dancing shirtless in the rain and singing about how they could treat every girl better than their current man? When they made Get Squared, Peter and Paul were knee-deep in their afro-R&B F-Boy bag. They served breakfast on Temptation, got breakfast in return on Omoge Mi, pulled up to the club in Bizzy Body and ended up with the popo on Oga Police. These men didn’t put Mary Slessor to shame with this album, and it definitely deserves to be on this list.
8. Baddest Guy Ever Liveth — Olamide, 2013
Forget conversations about any big three; Olamide has always been an afrobeats icon. Since his 2010 breakout with Eni Duro, Olamide has used his music as a bridge that connected audiences to the streets of Lagos. Olamide made street pop cool, and now, we have artistes like Naira Marley, Asake, Zinoleesky and Seyi Vibez.
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth is top three Olamide, and it’s not number three. With songs like Eleda Mi O, the fuji-inspired Anifowose and Durosoke, Olamide created an album that started his legacy as an afrobeats GOAT deserving of a spot on this list.
7. Mama Africa — Yemi Alade, 2016
Say what you want about Yemi Alade, but the woman knows her sound and audience. Fresh off the success of 2014’s King of Queens, which had her breakout hit, Johnny, Yemi Alade dropped Mama Africa in 2016 and became a Pan-African rockstar. While the album had bangers like Na Gode, Ferrari and Mama, the production sometimes feels repetitive, but how can anyone hate on that with Asake playing everywhere? Yemi Alade deserves her flowers for the colour she brings to afrobeats, and even Beyoncé agrees.
6. A Good Time — Davido, 2019
We all love Davido, but before A Good Time, I never saw him as an album artist, especially after listening to OBO: The Genesis. A Good Time works well because it’s a collection of singles compiled over two years. That being said, the singles, from If to Fall and Assurance, all slap. Davido should also get a lifetime supply of agege bread for putting Wurld, Naira Marley and Zlatan on one track. However, although Davido’s contribution to afrobeats remains goated, this album shouldn’t be on this list. If we were talking about the greatest songs, that’d be a different case.
An album title can describe many things: the emotions the artistes went through while creating it, how they want their audience to feel, or their view of the world. For Wizkid, his debut album Superstar was prophetic.
Guided by Banky W, the singer delivered one of the most impressive debut albums in Nigerian history. With hits like Love My Baby and Pakurumo, and deep cuts like Scatter the Floor and No Lele, Wizkid had the world in his hands and still has it over a decade later. That being said,Made in Lagos, a more cohesive and expansive work, is a better album and should’ve been on this list instead.
4. African Giant — Burna Boy, 2019
Whether or not African Giant is Burna Boy’s best album is up for debate. However, it’d be almost impossible to talk about the trajectory of afrobeats, especially for our generation, without mentioning the album that should’ve gotten Burna Boy his first Grammy.
From award bait collaborations with Damian Marley Jr, M.anifest and Angelique Kidjoe, to viral singles like Anybody, Killin Dem and Dangote, Burna Boy made a statement with African Giant, and the world listened.
3. Expensive Shit — Fela Kuti, 1975
This entry is how you know AI ain’t shit. Fela isn’t an afrobeats artiste, he made afrobeat music.
Afrobeat is a music genre that fuses West African musical styles, such as fuji and highlife, with jazz, soul and funk. The genre is mainly recorded with heavy live instrumentation and was made famous by Fela Kuti, a pioneer. Meanwhile, afrobeats is a term that groups African pop music genres with diverse influences, such as rap, reggae, soul and R&B.
Since Fela doesn’t make afrobeats, he shouldn’t be on this list.
2. Juju Music — King Sunny Ade, 1982
Honestly, I’d never listened to King Sunny Ade’s Juju Music until now — let me tell the truth and shame the devil. However, listening to the album for the first time was a major experience because I realised I knew most of the songs. Living in Lagos and attending events with my mum introduced me to jams like Ja Funmi, Ma Jaiye Oni, and 365 is My Number. King Sunny Ade’s music makes it hard to pick between sitting down to relax and standing up to bust a move. This is an incredible album. However, whether or not it’s an afrobeats album is up for discussion.
1. Zombie — Fela Kuti, 1977
Fela’s Zombie is an iconic album. With just four tracks that last almost an hour altogether, the album is an enjoyable political statement that reminds us that not much has changed since 1977; after all, the government is still fucking us over. But despite being a great album, I’d like to refer to my last Fela entry. Dear, this isn’t an afrobeats album; it’s afrobeat. So much for the “intelligence” part of Artificial Intelligence.
Wande Coal is an Afrobeats GOAT; no one can tell us otherwise. From his days at Mo’Hits delivering killer hooks on songs like Pere, Close to You and Booty Call to his debut album, Mushin 2 Mo’hits and now, the fantastic, Legend or No Legend, Wande Coal has remained consistent with the hits.
Wande Coal’s distinct sound has influenced many of the artistes we listen to today, so we’re here to give him his flowers ahead of his special performance at Trace LIVE on June 16, 2023.
Wizkid
Source: GQ
Wizkid is one of the biggest Nigerian exports since crude oil. But before becoming Big W with the Grammys and Billboard Number Ones, Wiz lived with Wande Coal while making his debut album, Super Star. From songs like Love My Baby on that album to Pressure on his latest album, More Love, Less Ego, Wizkid has shown countless times that he has a degree from the Wande Coal University of Afrobeats.
Fireboy DML
Source: Billboard
Till date, mandem are on the street arguing about who sang the second verse on Fireboy DML’s 2021 hit, Peru.
The influence Wande Coal has on Fireboy DML’s music has been clear from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps. If you think about it, their collaboration on Wande Coal’s Legend Or No Legend album was written in the stars.
Oxlade
Source: Colors Studio
Oxlade’s Ku Lo Sa was undoubtedly one of the biggest songs of 2022. 100 million TikTok challenges later, we can’t look at green walls the same ever again.
One thing that stands out in Ku Lo Sa is Oxlade’s falsetto and vocal run at the end. Listen closely and tell me it doesn’t remind you of Wande Coal serving vocals while singing: “Girl, you’re so damn fine” on Kiss Your Hands from his Mushin 2 Mo’Hits album?
Davido
Source: New York Times
Davido has claimed to be many things: the best, omo baba olowo and an assurance provider. But we think it’s high time we add Wande Coal prodigy to the list. Fun fact: Wande Coal’s influence on Davido goes beyond music. In an interview with Vibe Magazine, Wande shares how Davido left school in Atlanta to look for him twice and how he’s actually the one who first called the FEM singer OBO. Mad oh!
Teni is one of the few female musicians in Nigeria that has found a unique niche and sound that works perfectly for her songwriting. Songs like Askamaya and Uyo Meyo are solid hits thanks to Teni’s mix of Afropop and the Juju music most millennials heard their parents listening to. While her influences include Salawa Abeni, Shina Peters and co, we can’t discount Wande Coal’s Mo’Hits days influence on her sound.
Peruzzi
Source: The Guardian
Peruzzi popped up on our radars with his feature on 2Face’s 2018 hit Amaka. While Peruzzi has collaborated with many artistes over the years, including Wande Coal himself, his solo music, especially songs like D-Side and Show Your Working, have given us a glimpse into his love for Wande Coal’s music post Mo’Hits.
Tay Iwar
Source: Instagram/TayIwar
Only a few artistes are touching the hem of Tay Iwar’s cargo pants when it comes to vocals and songwriting in the Nigerian music industry. While many Nigerians have placed Tay in an alté box, the singer steadily delivers insane R&B vocal performances and melodies that remind us of R&B Wande Coal circa Private Trips and Again.
With a Grammy (and multiple nominations), two top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, groundbreaking collaborations and a signature sound that’s captured the hearts and waistlines of fans worldwide, Wizkid is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in afrobeats today. But how did Ojuelegba’s Ayodeji Balogun become the biggest Nigerian export since crude oil? It all started with his highly contagious debut single, Holla At Your Boy.
About six days before Justin Bieber took over the world with the Ludacris-assisted hit, Baby, miles away, Nigerians got introduced to our version of a teen popstar heartthrob when Holla At Your Boy dropped on January 2, 2010.
Decked head-to-toe in all the 2010s fashion trends: skinny jeans, Supra sneakers, shambalas, a non-religious rosary, graphic tees, Ray Ban glasses and a mohawk, because why not? The sound and visual appeal of the then 19-year-old singer were so well-crafted that he seamlessly caused a shift in the music industry, offering a glimpse into a new phase of afrobeats that would eventually usher in other young stars like Davido, Dammy Krane, Mo’Cheddah and Olamide.
Source: Youtube
Produced by DJ Klem and Vebee, Holla At Your Boysampled Girls by Korean singer Se7en, with Wizkid’s vocals and palpable energy carrying the song across the finish line. Unlike the relaxed, no-stress Big W we know today, who’s confident enough to make an album calledMore Love, Less Ego, baby Wizkid had no ego — all he wanted to do was prove himself and make a statement in a game dominated by legends who’d been running things for almost a decade at the time. Wiz was hungry for success, and he poured every ounce of that drive into what would later form part of his debut album, Super Star.
But before there was Holla At Your Boy, Wizkid was Lil Prinz, an upcoming singer in a group called the Glorious Five, with his friends from church. The transformation from Lil Prinz to Wizkid reached completion when he got signed to Banky W and Tunde Demuren’s record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), in 2009.
Following his signing to EME, Wizkid caught our attention when his vocals provided the hook for Fast Money Fast Cars, off MI’s critically acclaimed 2009 debut album, Talk About It. Making an indelible impression opposite “Nigeria’s own Kanye West from the West” was no easy feat, but Wizkid pulled it off. That same year, Wizkid made a cameo in Banky W’s star-studded Lagos Party music video, doing a cute one-two step alongside his label head.
After Holla At Your Boy, Wizkid became a household name. While the song had teenagers and adults singing along to the playful “If you see me drive by, holla at your boy/ I got more swag, holla at your boy”, the Patrick Ellis-directed video was a pop culture moment in its own right, with cameos from Banky W, Ice Prince and Skales, as well as future entertainment juggernauts like Asa Asika, Uche Odoh and Sophie Alakija.
Source: Youtube
At a time when streaming wasn’t even a thing, Wizkid charmed his audience with an infectious bop, setting the stage for a career that’s broken records and pushed afrobeats to the forefront of the global music conversation. While we’re grateful for the Wizkid that gave us Ojuelegba, Jaiye Jaiye and Essence, we’ll never forget the 19-year-old dreamer who doggy-ed in his skinny jeans on a basketball court with his friends. That was the moment when we fell in love with Ayodeji Balogun.
You have to be living under a rock to not have heard of Hilda Baci, the 27-year-old chef who set out to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual (86 hours and 45 minutes). And after a long weekend of back-to-back stirring and sprinkling, she finally did it on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Hilda Baci has united Nigerians like never before. But as the folks at Guinness get their ink ready to add her name to their list, here’s a brief history lesson on some of the other Guinness world record-breaking Nigerians you need to know.
Everyone knows Big W has a Grammy and one of the best Nigerian albums of all time with Made in Lagos, but did you know Ayo from Surulere is also in the Guinness Book of World Records? Wizkid made history as the first Afrobeats artiste to enter the book when One Dance, his collaboration with Drake and Kyla, became the first song ever to reach one billion streams on Spotify in 2018.
Chidera Anemege
Source: Getty Images
He is a Nigerian rapper based in the United States of America who set the record for the longest rap freestyle by an individual during the MTV O Music Awards in 2011. He rapped for nine hours straight.
DJ Obi
Source: The Guardian
DJ Obi might be famous for Obi’s House now, but in 2016, he set a record for the longest-ever DJ set, with 240 hours of nonstop music at Sao Cafe in Lagos.
Femi Kuti
Source: Global Citizen
Femi Kuti is an icon and the Guinness world record holder for holding a single note on a saxophone for 51 minutes and 35 seconds. He did this at a concert in the Fela Shrine in 2017.
Sandra Ikeji
Source: Instagram/Sandra Ikeji
The CEO of Black Dove Models and sister to our fave chaotic Real Housewife, Laura Ikeji, secured a spot in the Guinness Book of Records for the most bridesmaids any bride has ever had on her train, with 200 bridesmaids at her 2020 wedding. We can only imagine how interesting their WhatsApp group must be.
Rema
Source: Billboard
Rema is genuinely divine because there’s literally nothing he can’t do at this point. The Mavin/Jonzing singer entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2023 as the first artiste to top the MENA Charts with his single Calm Down. The MENA Charts is the inaugural Middle Eastern and North African chart that tracks the biggest songs in those regions.
Gbenga Ezekiel
Source: Radio Nigeria
Skipping can be stressful, but Gbenga Ezekiel can’t relate, especially after setting the record for the most skips on one leg when he skipped 265 times in 2022. There are levels to this thing.
The former Nigerian Super Eagles player and coach entered the Guinness Book of World Records when he became the youngest person to win the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and coach. He first won the cup as a player and captain of the team in 1994 at 32, and then, as the team’s coach in 2013 when he was 51. He passed away in 2016.
Pinki Debbie
Source: Bella Naija
Pinki Debbie is a Nigerian dancer and fitness enthusiast who’s famous for gaining entry into the Guinness Book of Records after dancing for 150 hours (seven days) straight in 2017. This record was previously held by Kaffy who led a dance party that lasted for 52 hours and three minutes back in 2006.
Harrison Chinedu
Source: The Sun
Harrison Chinedu is a Nigerian footballer who entered the Guinness World Records after travelling 48.04 km for six hours and 15 minutes with a ball on his head. He set this record in 2016.
Haruna Abdulhazeez
Source: OloriSuperGal
Haruna Abdulhazeez is a Nigerian tennis player who set the record for the most hits of a tennis ball with a tennis racket in one minute. He did this in 2018 when he recorded 187 hits in just one minute.
Adetunwase Adenle
Source: OloriSuperGal
Adetunwase Adenle is a teacher and artiste with not one but four entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. He set his first record in 2010 when he brought 350 Nigerian children together to create the biggest painting by a large number of people — 63.5m x 49.3m. His second and third record came in 2011 when he organised an event with the most children (4,222) reading in one place, to encourage reading culture, and another with the highest number of children (37,809) washing their hands at the same time. Finally, in 2016, he set a new record for the world’s biggest post office stamp ( 2.448 m2).
Tuedon Morgan
Source: Wikipedia
Tuedon Morgan is a two-time Guinness world record holder with the quickest half marathon on each continent (female) at ten days, 23 hours, and 37 minutes, and the quickest half marathon on each continent and the North Pole (female), with a record of 62 days, 12 hours, 58 minutes and 49 seconds.
Olawumi Treasure Bayode
Source: The Nation
Bayo Treasure Olawunmi is the Guinness World Record holder for the longest reading marathon, after reading aloud for 120 hours (five days) nonstop in 2018.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo
Source: Premium Times
Folashade Oluwafemiayo not only set a new record for the heaviest power lift by a female paralympic athlete with 155 kg at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but she also broke her own record from 2020. Talk about iconic.
