Africa is a vibrant continent bursting with musical talent that has captured hearts both at home and across the globe.
From Afrobeats to Amapiano, Soukous to Rai, the continent’s soundscape is as diverse as its cultures.
Some countries, however, consistently lead the way in producing internationally recognized artists.
1. Nigeria
2. South Africa
3. DR Congo
4. Egypt
5. Tanzania
6. Morocco
7. Ghana
8. Cote d’Ivoire
9. Algeria
10. Mali
Social media was in a frenzy following reports that fast-rising singer Asake has severed ties with his boss, Olamide, and the YBNL music label.
Asake’s contract with YBNL reportedly expired recently, and he allegedly declined to renew it despite Olamide’s efforts.
Reports claim that Olamide proposed a new deal, but Asake chose to pursue independence, ultimately walking away from the label two weeks ago.
Asake however unfollowed everyone on social media and removed YBNL from his Instagram bio, signalling a definitive break.
Wizkid was under Banky W’s EME Records, before launching his Starboy record label.
He fell out with them because of the unfavourable split he was given on his contract – where he was reportedly getting 25% of his turnover.
This was at a time when Wizkid was the major artist on the label and one of the biggest acts in the country.
He asked for a review of the contract, but an agreement wasn’t reached, and as a result, he left. This later led to an online spat
Cynthia Morgan secured a recording contract with Jude Okoye’s Northside Entertainment Inc. in 2013.
After a few months, she released two chart-topping songs, “Don’t Break My Heart” and “Lead Me On,” which were well appreciated by fans; the latter was nominated for “Best Reggae/Dancehall Single” at The 2014 Headies.
Cynthia went into seclusion after recording a few popular songs until 2020 when she resurfaced on social media and trended highly after saying that Jude Okoye, the owner of the record label Northside Entertainment, stole everything she owned away from her.
The singer revealed this during an Instagram live session in which she lamented the loss of her name and Instagram account owing to a terrible deal.
Kizz Daniel, a Nigerian musician, burst onto the music scene in 2014 with his popular song “Woju”; he was signed to G-Worldwide Label at the time.
Kizz Daniel had a falling out with his record label in 2017.
The musician was allegedly in breach of the conditions of his seven-year contract, which he signed in 2013.
The deal was due to expire in 2020, however, Kizz Daniel opted to leave the label before it expired. Several constraints were imposed on the singer’s ability to cooperate with other artists.
An injunction preventing him from performing over the holiday season of 2017 was issued as a result of the disagreement.
Singer Temmie Ovwasa, has once again made some allegations against her former record label boss, Olamide, claiming that he ‘messed her mind up’.
During a question and answer session via her Instagram handle, the singer was asked by a fan if she still keeps in touch with the YBNL boss.
In response to the question, the young lady alleged that although Olamide gave a platform, he rejected all the deals and showed that she was offered. Ovwasa also alleged that her former boss stopped her from releasing songs.
She claimed, “That man brought me to Lagos from Ilorin as an 18-year-old, put me on a platform then proceeded to reject every show I got, every offer I got. Stopped me from releasing songs, and kept me in his house with his wife (who spoke to me like I was garbage in front of her friends) and kid in the name of ‘family’. Put my face on the wall, on an album where the ‘men’ were allowed to be people.
In 2014, Runtown signed a record deal with Eric Many Entertainment, which is controlled by Prince Okwudili Umenyiora, the millionaire CEO of Dilly Motors.
After a few hits, their relationship soured, and matters intensified when his label accused him of signing up for and attending events behind his firm’s back – a breach of contract.
After determining that the situation was unfavourable, Runtown attempted to cancel his contract in May 2016.
He claimed that he never got compensation for live concerts, recorded royalty revenue (MTN Music Plus, caller ringback tracks), and so on. The musician further claimed that the label threatened him with death.
Brymo and Chocolate City record label were at odds over allegations of contract violation.
The singer left the record label in 2013, shortly after his debut album, Son of a Carpenter, was released. He further accused the firm of neglecting to promote the record and of ignoring him.
The record label then stated that the singer had violated a five-year contract that required him to release three albums between 2011 and 2016.
May D took to social media after leaving Square Records in 2012, claiming he lived under unbearable conditions while signed with the P Square brothers.
He painted a grim picture of shared living quarters, using a television carton as a makeshift bed and covering himself with his shirt.
