Top Foreign Musicians That Are Nigerian

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2 years ago

Nigeria is undeniably associated with the global growth and spread of African music, particularly in the popular genres of Afro pop and afrobeats. These genres have become some of the largest in the world, with strong roots in Nigeria. Due to the widespread presence of Nigerians in various parts of the world, we have curated a list of foreign artists who possess Nigerian heritage, and who have made significant contributions in their fields as musicians, songwriters, producers

We are passionate about promoting and showcasing Nigerian and African music to the world. Our goal is to create quality and noteworthy articles that highlight the latest news and happenings in the Nigerian music scene, including the achievements and contributions of the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian. We believe that these artists play a vital role in shaping the global music industry and deserve recognition for their talent and creativity.

NAS

One of the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian is the renowned American rapper and composer Nasir Jones, popularly known as Nas. Interestingly, Nas was born to a father of Nigerian roots, Olu Dara, which makes him have strong connections to his Nigerian heritage. Nas’s illustrious musical career began when he was just a teenager, and he quickly made a name for himself in the industry.

His debut studio album, “Illmatic,” is considered by many to be his most iconic and widely recognized work. It received critical acclaim and is still considered a classic in hip-hop music to this day. Throughout his career, Nas has been nominated for a staggering twelve Grammy Awards, cementing his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Despite his success, Nas has remained humble and continues to create music that resonates with people from all walks of life.

It’s worth noting that while Nas worked with a producer named Large Professor on his debut album, he didn’t release it to the public just yet. Instead, his first released single, “Live at the Barbeque,” was a special guest contribution to a song by Main Source in 1991. This track helped to establish Nas’s reputation as a skilled lyricist and set the stage for his future success in the music industry.

Skepta

Skepta is a prominent figure among the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian, as he is not only a British rapper, but also has Nigerian roots. He has made a name for himself in the UK rap scene and is well-known in Nigeria, thanks to his collaboration with Wizkid on the hit song “Bad Energy.” As a grime MC, rapper, and record producer, Skepta has proven himself to be a multi-talented artist. He began his musical journey by temporarily joining Roll Deep with his younger brother Jme before becoming a founding member of Boy Better Know in 2005.

One of the most notable moments in Skepta’s career was his infamous clash with fellow MC Devilman during the video release of Lord of the Mics 2, which became one of the biggest fights in grime history. Despite the setback, Skepta continued to pursue his passion and released his first studio album, “Greatest Hits,” independently in 2007, followed by “Microphone Champion” in 2009. Skepta’s third studio album, “Doin’ It Again,” was released in 2011 through AATW, and it cemented his status as a rising star in the UK rap scene.

The album showcased Skepta’s lyrical prowess and versatility as an artist, and it received critical acclaim from fans and critics alike. Throughout his career, Skepta has continued to push the boundaries of UK rap and grime, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music and inspiring a new generation of artists. As one of the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian, Skepta is a shining example of the incredible talent and creativity that Nigeria has to offer to the world of music.

Jidenna

Jidenna, also known as Theodore Mobisson, is a talented rapper and musician of Nigerian descent who has made a name for himself in the American music industry. He is one of the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian and is currently signed to Janelle Monáe’s Wondaland Records. Jidenna has collaborated with several artists on the label, including Roman GianArthur, St. Beauty, and Janelle Monáe. He is widely recognized for his unique blend of African and American sounds, which he seamlessly combines in his music. In February of 2015, Jidenna released his debut single, “Classic Man,” which featured GianArthur.

The song quickly gained popularity in both the United States and Nigeria and was played extensively on the airwaves. “Classic Man” made an impressive debut on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, where it landed at position number 49. Jidenna’s success as a musician has earned him a place among the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian. His music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, and he remains a prominent figure in the music industry. With his talent and dedication, Jidenna is sure to achieve even greater success in the future.

Sade Adu

Sade Adu, who is also known as Sade, is a British singer with Nigerian roots and the lead vocalist of her self-titled band. She has left an indelible mark on modern music, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists. Sade is regarded as one of the most influential figures in music, and her immense talent has earned her a place among the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian.

As one of the most successful British female singers of all time, Sade’s contributions to the music industry have been recognized with numerous accolades. In 2002, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the field of music. Then, in 2017, she was promoted to the rank of Commander in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, an incredible feat that reflects the magnitude of her accomplishments.

Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, Sade spent part of her childhood in Essex, England. Her multicultural background has undoubtedly influenced her music, which is characterized by a unique blend of soul, jazz, and pop. Sade’s music has inspired many artists across different genres, particularly in the hip-hop community, where she is widely revered as an icon.

