It is no news that Nigeria is the heartbeat of the African Music industry. There are globally recognized artistes such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and others.
The Nigerian music industry has remained a platform for budding musicians to showcase their talents and have a shot at the spotlight.
Many people were brought into the limelight in 2020 and have been very promising in the music industry. Here are ten phenomenal artistes to pay attention to in 2021.
1. Tems
The 25-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer (born Temilade Openiyi) has won many Nigerians’ hearts with her unique and soothing tone. Her breakout song ‘Mr. Rebel’ put her in the spotlight, and everyone wondered who this newbie with powerful vocals was.
The one thing that makes her fascinating in an industry dominated by men is her distinct musical approach. Her music is in such a way that Tems does not flow in the usual Nigerian tune. She mixes some genres and ends up making a sound that sets her apart.
With a growing fanbase and international recognition, Tems is definitely on her way to making her mark in the music industry.
2. Terri
Affectionately called ‘Starboy’s Baby Boy,’ Akinre Terri has remained a favourite of many Nigerians. His first project under Wizkid’s record label, Starboy, an EP titled AfroSeries, gained massive airplay. The first single off the EP, Ojoro, has achieved three million views and listens on Youtube.
Before releasing his EP, Terri was popularly known for his verse on Starboy’s hit single Soco. DJ Jimmy Jatt discovered him after he made a cover to Oshey.
Many Nigerians believe he is the next Wizkid, and we look forward to more of his sound.
3. Omah Lay
2020 was an excellent year for Stanley Omah Dibia as his hard work and dedication finally paid off.
The 23-year-old singer gained recognition for his song ‘bad Influence,’ a track from his first EP, Get Layd.
He discussed his rise to fame in 2020 on the social media app, Twitter, saying, “This time last year I was holed up in my tiny room singing my guts out, not knowing if people would ever hear or even appreciate these songs”.
“Fast forward a few months later, those songs came together to become an EP titled Get Layd, and that shit changed my life!!!”
He was featured in Infinity, a track from Olamide’s album Carpe Diem, and this song has taken over the popular app, Tiktok and has remained everyone’s favourite single.
Omah Lay deserves to be on this list as he is one artiste to look out for this year.
4. Bella Shmurda
Bella only recently became a household name when his song Vision 2020 went viral. He fulfilled his dreams as he talked about making waves in the Nigerian industry in this song.
As a result of hard work and talent, his song Cash App featuring Zlatan Ibile and Lincoln became a hit and street anthem.
The song is catchy, and lots of people have expressed their opinions on the music. It is people’s favorite.
Bella has been nominated for the ‘Next Rated’ category of The Headies Award and is on his way to winning more awards.
We hope to see more of this hitmaker in 2021.
5. Laycon
Life hasn’t been the same for the winner of Big Brother Naija, 2020 edition. He has always had his eyes on success, and everyone is glad to see his dreams come true finally. Laycon has endeared himself to many with his ‘Who Is Laycon?‘ EP.
He has gained many fans who have been supporting him right from his stay in the reality show.
He displayed his talents in his Who Is Laycon? EP and is now loved for not just his calm demeanour, but also his incredible musical abilities. Laycon was featured on the Nobody remix, and his rap lines are a fan favourite.
This rap star is on his way to winning the music industry, and we love to see it.
6. Oxlade
The 23-year-old singer born Ikuforiji Abdulrahman is known for his smooth and creamy vocal tones. Many do not know that Oxlade started his music career at the age of 10 and pursued this until he dropped out of University to focus on his chosen career path.
Oxlade came into the limelight when he released his single Sour, and fellow singer, Blaqbonez decided to work with him on the popular hit song Mamiwota.
His big break was when famous musician Davido noticed the song; making Oxlade more prominent than ever.
His EP Oxygen was inspired by a breakup that left him heartbroken. This pushed him into the spotlight, and Oxlade gained more fans as his sound became more popular.
We cannot wait to see more from this talented musician this year.
7. Chike
Chike began his music career on Project Fame West Africa, a talent-hunting platform, and has built his fanbase steadily. He emerged as part of the top ten on Project Fame and claimed his mark in the music industry.
Determined to pursue his dreams, Chike signed up for The Voice Nigeria and emerged as the runner-up to the winner of the competition.
Chile had been in and out of the limelight since 2016 and many thought he had faded away like most reality show stars. However, he claimed the year 2020 as he released his 14-tracks album, Boo of the Booless, which tagged him as the ladies’ man. The album was the most listened to and number 1 album in February 2020.
We wanted more of Chike and his beautiful love songs in 2020.
8. Lady Donli
Ohio-born Zainab Donli is an upcoming Alté singer and songwriter. Influenced by prominent singers such as Brenda Fassie, Angelique Kidjo, Aṣa, and Erykah Badu, Lady Donli thrives on mixing different genres such as Afrobeat and Alté (Alternative Music) to produce her own sound.
She has worked with Nigerian singers such as Adekunle Gold, Mr Eazi, and Davido.
Determined to infiltrate the Nigerian audience, she has also worked with different Nigerian musicians with different genres and is on her way to grabbing the spotlight.
9. Darkoo
Darkoo is one of the youngest Nigerian musicians to climb the success ladder very quickly.
The 19-year-old was born in Nigeria but raised in South London, United Kingdom. She came into the limelight when her single ‘Gangsta’ went viral in 2019. Ever since she discovered her rapping skills at the age of 15, Darkoo has pushed her music career relentlessly and shows determination to stay unique.
Fans also love her for her exciting and boyish fashion styles, and people love how comfortable she is in being herself. We hope she releases more songs this year.
10. Blaqbonez
Emeka Akumefule, AKA Blaqbonez, is a rapper signed to 100 crowns under Chocolate City.
He became more famous for his self-proclamation as the ‘Best Rapper in Africa. His music became more popular when he released his EPs in 2018 Bad Boy Blaq, Bad Boy Blaq Re-Up, Mr Boombastic.
His latest single, ‘BBC,’ has become a massive hit in the music industry and is even a dance trend on ‘TikTok.’
Always eager to promote his music, Blaqbonez will be hitting us with good music this year.
Written by Eniola Olaniyi