There’s something incredibly attractive about a man who knows how to put a look together. While we’ve dragged AMVCA and low-budget Bridgerton looks in the past, today, we’d like to hand out flowers to ten Nigerian men who constantly give us hope when it comes to fashion.
Source: Twitter
No, not him.
Here are our picks for the most stylish male stars in Nigeria right now
Ladipoe
Source: Instagram/Ladipoe
Yes, we all know Ladipoe’s bars have made him a rap icon, but can we, as a community, also get into his looks? The Mavin star has consistently served us fashion moments, from his music videos to the Grammy red carpet. The most exciting part of Ladipoe’s style is his decision to never show up in a boring suit. From leather pieces from Maxivive to denim fits from TJ Who, Ladipoe is definitely a man with great taste.
Remember when Adekunle Gold’s style was very cool, choir lead singer chic? No other style transformation in the entertainment industry has been able to top his evolution into AG Baby. The Party No Dey Stop singer successfully ditched the fade for some braids and switched out his basic T-shirts for colourful statement pieces from brands like Orange Culture and Kemakolam. We’re here for the new, more adventurous Adekunle.
Ebuka Nwobu
Source: Instagram/KingEbuka
Ebuka Nwobu may spend a lot of time behind the scenes creating killer music videos for style stars like Tems, Ckay and Cruel Santino. But don’t get it twisted; this producer is a fashion baby boy all on his own. Ebuka has that “I just rolled out of bed and threw this on” style that can be deceptive to the point where you think it’s easy to pull it off. But the truth is, looks like these are often the hardest to execute. The crazy part is, just like Rihanna, there’s a high chance he probably just rolled out of bed in this fit for real.
Asake
Source: Instagram/AsakeMusic
Ololade mi might be music’s biggest breakout from 2022, but like we said last year, the singer is also a breakout style star in our books. While it has taken several artistes in the game years to figure out their style and push the fashion envelope, Asake has done that and more in just a year. Oversized suits, bright colours, skirts repurposed as shirts and those baggy denim pants from the Joha teaser; is there any look Asake hasn’t pulled off yet?
Denola Grey
Source: Instagram/DenolaGrey
Love it or hate it, the truth is Denola Grey has changed the Nigerian fashion scene and raised the bar for how men show on the red carpet. Before his arrival, the most we could get from male celebrities were burgundy blazers and floral suits. However, in the years that have followed Denola’s entry into the entertainment scene, we’ve watched other men attempt to step outside of the rule book of conventional men’s fashion. Denola’s spot on this list is as much about his style as it is about the influence it has had on other men on this list.
Gen Zs in the building, stand up! Rema’s y2k style has made him one of the most exciting stars of the moment. Never taking himself too seriously, Rema’s looks are as fun and sometimes as chaotic as the man behind them.
Mai Atafo
Source: Instagram/MaiAtafo
Mai Atafo embodies the classic man Jidenna sang of in 2015. The designer is known for putting men like Denola Grey and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu in some of the coolest suits we’ve seen, so it makes sense that his closet is filled with looks that’d make both James Bond and Christian Grey jealous AF. Let’s not even get into his best accessories: those glasses and his salt-and-pepper beard.
Wizkid
Source: The Guardian
Just like his music, Wizkid’s style is very stress-free. The Essence singer is known to focus more on what the TikTok girls call “quiet luxury”. So instead of throwing on a waistcoat, jacket and 50 Cuban links, Wizkid will most likely pull up in a monochromatic sweater, trousers and sunglasses that cost exactly the same thing but with none of the heat or heaviness involved. While most musicians dress like they just came into funds, Wizkid dresses like a black character on Succession would dress — he’s the rich uncle with old money.
Adebayo Oke Lawal
Source: Instagram/TheOrangeNerd
Not a lot of men can boast of evolving with the times while simultaneously maintaining a sense of style that is distinctively theirs. Taking fashion risks and being unapologetically experimental with his looks, Adebayo Oke Lawal of Orange Culture is way ahead of the curve; most of the outfits he wears don’t make sense now. But guess what? There’s a high chance you’ll be trying out one of his looks this time next year. If that isn’t an icon move, I don’t know what is.
Burna Boy
Source: Instagram/BurnaBoyGram
We all know Burna Boy is a risk taker when it comes to his music — which other Nigerian act would think of sampling Toni Braxton or featuring Lily Allen? But we believe it’s time the African Giant gets some well-deserved flowers for his risky fashion choices. It doesn’t matter whether he’s making history on a stage at Madison Square Garden or posing for a magazine cover, Burna and his stylist/sister Ronami Ogulu consistently balance a healthy mix of hip-hop-influenced street style with interesting proportions from some of the biggest names in fashion.
Wale Lawal
Source: Instagram/WalleLawal
Wale Lawal’s style’s ease and simplicity make us think he’s on a permanent holiday or chilling in the South of France while attending Sofia Richie’s wedding. The writer’s clean-cut blazers, adire fits, and signature hat are almost as famous as his work at The Republic. Wale is the ultimate minimalist style star who understands the importance of building a distinct look around fashion items that’ll remain relevant 20 years from now.
It’s one thing to be a fan of a musician, but being a stan? That’s another thing entirely. Stans are fans who are willing to actually throw hands because of their faves.
Source: Zikoko Memes
With stan culture taking over the +234 internet (and real-life) thanks to Wizkid FC, Savage Soldiers, Outsiders, 30 BG and Rebel Gang, we decided to talk to some stans about the most outrageous things they’ve done for their faves.
“My family doesn’t know I have a Wizkid tattoo”
– Kayinsola*, 23
Source: Zikoko Memes
I come from a very religious family that doesn’t even allow me or my sisters to have more than one piercing. But during Detty December in 2022, I randomly got a tattoo of Wizkid’s full name, “Ayodeji Balogun”, on my thigh. I don’t wear short skirts or shorts at home, so my parents haven’t seen it yet. I could lie that it’s my boyfriend’s name. At least, maybe they’d think I’m less of a nutjob if the person knows I exist. But they’d also ask to see this boyfriend, and I don’t have one.
I’ve been a Wizkid fan since my first year of secondary school when he dropped Holla At Your Boy. He’s the greatest Nigerian musician of all time. I don’t regret my tattoo, but I wish I’d gotten it after I japa. I know my parents will unalive me if they see it.
“I used ₦1.6m to cover my favourite rapper’s bill in the club”
– Buchi*, 31
Source: Zikoko Memes
For someone who isn’t rich, tell me why I cleared the table of one of my favourite musicians in the club. I’m a huge fan of Nigerian rap music from back in the day. I ran into one of my favourite rappers at the club in Enugu one night and was starstruck. He’d come into town to perform at a wedding, so he pulled up with his entourage to chill after. That’s how I told the club owner, my friend, to tell him not to worry, “Bills on me”.
By the time the bill came, omo, I was looking at about ₦1.6m. He came into an Enugu club with Lagos energy. I’ve never paid that type of money for anything. Even for my brother’s wedding, I only contributed ₦1m. Never again.
“I’m only on social media as a stan account”
– David*, 29
Source: Zikoko Memes
Tiwa Savage is my favourite musician and the only reason I have social media accounts. I don’t have a social media presence besides the LinkedIn and Facebook accounts I don’t even have access to anymore. But I run a stan account to share Tiwa’s articles, new songs, interviews, etc. Olorun Mi saved my life when I lost my brother, so since then, I’ve been a dedicated Savage Soldier. Everyone has hits, but no one serves vocals like my girl, and for that, I’ll drag anyone who says rubbish on Twitter.
“Most of my salary goes to K-Pop merch, and I’m okay with it”
– Hassana*, 25
Source: Zikoko Memes
There’s a massive K-Pop community here in Nigeria, and I’m very active in it. I discovered K-pop through a co-worker in 2019 and haven’t looked back since. I stream their albums and performances, but the most outrageous thing I do is buy and ship merch, especially from BLACKPINK. Dollar rates rising or not, I’ll always support my girls.
“I lied at work to go look for Burna Boy at Eko Hotel”
– Sheryl*, 30
Source: Zikoko Memes
I was obsessed with Burna Boy during my NYSC. I mean, I still love my boo now, but back then, I was actually obsessed. One day in 2014, I saw him post on his Instagram stories, and I recognised the pool in his background as the one at Eko Hotels. I wasn’t even sure if the post was recent, but see, I told my office HR my mother had collapsed and I needed to rush home. I hopped on a bus and ran to Eko Hotel. I just sat in the lobby for the rest of the day, hoping I’d run into him.
I remember watching that Korty video and laughing because it felt like a personal drag.
“I secured my Beyoncé Renaissance tickets before getting my visa”
-Jesse*, 30
Source: Zikoko Memes
My plans in life come second to Beyoncé’s plans for me, and that’s on period. As soon as she dropped the Renaissance tickets, I was in a queue to buy mine online for the UK show — since she’s not coming to Nigeria. It wasn’t until I’d paid for my ticket that I realised I hadn’t renewed my visa. I’ve applied and everything, but what if I don’t get it? I’m focusing on positive thoughts for now.
“I stopped talking to a girl because she said Wizkid was overrated”
– Nti*, 28
Source: Zikoko Memes
Imagine trying to get to know someone and they diss your favourite artiste? That’s what happened with a girl I was toasting two years ago. We met at a house party in Lagos, and I liked her vibe. Wizkid’s Come Closer came on shuffle as I was driving her for one of our hangouts, and unprovoked, this babe started insulting Wiz.
Granted, that song is somehow, but to call him overrated and a Wande Coal dupe? That was too much, so I ghosted her after that day. I didn’t need that negative energy around me.
Coming back from a much-needed break, Davido recently broke the internet when he announced his new album, Timeless. Because we’ve not had a Davido album since 2020, everyone naturally started freaking out. What will the album sound like? Who else is going to be on it?
Well, as someone who’s listened to all of Davido’s albums (more than twice), here’s a list of artistes we might see on the new one.
Wizkid
Source: Channels Television
Sorry to Burna, but this is the Wizkid collab everyone actually wants. No, but let’s take a second to imagine the impact a Davido and Wizkid collab would have on the industry.
I’d like to see this happen now that they’ve squashed their beef for the 100th time. And we wouldn’t even be able to diss the song if it was bad because who wants to risk fighting 30BG and Wizkid FC at the same time?
Zinoleesky
Source: instagram/zinoleesky
Davido is always on the pulse of who people are currently listening to, and if there’s one artiste that’s taken over the streets and playlists in Nigeria, it’s Zinoleesky. Borrowing from Davido’s strategic collabs with Naira Marley on A Good Time and CKay and Bella Shmurda on A Better Time, there’s a high chance Zinoleesky might make an appearance on Timeless. But no one should take it personally if he’s not on the album.
Chance the Rapper
Source: instagram/davido
Davido has a thing for featuring American rappers on his album. A Good Time had Gunna and A Boogie with da Hoodie, while A Better Time had Nicki Minaj, Nas, Lil Baby, Young Thug and Hit-Boy. Since we have this picture of Chance and Davido recording something in Ghana, it’s safe to assume he might be 2023’s token American rapper, and I’m not mad at it.
Amaarae
Source: instagram/amaarae
Remember when Davido looked into Summer Walker’s eyes and saw her snatched waist on D&G? Or the time he wanted to play Tanana with Tiwa Savage? We all love Davido’s sweet romantic duets.
If Mr Adeleke plans to continue his romance streak on Timeless, Amaarae is the right woman for the job. She got Asa to sing about breaking backs, so I’m dying to see what she does with Davido.
Olamide
Source: instagram/olamide
Nigerians are going through it right now. There’s fuel scarcity, BVAs are performing wonders, and POS agents are using our money to build houses in their villages. If there’s one thing I strongly believe can make everything right again, it’s an Olamide and Davido collaboration. Davido could also return the favour by appearing on Olamide’s upcoming and final album, Unruly.
Davido has shown interest in creating music with a wide range of African artistes before, working with Mugeez, Sho Madjozi and Sauti Sol on A Better Time. With Black Sherif’s star on the rise, I can bet he’s on Davido’s radar for another intercontinental banger.
Mayorkun
Source: instagram/iammayorkun
This is one feature I’m willing to bet my salary on. Mayorkun and Davido gave us Bobo and Betty Butter. Let’s not forget Mayorkun had not one, but two features on A Better Time — The Best and I Got A Friend. There’s no way they’re not revisiting this magic for Timeless.
Libianca
Source: instagram/iamlibianca
Before his break, Davido blessed us with Stand Strong, a beautifully written choir-assisted ballad about finding strength and resilience in the face of life’s many ups and downs. Probably one of his best songs yet, Stand Strong showed us a different, more sober Davido.
If there’s one singer who can help OBO reflect and tap into his emotions some more, it’s Libianca. Just like Stand Strong was, Libianca’s 2022 single, People, has become an emotional anthem. A Davido and Libianca collab will surely get us all in our feels.
T.I Blaze
Source: TI Blaze
Sometimes, an Olamide co-sign is all you need to blow as an artiste — take Asake, for example. With a sound currently transitioning from the streets to mainstream attention, T.I Blaze is the kind of artiste Davido would be willing to hop on a track with for a similar way as Zinoleesky and Bella Shmurda.
It’s common knowledge that Nigerian parents don’t like tattoos, but what if we told you there are some Nigerian lyrics they’d actually want you to have as tattoos?
Let’s get into it.
The chorus of Kizz Daniel’s Buga
Nigerian mummies and aunties have taken this song outside😭 see how they’re out of breathe but they still won’t stop 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Us02jWP0QM
If there’s one thing we learnt in 2022, it’s that Nigerian mummies and aunties love Kizz Daniel’s Buga. It’s like Baby Shark, but for 40+ women who love WhatsApp. It’ll be hard for your mum to say “no” to a tattoo of her favourite song. Try “So far, so good. Ko ni baje” first and see.
“Jesu Kristi loba wa” — Sability by Ayra Starr
A tattoo that shows your mum she raised a good child who stans Jesus and Ayra Starr? Come on, there’s no way a Nigerian mother will fight this tattoo.
“Today Germany, tomorrow na London” — Loaded by Tiwa Savage and Asake
You’re basically prophesying into your life, and your mother has to be the weapon fashioned against you if she decides to hate on this tattoo.
“I see darkness all around, but I know I’m the light” — Electricity by Pheelz and Davido
This is the equivalent of getting the lyrics to Sinach’s I Know Who I Am tattooed on your left thigh or back. Your mother would be proud of you for recognising your purpose in life and writing it in ink.
“Pay me my salary. I want to marry” — Anita by The Cavemen.
A focused child who wants to make money and give their mother a wedding (and potentially, grandchildren)? Nigerian mothers are sending BCS right now to boast about you to their frenemies.