Sade’s music has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, with her band’s six studio albums selling millions of copies worldwide. Her distinctive voice, coupled with her evocative lyrics and smooth melodies, has captivated audiences globally. Sade’s music is timeless, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians to this day.

Tion Wayne

Tion Wayne, born Dennis Junior Odunwo, is a highly influential rapper and songwriter with Nigerian heritage, making him one of the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian. Although an English citizen, Tion’s parents are of Nigerian origin and migrated to England. As a celebrated artist, Tion Wayne has made a significant impact in the music industry, having collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music scene.

He is known for his ability to blend different genres, creating a unique sound that resonates with fans across the globe. Tion Wayne has also made a conscious effort to connect with his Nigerian roots, regularly visiting the country and collaborating with Nigerian artists. His recent collaboration with the popular Nigerian artist, Davido, on the hit track “Who’s True” has further solidified his position in the Nigerian music scene. The song has garnered significant attention globally, further showcasing Tion Wayne’s versatility as an artist.

Tion Wayne’s unique sound has garnered a massive following, and his music has topped charts worldwide. His ability to seamlessly blend various music genres, including rap, R&B, and Afrobeats, has earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. Furthermore, Tion Wayne’s impact extends beyond the music industry. He has used his platform to inspire and empower young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, through his work with various community organizations.

King Steve Benjamin (KSB)

One of the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian is King Steve Benjamin, who is of Yoruba descent. He rose to public attention in 2017 with his hit song “Konto” which became well-liked within his local community. Through his continuous production of music for the local market, KSB gained popularity and recognition locally and internationally. In the same year, KSB had his first interaction with Russia DJ and producer -Dj Timonin ,The following year, in 2018, he signed with TJ Entertainment label.

King Steve Benjamin is a talented musician and song writer who was born in Nigeria but raised in Russia to parents of Nigerian descent. He is among the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian and is known for his exceptional skills in both writing and music. With such diverse cultural roots, KSB grew up with a deep appreciation for both his Nigerian heritage and Russia upbringing. As a musician, KSB has made waves in the music industry with his unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop sounds.

He has released several hit singles, including “Konto” which has amassed over 4 million streams on Spotify alone and over 50 million streams on SoundCloud . His music has been praised for its catchy beats, smooth vocals, and infectious rhythms. In addition to his music career, KSB has also made a name for himself as a Producer. He has produce some foreign and Nigeria artist records in his studio

In Russia, he is a highly respectable singer-songwriter who is considered among the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian. He has sold over 5 million records worldwide and has received numerous accolades throughout his career.

KSB spent his formative years abroad where he developed a passion for music.

He later pursued a career in music and has since become a household name. Throughout his career, KSB has won several prestigious awards, including Nigeria books of Records.

KSB’s music is known for its soulful and emotive qualities, and his voice is often described as rich and powerful.

He has released several hit albums, including “Ifeoma” “.Konto” and “.O2TZ” which have all been met with critical and commercial success.

He was specially invited to OPEC Russia-Energy Dialogue, hosted by the Nigerian Government in Moscow, Russia and at Russian HipHop International dance festival to perform making him the youngest to achieve such feets.

KSB was also invited to perform at the just-concluded 100 years anniversary of CSKA club but prior to that he performed at BRICS Summit in Russia and also at the Russia/Africa Summit .

Tyler The Creator

Tyler Gregory Okonma, better known as Tyler the Creator, is one of the top foreign musicians that are Nigerian, and a renowned rapper, producer, and fashion icon. He is of mixed descent, born to a Nigerian father and an American mother. Tyler’s unique heritage has played a significant role in shaping his identity as an artist, and his music is a reflection of his diverse cultural background.

Tyler’s contribution to American music and fashion has been immense, and he has emerged as an influential figure in both industries. His music is a blend of various genres, including hip hop, jazz, and funk, and he has a reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. His creative approach to music production has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base worldwide. Apart from his musical talent, Tyler is also known for his fashion sense and unique personal style.

He has collaborated with several fashion brands and has even launched his own clothing line. His distinctive fashion sense has inspired many, and he has become an icon in the fashion industry. Tyler’s mixed Nigerian-American heritage is a source of inspiration for him, and he has often referenced his Nigerian roots in his music and fashion. His Nigerian heritage has also played a significant role in shaping his perspective on social and political issues, and he has used his platform to raise awareness about various causes.

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