Jude Okoye defended their stance, explaining that they signed artists to give back to society but encountered issues when May D wanted to become a part of Psquare, a brand that had taken years to build.
Singer Asake reportedly parted ways with record label, YBNL.
The rumors about the split intensified on social media after Asake removed YBNL from his bio and unfollowed Olamide on Instagram.
Having removed YBNL from his bio, he replaced it with ‘creative director’.
Most Nigerian musicians have surprised the masses with their age and achievements.
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe , known professionally as Ayra Starr was born on 14 June 2002. The 22-year-old achieved mainstream recognition with her debut extended play and its hit track “Away”, which spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart; the song also peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart, paving the way for the release of her first full-length album, 19 & Dangerous (2021).
Categorized mainly as Afropop and R&B, the mixtape received favorable critical reception and spawned two top forty hits in Nigeria. The lead single “Bloody Samaritan” peaked atop the Top 50 chart, becoming the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one position. Starr debuted on Pandora Predictions chart and on 28 August 2021, was ranked number three on Billboard’s Next Big Sound.
Starr would later achieve mainstream international recognition in 2022, with the release of her song “Rush”. The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. It earned Starr her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.
With the song, Starr became the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 Million views on a single video on YouTube, and also the first to do so within 5 months.
Michael Adebayo Olayinka , known professionally as Ruger is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and musician. He was born on 23 September 1999. He is currently 24 years old.
In 2021, Ruger rose to stardom under Jonzing World, a label owned by Nigerian singer D’Prince, which is an affiliate of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.
Ruger has won several awards for his craft. In same 2021, he won the AFRIMA best newcomer award, and also the best new artiste category at the 2023 Soundcity MVP Awards. Ruger has also swept some of the major awards, including the Best New act in Africa at the 2022 prestigious Afrima Awards.He also has two extended plays (EPs) to his name titled ‘Pandemic’ (2021) and ‘Second Wave’ (2022).
On 16 November 2022, Ruger returns with a new chest-thumping tune capsule, consisting of two songs titled ‘Red Flags’ & Asiwaju, which upon release trended on every social media platforms. Asiwaju peaked at number 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top Songs chart and spent a record-breaking one month in the history of the chart.
Stanley Omah Didia , known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He was born on 19 May 1997. He is currently 27 years old.
He has released two EPs and a studio album and collaborated with artists which include Spinall, Justin Bieber, Masterkraft, and Jul. In addition to numerous charted singles, his songs “Understand,” “Attention,” and “Soso” have Gold Certifications. He has won numerous awards including Headies in 2020 and 2023.
Daniel Etiese Benson , known professionally as Bnxn (pronounced as Benson) and formerly known as Buju, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter and record producer. He was on born 14 May 1997 . He is 27 years old.
At 2022 Headies, BNXN (also known as Buju) won the Next Rated Award. This particular award is received by a promising act, with an EP or Album, in the year under review.He got nominated for the award alongside Ayra Starr, Lojay, Ruger and Zinoleesky.
Additionally, BNXN got a brand new 2022 Bentley Bentayga SUV and will become part of an important alumni network consisting of previous winners. Last year, the award went to Omah Lay.He dedicated his award to his late mum, Ruger, Ayra Starr, his management and his girlfriend, Peggy.
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan , who is known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.He was born on 5 February 1996) .He is currently 28 years old .
He is signed to YBNL Nation, a record label founded by rapper Olamide. His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019. He won Listener’s Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for “Jealous” at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.
In 2020, Fireboy DML gained media coverage in Nigeria when his hit single “Champion” was used by FC Bayern Munich for their UEFA Super Cup celebrations.
His song “Scatter” from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was included in the FIFA 21 game soundtrack.
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In November 2022, his song, “Coming Back For You,” was included on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
Lekan Osifeso Jnr. , popularly known as Lojay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer. He was born in 28 April 1996 . He is 28 years old.
He peaked at number 8 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with his song “Monalisa”, which features Chris Brown and Sarz. He received a nomination for the Headies Award for Next Rated artiste at the 2022 Headies Award.
In 2023, Lojay alongside Nigerian singer Davido were featured on the song “Sensational” by Chris Brown. The song debuted at number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, serving as Davido and Lojay’s first entry on the chart.