“E kira fun mummy mi o” — Ojuelegba by Wizkid
You’re literally hailing her and asking everyone to celebrate her too. How can any mother be mad at that? Make it make sense.
“Before dem use me, I go use my sense” — Peace Be Unto You by Asake
I doubt the woman who told you to “put it on her head” when you asked stupid questions about where to put stuff growing up will be mad at you for telling the world you’re ten steps ahead of them. Nigerian mothers like to talk about “common sense” a lot, so it’s just common sense to know they’d love this tattoo.
“I’ve never stopped in my life, so tell me, why would I stop now?” — Never Stopped by BNXN
A resilient icon. Even your mother will stan.
“Wake up in the morning, Hallelujah. Chasing the money, chasing the bag” — Won Da Mo by The Mavins
A tattoo that says you’re a prayerful child of God and a hard worker who refuses to settle is the best way to get your mother to not only approve your tattoo, but pay for it too. Shoutout to Rema for the cheat code.
“Dem never see me coming” — Bandana by Fireboy DML and Asake
Inshallah, your enemies will never see you coming.
“I stand strong (insert your name) no go minus” — Stand Strong by Davido and Sunday Service Choir
A choir is involved. That’s all you need to defend a tattoo of this line from Davido’s hit. Your mother will switch to your side the moment she gets this info.
“Moving with currency, I’m on a foreign p” — WO WO by Miz, BNXN and Blaqbonez
The only time this tattoo will backfire is if you’re poor, and its message doesn’t match your lifestyle. Who doesn’t love dollars and pounds here and there.
Civic responsibility is not cosplay. When your brand claims to be politically conscious, you should show up when it counts.
As millions of Nigerians gathered at the polls to decide the country’s fate during the 2023 presidential elections, some singers who’ve built their identities around fixing Nigeria were nowhere to be found. It’s one thing to sing about the struggles Nigerians go through. It’s another thing to actually do something about it, especially when that thing is voting — or encouraging others to.
Following the events of 2020 — the year we protested for our lives while some people in government hoarded Indomeeen meant for COVID-19 palliatives — I wasn’t surprised when, as early as 6 a.m., most Nigerians were already at their polling units ready to exercise their civic duty and protect their mandate. One of those early birds was Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli.
Omoni Oboli at her polling unit on the morning of the elections
Not too long after Omoni’s post on social media, Nollywood started showing up en masse with posts from actors like Jemima Osunde, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Toyin Abraham, Stan Nze, Adesua Etomi and Adunni Ade. These actors didn’t just show us they were voting, they also provided situation reports on their various polling units, encouraging their over 40 million combined followers to go out and vote.
But while Chioma Chukwuka was getting attacked by thugs trying to snatch ballot boxes and Omoni Oboli camped at her polling unit till 6 a.m. the next day, our self-proclaimed African Giant, Burna Boy, was nowhere to be found. And our best export since crude oil, Wizkid? Well, Machalla was in Ghana, attending the funeral of a music producer’s mum, which might be good enough reason to not be in the country, but to not talk about the election?
Wizkid, King Promise, Omar Sterling and members of R2bees spotted at the funeral of Killbeats’ mother, Agnes Addison happening today at Tema, Site15 pic.twitter.com/b0WktH2PLR
It’s easy to dismiss Burna Boy and Wizkid’s absence from the polls; they’re just two votes out of 93.4 million registered voters. But then there’s the question of their reach. These two men have a larger social audience than most Nollywood stars who showed up at the elections and talked about it combined.
Leading up to the 2023 elections, some of these actors and musicians like Falz, Davido, Ladipoe, M.I and Zlatan spoke about PVC collection, urging their fans to equip themselves with the only permissible weapon for the elections. Meanwhile, Burna and Wizkid refused to disrupt their perfectly curated social feeds with election information.
Other singers like Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy and Rema were also quiet (Tiwa put up a post after voting had officially wrapped up wishing Nigeria a peaceful election). These musicians aren’t known to be silent on social issues. After all, Burna called out Coachella, and Wizkid also attacked Reekado Banks for attempting to promote music during #EndSars, all on Blue Ivy’s internet. So why keep quiet now?
Singling out Wizkid and Burna Boy is intentional, and their selection runs deeper than surface-level social media reach. Wizkid’s first international claim to fame and one of his biggest hits to date isn’t Essence; it’s Ojuelegba. The 2014 semi-autobiographical hit narrated Wizkid’s journey from shopping demos to becoming one of the biggest stars of his generation.
Ojuelegba wasn’t just Wizkid’s story; the song presented a certain level of hope that if this random guy could hustle his way out, then maybe it’s possible for the rest of us too.
Similarly, Burna Boy’s transition from “underrated” to international superstardom came in 2018 with a little song called Ye. Sampling Fela’s 1977 classic, Sorrow Tears and Blood, Ye positioned Burna as the voice of the people, a narrative he’s continued to push internationally from African Giant to Love, Damini.
These two, more Burna than Wizkid, have each benefited from posturing as messengers of the Nigerian experience — good and bad. So you can’t blame the people for expecting them to show up somehow when the going gets really tough.
In a very on-brand move, Wizkid has remained silent in the face of the warranted social media drag. Meanwhile, Burna has decided to be defensive and condescending — something we’ve gotten accustomed to.
Although I don’t have hard evidence to prove that celebrities showing up at the polls can influence voter turnout in Nigeria, it’s not far-fetched to imagine many people would’ve pulled up to the Ojuelegba polling unit in Lagos if they thought there was a slight chance their fave would be there.
That being said, going out to vote is a civic duty, and the decision shouldn’t be forced. But we should look at the bigger picture.
Music has held Nigerians together generation after generation, reflecting our collective struggles and hopes for the future. It was music Fela used to hold the military accountable during his time, and it was music that fueled the #EndSARS protests.
As Afrobeats dominates the “world” it’s been trying to reach for years, our faves must remember where the sound came from. There’ll be no “Afrobeats to the world” if Nigeria goes to shit. And when you claim to be about civic responsibility, you should show up when it counts.
Check here for live updates on the ongoing presidential and legislative elections.
“Ahh, finesse! If I broke na my business.” was one of the most sung lyrics of 2022. Not since Tekno’s 2016 hit, Pana, had the name “Folake” put Nigerians in such a major chokehold. But with Finesse becoming our unofficial national anthem, Folake was in trouble again. And Pheelz, the man behind the hit, was quickly transitioning from in-demand producer to artiste of the moment.
Before Finesse, Pheelz had been riding on a wave of success as “Ridimakulayo” or “Pheelz Mr. Producer”, the producer behind major hits like Olamide’s Durosoke, Teni’s Billionaire, Fireboy FML’s Scatter and Adekunle Gold’s Pick Up (more recently, he produced Stand Strong for Davido).
With a lengthy resume of hits, Pheelz was as big as any producer could be, so why the shift from producer to artiste? Before we get into that, it’s important to know Pheelz wasn’t the first producer to pull this off.
The days before Pheelz
No album defined early 2000s afrobeats like 2Face’s 2004 debut album, Face 2 Face. The “no skips” albummade 2Face the leader of Nigeria’s new school at the time, but not a lot of people knew the man behind that album was none other than the late OJB Jezreel. OJB also produced for artistes like Daddy Showkey, Olu Maintain and Weird MC. Still, it wasn’t until he became famous as a singer, with Searching and Pretete that people finally registered his name.
And by 2008, other producers (like J Martins who produced Game Over for P-Square) had transitioned from console to microphone.
The first significant producer-to-artiste transitions that kicked off a new generation happened with Maleek Berry and Sarz, two producers who featured Wizkid on their breakout hits: Beat of Life and The Matter respectively.
Maleek eventually went on a different path, leading with vocals on his 2016 EP, Last Daze of Summer. Meanwhile, Sarz has continued David Guetta and Metro Boomin’s method of laying the beat and inviting a featured artiste to sing.
Breaking down the job of a producer through movies
I’ve always been curious about a music producer’s job, so I asked a couple, and the best analogy came from one who compared his job to a film director’s. Music producers are behind the scenes overseeing the whole shebang, like a Kemi Adetiba or Ishaya Bako, while artistes are the actors who are front and centre, like an Adesua Etomi or Tobi Bakre.
Producers are actively involved in the writing and recording of music. They help the artiste translate the sound stuck in their head, choose the perfect spot to throw in that amapiano beat or insist that the chorus should be the first verse and the first verse should be the bridge.
Sometimes, producers build the music from the ground up and hand it to artistes — like Tekno did with If for Davido. They don’t just make the beat; they make the whole thing come together, just like a director coordinates everything from acting to costuming.
Behind every major hit or artiste is a producer who made it all happen. Yet, not every producer is the equivalent of a Kemi Adetiba whose films are as popular for the director as they are for the actors. Even though many have their producer tags and unique sounds, most casual listeners need help telling the difference between a Tempoe-produced song and a beat laid down by P.Prime.
Before streaming and royalties existed, producers received a one-time fee, while artistes got to earn through diverse ways. Picture this: Wizkid pays me ₦5m to produce a song and it becomes a hit. Wiz can perform it at different shows for a paycheck of ₦10m each time, or get paid some cool millions by a beverage company to use the song in their ad. He’s made a lot as the artiste, while the producer is still stuck with the ₦5m.
Even with streaming, not all producers can make close to what one artiste makes in a year. American producers like Murda Beatz and London on Da Track are staples on Forbes lists, but Nigerian producers don’t have the same financial clout. So the maths is simple; becoming an artiste translates to more money.
Outside of the concert cheques, there are endorsements. As a producer behind the scenes, the chances of brands noticing your work enough to make you the face of a product is slim. But you know what’s slimmer? The consumers actually recognising you in the ads without seeing your name.
These transitions are not just about the cheques
While it’s easy to narrow the motivations for these transitions to money, it’d also be a small-minded act on our end as music consumers. A clear example is Young Jonn, a producer who helped create street anthems like Olamide’s Story for the Gods, Falila Kaitan and Bobo.
As a singer, Young Jonn’s music is tonally different from his work as a producer. Songs like Dada, If You Leave and Xtra Cool are stripped-down emotional love songs compared to the gritty sounds he made for Olamide, Lil Kesh and Davido. Becoming a singer helped unlock a different phase of his artistry, and the charts agree with me when I say it slaps.
It’s also important to note that like Young Jonn, some producers who are now singers actually started out as singers before production took off.
They ventured into producing for themselves but ended up creating hits for other people. Now, it’s easier for them to return to what they always wanted to do.
There’s also the argument for the shelf life of Nigerian producers. More often than not, producers get more expensive with experience and relevance. Not everyone can afford a Sarz beat right off the bat. This means he has to reserve his beats for the biggest names in the industry like Wizkid and Beyoncé, or artistes he feels a musical connection with, like Obongjayar and Lojay. But with cheaper producers popping up daily, it’s easy for even these artistes to branch outside their usual collaborators in search of new and affordable sounds.
More transitions coming
Following the recent success of these transitions, with Pheelz and Young Jonn dropping two of the biggest songs of 2022 — Finesse and Xtra Cool respectively — it’s only a matter of time before other producers grab the mic. After all, who’d have the best formula to make a hit record than the producer who can also sing? The question now is: Who’s next? Tempoe? Niphkeys? Rexxie? Or Killertunes? We still have time to find out.
Tems first caught our attention in 2019 with her defiant hit, Try Me. Since then, she’s blown up big time, moving from an underrated alté artiste to one of Nigeria’s biggest afrobeats exports.Whether it’s dropping songs of the summer back-to-back, with Essence in 2021 and WAIT FOR U in 2022, or becoming the first Nigerian singer to be nominated for an Oscar, Tems is the leading vibe right now, and no one can deny it.
Here are all the times she’s had us calling on the “God of Temilade Openiyi”.
When she wrote Lift Me Up
You just had to have been there the day the first Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer dropped. We were all happy for Letitia Wright and co., but it was Tems singing a cover of No Woman No Cry that turned Nigerian Twitter upside down.
When she got an Oscar nomination for writing Lift Me Up
It was cool enough to write the official soundtrack for Black Panther and have Rihanna sing it. But just like BNXN, Tems refused to stop. She had to go ahead and get a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars, making her the first Nigerian singer to achieve that.
It always takes one person to cross the invisible line, and now that Tems has done it, more Nigerian singers can work towards it too. I love a ceiling-breaking history-making queen.
The time she became the first Nigerian female artiste to win the BET Award for Best International Act
After years of the Best International Act at the BETs rotating between Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido, Tems pulled up in 2022 and said, “Guys, it’s enough. Even God rested on the seventh day.” Taking home the award alongside another for Best Collaboration for Essence, Tems broke the yoke of the three GOATS. Hallelujah!
The time she told everyone to “move out di way” so she, Grace Jones and Beyoncé could party
Beyoncé is officially Tems best friend in my head, and that’s on period. After years of making the world wait for a new album, Queen Bey AKA Iya Ibeji AKA Mummy Blue finally dropped her seventh album, and guess who was one of the only three artists to feature on the album? Yes, sis, Tems baby.
Not only did Tems co-write the song Move, but she also dropped vocals alongside Grace Jones. Who run the world? Sorry, I couldn’t help it.
The time she got more Grammy nominations than the African Giant himself
Tems is no stranger to the Grammys after being nominated back in 2022 alongside Wizkid for Essence. Even though she lost that Grammy, our girl returned Daft Punk-style, harder, better, faster and stronger, with three nominations in 2023 for the inescapable WAIT FOR U alongside Drake and Future.
Dear Grammys, don’t play with us this year o. We will riot if Temilade leaves that place empty-handed. Shalom.
I thought I’d seen it all in this life until I bumped into the TikTok trend where dogs try to harmonise with Tems on her hit record, Free Mind. Now, Free Mind is an Instagram reels and TikTok fave for all those influencers pretending to wake up in front of the camera. But who knew Bingos around the world also loved homegirl, Tems? The power of good music.
When she became the first Nigerian artiste to debut at number one on Billboard Hot 100
It’s one thing to get onto the Billboard Hot 100; I mean, Wizkid, CKay, Rema and Burna Boy have all done it, but to have your song enter at number one? That’s a feat few international acts can add to their LinkedIn. Debuting at the top of the charts in 2022 for WAIT FOR U with Future and Drake, Tems became the first Nigerian to get this major win.
When she also became the first female Nigerian artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100 with no features
When Tems dropped her debut EP, For Broken Ears, in 2020, everyone was obsessed with the song, Damages. Fast-forward to 2022, and Free Mind, a cult fave from the EP, blew up out of nowhere on TikTok, turning Tems into a social media queen. The same song ended up being her first solo entry onto the Billboard Hot 100, and she’s avoided putting out a pointless international remix to keep it on the charts. A true queen with dignity.
Back-to-back lewks on magazine covers, because why not?
Look at the material, and you be the judge of it. We don’t have to say much here.
