The Nigeria music industry is one that has experienced exponential growth in all ramifications. Arguably, it is the number one sector placing the country on the world map. In Africa, Nigeria can be said to have the most creative and accomplished artistes which is making them stand out amongst their continental colleagues in the world.
The buzz surrounding Africa music is mostly centered on Nigerian artistes. They are the cynosures because they readily give their best with gusto and aplomb. Their gifts have undeniably paved the way for them to dine with the creme de la creme of the global music industry.
Today, having garnered much success in the entertainment industry, where exactly do these musicians rank in terms of influence in the industry?
Here are 10 most powerful Nigerian artistes in no particular order. The criteria in determining this is based on impacts, style, social media presence and recent triumphs.
WIZKID (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun)
It takes a level of influence for “LOL” to spark controversies and reactions from Nigerians on social media. Wizkid a.k.a Starboy is not one to post all the time but when he does the sky is shutting down for real. He’s the only musician that trends daily for being absent on social media.
Take it to the bank if influence is out of reach, concrete and enough to rile you up. His last released body of work, Made in Lagos, has enjoyed so much success on various Billboard platforms. Undoubtedly, he’s described as the most decorated Nigerian musician with a fan base that can rival any fan base in the world.
He’s unarguably one of the most stylish Nigerian singers. Just so you know, he is the first artiste to be booked $1m for headlining a show that’s stardust. I guess that’s why he’s called Starboy.
DAVIDO (David Adedeji Adeleke)
Love him or hate him, he is in the conversation. How often do people post their accounts on social media and in 24 hours millions of naira trickled in with speed and alacrity? It need not be debated; give him the accolades for he’s deserving of it.
Today, however, Davido is the most followed Nigerian celebrity on Instagram and Twitter.
Truth is, you must have something for people to want to follow you. And Davido has an eye for luxury items and yes he does well to flaunt them. He is called O.B.O for a reason.
BURNA BOY (Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu)
With an unconventional persona, Burna Boy is one who knows his turf and does well to thrive in it. He became the first Nigerian Afrobeat artiste to win the much coveted Grammy.
Currently selling out arenas around the world, the singer and rapper has featured on projects of some of the world’s most celebrated artiste. His style is impressively unusual. I guess what makes him different makes him beautiful.
TIWA SAVAGE (Tiwatope Savage-Balogun)
One female artiste that is doing it in Africa is Tiwa Savage. Her influence on the music scene has been timeless. She is the first woman to win the Best African Act category in the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Winning awards in a male dominated industry call that influence. Tiwa is someone that lives by her own rules. She is a strong proponent of female empowerment. It’s, indeed, amazing what she is doing even in her later years.
Tiwa is and always will be one of the best Nigerian artistes doing great things.
YEMI ALADE (Yemi Eberechi Alade)
The most followed Nigerian female on Instagram is Yemi Alade. She is not only the first female to cross the hundred million views on YouTube, she is also that female who is moving at her own pace whilst breaking boundaries. Yemi is shattering many glass ceilings on her way to the top.
She isn’t called ‘Mama Africa’ for no reason. Without a doubt, she does a better job in representing Africa, from her choice of language to her dress ethos. Yemi always embodies Africa with commendable pride.
OLAMIDE (Olamide Gbenga Adedeji)
Oftentimes, Olamide secludes himself from the who-is-what scenario. Indeed, he is an icon in the Nigeria music industry, having given a platform for stars like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold and Fireboy to shine.
Unarguably, he is regarded as the big guy who quietly but consistently shakes the music industry.
Clearly, his music sounds so energetic but really he’s the guy that just wants to create music, make money, and chill.
P-SQUARE
Peter and Paul Okoye will forever be legends in the African music scene. Back-pedal a bit and you’ll realise how astronomical their achievements are. These guys softened the ground for today’s artiste to bloom. Not up for debate.
Now, despite the group going on hiatus for some years, no group could replace them. And now, they are back to continue from where they left off.
P-SQUARE is among artistes with the most views on YouTube. Thus, the industry can attest to their greatness.
FLAVOUR (Chinedu Okoli)
How often do you see a secular musician veer into the gospel and still be relevant? Call him Flavour. He is a powerful Nigerian singer-songwriter and one of many that can be absent for years. However, when he drops a song, it bangs like he never left. He has shown that there is no limit to creativity.
You must have heard. Some call him “the ladies man” because of his affection for the female gender.
Let’s give it to Flavour. He has done amazing things. Since his inception, more south eastern artistes have been positively storming the scene.
PHYNO (Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike)
Creating music is no easy task but to make that in one’s local language is phenomenal. His yearly concert in the East has become a festival many anticipate. The crowd that shows up is a sight to behold and an encouragement that he is doing something right. With talent like SuperboyCheque in his label, expect nothing but greatness.