Temilade Openiyi , known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.She was born on 11 June 1995 . She is currently 29 years old.
She rose to prominence after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence”, which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following the release of the remix version with Justin Bieber. The song earned her a Grammy Award nomination. That same year, she was featured on the song “Fountains” by Canadian rapper Drake.
In 2020, Tems released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. Her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place (2021), was released after she signed a record deal with RCA Records . In 2022, Tems’ vocals from her song “Higher” were sampled by Future on his single, “Wait for U”, which led to her being credited as a featured artist alongside Drake on the song. It debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart. The song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Tems covered Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack album in July 2022 and in the same month, her song “Free Mind” from her debut EP debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46 and breaking the female record for longest charting number one song on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. She also co-wrote the song “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
In 2024, Tems released her debut studio album Born in the Wild and further announced a supporting tour.
Throughout her career, Tems has received many accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards.
Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani , better known by his stage name Ckay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer signed to Boyfriend Music, Warner Music Africa (formerly known as. Warner Music South Africa) and Atlantic Records. He was born on 16 July 1995 . He is currently 29 years old.
He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group independent label services ADA. His international hit single “Love Nwantiti”, also known as “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ahh)”, was released in 2019 by Chocolate City.
On 29 March 2022, the song debuted at number one, following the launch of the Billboard Afrobeats chart. On 9 May 2022, it became the first-ever African song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify and has since been deemed “the biggest hit in African history”. Asa Asika signed Ckay to The Plug, under management during the early peak of his global career as Ckay’s manager.
Ahmed Ololade , known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. He was born on 13 January 1995 . He is currently 29 years old . He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name “Asake” is his mother’s name.
In September 2022, his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe was released, breaking the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music at the time. The album debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart and recorded the highest charting Nigerian debut album in the history of the chart. His sophomore album Work of Art was released in June 2023, becoming his second album to debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200.
In 2020, Asake won Break Out Artist of the Year at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards, and was nominated as the Best African Music Act at the 2022 MOBO Awards, which marked his first international award nomination. In addition to that, he received Best New International Act nomination at the 2023 BET Awards, the same year he was listed number 5 on the Rolling Stone Music’s Future 25.
Asake walked home with a brand new car after winning the highly coveted Next Rated category at the 2023 Headies award on September 4, 2023.
In November 2023, Asake received a Grammy Award nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Award for “Amapiano” featuring Olamide.
In January 2024, Asake received a nomination for the 55th NAACP Image Awards for his song “Amapiano”.
Asake drops “Lungu Boy” on Aug 9, 2024, via YBNL/Empire. This explosive album features Wizkid, Travis Scott, and Central Cee.
There has been a strong relationship in the entertainment industry with the unique synergy between Nollywood and the music sector.
While music uses rhythms, beats and lyrics to relay fictional or real-life experiences, movies utilise acting to achieve the same goal.
Over the years, Nollywood icons have explored music production, while music stars have also made their appearances in the world of acting.
1. Reminisce – This talented Nigerian rapper not only won the airwaves with his chart-topping hits, but also made a remarkable transition into the world of acting, leaving fans astounded and craving for more.
Reminisce, who in a groundbreaking move featured in Kemi Adetiba’s sensational Netflix blockbuster, “King of Boys.”
This completely engrossing crime thriller had viewers on the edge of their seats, and Reminisce’s portrayal of a villain added an electrifying twist to the narrative.
2. Yemi Alade (Mama Africa) – Renowned Yemi Alade has garnered immense praises for her music, her foray into the world of acting has left Nigerians yearning for more.
Yemi Alade’s performance in Funke Akindele’s blockbuster film, “Omo Ghetto the Saga,” marked her debut appearance as an actor.
‘Mama Africa’ embraced the role of a gang leader and drug dealer, exuding the same energy and stage presence that has become her trademark as a musician.
3. Banky W – Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has featured in quite a number of Nollywood movies, thereby making him also popular in the movie industry.
Banky W embarked on his acting journey by featuring in Funke Akindele’s enthralling production, “The Return of Jenifa”, in 2011. In 2016, he secured a role in highly acclaimed movie, “The Wedding Party”, directed by Kemi Adetiba. Following the film’s success, Banky W repeated his role in the movie’s eagerly anticipated sequel, “The Wedding Party 2”.