The times she had Adele and Rihanna fangirling over her
A short clip of Adele (!) singing “Try Me” by Tems…to Tems 🤯
It’s one thing to have fans — shoutout to the rebel gang — but to have Adele singing your song back to you, and Rihanna telling you you’re the shit? Girl, Tems is on another level, and I can’t help but stan.
Wizkid has hinted that he’s going on a tour with Davido. *screaming*
Even though Big W hasn’t given us a date or a list of locations yet, I’ve taken it upon myself to create a setlist. Are you really a fan if you don’t help your faves plan every aspect of their lives?
Let’s get into this setlist.
The Beginning
The show has to open with a blast from the past. Before we get to the colour-coordinated fashion icon Wizkid, we need to revisit the Mohawk and shambala-wearing Wizkid of hits like Holla at Your Boy and Pakurumo. The same goes for Davido, who made carrot jeans super popular with hisDami Duro video back in 2012.
For Me featuring Wande Coal/Back When featuring Naeto C
Major collaborations off their first albums
Underrated Bops
Davido and Wizkid have massive hits, but we still need to appreciate the bops that were either ahead of their time or drowned out by a busy year.
Daddy Yo/Like Dat
Two songs that were way ahead of their time.
Fever/Tanana featuring Tiwa Savage
A Tiwa Savage cameo and duet? I couldn’t have planned this better.
Steady/Nwa Baby
Nwa Baby deserved so much more just because of the lyric, “My baby, no feeding bottle”, alone.
Lover Boys
This is when all the lovers in the audience start heavy PDA, and the single people whisper, “God, when?”
Love My Baby/Aye
Davido and Wizkid’s biggest love songs, in my opinion.
Sweet Love/1Milli
Are you really getting married if the DJ doesn’t play one of these?
True Love/FIA
Tay Iwar’s vocals are amazing on True Love. And Davido screaming, “You for dey for me” and “Shukushaka aya shoemaker” will definitely get the crowd hyped up.
The real party is about to start. Drink some water and stretch as we dive into some of the biggest hits that helped cement Davido and Wizkid’s position as modern-day Afrobeat legends.
Energy (Stay Far Away) featuring Skepta/If
Wizkid kicking things off with a Skepta hit and Davido finishing it with If feels like a good start.
On Top Your Matter/Jowo
These men were gone when they made these bops. May bumbum and love not land us in trouble.
Jaiye Jaiye featuring Femi Kuti/The Best featuring Mayorkun
Songs that have Davido and Wizkid singing about being GOATs who deserve all the best things in the world? Inject it, please.
Beat of Life featuring Sarz/Champion Sound featuring Focalistic
Two collaborations that can turn any gathering into a major rave.
After years of “Are they friends?” or “Are they beefing?” Wizkid and Davido are finally working together. And no, it’s not a song; it’s a freaking tour. What God cannot do does not exist for real.
With two of Nigeria’s biggest stars burying the past under a concert stage, it’s time for other “beefing” celebrities to take the high road, reconcile and work together. Nigeria is tough. We need this, dears.
Burna Boy and Davido
Only God knows when the beef between these two started because it’s been on since Mary Slessor stopped the killing of twins in Calabar. From throwing shade on Fem and Way Too Big, to throwing hands in a Ghanaian nightclub in 2020, this beef has been messy AF.
With Big W and OBO entering the BFF zone, I hope he helps mend the fence with Odogwu so their tour will have three GOATs, not just two.
As two of the biggest new acts in the game, BNXN and Ruger’s beef has been mad entertaining and educative — remember the streaming farms gist? But you know what would make this beef sweeter? A joint tour. Imagine getting to watch Asiwaju and Kilometer live in one night.
2Baba and Blackface
Is it me, or should we have an age limit for beefs? Like, no one should be nursing a beef and pushing 50 at the same time. Our daddies, are you guys not tired? 2Baba and Blackface’s beef is older than some Gen Zs, and it’s high time they squash it, hit up Faze and head out on a Plantashun Boiz reunion tour. Trust me, millennials like me need this.
Naira Marley and MohBad
Even though MohBad had been hinting at trouble in paradise for a while, his public beef with Naira Marley in 2022 still had most of us shook. The situation between MohBad and his record label boss was so serious they had to involve a couple of “My lord, May I?” to settle the issue. With the wounds still fresh, and MohBad out with his diss track, Tiff, there’s a high chance we’ll have to wait like three more years for a reconciliation tour. But fingers and wallets crossed sha.
Imagine going to a salon to get your edges laid, only to watch two of Nigeria’s biggest acts drag themselves by their edges? That’s the live show some people got in 2021 when Tiwa Savage went ham on Seyi Shay because she dissed her in a Kizz Daniel #fuckyouchallenge.
Even though these two have been real quiet about the incident for a while now, I’m sure the fans would kill to watch Tiwa Savage’s take on Irawo and Seyi Shay’s version of Kele Kele at a joint concert.
Ladies, what say you?
Omah Lay and Victony
BNXN and Ruger couldn’t just fake beef with each other in peace, they decided to help launch another beef between Omah Lay and Victony. While trying to defend BNXN in 2022, Omah Lay called Victony a child, and let’s just say it really made him kolomental. This beef ended up undercooked, as it didn’t even last up to a week.
But when you think about it, the best way to show all is forgiven is by collaborating, so I’ll need Omah Lay and Victony to cook up something for the emo-lover boys this year.
Zlatan and DJ Cuppy
Bold of DJ Cuppy and Zlatan to assume I’d let them beef after they gave me my number one guilty pleasure jam, Gelato.
This beef went public when DJ Cuppy revealed that Zlatan had blocked her everywhere after they worked together. And to make matters worse, Zlatan denied Cuppy like Peter did Jesus when he was asked about her on a show. Ouch.
They’ve settled now, but we still need a follow-up to Gelato before the end of 2023. Please, do it for the culture, Florence.
Have you ever heard a song title and gotten deja vu, like you’ve heard that title before? Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I heard Mavin’s Won Da Mo — Burna Boy dropped a song with the same title almost ten years earlier, in 2013.
Because Zikoko pays me to do weird things, I decided to hunt for more songs that share the same title, and let’s just say, the list is long.
Jailer
Even though Olamide and Asa’s songs share the same title, they couldn’t be more different from each other. While Asa spends time begging for freedom from her jailer AKA Nigeria, Olamide is in another corner begging his own jailer to suffocate him with bumbum. The interesting thing is I agree with both of them.
Mavin’s Won Da Mo was one of the biggest songs of 2022, used in TikToks left, right and centre. Do you want to guess what one of the biggest songs of 2013 was? Yep, Burna Boy’s Won Da Mo. Crazy coincidence of divine alignment?
Kilometre or Kilometer
If Burna Boy is British and BNXN is American, what am I?
All Over
Between Tiwa Savage wanting to “scatter the club and dance like say na fight” and Magixx willing to wait for ten years because of one person, I don’t know who this love thing was affecting the most. They really meant it when they called their songs All Over, because it’s clear they’re both down bad.
Everybody and their daddy knows Lojay and Sarz’s Monalisa, but what if I told you Ruger also has a song called Monalisa? While Ruger’s version might not be as popular as Lojay’s or his new song, Asiwaju, I’ll give it major props for the hilarious line, “I want to deplete your ozone layer. Give you tungba tungba”.
Cruel Santino and Adekunle Gold might not have sang about giving their lives to a higher spiritual power, but at least, they got badass features from Amaarae and Fatouma Diawara respectively. If you thought any of these songs were religious, I’d tell you for free, Santino has a line that goes, “I got your jet wet”. Do with that information what you will.
Anoti
Almost 13 years after grabbing my attention for the first time with his chorus on M.I’s Fast Money, Fast Cars, Wizkid dropped Anoti, a song that shares the same title as another popular M.I song. However, if there’s one thing Wizkid’s version did, it reminds me I still don’t know the meaning of Anoti, after all these years. Any ideas?
Apollo
The fact that Victony, Tay Iwar and Show Dem Camp don’t see a girl making them catch Apollo as a red flag proves that Nigerian men are the most romantic men on earth. We might do a little bit of cheating here and there, but no one comes close when it’s down to professing love. If you don’t believe me, try other men and see.
Energy
Whether it’s asking people with bad vibes to stay away, like Skepta and Wizkid on Energy (Stay Far Away), or reminding the haters that they can’t steal my power, like Runtown on Energy, all songs with the word “energy” highkey represent my mood for 2023.
Amin
Dammy Krane and Ayra Starr’s Amin are two spiritual bops sharing the same name and theme — praying and believing the best is yet to come.
Zodiac signs are great at helping us understand people, but what if I told you a person’s Spotify Wrapped tells you a lot more about their personality than any Leo moon rising sun in Lucozade?
Don’t believe me? Continue reading, and let me know if I’m reaching.
Asake
2022 was your year. You killed it at work and still managed to remain the life of every party you attended. Your vibe is unmatched, and you always know how to have a good time, so people naturally gravitate towards you. While you know many people, you don’t have a lot of actual friends because you’re mysterious like that. There’s also a high chance you asked for a raise this year, and your new salary has everyone at work shook.
Omah Lay
You’re a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you’re tearing up the dancefloor, and the next, you’re in the corner of a club, crying or overthinking everything. The best part is you’re not ashamed of being vulnerable. Your mental health and space are very important to you, so you’re cautious of the people you let into your life, even though everyone likes you.
Ayra Starr
You’re either peak Gen Z or a millennial who uses slangs like “Purr” and “It’s giving” unprovoked. People underestimate you a lot and complain about your style or taste, but you don’t care because you’re out here living your best life. 2022 was a great year for you, but you’re always gingered for what’s next, so you’ve already started drafting your 2023 goals. No time to waste.
Burna Boy
Everyone is always hyping you, and honestly, you deserve it. Can you do with a bit of self-control in your life? Yes. Choosing violence is your favourite thing to do, even when it’s completely unnecessary. You’re great at what you do, but your chaotic nature makes you unpredictable. Hopefully, you’ll learn to calm down in 2023.
Tems
You’re a bad bitch and you know it. Everything comes effortlessly to you, and 2022 was your best year career-wise. People are constantly guessing what you’re up to, but you love to move in silence, so all they see is results and not the hard work you put in. You’re humble and love to meditate and shit, but your motto is: “Fuck around and find out,” so you’re not above dragging someone’s child for filth.
The Cavemen
From music to fashion, old-school trends are the hill you’ve chosen to die on. You like to tell people you were born in the wrong generation, even though there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Speaking your native language is your personality trait, but the gag is your cousins from the village don’t rate you because they believe you’re not speaking it correctly.
Dear, one question: How many weddings did you attend in 2022? You can’t remember? No problem. The money you’ve spent on Aso Ebis this year is enough to buy a Kia Picanto. But if you don’t go to weddings, how will you find your missing rib? Please, continue listening to Roju and have a good time at the next wedding reception you attend. We love to see it.
Show Dem Camp
You’re 30+ and you don’t like stress. A good Friday night for you involves a good bottle of wine or keg of palm wine, a nice Netflix documentary and food. You and clubs don’t go well. Even when you try to go out, you end up leaving by 10 p.m. because, once again, 30+. The youth corpers and interns in your office want to be like you when they grow up.
Dwin, the Stoic
You’ve been served breakfast multiple times in 2022, but like eba, still you rise. You’re a hardcore romantic who believes in having one soulmate, so you’re constantly on dating apps and Twitter trying to find them. There’s a strong chance you always complain that Igbo babes are wicked. Still, every time you hear the name Ada or Ifunaya, you’re the first person on the queue to submit relationship application letter.
Wizkid
You’re the best at what you do, and you know it. You don’t like stress, and you’re the type of person who’ll cut people off when you feel like they’re doing too much. All you want to do is enjoy, date older people and wear outfits that match your shoe. Good for you, boo.
Cruel Santino
We get it. You’re different and quirky. Let us rest, abeg.
Kizz Daniel
You like 40+ music but are not ready to admit it to yourself. All the uncles and aunties in your family are obsessed with you because your presence gives them endorphins. You sometimes say offensive things and then act shocked when people call you out on your bullshit.
Yinka Bernie
Babes, are you okay? Do you need tissue or space?
Remember, it’s okay to cry and connect with your emotions. It’s only human, and your vulnerability is what makes you fly.
In 2021, Wizkid, Tems, Made and Femi Kuti made it on the Grammy Awards nomination list. This year, with Burna Boy’s Love, Damini getting two Grammy nominations, and Tems getting two nominations for Wait For You, her collaboration with Drake and Future, it looks like Nigeria will be well represented again.
But outside of these artists who’ve already signed attendance with the Grammys before, here are 10 artists and projects we would’ve loved to hear when the nominations were announced.
Some Nights I Dream of Doors — Obongjayar
Obongjayar’s music is as raw as it gets. Whether he’s urging you to keep hustling on songs like Try and Sugar or reminding you that you deserve better on Tinko Tinko (Don’t Play Me for a Fool), Obongjayar maintains an intense level of honesty and emotion that’s hard to find these days.
There’s so much drama in this man’s voice, and even the album title is dramatic AF. What is Some Nights I Dream of Doors? But the best part is all the drama pays off beautifully when you listen to his music.
Boy Alone — Omah Lay
No one is doing this “sad boy music” thing like Omah Lay. After blowing up at the height of the pandemic in 2020, Omah Lay cemented his position as one of the most exciting Nigerian artists right now with the release of Boy Alone, his debut EP. Letting his emotions take centre stage, the album has given us hits like Soso, Woman, Bend You, and the song anyone suffering from imposter syndrome can relate to, I’m a Mess.
V — Asa
If there’s one Nigerian artist who seemed set for a Grammy win from the moment they stepped on the scene, it’s Asa. Her debut self-titled album was, and still is, a masterpiece, covering heartbreak, politics and existential thoughts. But it did nothing to prepare us forV, her fifth studio album released this year.
With V, Asa has moved her music to the dance floor. Singing about friendships, love and red wine, this album proves Asa can make any type of music, and it’ll still slap.
Catch Me If You Can — Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold’s rebrand from calm lover boy to in-your-face fashion icon/ DILF still makes my head spin. With 2020’s Afropop Vol.1, Adekunle introduced a fun, more pop-focused side of his music and personality. Bringing that energy into his 2022 album, Catch Me If You Can, Adekunle pulls out all the stops, featuring Davido, Lucky Daye and Ty Dolla $ign. Maybe I’m high, but it looks like AG Baby is here to stay.
Although the album suffers from sounding repetitive, Asake manages to make each song as infectious as the one before it. While it looks like Asake is slowing things down, it doesn’t mean Mr Money With the Vibe doesn’t deserve Grammy love.
Ayra Starr is that girl, and she knows it. Despite taking 2021 by storm with her self-titled EP, her smash hit, Bloody Samaritan, and her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, Ayra has shown no signs of slowing down. As a matter of fact, the hits dey rush.
