The UK music scene has long been enriched by multicultural influences, and Nigerian heritage stands out as a powerful thread in the stories of many successful artists.
From rap and grime to soul and Afrobeats, these ten UK-based musicians of Nigerian descent have made their mark at home and abroad.
Here’s a full list of artists whose roots trace back to Nigeria:
1. Skepta
Joseph Junior Adenuga, known as Skepta, is a trailblazer in the grime music scene. Born in Tottenham to Nigerian parents, Skepta rose to fame with tracks like “Shutdown” and “That’s Not Me.”
He’s been nominated for several Brit Awards and was even honoured with a chieftaincy title in Ogun State, Nigeria, Amuludun of Odo-Aje, recognising his cultural impact.
He also recently featured Nigerian artist Portable in a song titled Tony Montana.
2. Tion Wayne
Dennis Junior Odunwo, also known as Tion Wayne, is a rapper and DJ from North London. He began gaining attention in 2010 with YouTube freestyles and released his first mixtape Wayne’s World in 2014.
He’s known for hits like “Body” with Russ Millions, which topped the UK Singles Chart.
He visited Nigeria in 2023 for Davido’s The Timeless Experience’ concert
3. Dave
David Orobosa Omoregie, also known as Dave, is one of the most critically acclaimed British rappers of Nigerian origin.
His debut album Psychodrama (2019) won the prestigious Mercury Prize and topped the UK Albums Chart, earning the biggest first-week streams for a UK rap album. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics, Dave often addresses themes of racism and social injustice.
He has featured on songs with several Nigerians artists including Wizkid, Burna Boy and BNXN
4. Darkoo
Born Oluwafisayo Isa, Darkoo is a South London artist whose style blends Afrobeats, dancehall, and UK rap. Her breakout single “Gangsta” featuring One Acen became a viral hit and topped the UK Afrobeats Chart. Darkoo has collaborated with artists like Mayorkun, KiDi, and Black Sherif, solidifying her cross-continental appeal.
5. Tinie Tempah
Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, popularly known as Tinie Tempah, burst into the limelight with his 2010 debut album Disc-Overy, which hit number one and went platinum.
A Brit Award winner and founder of Disturbing London, his influence spans both music and fashion. Tinie is one of the most commercially successful British rappers with Nigerian roots.
6. Sade Adu
Helen Folasade Adu, known worldwide as Sade, was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and raised in England from age four. Her timeless voice defined hits like “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love.” With four Grammy Awards under her belt, she remains one of the most iconic and influential Nigerian-born artists in UK music history.
7. Seal
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel, better known simply as Seal, is a British singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice and powerful ballads. Born to Nigerian and Brazilian parents in London, Seal rose to international fame with “Kiss from a Rose.” He has earned four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, and a global fanbase.
8. NOT3S
Lukman Olanrewaju Odunaike, known as NOT3S, is a rapper and singer whose music reflects both his Nigerian roots and the UK grime scene. His track “Addison Lee” became a viral sensation in 2017. He’s also known for other hits like “Aladdin” and “Palm Wine,” and has released two mixtapes: Take Not3 and Take Not3 II.
9. Little Simz
Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, aka Little Simz, is a British rapper and actress known for her poetic lyricism and independent approach to music. Her albums Grey Area (2019) and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021) won multiple awards, including accolades from the Ivor Novello and NME Awards. Her Nigerian heritage plays a significant role in her creative expression.
10. Ms Banks
Thyra Oji, better known as Ms Banks, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother. She started writing music at age 11 and has released several notable projects including Once Upon a Grind (2014), The Coldest Winter Ever (2018), and The Coldest Winter Ever Part II (2019). Her debut EP New Chapter dropped in 2016.
11. Lemar
Lemar Obika, known simply as Lemar, is a UK singer who was born in Tottenham to Nigerian parents. He gained popularity with his debut album “Dedicated” which went double-platinum. He has won a number of awards for his amazing music. His song “If There’s Any Justice” is definitely a fan favorite.
He has in his closet three MOBO Awards (Best UK Male and Best Album) and two Brits Awards (Best Urban Act).
12. Maleek Berry
Maleek Shoyebi, professionally called Maleek Berry, is a British-Nigerian born singer, record producer and recording artiste. Maleek was born in South London, UK in 1987.
He has recorded some great hits and collaborated with prominent Nigerian and International artistes like Wizkid, Ycee, American rapper Wale, Wande Coal, Iyanya, Davido, Runtown, etc.