In 2018, Banky W took the lead role in another movie “Up North”. He lent his dynamism to the movie “Sugar Rush” also further showcasing his versatility.
4. Peter Okoye (Mr P) – Another notable music legend that have also featured in Nollywood movies is Peter Okoye, known as Mr. P, one of the famous Nigerian music duo, P-Square.
Mr P recently stepped into the realm of acting, making his debut appearance in the popular Netflix series ‘Shanty Town’, in 2023.
In this captivating series, he skillfully played the character of Femi, leaving a lasting impression on both viewers and fans.
5. Tiwa Savage – The Afrobeats superstar is set to make her acting debut in ‘Water & Garri’, which was announced Thursday, April 4. The new film will premiere on Prime Video on May 10.
Although ‘Water & Garri’ is her first movie where she will be playing a lead role, however, Tiwa Savage has before now landed cameos in big projects including on MTV Shuga in 2013-14, where she played the role of Sade Banjo.
In 2016, she also graced the screen following a cameo in Funke Akindele’s ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, a Nigerian television comedy series.
Association of Juju Musician of Nigeria (AJUMN), Agege Zone, Lagos State, has celebrated its end of the year party.
The event was held at Solochus Hotel and Suite in Orile Agege.
Many leaders in the zone were given awards due to their past and present contributions to the association.
The 2023 Event Planning Committee Chairman, Dr Ayomide Thomas (aka Briztom), commended AJUMN Agege Zone’s Coordinator, Prince Akindoyin Akindele for his leadership.
He appreciated members for their support, saying music speaks where words fail.
“We hope to do more in the coming years. It is impossible to live life without music,” Thomas said.
There are several Nigerian musicians gaining from signing with an international record label.
The trend is fast turning ‘normal’ in the industry as these talented artists seek better representation on international scales in the packaging and distribution of their works.
Below are Nigerian musicians who have made a mark with international labels:
1. Burna Boy:
Burna was formerly signed to Nigerian Label, Aristokrat Records but left in 2014.
Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Group internationally in 2017.
He also released his studio album in 2017 “Outside” to celebrate his major-label debut. He also signed a publishing deal with Universal Records in 2018.
In 2019, Burna Boy spoke on the dangers of jumping into an international deal without proper guidelines.
2. Wizkid:
Wizkid signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music in 2017.
The deal came a few years after his exit from EME Records and the establishment of Starboy Entertainment.
Immediately after his deal with Sony Records, he released his third studio album, “Sounds from the Other Side.
3. Patoranking:
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie is a reggae dancehall singer.
Identified by his stage name Patoranking, the Ebonyi-state-born songwriter started with Igberaga Records in 2010.
He went on to Foston Musik in 2014 and in 2015 he signed with an independent Caribbean-owned record label in New York, VP Records.
The record label is known for releasing music similar to Patoranking’s reggae-dancehall genre.
4. Davido:
Davido is signed to Sony Music through RCA Records.
He was the first of Nigerian artists to be signed to an international label.
He joined the label in 2016 and then went on to establish his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide which houses artists like Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Dremo, Yonda amongst others.
In the same year as his new deal, Davido released an EP, Son of Mercy but the EP didn’t fare well in the market due to the change of sound and music style.
5. Tiwa Savage:
Her entrance into an International Label was in 2019.
The “Malo” singer had been with Mavin Records for seven years but later joined Motown Records a subsidiary of Universal Music where she signed a seven-year publishing and distribution deal.
After joining Universal Music, she released “49-99”, then “Attention” and “Owo mi da” to keep entertaining her fans.
6. Seyi Shay:
Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua is a British-Nigerian singer and songwriter.
The musical style of Seyi Shay as professionally called is a combination of Afropop and R&B though she has been exploring other genres based on what inspires her.
After signing a global recording contract with Island Record, a multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group, in 2015, she released the debut album Seyi or Shay.
She has been doing well in the industry with several endorsement deals and also as a music talent show judge.
7. Asa:
Bukola Elemide is reputed to be one of Nigeria’s most exposed musicians.
Known as Asa, the Nigerian-French singer, songwriter and recording artist is under international tutelage and signed to Paris-based Naïve Records.
Asa is also signed to Sony BMG. Asa’s deal is a very positive one as her music is not, particularly for Nigerian consumption.