Releasing the deluxe version of 19 & Dangerous with new songs and remixes, Ayra has thrown her hat into the ring. While her album may not be eligible, songs like Rush and the Bloody Samaritan remix with Kelly Rowland still make the cut.
Palmwine Music 3 — Show Dem Camp
Five years after tapping into their Feel Alright palm wine vibe to drop the first installation of what we’ve come to know as the Palmwine Music series, Show Dem Camp has closed out this chapter of their career with Palmwine Music 3.
Bringing in past collaborators like BOJ, Moelogo, Tems and Ladipoe, while creating space for new acts like Oxlade, Tay Iwar and Victony, Show Dem Camp successfully delivered one of the best albums of the year. It’s sweet, sour and relaxing, just like the drink it’s named after.
Rave & Roses — Rema
It’s Rema’s world right now, and the rest of us are just paying rent and agency fees. Three years after capturing our attention with the party starter, Dumebi, Rema officially kicked off 2022 with his debut album, Rave and Roses. While songs like Dirty, Time N Affection and Calm Down remind us Rema is a budding sex icon, his music really hits when he sheds off that gragra to give us songs like Addicted, Divine and Are You There?
Sad Romance — CKay
Capitalising on the international exposure he got after Love Nwantiti became TikTok’s official anthem in 2021, CKay dropped his debut album in 2022, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s interesting CKay named it Sad Romance when almost every song on it sounds like music that’ll get you pregnant.
Swimming in sensual R&B production and CKay’s bedroom voice, Sad Romance was a major standout of the year and deserves some recognition.
A wise man once said, “Something must kill a man.” for Wizkid, that thing is bumbum. Following up his goated 2020 album, Made in Lagos, Wizkid’s new record, More Love, Less Egois light on the features and heavy on the seduction. While the pressures of a Grammy and song of the summer title might bend other artists, Wizkid seems well rooted in his “no stress” vibe.
For his new album, Wizkid doesn’t try to top himself — but is that really a good thing?
These are our first thoughts after listening to each track on More Love, Less Ego for the first time.
Money & Love
Wizkid has a record of solid album openers, from Sweet One on 2017’s Sounds From the Other Side to Reckless on 2020’s Made in Lagos. Big W doesn’t disappoint in the new album’s opener, Money & Love. Name-dropping all the Bujus he knows, Wizkid lays the foundation for the his new album by singing about the usual: his sex game and bank account.
Money & Love doesn’t offer anything new, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad song. It’s just Wizkid catching cruise — something he seems to do throughout the album.
Balance
I’ve listened to Balance four times and zoned out each time. I kept hoping to find something that stuck, but alas. Maybe one day, Balance will find a home on my list of Wizkid faves, but for now, no can do.
Bad to Me
Like most of Wizkid’s lead singles (remember, Smile featuring H.E.R?), I didn’t like Bad to Me when he dropped the song back in September [2022]. Wizkid’s singles have a thing for growing on you when you least expect it to.
Tapping into the amapiano sound Nigerians have refused to give up, Bad to Me is a great party starter that’ll get everyone hyped up in the club. It’s not the best Wizkid lead single, but it’s definitely not the worst (I’m saving that position for Daddy Yo).
2 Sugar (featuring Ayra Starr)
If you thought Wizkid and Ayra Starr were going to try and create the magic of Wizkid and Tems on Essence, then, my dear, get ready to be shocked by 2 Sugar. Even though Wizkid takes the verses on 2 Sugar, it’s very much an Ayra Starr show.
Switching from summer love on Essence, 2 Sugar focuses on creating boundaries and not letting bad vibes mess up your inner peace. Ayra and Wizkid basically float on this song that’ll make you want to relax, sink into the good vibes and tell bad energy to stay far away.
Everyday
Wizkid and Maya Angelou are two names I never thought I’d say in the same sentence, but here we are. Everyday kicks off with a beautiful speech about love from the iconic poet before Wizkid steps in to sing about struggles everybody can relate to, famous or not.
Everyday is pure magic, from the melodies to the chants of “Yebo” in the background. This is probably the most introspective song on the album.
Slip N Slide (featuring Skillibeng and Shenseea)
Slip N Slide is Wizkid at his horniest. Featuring Jamaican acts Skillibeng and Shenseea, Wizkid goes all out with all the fornication vibes you can think of, dropping lyrics like: “24 days we dey fuck with no brakes.” Twenty-four days? Ayodeji, what type of agbo are you drinking? Just asking for a friend.
If I had a sex playlist, Slip N Slide would be a sexy addition. But I don’t fornicate like the rest of you, so I don’t have one.
I stan an honest man, and on Deep, Wizkid is honest about what he wants — your body, not your love. If Slip N Slide was recorded for fornication, then Deep was recorded for the seductive dance and whining that’ll eventually lead to the offing off pant.
Flower Pads
Just like Harry Styles announced to the world that he loves a little bit of cunnilingus on Watermelon Sugar, Wizkid employs the lyrics of Flower Pad to make the same announcement. Encouraging his lover to “wrap their legs around his neck”, Wizkid proves once again that he’s capable of creating baby-making music, and I’m totally here for it.
PS: Something about the Spanish at the end of the song that just makes it 1000 times more erotic.
Wow (featuring Skepta and Naira Marley)
Skepta and Wizkid are quickly becoming one of my favourite musical pairings. From Energy to Made in Lagos’ Longtime, these two have served us back-to-back hits, and Wow is no different. But despite Wiz and Skepta’s work on the Wow, something about the beat and flow of the song makes it sound like a Rexxie-produced Naira Marley jam.
That being said, Wizkid, Naira Marley and Skepta on one song is a train I’m comfortable getting on. Choo! Choo! Choo!
Pressure
Pressure is a playful bop that stands out as one of my faves on the album. The beat slaps. The “beep beep beep” sound he makes right after the chorus slaps. The talking-singing thing he does in the second verse slaps. Damn, everything on this song slaps, and I just have to give it tenss across the board.
Plenty Loving
On Plenty Loving, Wizkid touches amapiano again. I might actually prefer this songto Bad to Me. Maybe it’s because Plenty Loving is still fresh, or is it because it has that sprinkle of the signature Wizkid sax that made Made in Lagos an absolute banger?
Special (featuring Don Toliver)
How do I say this? For a song produced by Juls and featuring Don Toliver, Special sounds Mid AF. Maybe Special will grow on me, but for now, it’s not giving what it’s supposed to give, so I’m skipping it.
Frames (Who’s Gonna Know)
Frames (Who’s Gonna Know) provides perfect closing for the album’s 40+ minutes runtime, with Wizkid dropping the seduction tactics and initial gragra to have an honest conversation with his lover. Don’t get me wrong, shaking bumbum is still a priority here, but all of that is hidden behind Wiz’s yearning for his lover to give him more of them, something he could never lose.
With Halloween parties, haunted houses and dressing up quickly becoming a thing in Nigeria, I’ve ranked 13 (inspired by the iconic, Friday, The 13th film series) memorable and not so memorable celebrity Halloween costumes. Hopefully you can find some inspiration (or not) for next year.
13. Wizkid
We all know Wizkid doesn’t like stress, but please, what is this look? It feels like he was going for a cross between Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Michael Myers from Halloween, but the mask just ends up looking like a primary school fine arts project with small finesse.
— D for Don’t Miss 🐆 #SHAMEONYOU (@prettyboyDO) October 30, 2022
The Ruger vs. BNXN beef has been one of the funniest things to happen this year, and while PrettyBoy DO is funny in this video, all he has is an eyepatch trying to look like Ruger and it’s not giving at all. At least Blaqbonez dyed his hair.
Level of creativity: 0.5
11. Ebuka
I get that the look is inspired by Money Heist, but it’s so boring I can’t deal. Ebuka always kills it when it comes to looks, so disappointment doesn’t even cover how I feel right now looking at his La Casa De Papel: Lekki Branch costume.
Level of Creativity: 2
10. Mercy Eke
Girl, this is just a jumpsuit and a nice darling yaki weave. I get she’s trying to channel the late Selena (not to be confused with Selena Gomez, please and thank you), but it just feels very low effort and I know my girl is capable of more. The pictures slap, though.
Level of creativity: 2
9. Ms DSF
This French costume is super sexy on DSF, but I feel like somewhere along the line, we’ve forgotten that Halloween costumes are meant to be either scary or based on iconic people. It could be scary sexy or iconic sexy, but just sexy-sexy is a miss. Love the face beat, though.
Level of creativity: 3
8. Yemi Alade
Ms Alade, I love you, but is this Storm from X-Men or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. You have to pick one because both of them are not the same person. E for effort sha.
Come through Disney Villain!! While Kaylah Oniwo’s Cruella De Vil look comes off as a modern adaptation of the classic character from 101 Dalmations, she still gives off that old school vibe with the cigarette holder and thin eyebrows. By the way, can we get into the wig? The wig is wigging, dears.
Level of creativity: 7
6. Toke Makinwa
Now, this is how you pull off a sexy Halloween look. The dress is making a statement, but it’s not taking anything away from her horns, which reminds us that she’s Maleficent from Ikoyi. The make-up also goes hard. TM for the win.
Level of creativity: 7
5. Stephanie Coker
I’m sorry, but that big doll from Squid Game still haunts me till this day. Big shoutout to Stephanie Coker for pulling this look off, down to the photoshopped red eyes. Something about dolls and children in horror films makes me very uncomfortable, so having her daughter in this picture takes the creepiness to another level.
Level of creativity: 8
4. Oddity
You don’t have to be an anime lover to recognise Naruto from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Working in her signature bald look into her costume, Oddity’s Halloween look is iconic. Quick question from a non-anime-watching Nigerian: Abeg, where is this arrow pointing to?
Level of creativity: 9
3. Falz
Anyone who nails the Joker’s terrifying smile is a rockstar in my book and Falz does it well.
Level of creativity: 9.5
2. Elozonam
I don’t know who Elozonam is channelling; all I know is that he needs to keep this scary shit away from me. The burn looks so real, I’m actually in serious distress just looking at it.
Level of creativity: 10
1. Toyin “Tiannah Styling” Lawani
No one can take the best halloween costume crown away from Toyin “Tiannah Styling” Lawani. This woman dresses everyday like it’s Halloween, so I expected nothing less on the real day.
We’re officially entering a new Wizkid era, and y’all will have to call me Gal Gadot because I don’t know how to act right now. Almost two years after dropping his best album yet, Made in Lagos, Wizkid is set to drop a follow-up, More Love Less Ego (#MLLE) and the streets are going crazy.
The Grammy award winner recently previewed tracks from the album at a show in London (Ayodeji, Lizzie’s body is not even cold yet) and here’s all the hot tea I’ve been able to get from people who attended since my own visa didn’t come on time.
There’s an Ayra Starr feature that’ll have everybody in a chokehold
Ayra Starr wasn’t playing when she said, “E dey rush,” because, omo, her cup has turned into a swimming pool. Just hours after releasing the remix to Bloody Samaritan with THEE Kelly Rowland, the gist getting to us from the late Queen Lizzie’s compound has it that Ayra is on a banging track off #MLLE.
Remember how Essence turned Tems into a global superstar? It looks like Ayra Starr is in her emi lo kan era.
Chances are this album will get you pregnant
What is it with artists wanting to get everyone pregnant? First, it was CKay with Sad Romance, and now we’re hearing #MLLE is filled with baby-making music. Cerelac is expensive, dears. Conduct yourselves wisely this winter.
Watch out for a song called Balance. E get why
People lucky enough to attend Wizkid’s show have been going on about a track called Balance. It’s rare to see a track blow up weeks before it drops, but with how things are going, Balance might just be a hit before it leaves Wizkid’s memory card.
Naira Marley on a Wizkid song? O por
Marlians, arise, don’t waste your master’s leg work. The one and only Naira Marley is set to make an appearance on Wizkid’s #MLLE, and I don’t know why this collaboration didn’t happen earlier. Best believe this song is already number one on my Detty December playlist.
The album release date is rumoured to be October 29, 2022
No official date has been confirmed yet, but the streets are saying it’ll drop on or before October 29, 2022. Honestly, it sounds very on brand, considering Made in Lagos dropped on October 30, 2020. One way or the other, this album must drop this year or we protest.
This album is for lovers. Single people, please leave this place
Beyoncé has asked us to get cuffed up this season, and now it looks like Wizkid’s #MLLE will be our final reminder to find a significant other before matching pyjamas season starts in December. This is a challenge I’m willing to tackle head-on, which means I have approximately 30 days to fall in love.
There’s a Travis Scott feature on the album
Wizkid is known for big international features, so it’s not shocking that Travis Scott is on #MLLE. I can bet it’s just the first of many international collaborations on the project.
There’s a song that has something to do with flowers and it slaps
Is the name of this song Flower, or is it about flowers? These are the critical questions, and I feel it’s time we enlist the CIA, FBI, NAFDAC, EFCC and Kiki Mordi to do some serious investigations. Ayodeji, confess!
When a record label decides to put out a collaboration with most of its artists, the song either becomes a massive hit, an underwhelming miss or just a chaotic mess. From rebranded labels like Mo’Hits to artist-led labels like DMW, we ranked some of the collaborations to come out of Nigerian record labels.
Booty Call — Mo Hits All Stars
Somebody needs to check on Wande Coal because it couldn’t have been easy carrying one of Mo Hits’ biggest hits on his vocal chords. Even though it’s been 15 years since Booty Call dropped, no other record label collaboration has been able to beat this iconic jam.
A part of me just wishes they’d been representation for small booties on this song. #LittleBootysMatter
Overloading — Mavin
Is Overloading high up my list because it’s new? Or is it high up because I still can’t get over Ayra Starr rhyming “Trips to L.A, taking photographs” with “If it’s signed by me, then it’s an autograph”? The truth is, you’ll never know.
Raba — G Worldwide
Kizz Daniel might be stealing the hearts of aunties and mummies all around the world right now, but before Buga and Barnabas, Kizz was a part of G-Worldwide alongside Sugarboy. Even though the label fallout was messy AF! Their joint hit Raba will always slap like party jollof.
Mind — DMW
Davido’s DMW really had their feet on our necks in 2018. After putting out David’s If and Fall, Mayorkun’s Mama and Peruzzi’s feature on 2Face’s Amaka, DMW established itself as the label to beat. If you need a little reminder, listen to Mind again and you’d understand why 2018 was the year of DMW.
You can’t talk about Burna Boy’s journey from outsider to African giant without talking about his incredible musical relationship with producer Leriq. Comment Tu T’apelle is a classic example of this relationship even though it has other scene stealers like Dammy Krane and Ozone.
Baddest Boy — EME Records
After the success of Wizkid’s Superstar in 2011, Banky W went into full record label mode with EME records, putting out the label’s official compilation album, Empire Mates of Mind. While most of the songs were mid, Baddest Boy seemed to be the only collaboration that actually carried weight.
