2016 has been a good year for the Nigerian music industry, but critics say more work needs to be done, especially as the industry continues to struggle to define itself and build concrete and lasting structures.
As the yer progressed, the hit songs started pouring in, making sure fans were glued to their screens, phones and speakers.
Indeed, 2016 was a year that had it all and whilst the likes of Wizkid, Olamide, Davido and Tiwa Savage still featured prominently, below are artistes who have taken their place in 2016 as the new leaders of the emerging scene going into 2017.
Mr. Eazi
Arguably the breakthrough artiste of the year, Mr. Eazi made everyone appreciate slow tempo tunes yet again. Some fear Mr Eazi might burn out before the release of his debut album, but his bold move in headlining his own concert shows that he has no plans of slowing down just yet. The sold out ‘Life is Eazi’ show confirmed his popularity among Lagos fans and is a sign that there is much more to come from this guy in 2017. Based in Ghana, Nigerian pop star, Mr Eazi has strategically positioned himself as an artiste to reckon with. He has succeeded in holding the music industry spell-bound with his vocals and powerful punch lines. The ‘Skin Tight’ crooner has had collaborations with big names in both the Ghanaian and Nigerian music industry, including Anointing (ft. Sarkodie), Dance For Me ( ft. Eugy), Sample You (ft. Lil Kesh), Shitor (ft. DJ Juls),Bankulize remix (ft. Burna Boy), as well as Leg Over to mention a few.
The Mechanical Engineer graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, said he draws his inspiration from Ghana culture rather Nigeria where he received his elementary and secondary education .
Falz
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has been on the scene for quite a while. However, the bahd guy’s sophomore album Stories that Touch (which incidentally was released in late 2015), Falz really had a lot of good stories to tell in 2016. With the success of the album came vast critical recognition, the video to his hit track ‘Soldier’ indeed had a story line that touched, another single ‘Bad, Baddo, Baddest’ became an anthem, and his collaboration with Simi rocked shows nationwide. With these hits under his belt, as well as all the publicity gained from pre-album shoots and release parties, Falz has been firmly placed as one of the leading rappers in the country today.
Oludemilade Martin Alejo (Ycee)
2016 was no doubt a good year for Tinny Entertainment signee, Ycee who burst the music box with his smashed hit song, Jagaban and which was later remixed with with Olamide. The young rapper also topped the charts with a single, ‘Omo Alhaji’.
Ycee has since positioned himself as the king of rap music after he hit the limelight with his single titled Condo which features vocals from Patoranking. The song earned him two nominations at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He also won Rookie of the year winner at the Headies in the same year.
Ycee completed his secondary education aat the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo. He is currently studying Marine Biology at the University of Lagos.
If he can keep up his current momentum, critics say that he will surely become monster of rap music in Africa.
2016 has been a good year for the Nigerian music industry, but critics say more work needs to be done, especially as the industry continues to struggle to define itself and build concrete and lasting structures.
As the yer progressed, the hit songs started pouring in, making sure fans were glued to their screens, phones and speakers.
Indeed, 2016 was a year that had it all and whilst the likes of Wizkid, Olamide, Davido and Tiwa Savage still featured prominently, below are artistes who have taken their place in 2016 as the new leaders of the emerging scene going into 2017.
Mr. Eazi
Arguably the breakthrough artiste of the year, Mr. Eazi made everyone appreciate slow tempo tunes yet again. Some fear Mr Eazi might burn out before the release of his debut album, but his bold move in headlining his own concert shows that he has no plans of slowing down just yet. The sold out ‘Life is Eazi’ show confirmed his popularity among Lagos fans and is a sign that there is much more to come from this guy in 2017. Based in Ghana, Nigerian pop star, Mr Eazi has strategically positioned himself as an artiste to reckon with. He has succeeded in holding the music industry spell-bound with his vocals and powerful punch lines. The ‘Skin Tight’ crooner has had collaborations with big names in both the Ghanaian and Nigerian music industry, including Anointing (ft. Sarkodie), Dance For Me ( ft. Eugy), Sample You (ft. Lil Kesh), Shitor (ft. DJ Juls),Bankulize remix (ft. Burna Boy), as well as Leg Over to mention a few.
The Mechanical Engineer graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, said he draws his inspiration from Ghana culture rather Nigeria where he received his elementary and secondary education .
Falz
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has been on the scene for quite a while. However, the bahd guy’s sophomore album Stories that Touch (which incidentally was released in late 2015), Falz really had a lot of good stories to tell in 2016. With the success of the album came vast critical recognition, the video to his hit track ‘Soldier’ indeed had a story line that touched, another single ‘Bad, Baddo, Baddest’ became an anthem, and his collaboration with Simi rocked shows nationwide. With these hits under his belt, as well as all the publicity gained from pre-album shoots and release parties, Falz has been firmly placed as one of the leading rappers in the country today.