Her second album, Beautiful Imperfection released in 2010 in collaboration with French composer Nicolas Mollard went platinum in 2011.
Her latest album was released on the 25th of February 2022.
8. Brymo:
Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi is a singer, songwriter and author.
Brymo popularly called signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 but left and signed a new recording and distribution deal with a US-based music company, Tate Music Group in 2015.
His music is a mixture of Fuji, R&B, Rock and Pop.
9. Olamide:
Olamide is one of the few Nigerian artists to boast of owning a successful record label.
Olamide established his record label, YBNL in 2012.
The Label groomed artists like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, and Fireboy DML.
He recently signed a joint venture deal with International Label and Distribution Company, Empire.
The deal sees any other artists signed to YBNL enjoy their music distributed internationally.
10. Pheelz:
Phillip Kayode Moses or Pheelz as popularly known is a record producer, songwriter, and singer and the latest artist to be signed by a United States label, Warner Records.
The performance art show, tagged: Wordaholics, which holds every second Saturday of the month, is set to treat poetry and songs lovers in Lagos to to thrilling performances and provocative renditions this Saturday at Team Swag, 43, Oluwadare Street, Somolu, Lagos.
The event which rotates across Lagos gives poets, music artists and other genres of art a platform to showcase their works to the public.
According to the convener, Ayokunle Komolafe, poetry, precisely is fast becoming an avenue where youths find solace and closure.
Powered by Komsons Studios and Team Swag the event will feature around Lagos to another edition of their spoken word poetry open-mic.
Komolafe, who is also the founder of Vivid Verses, an outdoor and radio project that promotes poetry and diverse genre of the spoken word, says: “We want to take poetry to the people where they are, so that they will realize and appreciate this new genre of entertainment and know that it has grown beyond academic discourse. Wordaholics has been running monthly for over two years and it is a place where people, especially young minds discover and sharpen their natural talents. It has been seen how they contribute to nation building by their insightful.
At Wordaholics, everyone attending has an open-floor to showcase their oratory skill, although there are usually two guest poets that will be the highlights of the show.”
For the month of July, Cherry Entafield and JYC; two of Lagos’ finest female spoken word artists with wealth of experience in both written and performance poetry. They are fast becoming formidable voices in the Nigerian poetry circle.
This is one of the many Wordaholics events being organised around Lagos metropolis round the month. Others hold at Apapa Road, Ibeju Lekki and UNIBEN among a host of others.
A former resident member of Fela Kuti’s Republic of Kalakuta, Eno Louis, is craving for the rebirth of Nigerian Union of Musicians (NUM), as a way of making music business more professional and economically viable for practitioners.
Louis noted that the present Nigerian musicians have no union, saying that, the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), as presently constituted, is not a musicians’ union.
“The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is an association strictly for medical doctors. A nurse or a laboratory scientist cannot attend NMA meetings or register. So is the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other unions. A union for only Nigerian musicians is needed, urgently too.”
Louis, who started music by playing in school with Chris Okotie as a drummer recalled that “in 1960, the Nigerian Union of Musicians (NUM) stopped the Federal Government from engaging a Jamaican musician to perform at the Independence Day celebration.
“The Jamaican had a hit “Melody d amour” that shook the entertainment world then and our ‘leaders’ taught it wise to bring him to Nigeria. It was quickly overtaken by events, and our very own Victor Olaiya performed at the ceremony.”
He said PMAN today has Sound Engineers, Graphics Artists, Event Managers, Marketers but they are all lumped together in an association of strange bed fellows.
“A musician’s union is a union of musicians. A dictionary definition of a musician is a man/woman who plays a musical instrument and pays his/her bills from his/her musical activities.”
He noted that miming, rather than live music is the order of the day, averring that a musician must learn the rudiments of music.
“As we cannot reinvent the wheel, any other definition of a musician is null and void. This lack of a musicians union has eaten so much into the fabric of musical entertainment in Nigeria, that miming (pretending to sing), is now the order of the day. The multi-nationals who should know better now get a DJ to play CDS while “musicians” pretend to sing.
“This leaves millions of musicians unemployed. Imagine a doctor pretending to treat his patients, a broadcaster pretending to read his news, a journalist pretending to write, or a driver pretending to drive.
“Playing an instrument on its own has spiritual and healing characteristic (like David in the bible who ended up writing the longest book in the bible, Psalms).