Pere — Mo Hits All Stars
You know a song is special when Don Jazzy decides to bless us with his vocals. In unrelated gist, the video for Pere is very on brand for early 2000s Nigerian music videos, complete with South African scenery and light-skinned video vixens — oops, the light-skinned video vixen part hasn’t changed sha.
Soco — Starboy
Wizkid really sat down and sang “Soco-Soco” for four minutes, sixteen seconds and we didn’t riot or fight him? Ayodeji, Nigerians deserved better than this.
Aje — DMW
Another DMW song that still sets the club on fire every time it comes on.
Get Down Tonight — EME Records
Get Down Tonight was as unforgettable as most of the songs on the Empire Mates of Mind album. It’s also very sus that most of the collaborations featuring the label’s biggest acts at the time didn’t feature their leading lady, Niyola.
Janta Manta — Mavin
The fact that Janta Manta even exists is a big problem for me. While I’m tempted to drag everyone on this song, I’ll leave out Reekado Banks, Di’Ja and Korede Bello because they were kids. Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince and Dr. Sid on the other hand need to pay for their crimes because what is this song? And worse, what is this video?
Shoro Niyen — YBNL All Stars
No one even remembers this song exists. That’s all I’m going to say about this. Thanks and God bless.
There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, you absolutely need to hear.
We made it to Friday! Whether or not you accomplished anything this week, you deserve to pat yourself on the back and celebrate. As your resident music “expert”, I’ve decided to put you on to some good stuff to get your weekend vibe right.
Dig in.
Little (Love I Love) — Teni
When Teni loves, she loves real hard — this babe threatened to fight agberos on 2018’s Case and offered up all her money for love on last year’s For You with Davido. On her latest amapiano-inspired single, Little (Love I Love), Teni tells us, “Na love I love, I no kill somebody”. Sis, are you sure?
Call Me Every Day — Chris Brown and Wizkid
After three songs together, I won’t be shocked if Wizkid and Chris Brown drop a joint EP. While Call Me Every Day is a single off Chris’ new album, Breezy, the vibe of the song feels very Wizkid. It’s almost like Chris is the featured artist and the song is a leftover from Made in Lagos. One thing I know for sure, though, is a lot of waists will be broken to this song. So, please, lube it up.
Hustle — Ice Prince, Seyi Vibez and Ceeza Milli
“Hustle no dey kill nobody o!” Errm, Ice Prince, have you met me? I don’t like stress, please. After killing it last year with Oxlade on KOLO, Ice Prince is back with another potential banger, Hustle featuring Seyi Vibez and Ceeza Milli. If you liked Pheelz and BNXN’s Finesse like a normal human being, there’s a high chance you’d be into Hustle. Both songs have the same sing-along chants that just get Nigerians going!
Oontz oontz music is finally getting the public recognition it deserves, and I’m here for it. Like Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind album and Beyoncé’s Break My Soul, Daylight by Bigfootinyourface and Dwin, The Stoic is another house music that reminds us to forget capitalism and party. While we love Dwin’s soothing voice convincing us to dance until daylight, the Nigerian in us doesn’t fully agree with the “there’s nothing to lose” line sha.
Let You Down — Boybreed
Even though Boybreed have two EPs and collaborations with Patoranking and Ycee under their belts, I didn’t know about them until last night. Yes, I messed up. Their newest single, Let You Down — lowkey reminds me of 2016 to 2017 Maleek Berry — is a vulnerable yet solid exploration of grief. It’s like, do I want to cry or do I want to dance? Let’s do both.
Mind — Romi
Listening to Romi’s Mind, I couldn’t help but say “Oh shit!” repeatedly. This is a solid song for a debut or just for an artist in general. While the reflective song slightly suffers in differentiating Romi’s vocal identity from the myriad of young Afropop singers we have today, its catchy melody and hook will worm their way into your head and stay there.
I’m curious to see what Romi puts out next with a song like Mind.
It’s easy to shout “Afrobeats to the world” and talk about all the incredible artists breaking records these days, but the truth is that Nigerian music is nothing without its producers. With new age producers like P.Prime, Niphkeys, London, and Rexxie getting the praise they deserve It’s time to give flowers to some producers who started experimenting years ago and remain relevant to this day.
1. Young Jonn
Producing back to back hits for Olamide and Lil Kesh, Young Jonn quickly earned his title as “The wicked producer”, with the hits he made during his time with YBNL still being talked about today.. You’ve got to give it to the man responsible for Bobo.
Hits:Mama with Kiss Daniels, Story for the Gods with Olamide, Don’t Call Me Back with Lil Kesh and Biggest Backside with Davido.
2. Don Jazzy
Do we have to say anything here? The man is Don Jazzy. That’s enough.
Hits:Dorobucci, Oliver Twist with D’banj, Lift Off with Jay Z, Kanye West and Beyoncé, Bounce with Rema, Surulere with Dr Sid and Eminado with Tiwa Savage.
3. Masterkraft
It’s safe to say that Masterkraft has worked with all the big names in Nigerian music, from Wizkid to Bella Shmurda. Starting out making hits for Flavour and Bracket back in the day, Masterkraft has evolved into one of the most versatile producers in Nigeria. He even makes his own music now.
Hits:Jasi with Banky W, Fine Lady with Lynxx and Wizkid, Ukwu with Timaya, Kwarikwa with Flavour and Hallelu with Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.
4. Del B
Remember when Kcee had the world in his hands thanks to Limpopo in 2013? Del B is the producer we have to thank for that boppity bop. Famous for songs that incorporate highlife and makossa, Del B has continued to make hits year after year, Mad Over You, duh.
Hits:For Your Matter with Wizkid, Shake with Flavour, Reggae Blues by Harrysongs and Tilapia with Mr. Eazi.
Shizzi is the incredible producer responsible for giving us baby Davido hits like Dami Duro and Skelewu. He also worked on Wizkid’s Love My Baby and, more recently, Beyoncé’s The Gift. It’s giving range, and we’re here for it.
Hits:Blow My Mind with Davido and Chris Brown, Show You Off with Wurld and Who You Epp with Olamide and Wande Coal.
6. D’Tunes
You would have had to be living under a rock in 2012 if you didn’t hear or dance to Iyanya’s Kukure. After winning project fame years before, this was the song that finally put Iyanya on our radar. Fast Forward to 2013, and Sean Tizzle’s Sho Lee had become a bonafide hit. What do these songs have in common? D’tunes. The moment you heard, “It’s D’Tunes again o”, you just knew your waist was about to be destroyed. Good times for real.
Hits:Your Waist with Iyanya, Mama Eh with Sean Tizzle and For My Matter with Emma Nyra.
7. Cobhams Asuquo
Can you believe the same guy who produced Catch Cold by Maintain also produced Jailer by Asa and Strong Thing by Banky W? That’s Cobhams Asuquo‘s power. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a heartbreak song to make you cry hot tears or a love song to make your enemies say, “God, when?” When it comes to emotions, Cobhams is your guy.
Hits:If You Ask Me with Omawunmi, Ego with Djinee, No Lele with Dekunle Fuji and Iyawo Mi with Timi Dakolo.
8. Spax
Show Dem Camp has always been on another level when it comes to ballsy rap music. And while they teased us with Feel Alright in 2013, nothing prepared us for 2018’s Palmwine Music Vol.1, and we have Spax to thank for that. Known for blurring the lines between alté and pop, Spax has created magic with everyone from rap kings like Lynxx and M.I to new stars like Tems and Oxlade.
Hits:Up to You with Show Dem Camp and Funbi, Marry Me with Falz and Yemi Alade, DKT with Oxlade and Damages with Tems.
9. Legendary Beatz
If these two decide to retire and invest in Akara or Crypto, we won’t be surprised. Do you know what it means to be the group behind hits like Ojuelegba and Essence? These two not only produced Wizkid’s biggest hits, they indirectly produced two of Nigeria’s biggest hits. That’s on periodt!
Hits:Caro with L.A.X and Wizkid, Ibadi with MayD, Take Care of Me with Skales and Crazy with Seyi Shay and Wizkid.
10. Sarz
When Sarz says he’s not your mate, you better believe him. From the moment he dropped Beat of Life (Samba) with Wizkid in 2013, we knew this guy would be a big problem. Since then, he has worked alongside Niniola to make Afrohouse a thing with hits like Maradona, also producing songs for Drake and Beyoncé. When he’s not dropping thirst traps these days, he’s dropping mad ass EPs with artists like Obongjayar, Lojay and Wurld.
Hits:Come Closer with Wizkid and Drake, Bad Energy with Skepta and Wizkid, MAD with Wurld, If You Say with Obonjayar and Monalisa with Lojay.
When 9ice sang, “Don’t doubt me, I go bring home Grammy,” on his 2007 hit song, Street Credibility, only three Nigerian artists — King Sunny Ade, Babatunde Olatunji and Femi Kuti — had ever been nominated for a Grammy and only one of them had won it, once. Now, almost 15 years after 9ice’s ambitious lyrics, Nigeria can boast of three more winners, with the 2022 Grammy Awards setting the stage for new additions to this list. Progress, right? Well, Nigeria’s relationship with the Grammys still has a long way to go.
At the tail end of 2021, the Recording Academy, known on the streets as the Grammys, announced its nominations lists, celebrating the previous year in music and the creatives that stood out. Popping up among names like Coldplay, Lady Gaga and Doja Cat were Nigerian acts: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Made Kuti, and his father, Femi Kuti.
Nigerian artistes on the 2022 Nomination‘s List
Scoring back-to-back nominations after a massive win in 2021, Burna Boy made an appearance on the nomination list this year for his collaboration with Angelique Kidjo in Do Yourself. After winning in 2021 for his appearance on Beyoncé’s Black is King, Wizkid finally earned lead artist Grammy nominations with Made in Lagos scoring Best Global Music Album, while his single, Essence, got nominated for Best Global Music Performance.
Meanwhile, Femi Kuti also got two nominations, one for his song Pà Pá Pà, and another for his collaborative album with his son Made Kuti, Legacy+.
For the first time, multiple Nigerian artists scored Grammy nominations, and while that’s what celebrating, we can’t help but point out certain “commas” with not just this list, but with the Grammys as an institution.
It’s almost impossible to talk about music or entertainment culture from 2021 and not mention Wizkid’s mega record, Essence. Despite making its first appearance on his 2020 album, Made In Lagos, Essence was one of the biggest songs of 2021, reopening dancefloors around the world from Lagos to Miami. Cementing Wizkid’s status as a global superstar, Essence became the first song by a Nigerian artist to crack into the Billboard Hot 100 and the first by an African artist to make it to the Top 10. As if that wasn’t enough, Essence was also a social media anthem and the most Shazamed song in the US in August 2021.
Knowing the cultural impact and numbers Essence pulled off, one would assume this would be the Nigerian or African song to break out of the Grammys’ restrictive, “Global Music” categories, but nope, we work hard, but racism works harder.
We’re not the only ones who noticed this. Speaking in a recent interview, Insecure creator and record label owner, Issa Rae, shared the same thoughts about Essence, saying, “A song like Wizkid’s Essence — an absolute powerhouse — and yet not properly acknowledged by the institution that’s supposed to celebrate the best in music trips me out.”
Why Can’t We Be Happy About these Nominations? It’s Something After All
We’re glad you brought this up. While these nominations signal a step in the right direction, the Grammys aren’t moving fast enough. When you also consider that this institution has failed time and time again to reward the contributions of black artists to music — Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson and Nicki Minaj — it makes it really hard to trust them.
We can walk and chew gum — we can be happy for the progress that has been made and still call out lethargic efforts by the Grammys at making the awards more inclusive — the fact that “urban music” is a category is still wild AF.
On Street Credibility, 9ice bragged about being known on the streets, and to be honest, it feels like that’s enough. Over the years, artists like The Weeknd, Frank Ocean and Drake have spoken about their decisions not to submit their music for Grammys’ consideration and so far, they’re still out here breaking chart records and selling out stadiums like it’s no man’s business. This makes us wonder, who really determines good music — a sole organisation or the multitude of fans around the world who love music, buy songs and stream them?
Asa is back. Nearly three years after her last album, Lucid, our queen of Afro-folk, soul, and everything nice is back with a new album, V, signaling a major departure from the sound she introduced us to over a decade ago with Asha. For Love It/Hate It, we asked Nigerians what they think about the new album, and this is what they had to say.
[newsletter]
Laolu – “Asa making pangolo music? Inject it!”
If you ever wondered what pangolo music by Asa would sound like, the answer is tasteful AF! IDG is definitely the main character on that project. So many details in the background of that song, and P.Prime the producer is insane! Deadass music for a Saturday morning with your lover.
Faridah – “If I don’t sing Morning Man and Show Me Off for a man before July, I might actually die.”
Asa, sis, is it a crime to be single? This babe used to make songs for us single and sad bitches and now she’s telling us to go out there and get booed up. What a betrayal? But what my queen says, I will do. This album is perfect from top to bottom. Asa, your shop will not burn IJN (Amen). Please, excuse me while I answer all the DMS I’ve been airing. Asa said it’s cuffing season.
Temilade -“Asa and Amaarae can break my back anytime, any day.”
Who is this Asa? What? All I Ever Wanted with Amaarae is a madness and it’s especially good because, on paper, you don’t see it happening. We already know Amaraare is a bad bitch, but hearing Asa singing about wanting to break backs, omo, I didn’t know how much I wanted to be dominated until now. I’m rinsing the hell out of this album.
Chuma -“I’m afraid to say it on the TL, but I want my old Asa back.”
I love that my fave is experimenting, but I can’t be the only one who wants her to just stick to what she’s been doing for the longest — and very well if I might add. In a time where everyone is making the same shit, it felt good to know we had someone who would be a constant for us, musically. You don’t see Adele collaborating with Lil something on TikTok, do you?
Seye -“No skips. I repeat, no skips.”
I love everything about this album. There are literally no skips. I love that it has the makings of a classic Asa album we’ll play years from now, but also infused with some of the Afrobeats we’re used to. Also, the collaborations couldn’t be more perfect. 10/10.
Dika -“Can’t wait to see Nigerian aunties’ reactions to All I Ever Wanted with Amaraae.”
I love V. Good Times with The Cavemen. is my favourite song off the album. I also think she came out of her shell with these songs and took risks. Like the song with Amaarae, All I Ever Wanted? I think our aunties are going to love the album until they get to that song.
Sharon -“It doesn’t measure up to the Asa I know.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love this album. My only fear is how it’ll stand years from now. Are we going to fuck with it the same way we do Asha, Beautiful Imperfection or Bed of Stone? I doubt that. I love that she’s experimenting, but this is a major shift. Let’s see sha.
KC -“A Wizkid song without ‘She tell me say’, mad oh.”
The way Asa got Wizkid to sing and not add, “She tell me say” is something that should be studied in universities when ASUU resumes. IDG is a jam. All the collabs and solo songs slap real hard. We’re eating good this year, thanks to Asa.