Oludemilade Martin Alejo (Ycee)
2016 was no doubt a good year for Tinny Entertainment signee, Ycee who burst the music box with his smashed hit song, Jagaban and which was later remixed with with Olamide. The young rapper also topped the charts with a single, ‘Omo Alhaji’.
Ycee has since positioned himself as the king of rap music after he hit the limelight with his single titled Condo which features vocals from Patoranking. The song earned him two nominations at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He also won Rookie of the year winner at the Headies in the same year.
Ycee completed his secondary education aat the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo. He is currently studying Marine Biology at the University of Lagos.
If he can keep up his current momentum, critics say that he will surely become monster of rap music in Africa.
Tekno
Even without an album, Tekno became one of the highest earning acts of the year through downloads and streaming. Major hits like Pana and Diana bagged him awards and recognition in many speheres, and his album is one of the most eagerly anticipated scheduled to come out in 2017. Despite criticism for his shallow lyrics, he continues to appeal to young fans through his consistent presence on social media, catchy melodies and energetic performances – all of which suggest that Tekno is an artiste who has a deep understanding of his fanbase and their demands. Some might also argue that, with his ponytail, pouty lips and dance moves, Tekno may just be bringing sexy back.
Aramide
Having released her ‘Suitcase’ album with rave reviews, Aramide Sarumoh is surely one to watch in 2017. Born in Lagos Nigeria, her early childhood was spent in the famous city of Jos, where her skills in singing and song writing were nurtured. She is a graduate of Political science from the University of Jos.
Aramide grew up in a music orientated family where her love for music began. Her love for song writing became evident from a very young age where she began writing in High school.
A very versatile musician who’s influences come from a varied blend of soul and jazz and artists.
In 2008, she was a part of a show called ‘Divas Unplugged’ which included the leading female artistes in the music industry and her participation was hard to ignore.
While studying Political Science at the University of Jos, Aramide participated in the ‘Star Quest’ talent hunt show, making her part of a band that finished third runners up. Her ever growing solo career took off shortly after graduation.
Aramide sings about love, betrayal, friendship, trust, and the attendant joys and aches of womanhood. Her musical influences include Erykah Badu, Miriam Makeba, Sade, Angelique Kidjo and other greats.
Her approach to song-writing and her soft but deep and powerful voice are some of the things that stand her out.
Kiss Daniel
There is a reason why his album was called ‘New Era’, a show of the confidence in his ability. Led by a first track titled ‘New King’, Kiss Daniel reacted to criticism that his sound was quite monotonous, by putting together a well-received album that strived to appeal to a broad base of listeners. He also maintained some substance and decent song writing, in my opinion, and his album was one of the best released this year. With his young and innocent look, Kiss looks like a long term contender for the Naija Pop throne.
Even without an album, Tekno became one of the highest earning acts of the year through downloads and streaming. Major hits like Pana and Diana bagged him awards and recognition in many speheres, and his album is one of the most eagerly anticipated scheduled to come out in 2017. Despite criticism for his shallow lyrics, he continues to appeal to young fans through his consistent presence on social media, catchy melodies and energetic performances – all of which suggest that Tekno is an artiste who has a deep understanding of his fanbase and their demands. Some might also argue that, with his ponytail, pouty lips and dance moves, Tekno may just be bringing sexy back.
Aramide
Having released her ‘Suitcase’ album with rave reviews, Aramide Sarumoh is surely one to watch in 2017. Born in Lagos Nigeria, her early childhood was spent in the famous city of Jos, where her skills in singing and song writing were nurtured. She is a graduate of Political science from the University of Jos.
Aramide grew up in a music orientated family where her love for music began. Her love for song writing became evident from a very young age where she began writing in High school.
A very versatile musician who’s influences come from a varied blend of soul and jazz and artists.
In 2008, she was a part of a show called ‘Divas Unplugged’ which included the leading female artistes in the music industry and her participation was hard to ignore.
While studying Political Science at the University of Jos, Aramide participated in the ‘Star Quest’ talent hunt show, making her part of a band that finished third runners up. Her ever growing solo career took off shortly after graduation.
Aramide sings about love, betrayal, friendship, trust, and the attendant joys and aches of womanhood. Her musical influences include Erykah Badu, Miriam Makeba, Sade, Angelique Kidjo and other greats.
Her approach to song-writing and her soft but deep and powerful voice are some of the things that stand her out.
Kiss Daniel
There is a reason why his album was called ‘New Era’, a show of the confidence in his ability. Led by a first track titled ‘New King’, Kiss Daniel reacted to criticism that his sound was quite monotonous, by putting together a well-received album that strived to appeal to a broad base of listeners. He also maintained some substance and decent song writing, in my opinion, and his album was one of the best released this year. With his young and innocent look, Kiss looks like a long term contender for the Naija Pop throne.