“The enthronement of mediocrity in our society today is due to lack of determination to excel. A musician must learn the rudiments of music. The major scale, minor scale, diminished, etc. Where would Nigerian music have been without Rex Lawson, Fela kuti, Osita Osadebe, Victor Olaiya, IK Dairo, Bobby Benson, Dan Maraya Jos, Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Victor Uwaifo, Beckley Jones of BLO, Tee Mac (Afro Collection) Segun Bucknor, Oriental Brothers, Wrinkers Experience, One World, The Strangers, The Wings, The Hykers, Bongos Ikwue, and Sunny Okosun?”
Louis recalled that back in the day, EMI Records (located on Wharf Road, Apapa), immediately after signing contracts with artists, gave them a Ford bus with a full set of instruments after which a tour commences immediately to promote the single released. Hence, hits like ‘Fuel for Love’ have stood the test of time.
“I met Danny Lan when I went with my band to Ihiala. He jammed ‘Fuel for Love’ with us, playing the guitar solo exactly the way he played on the record.
“A record company in England, Honest Jons, recently re-released my song ‘Move/hot love’ I recorded in Afrodisia over thirty years ago. Willie Nfor played Bass Guitar, (Willi arranged “Awilo”). An advanced fee of a thousand dollars was paid. Tony Grey too was re-released on this label.
“A collection of these songs among others (monafinni, turego, etc) is currently playing on Voice of America (VOA). A rebirth of Nigerian Union of Musicians is inevitable and long overdue. Just the way Jimi Hendrix Guitar solos inspired American astronauts, Nigerian musicians (not DJ/Artists) must inspire our youths,” he said.
For over four decades, Nigeria’s first woman federal permanent secretary, Francesca Emanuel, has remained an inspiration to young talents in music and theatre. She is one of the early members of the famous Steve Rhodes Voices and a co-founder of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), Lagos. EVELYN OSAGIE speaks with the octogenarian on her passion for the industry.
My thoughts on music
music speaks to the soul, so performers must touch the souls of their audience. Depending on my mood, every type of music appeals to me. I’ve always tried to be around whenever there is music in the air – it doesn’t matter what type of music.
Although my instrument is voice, I see myself as a lover of Jazz and all kinds of music. But I love Jazz more. In 1964, I sang Jazz with the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). I used to do many programmes at NBC then – on children, women, drama, in Pidgin English, and a music programme where I had a Jazz programme with Fela, who played the saxophone and I sang Jazz. I later sang with Tunde Kuboye’s wife, Fran.
Each type of music has its standard, whether it’s classical or modern. Even the Apala players have standards and when you see them performing their songs, there is a standard that they maintain. They work as a team. There is harmony. People don’t just come in and do whatever they like.
Today, sometimes, when you listen to some music, you’d wonder what the performers think of their audience. If they think highly of their audience, they have to improve themselves and give us something that is acceptable, not just dish any nonsense to us.
My thoughts on music development in Nigeria
The music industry and musicians have come a long way. One person who has done a lot for the development of music in Nigeria is Benson Idonije. He clocked 80 last month and was highly celebrated by the art community for his contributions to the industry’s development. I was one of those who welcomed him to the club of 80. He deserves a national honour. He has got lots of experience; and still has a lot to teach the younger ones.
His person echoes that every type of music is important. And it depends on how you look at it: for those who are performers, it depends on the kind of standard that they keep. It doesn’t matter what type of music, but standard is important. And that is why I respect Idonije. And the fact that he insists on good music, values and standards, which are what is absolutely necessary if we want to continue to hear the kind of music that we love and which we want others to also enjoy depending on how we present it – but presentation with standard.
My journey into music and drama
I have always loved music. I have been involved in both worlds since I was a child. I was introduced to singing and drama in church. And then when I went to secondary school – Holy Child College in Lagos – we had a Reverend Sister who was very good in drama and singing. She had a beautiful and powerful voice. She helped to develop my voice when she noticed my talent. She always featured me at a festival of arts. In fact, I went ahead to win solo soprano voice at a festival.
And, then, when I went to the University of Ibadan, Wole Soyinka and I met in the 50s. The university had various societies – like musical, drama and others. We did a lot of drama together. I sing as well. I later went to England where I completed my degree. In England, I met Soyinka again and we did a lot of acting together. When we came back in 1960, I was one of Soyinka’s 1960 Masks.