Ever listened to an artist and immediately thought, “They should totally collaborate with so and so?”. Some international collaborations come as a surprise, but there are some we could’ve seen coming from a mile away. With international collaborations and remixes flooding the streets like party jollof rice, we’ve compiled a list of mergers we saw coming from the start. We’re not claiming to be prophets or anything, but look at the material and connect the dots yourself.
1. Peru Remix — Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran
When Fireboy DML announced Ed Sheeran would be on the remix of his hit song Peru, a lot of you were shocked, but not us. While the collaboration sounded a bit off on paper, true Fireboy stans could’ve seen this from a mile away. Apart from being resident musical lover boys, Need You, the opening track to Fireboy’s 2019 album Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps sounds almost exactly like Tenerife Sea.
We saw this thing coming since.
2. Somebody’s Son — Tiwa Savage and Brandy
When it comes to vocals in Nigeria, Ms. Savage is in a lane of her own. Announcing Water & Garri, the follow-up EP to her 2020 album, Celia, a lot of people were excited about one name on the tracklist, Brandy. While Somebody’s Son has become quite the earworm, some of us saw this collaboration coming years ago. Remember when Brandy came to Nigeria in 2014 right after Tiwa dropped Once Upon A Time and mentioned that she’d like to work with her? Ehen.
3. Essence — Wizkid, Tems and Justin Bieber
Essence was the biggest Nigerian song of 2021, no cap. So when it became time to enlist another artist to hop on the remix, we weren’t surprised when Wizkid went with Justin Bieber. The parallels between both artists are obvious AF: Usher discovered Justin and turned him into a star, Banky W discovered Wizkid and turned him into a star. Both artists started pretty young, became household names, struggled with controversies and remained consistent with their music over the years.
Wizkid is Justin and Justin is Wizkid, periodt.
4. Every song Yemi Alade has with Angelique Kidjo
Over the past few years, Yemi Alade and Angelique Kidjo have collaborated on not just one, but two hit songs. Yemi featured Angelique on Shekere and the favour was returned when Yemi made an appearance on Angelique’s song, Dignity. These collaborations didn’t come to us as a surprise because they have the same vibe. While Yemi Alade might get a lot of backlash for her lyrics — or lack thereof — her songs are slapping in other African countries. They’ve slapped so hard, even Mummy Blue noticed.
These collaborations were definitely meant to be
5. Damn Remix — Omah Lay and 6lack
While the industry was heavily focused on breezy afrobeats and amapiano-influenced songs, Omah Lay came in with this cool kid R&B vibe at the height of the 2020 pandemic and took us all by surprise. Listening to his music, especially songs like Bad Influence and Damn, it’s easy to spot the Atlanta-style R&B influence of artists like Bryson Tiller, PartyNextDoor and of course, 6Lack. Did we know it was going to be 6Lack for sure on that remix? No. But at least he picked someone on our shortlist.
It’s crazy how time flies. One minute you’re enjoying free food from your parents and the next thing you know, you’ve signed your soul off to become a slave to capitalism *deep negro sigh* As we get settled into the new year, we thought it’d be fun to take a little nostalgic trip down memory lane. Here’s a list of 10 songs that made 2012 memorable.
1. Dami Duro — Davido
Can you believe it’s been over 10 years since we heard “On the beat is Davido” for the first time? Wow. We’re officially old? While Back When introduced us to the baby-faced superstar in 2011, it was Dami Duro that solidified his spot as a game-changer and future leader of the afrobeats movement.
2. First of All — Olamide
If there’s one thing Nigerians know how to do, it’s “borrowing” a genre and doing it so well you might forget its original owner. Before amapiano, Nigerians copied the Azonto style of dance and music from our brothers and sisters in Ghana. A dark time also marked by “My Money Grows Like Grass” shirts and carrot jeans, this Olamide song was a major moment in 2012. Over 10 albums later (and one or two amapiano songs to his name), Olamide remains one of the most consistent artists in the game.
3. Kukere — Iyanya
This song was a classic case of when it’s your time, it’s your time. Iyanya was the undisputed breakout star of 2012 and this song was so inescapable, there’s a high chance your grandma might know the words. While he hasn’t been able to top his massive breakout hit, we still spy shirtless Iyanya once in a while on social media and honestly, we can’t complain.
4. Like to Party — Burna Boy
Before the African Giant title, Outsiders fan base and Grammy Award, Burna Boy was just a cute guy in a colourful vintage shirt and round glasses looking to have a good time. If someone had told us the Like to Party guy would become one of the biggest stars out of Africa, we would have told them to jump into the lagoon. These days, when he’s not touring the world, our fave is constantly saying problematic shit on social media. God save us.
5. Ihe Neme — Tuface Idibia
Did we understand half of the lyrics in this song? No. Did we dance to it like our lives depended on it? Yes. Is Tuface Idibia an icon? Yes. Well, enough said.
6. Chop My Money (Remix) — PSquare
The fact that we were singing this song knowing fully well that we had zero money to be consumed still cracks me up. Money? Where is it, dear? PSquare was in their bag when this song dropped. Back then, getting a feature with artists like Akon was like scoring a Grammy nomination. How times have changed. Even though they had a messy breakup, our fave twins are back together again. Mary Slessor would be proud.
7. Kako Bi Chicken — Reminisce
When Reminisce popped up on the scene, no one was doing it like him. Yes, we had Olamide and before that, we had Dagrin and Jazzman Olofin, but no one delivered with ginger and cockiness like Reminisce. While Reminisce might have transitioned into a Netflix baddie, Kako Bi Chicken remains a classic in our books.
8. Beat of Life — Sarz & Wizkid
10 years later and we’re not sure we know what “Samba” means. However, if there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that this song was and still is a bonafide hit. What is Sarz up to these days? Well, our fave is still dropping hits, left, right and centre (Monalisa, duh).
9. Kedike — Chidinma
Remember when Chidinma still sang “worldly” music? Good times. This song was such a hit, Chidinma changed her name to Miss Kedike, because why not? From project fame to the top of the chart to Nollywood and now whatever she’s doing next, it’s safe to say Chidinma has lived many lives.
10. Omo Pastor — Ajebutter22 & BOJ
Before the alté movement became a salient part of the musical conversation in Nigeria, artists like Ajebutter22 and BOJ were already shifting the narrative surrounding Nigerian music. We didn’t know what alté meant at the time, but we noticed that this song came with a different vibe. A decade later and songs like this are quickly becoming the norm. We love to see it.
This year alone, we were met with an overnight Twitter ban and also threatened with another ban that almost prevented our fave IJGBs from spoiling us with foreign currency this Christmas. Through all of these things, music has held us up together in one piece, helping us think, connect or just whine our waists. From the artists we discovered by ourselves to those we stole from other people’s playlists, this has been a good year for Nigerian music. Looking back, we decided to rank some of the albums that gave us good vibes (some made us cry sha) this year.
20. SGaWD – Savage Bitch Juice EP
The rap girls are making an entry into the scene and honestly, we’re here for it. Since she started popping up on our radar with features on songs with Dusten Truce and Sute Iwar, this fearless and unapologetic rapper has demanded our attention. Featuring Princess Mami and Somadina, on her debut EP, SGaWD reminds us that she’s the shit and the rest of us are just playing catch-up.
19. Buju – Sorry I’m Late
Buju is everywhere these days. Providing hooks for artists like Ladipoe, Blaqbonez, and Timaya, you can hardly go through a full day and not hear Buju’s voice somewhere. Buju released the EP Sorry I’m Late to a lot of anticipation. Does it match the energy we expected from the guy whose vocals carried the year? No. But we also can’t deny that this was quite an interesting record.
18. Kizz Daniel – Barnabas
Kizz Daniel is a certified hitmaker at this point. Since Woju attained wedding anthem status, he has switched record labels and changed his name. But despite all these changes, Kizz Daniel has remained reliable, pushing out earworm after earworm. On Barnabas, he maintains the same relatability that has made his songs slap over the years. While we’d like for some artistic evolution, the project carries enough weight to land itself on this list.
17. Ajebo Hustlers – Kpos Lifestyle, Vol. 1
If there was one song that soundtracked the #EndSARS protest of 2020, it’s Ajebo Hustler’s Barawo. Highlighting most of the issues young Nigerians were talking about in their demand for better, the song immediately catapulted this group to the top of the charts. But how do you follow up a song — no, a cultural movement — like that? The result is their debut album, Kpos Lifestyle, Vol.1, which sees the duo create standout moments while maintaining the same in-your-face Port Harcourt energy that made them popular in the first place.
16. Psycho YP – Euphoria EP
Psycho YP is in a league of his own when it comes to making trap and rap in Nigeria. Breaking out of the “Abuja-based” tagline to become a formidable force in his own right, Euphoria shows the artist at his best — hyper expressive, intense and confident AF.
15. Ladipoe – Providence EP
After years of mind-blowing guest appearances and some standout solo moments, Providence EP introduces one of our favorite rappers to a new, larger audience. Songs like Love Essential and Law of Attraction are sure to make it to your bedroom playlist, but it’s on the title track, Providence that Ladipoe reminds us who’s boss. Is this the same Ladipoe that gave us Can’t Forget and the iconic rap verse on Show Dem Camp’s Victoria Island of Broken Dreams? No, but that’s okay, the change here is a welcome one.
14. Prettyboy D-O – Love is War
Prettyboy D-O may just be to this generation what artists like Baba Fryo, Danfo Drivers and Daddy Showkey were to listeners during their time. Drawing from the late 1990s and early 2000s, Prettyboy’s influence goes beyond his multicolored hair and fashion choices; his music is brash and convoluted in a way that keeps you hungry for more. Love is War, his third album in four years, explores love (obviously) and what it means to be a young Nigerian navigating a country that keeps moving mad.
13. Show Dem Camp – Clone Wars Vol.5 – The Algorhythm
When discussing Nigeria’s rap or alternative scene, Show Dem Camp is sure to come up at some point. A decade after releasing their debut album, The Dreamer Project, Tec and Ghost have continued to remain relevant fixtures on both scenes. While their Palmwine series might bring them a lot of commercial attention, it’s the Clone Wars series that binds real SDC stans together. And in this installment, they don’t disappoint either.
12. Teni – Wondaland
After making a major break into the industry with the fuji-inspired Askamaya in 2019, Teni finally put out her debut album this year, and it was worth the wait. Covering afropop, trap, highlife, R&B and yes, house music, Teni gave us bop after bop with songs like For You and Injure Me. But it’s songs like Hustle—which sounds a lot like Uyo Meyo—that remind us that our sugar mummy is an intentional storyteller.
11. Blaqbonez – Sex Over Love
Blaqbonez is to Nigeria what Lil Nas X is to American pop culture. Self-marketing his way into our playlists and hearts, Blaqbonez not only understands the power of the internet, he has also mastered the art of sharing authentic and relatable content. This same authenticity is evident on his album Sex Over Love. While a lot of questions have been raised about the strength of Nigeria’s rap scene, this album proves that rap doesn’t always have to be a monolith; it could be many things all at once.
10. Cavemen – Love and Highlife
In a year where GOATS like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and Davido all dropped albums, one album that stood out from the pack was Roots by The Cavemen. Continuing their two-man mission of introducing highlife to a new generation, Love and Highlife is an expansion on the story they started last year. Featuring appearances by Made Kuti and legendary producer Cobhams Asuquo, this album has “modern classic” written all over it.
9. Joeboy – Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic
You have to have been living under a rock not to have heard at least four or five songs off this album. Focus was a regular on TikTok and Instagram stories, while Show Me was playing literally every time we turned on the radio. If there’s something we’ve learnt this year, it’s that this is Joeboy’s world, and the rest of us are just squatting in it.
8. Tiwa Savage – Water and Garri EP
When Tiwa Savage announced a new EP barely a year after dropping the best album of her decade-long career, we were shocked but excited. Water & Garri proves yet again that Tiwa is great at creating cohesive sounding EPs (Sugarcane, everybody?). While the album opens with Nas and features a collaboration with her vocal role model, Brandy, it’s the songs with alternative acts Amaarae and Tay Iwar that carry the heavy punches on this EP.
7. Tems – If Orange was a Place
From cracking the Billboard Hot 100 to securing a Grammy nomination and hanging out with Adele and Rihanna, there’s no denying that we all want to be Tems right now. If last year’s For Broken Ears found Tems asking existential questions while telling madmen not to call her phone, If Orange was a Place shows a more confident artist, one who finally understands, but still doesn’t buy into the hype around her.
6. Femi and Made Kuti – Legacy +
Does being a Kuti automatically translate to being super talented? We have a lot of questions about this because why did Femi and Made Kuti snap so hard on this cross-generational album? Already a Grammy contender, this album is a beautiful nod to the past and a clear sign that the Kuti clan can step into the future without losing the ethos of what made them iconic in the first place.
5. Lojay and Sarz – LV N ATTN EP
Sarz has told us time and time again that he’s not our mate, and while we already believe him, every year, he drops something to make sure we don’t forget. LV N ATTN finds Sarz working with Lojay to create a record that soundtracks a wild night out in the city. From the strip club on Tonongo to the dancefloor on Monalisa, this EP is filled with bangers. We can’t stop listening, and to be honest, it’s not like we want to.
4. Tay Iwar – Love and Isolation
Inspired by the lockdown, Tay Iwar’s sixth project is an elite body of work that will make you want to give someone your mumu button, eat hot breakfast and still fall in love again like it’s jazz. Minimalistic and burning with intensity, we didn’t even know how much we needed this EP until we started listening to it.
3. Ayra Starr – 19 & Dangerous
This time last year, less than a handful of people outside the Mavin headquarters could identify the name “Ayra Starr”. Fast-forward to today and Ayra Starr has cemented her spot as Nigeria’s first teenage female pop star and one of the most in-demand artists of the moment. With confidence way beyond her years, Ayra owns every track on this album. Not all of us are 19, but we can totally relate to wanting to be a bad bitch every day. A rare no-skips project, 19 & Dangerous was one of our musical highlights of the year.
2. Olamide – UY Scuti
This is Olamide’s 11th album. Yes, not one, not two, but 11 whole albums, and we’re not disappointed. While Carpe Diem was filled with hits like Loading and Infinity, this album replaces crowd-pleasers to show an evolution in his lyricism and approach to story-telling. He also reminds us of the importance of fighting for our lives by avoiding broke niggas. Talk about life nuggets.
1. Wizkid – Made in Lagos (Deluxe Version)
Yes, we know the album originally came out in 2020 but was Anoti, Mood, or Steady on the old one? No. If Wiz drops deluxe plus next year, best believe it would make our end-of-the-year list again. Periodt.
Odogwu and Big Wiz have given us hits before, so what happens when they team up to close out the year with one final song? For Love It/Hate It, we asked Nigerians what they think about the latest collaboration between the Grammy winners, and this is what they had to say.
Temilade – “If Wizkid and Burna ear dey pain them tomorrow, na me cause am.”
