These Musicians are Nigerians, Are You Aware?

It is a fact that Nigeria is blessed with talented individuals who are making the motherland proud from every part of the world.  Music is a part of the Nigerian culture; it brings different people in Nigeria who are separated by language, tribe, and individual cultures together. That is how powerful music is and many Nigerians are making great music outside the country and have made a name for themselves.

In this article, we will be looking at the famous artists who you might not know are Nigerians. Some names on this list might surprise you, so let’s get straight into it – with Artists Research from  TrendyBeatz.

1. Sade

Helen Folasade Adu popularly known as Sade Adu or just Sade is an English songwriter, and the lead singer of the band Sade named after her. She is one of the most successful British female Artists of all time and her influence on contemporary music is massive.  Before she became the famous Sade she was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and moved to England at the age of 4 with her family.

She formed the band Sade after gaining a little attention as a performer and was signed to Epic Records in 1983.  The debut album of the band became one of the best-selling albums of that era and the best-selling debut by a female vocalist. Sade influenced and has been recognized by musicians like Rapper Rakim of Eric B. & Rakim, Talib Kweli, Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Beyonce, and Greg Puciato among others.

She was honored for her music services and appointed officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 and in 2017 she was promoted to the Commander of the same order (CBE). She has many awards and 4 Grammys are among them.

2. Seal

Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel popularly known by his stage name Seal is a British-Nigerian singer-songwriter. He released his most celebrated song, “Kiss from a Rose” in 1994. Seal has won many awards including 4 Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Award, 2 Ivor Novello Awards.  He has made timeless music and with the impact his music has many Nigerians do not realize that he is a Nigerian.

3. Nneka

Nneka Egbuna known by her stage name Nneka is a Nigerian singer, songwriter who delivers her songs in English, Igbo, and Nigerian Pidgin.  She made waves when she performed as an opening act for the dancehall reggae Legend Sean Paul at Hamburg Stadtpark. Her debut album gained amazing reviews.  She has successful tours and delivered her music effortlessly.

Nneka recorded a song called “Viva Africa”  which was a tribute to the premier Mundial on African soil for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. She collaborated with Reebok in 2012.  Nneka has been nominated for so many awards and Channel O Music Award is one of them.  Some of her notable songs are “Heartbeat, Gypsy”, and “Shining Star”.

4. Asa

Bukola Elemide popularly known as Asa is a highly talented Nigerian-French singer, songwriter.  She came into the limelight with her first single Eyé Adaba”. Her debut album Aṣa” was a best seller. It also moved her into the international limelight.  Asa has gone ahead to win several awards among them is the prestigious “Constantin Award” in 2008.

Some of her notable songs are “Dead Again”, “Satan Be Gone”, “The One That Never Comes”, “Moving On”, “Be My Man, “Fire On The Mountain”, and “Eyo”.

5. Tinie Tempah

Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu known by his stage name Tinie Tempah, is a British rapper, a singer who came into the limelight after the release of his songs Written in “the Stars” and “Pass Out”.

His second album “Demonstration charted at number three and was certified gold by the BPI.  He has won two Brit Awards.  He and his cousin founded Disturbing London an independent record label.

6. Jidenna

Jidenna Theodore Mobisson popularly known as Jidenna, is a Nigerian-American singer, rapper, songwriter who is sometimes referred to as the Classic man. He came into the limelight after the release of his hit single “Classic Man” which was off his debut album. “The Chief”.

Jidenna was born to an Igbo Nigerian father. His song “Classic Man” was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 58th Grammy Awards. And won the 2015 Soul Train award for the best new artist.

7. Wale

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin popularly known by his stage name Wale is an American – Nigerian rapper and songwriter.  He was born to Yoruba Nigerian parents.  He began to gain popularity after his hit song “Dig Dug (Shake It)” began to make waves in his city.  He signed with Interscope Records in 2008 and released his official debut album. And in 2011 he signed to Maybach Music Group where he released his second Album Ambition.  His third studio album The Gifted was released in 2013 and gained positive reviews and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200.

Wale’s sixth album Wow… That’s Crazy was released in 2019 to great reviews. It spent 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at No. 22.

Some of his notable songs are on “Chill”, “Pretty Girls”, “Chillin”, and “World Tour”

We hope you enjoyed this list and are now aware of these amazing artists who have Nigerian blood flowing through their veins.  As they say in Nigerian Pidgin “Naija no dey carry last”.

We hope to see more Nigerian musicians making us proud across the ocean.