Other members were Olga, Steve Rhodes’ eldest sister, and Segun Sofowote. We did a lot of plays by Soyinka and other writers like JP Clark.
Also, I am one of the co-founders of the MUSON (Musical Society of Nigeria); I did a lot of solo performances until I retired from the stage in 1970, only to go back last month to sing at the memorial concert of a very dear friend, Olga Miller, one of the co-founders of MUSON. I went back to do her that honour, even though I said I wasn’t going to go back on stage.
2015 was obviously one of the most productive years for Nigerian musicians. However, 2016 can only get better with more songs due for release, events and happenstances on the offing. OLAITAN GANIU sets an agenda on musicians likely to grab the headlines in the New Year.
Olamide
2015 was nothing short of a great year for the artiste fondly called ‘Olamide Badoo’ by his fans. At the later part of the year, he dropped his smoking album, Eyan Mayweather. Among Nigerian artistes, the Album had one of the highest downloads on the internet in 2015.
Metamorphosing from being an underground rapper into a prominent hip hop act, Olamide made his fans proud with the second edition of Olamide Live In Concert (OLIC2). The event which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites was a total success with sold out tickets. The line-up of performance was also top topnotch except for the absence of Davido and Wizkid who had been billed to perform at the concert. Davido came just after the show had ended.
He made his debut with a single, Eni Duro, in 2011. Since then, Olamide, who won his first major award as Rap Artiste of the Year at City People Awards in 2015, has five studio album to his credit. In November 2015, Olamide won the Best Male Artiste in Africa at the All Africa Music Awards for hiss song Bobo.
Olamide’s YBNL label also signed two upcoming artistes, Lil kesh and Viktoh, who are carving a niche for themselves with one getting nominated as the Next Rated artist in Headies award.
Aside being the first Nigerian celebrity to have an endorsement deal with Ciroc, Olamide’s status has also endeared him to brands.
Olamide’s baby mama gave birth to Maximilliano Batifeori Adedeji
Adekunle Gold
HE took the industry by storm in 2014 with his smashing hit single, Sade, which received massive airplay on various Nigerian radio stations. The Urban Highlife act followed up with another single, Orente, which also received positive reviews from music critics, before rounding off the year with another single, Pick Up.
Currently signed unto YBNL Nation, the fast-rising artiste, got nominated in the Most Promising Act of the Year category at the 2015 City People Entertainment Awards. He was also nominated in the “Best Alternative Song” category at The Headies 2015 for Sade.
Wizkid
AYODEJI Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has tactically positioned himself to remain relevant on the scene by starving his fans of his third studio album.
The multi-talent act as our ever reel-out some hit singles including Ojuelegba, a song that highlights the struggles he endured in the early years of his recording career. The official remix to the song features Drake and Skepta; Expensive Shit. America RnB singer, R. Kelly featured Wizkid on his song, title, I Just Want To Thank You. Before the superstar released a club banger song, titled, Baba Nla.
The starboi recently showed his fans an appreciation during his performance at the special Industry Nite by giving out N250,000 each to four of his fans who could sing his songs without missing a line.
During the past year, Wizkid also collaborated with International artistes like Chris Brown on a song titled African Bad Girl which the duo performed at the latter’s concert in Durban, South Africa.
Davido
DAVID Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido is the son of business mogul, Dej Adeleke. He got instant recognition in 2011 when he dropped his infectious single Back When featuring Naeto C, became a favorite among Radio and Club Disc Jockeys.
Davido, kicked off 2015 with a single titled Fans Mi featuring Mayback Music Artist Meek Mill with a love titled, Dodo.
Davido’s fans cannot wait for the release of his sophomore album, Baddest, which the Skelewu crooner has postponed twice. The album was earlier scheduled to be released on June 8, 2015 but it was postponed till August 10, 2015 and once again it’s been moved. With hit tracks such as Gobe, Skelewu, Aye and Tchelete in his kitty, Davido has featured artistes like Meek Mill, Don Jazzy, Runtown, Timaya, Trey Songz, Wale, P-Square and Akon on his impending album.
Critics already predict that Omo Baba Olowo (O.B.O) purposely delayed his album due to the rivalry between him and Wizkid. And it is an interesting coincidence that Davido has confirmed he will release his album in the same month as rival, Wizkid.