The more I play this song, the sweeter it becomes. It has to be jazz, abeg. These guys are in a league of their own. While Essence became the biggest hit from Made in Lagos, nobody can say Ginger wasn’t an absolute banger. Come on! Now they’re back again? I will rinse this song until they both come to Ebgeda to beg me.
Amaka – “Nobody is seeing Wizkid—musically and lyrically. The man is clear”
Omo, Wizkid took all the shouting and gragra Burna Boy was doing on Ginger seriously because tell me why he decided to feature on a song and outperform the owner? Is it crack? He ate the beat like somebody eating for the first time after seven days of prayer and fasting. The real Nigerian goat. Absolutely love this jam.
Mayowa – “Forget Omarion, unnecessary collaborations like this are the real pandemic.”
Let me start by saying Ginger was overhyped. Yes, I said it. Just because two of our faves collaborate together doesn’t mean the song will always slap. But when you see Wizkid FC and Outsiders, they will start acting like this song is the best thing since small chops. Everyone should rest. The song is very mid.
Kosi – “You can’t tell me Burna wasn’t dragging Mr ‘look into your eyes all I see is your waist’ on this song”
We all know Burna was dragging Davido on this song, right? What else did he mean by “one man, two-man, three….don penkelemess”? Who is the third man? Burna has not forgiven Mr. Philanthropy and I’m living for this beef. Yes guys, drag each other like small gen.
Jessie – “Wiz, we are poor. Money can impress us”
When Wizkid said “I neva see person wey fit use money to impress me”, I did not feel it in my soul at all. What kind of oppression is this? Ayodeji, people are dying. We are broke bitches in this household. It’s a cute song though. Not sure it matches Ginger or Sponono but cute nonetheless.
Ndifreke – “I want both of them to drop a collab album, but I’m afraid they’ll end up racking”
This track proves yet again that Burna and Wiz have great chemistry in the studio. Jah Love is True gave us a hint and this track just cements it. Now, imagine if they did like a Watch the Throne style album? My only fear is that Burna Boy will start moving mad and we all know Wizkid doesn’t like stress. Let’s see what happens.
No one is doing it like Wizkid right now. With two Grammy nominations, sold-out shows across the world, and an inescapable global smash hit that cracked the Billboard Hot 100 and became the official song of the summer, Wizkid has had a pretty stellar year. While the rest of the world might be whining their waist and screaming “you don’t need no other body”, day ones like us who knew Ayodeji back when he wore carrot jeans, know that our boy’s discography is untouchable. Here’s a pretty accurate ranking of Big W’s best songs.
Note: It’s our list, if you don’t like it, you can catch us outside.
10. Beat of Life (Samba) with Sarz
We decided to start with the most gingered song on this list. While Sarz has proven that he’s not our mate, back in 2012, he was just the sweet-looking producer who successfully fused Afrobeats and EDM to create this massive banger that rocked our world. Did we know the meaning of “Samba”? No. But that didn’t stop us from popping our booties on the dance floor.
9. Anoti
When Wiz announced a deluxe version of Made in Lagos, some of us were scared he would ruin a near-perfect album with filler tracks, but alas, we were wrong. The standout track from this new version has become one of our favorite Wizkid songs. You know a song is a jam when it comes with a dance move. While Wizkid might have started the dance craze by chance, placing Anoti on this list was 100% intentional on our part.
8. Energy with Skepta
No one can tell you nonsense when this jam comes on. Looking back, this song and Fever gave us a taste of what to expect from Made in Lagos—cool, stress-free vibes. Energy does its best to remind us to just relazz and be taken kiaroff, because this life is one and we only deal with positive vibes.
7. Sweet Love
Sounds from the Otherside is undoubtedly one of Wizkid’s most underrated albums and a record way ahead of its time. The album’s opening track is also one of the hottest Wizkid tracks. Complete with saxophones reminiscent of Fela when he wasn’t dragging the government, Sweet Love deserved way better and we’re ready to fight anyone who disagrees.
6. Jaiye Jaiye with Femi Kuti
A combination of Afrobeat and afrobeats, Jaiye Jaiye is one of the best tracks off Wizkid’s self-titled album, Ayo. The Sarz-produced track finds Wizkid holding his own alongside powerhouse legend, Femi Kuti. This song also reminds us that any free money we get, we should use it for enjoyment and ball for two. When we’re talking about iconic Wizkid songs, this is one of the first songs that come to mind.
5. Pakurumo
It banged then and it still bangs now. We all danced and lost our home training as Wizkid listed all the female Yoruba names he could find. This song, complete with its video, gave us the ultimate party vibe. A piece of advice, if you go to an owambe and you don’t hear this song, omo, there’s a strong chance their jollof rice won’t slap. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
4. On Top Your Matter
Yoruba men are known for having “sweet mouths” and here, we find Wizkid tapping into his inner Yoruba playboy journal. He first offers his life to his lover like a pack of small chops and as if that’s not enough, he goes ahead to compare her beauty to the queen mothers of the sea. Well, it’s a jam and we’re still obsessed five years later.
3. No Lele
“Ojuelegba shita. Ask your sister. My music travel, no visa.” The opening line of this song says it all. Wizkid knows who he is and to be honest, he’s not wrong.
2. Essence with Tems
Yes, finally. We know you’ve been waiting for this moment. Breathe, you’ve won.
If there’s one song that defined 2021, it’s Wizkid’s Essence. This song is an earworm so wormy, it almost borders on annoying. But you know what? Try as we might, we can’t deny how much this song hits our brains and waists. With Tems providing the sonic heartbeat for this song, Essence has undoubtedly changed the game for afrobeats and we couldn’t be happier.
1. Ojuelegba
Inspired by his humble beginnings, this is the song that shot Wizkid into the global music space. If there’s one thing we all relate to as Nigerians, it’s finding hope despite our struggles and no song captures this hope better than Ojuelegba. Famously remixed by Drake and Skepta way before One Dance and Energy, it would be hard to compile a list of iconic Nigerian songs without throwing this hit into the mix.
Nothing gets the internet going like a hot and spicy celebrity showdown. From Olamide dividing Lagos into two (one for him and the other for Don Jazzy) to Wizkid dragging Davido by his invisible edges by likening his voice to that of a frog, the internet has given us some of the most hilarious beefs of the decade.
Olamide vs. Don Jazzy (2016)
Remember the time Olamide banned Don Jazzy from the mainland and told him to #LeaveTrashForLawma? We do too! This beef which started at the 2015 Headies after Reekado Bankz (Mavin) won the next rated award over Lil Kesh (YBNL), was one of the biggest celebrity showdowns we’ve witnessed in real-time, and probably the last time people tuned in to watch that award show. The beef was so bad it got reactions from both Dangote and Obasanjo. Talk about impact! Who can forget the shady DJ who kept dropping diss tracks after each opponent made his point?
PSquare vs. PSquare vs. The Other Okoye Brother (2017)
Nollywood always hammered on the saying “Blood is thicker than water”, but in 2017, after many years of wowing audiences around the world with their love songs and dance moves, PSquare decided to break up and go their separate ways. But instead of keeping it classy, the brothers (and their other non-singing brother, Jude) dragged each other for filth on the interwebs. And in typical Nigerian fashion, their wives ended up catching stray bullets as agents of discord. While they recently reunited to post their bank account details and collect money on Twitter, fans are still holding out hope for a musical reunion.
Wizkid vs. Davido (2017)
Davido made fun of Wizkid for shooting his Come Closer video with an invisible Drake, and Wizkid called him “frog voice”. Wizkid went on to call Davido a “local artist”, to which Davido responded with a major flex, an American passport (God when?). The whole thing was so chaotic we enjoyed every single bit of it.
Tiwa Savage vs. Seyi Shay (2021)
Imagine going to the salon to get your hair done and then getting front row seats to the biggest celebrity showdown of 2021? A prime example of “maintaining the same energy offline”, the whole shebang happened when, after allegedly dissing Tiwa in a track, Seyi Shay decided to form familiarity at a salon. In a world star move, Tiwa called bullshit and proceeded to drag Seyi Shay by her edges.
Burna vs. Davido (2020)
It’s hard to pinpoint the origin of this beef. One minute, Burna Boy is attributing Davido’s success to daddy’s money, next thing, there’s a full-on wrestling match in a Ghanaian club. From Fem to Way Too Big, these two have been subbing each other for a while now. The pettiest part has to be when Davido posted a picture with Wizkid which he tagged “The two greatest of all time, no cap.” And we all know how Burna gets when his “African giant” status is not recognized. If you don’t get this, ask Coachella.
After an incredible year of music, the Grammys recently released their nomination list honouring the “best of the best” in the industry. With Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Made and Femi Kuti scoring nominations, we decided to ask Nigerians what they thought about the list for Love It/Hate It!
Bello – Hate it! Too many predictable nominations
Omo, the last time a Grammy nomination list made sense was 2016. It has been a whole ass mess since then. Shout out to Big Wiz, Tems and Jazmine Sullivan for their nominations, well deserved. But please tell me why all H.E.R has to do is breathe and just like that, she’s nominated. Is her father paying their rent? Apart from Wiz’s nomination, I hate this list.
Max – Hate It! The Grammys have been embarrassing for years
The rap category was a mess – I’m still wondering how Drake’s Certified Lover Boy made it on the list as opposed to Isaiah Rashad and Baby Keem. I feel like the Grammys have been embarrassing for years and it just keeps getting worsePretty sure everyone thinks Wiz has it in the bag but Angelique Kidjo might just end up being a thorn in his side.
Kelechi – Love it! This is the most diverse list they’ve put out in a while
Finally, the Grammys acknowledge that black people can do pop and white people can do R&B. I can’t stand that peaches in Georgia song, but they could’ve easily thrown it into the pop category because there’s a white man involved. Doja in the pop categories? Yassss! This is the most diverse list they’ve put out in a while. I’m into it.
Solape – Love it but Essence should have been in record or song of the year
I can’t believe we used to drag Burna for being extra. Despite being very annoying online, he always gets the job done. This guy has gotten Grammy nominations back to back. I’m happy for that Olivia Rodrigo girl too. That album had a grown man like me in my feelings (and I’m single). The list is balanced, but Essence should have been in record or song of the year.
Esther – Hate it! Are the Grammys relevant?
Every year we have the same argument about who got snubbed and who didn’t deserve to be nominated. These awards are controlled by white men who should be listening to Jim Reeves. They don’t know jack! Are the Grammys relevant? I doubt it. Everyone should free that thing abeg.
Wizkid’s fourth studio album, Made In Lagos has been causing quite a stir ever since it dropped in October last year (2020). Particularly interesting is how one of the songs on the album “Essence” featuring Tems keeps climbing up charts, even internationally.
Now, the latest development with this hot track has fans tweeting and streaming online. After teasing on his socials, Wizkid finally dropped the “something special” he was alluding to. Turns out it’s a remix of the song “Essence” with Justin Bieber. Sweet!
The remix was released today, August 13th, 2021, and from all indications, it bangs even more. Trust Justin Bieber to add more spice to the whole mix with his amazing vocals.
It’s also exciting how this is a big boost for Tem’s musical career. Ever since Try Me in 2019, the talented singer has been in the spotlight as one of the Nigerian artists to watch out for.
According to an interview with Billboard, Tunji Balogun, CEO of Def Jam Recordings mentioned that “…a narrative on the internet started about the song being the song of the summer — and we took that energy and ran with it.”
The song is currently number 54 on Billboard Hot 100. Nigeria to the world!
Streamed “Essence” remix featuring Tems and Justin Bieber yet? What are your thoughts?
With the song Essence by Wizkid & Tems being the biggest song out of Nigeria right now, we’ll seem like haters telling you not to listen to it. But our advice is from a good place, and we have your best interest at heart. Here’s a list of times you should not listen to Essence by Wizkid & Tems.
1. When you are cheating.
It is bad enough that you are even cheating, you are now telling your cheating partner that they don’t need another body. Really?. You want to eat your cake and have it. Sounds like greed to us sha.
2. When you are trying to move on from your ex.
You don’t need them in the morning and you don’t need them now either. Whatever you feel coming is a lie, please. Don’t let the lyrics of the song deceive you. They are not the one and they really need other bodies. God is going to provide someone else to hold your body.
3. When you are trying to be celibate.
Hold your body yourself. It kuku belongs to you. The last thing you need to listen to when practising celibacy is a song that brings flashbacks of fast and intense sex.
4. When you are in a long distance relationship.
You’ll listen to the song and have hot tears rolling down your cheeks. Then you’ll remember that you are the only body you have and be tempted to cheat because body no be firewood and jerking off is no longer enough for you.
5. When you find out they are cheating on you.
You gave them all they needed and knew what they liked, yet they cheated. Even though the lyrics of the song can confuse you into staying with them, you need to remember that they’re not the only ones that can hold your body. Lastly, their love is a lie and you’re better off without it.
If you listen to Essence when you are lonely at night, you’ll make bad decisions. It is inevitable. You’ll either call Tunde or Femi (terrible men that you have no business talking to) or you’ll cry yourself to sleep from loneliness. Don’t do it.
7. When you are seriously horny.
Essence can make you fall in love when having sex, so we’ll advise you not to listen to it when you are very horny. Only listen to it when you have someone on speed dial, preferably someone who you already loves you.
Last year, Nigerian singer Wizkid released one of the best projects of the year when he finally dropped Made In Lagos. With collaborations with singers like Tems, Tay Iwar, Ella Mai, H.E.R and several others, Made In Lagos, is an exquisitely done project and anyone who doesn’t think the same needs to up the taste level.
While everyone can agree that the album is perfect and full of bops, there are a few songs that haven’t got the airplay and clout that I feel they deserve.
1. Longtime featuring Skepta
I can’t explain it but Wizkid collaborating with Skepta makes so much sense to me. There’s something about their energy and sounds that feels like it would fuse so well and with Longtime they proved me so right.
2. Mighty Wine
While Wizkid has well-thought-out collaborators on Made In Lagos, a solo Wizkid bop is very much well-appreciated and with Mighty Wine, Wizkid did what he needed to. I am going to need more people to get into it.
3. Reckless
Reckless is the song that opens up Made In Lagos and it does a stellar job of setting the tone especially as the project opens to a slower-paced Wizkid than we are used to. I think it’s one of the best album openers from 2020 but I might be biased.
4. Roma ft Terri
Roma is a bit more fast-paced than most of the songs on Made In Lagos and I think that’s why I love it, it helps switch up the pace of the album and makes it all the more exciting.
5. Smile ft H.E.R
Seeing how this song features two powerhouses, I hoped it would be the song of the year, of the summer etc. It’s a beautiful velvety song that makes you feel so good afterwards.
Everybody loves Wizkid. Or so they claim. With the release of his new studio album, Made In Lagos, everyone is claiming to be a day one fan. This quiz will separate the real fans from the people trying to ride the wave.