Korede Bello
SIGNED to Mavin Record, Korede Bello has turned his page around. He is best known for his hit single Godwin, a semi-gospel and pop song which topped many music charts in Nigeria.
In 2015, Korede got his hands on an endorsement deal with Glo and has been announced as the first Youth Ambassador for the Nigerian Police.
The young talented star, released a single titled, Romantic feature Tiwa Savage.
Also for the first time in the history of The Headies Award, duo artistes from the same record label – Korede Bello and Reekado Banks – both of Mavin Records, were nominated in the Next Rated category, alongside Cynthia Morgan, Lil Kesh, and Kiss Daniel.
Cynthia Morgan
CYNTHIA Ikponmwenosa Morgan, popularly known by her stage name Cynthia Morgan, has continued with an incredible string of success since her inception into the industry.
The German Juice crooner came into limelight following the release of her singles Don’t Break My Heart and Lead Me On, both of which received significant airplay. As a Nigerian born songwriter and singer, her music is a fusion of pop, hip hop, dancehall and rap.
She was nominated in Headies Award as Next Rated Act.
Reekado Banks
GETTING signed under a record label wasn’t part of his plan but his deal with Mavin Records came as a result of his brother submitting some of his songs to the label in an online talent search. And Reekado Banks got signed to Mavin Records after his entries were selected from over 5000 entries.
Since he got signed to Mavin Record, the artiste has been a force to reckon with in the music industry.
Integrated into the Mavin family, Reekado Banks featured alongside label mates – Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, Di’Ja, Dr SID and D’Prince – on the critically acclaimed songs Dorobucci, Adaobi, Arise and Looku Looku.
Reekado, who is also a Glo Ambassador, in 2015 released Katapot, a song alleged to be a diss track towards D’banj and Wande Coal. He is definitely one of the artistes to watch out for in 2016.
Kiss Daniel
HE burst into the scene with his hit single Woju which spent 11 weeks on the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten. Its remix with Davido and Tiwa Savage stayed at the number one spot for six weeks.
Since then, the G-Worldwide Entertainment artiste has not looked back. In May 2015, Daniel released a third follow-up single Laye on his birthday, along with a video. And the promising star, also featured his record label mate, Stoneboi in a song titled, Molue and rounded the year with mid-tempo single, Good Times.
As reward for his hard work, Kiss Daniel won the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (USA) / Best New Act of the Year, Africa Youth Choice Awards / Next Rated (2015), Peace Achievers Awards / Best New Act, AFRIMA Awards Most Promising Act in Africa, MTN4SYTE TV Music Video Awards (Ghana) /Best African Act Video (Woju Remix).
The promising act is still expecting to win some award in the upcoming events including Headies Awards for Song of the Year (Woju); Pop Single of the year (Woju) ; Nigerian Music Video Awards /Best Highlife Video (Laye); Nigerian Music Video Awards /Best Video By A New Artiste (Laye).
Daniel lost his father on May 9, 2015.
Tiwa Savage
MAVIN Music first lady Tiwa Savage gained her sexiness back after months of nursing her new baby boy. She hit the dance floor back in what most people considered as the most powerful comebacks.
Not resting on her oars, the Kele Kele Love crooner released her sophomore studio album titled RED. The album has 16 tracks and feature production credits from Don Jazzy and Baby Fresh with collaborations from 2face Idibia, Wizkid, and others. No doubt, Tiwa Savage remains relevant on the scene.
Falz
THOUGH at a snail’s pace, talented rapper, Femi Falana a.k.a Falz the Bahd guy, has courageously grazed his way into mainstream of rap music effectively. He has shot to fame since the release of his catchy song high class.
According to some rumour, Falz is dating Wizkid’s baby mama. However, when asked in an interview about the special woman in his life, he answered saying “I cannot announce one name now because my oga at the top might announce something different.”
The unique rapper surely is carving a niche for himself as he is currently cooking his second album and also working on a collaborative project with an affiliated rapper named Chyn.
Small Doctor
HIS style and lingo belongs to the streets and while he is not yet A-list on the Nigerian music scene, his appeal, especially by DJs is not questionable. With a nomination at the 2015 Headies, it means more recognition is on the way for Small Doctor, who prides himself on being the Mosquito Killer. However, he is to be watched for further exploits in 2016.