Looking back at last year, it’s reasonable to say that 2021 was marked by mixed emotions and uncertainty, particularly among Nigerians. Despite the unpredictability, one thing has remained constant – music. Last year, Nigerian musicians took it to the next level, demonstrating to the rest of the world what it meant to be Africa’s Giant.
Tems, a past honoree of the yearly forecast, rose like a phoenix alongside Wizkid, who made history by being the first African singer to sell out the 02 Arena in London three times in under a month and enter the Billboard Top 10 charts with his global hit song “Essence.”
In keeping with tradition, we’ll be showcasing the top 10 Nigerian artists with significant growth potential.
Here are the list of the first rising artist to watch out for in 2022:
1. Arya Starr
Ayra Starr is the stage name of Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibige, a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Unbeknownst to some of her fans, she started her career as a model at the age of 16 prior to actually deciding to pursue a career in music. She released her debut original song in December 2019 after recreating a number of popular artists’ songs and uploading them on her Instagram account.
Since then, she has topped the charts with her debut EP, ‘Arya Starr,’ and then her album, ’19 & Dangerous.’ The lead single, “Bloody Samaritan,” reached number one on the Turntable Top 50 chart, being the first solo song by a female artist to do so in the chart’s history. She’s clearly on the rise, and it’s fascinating to follow her as she makes her way to the top.
2. Lojay
Lojay, also known as Lekan Osifeso Jnr, is a Nigerian musician, vocalist, songwriter, and performer. In 2016, Lojay launched his professional music career. In October of of last year, he released “Ariel.”
Early in the year, he rose to prominence after collaborating with Sarz on the song ‘LV N ATTN.’ Wizkid was the only feature of the project. Because his mother is a minister, he grew up listening to a lot of gospel music.
Lojay would go on to find other musical influences, both domestic and international, that’d help him build his sound and grow into the multi-talented artist he is today.
Anthony Victor, better known by his stage name ‘Victony,’ is a singer and composer who has been through a lot this year but has managed to shine through it all thanks to his skill.
Victony made his professional career in music as a rapper in 2017. He made his debut with a SoundCloud mixtape named “The Outlaw King,” which is why some of his admirers still refer to him by that name.
After a horrific fatal event that took the life of his friend and affected his health, 2021 became his breakthrough year when his album “Pray” began to gather traction.
4. Ruger
Michael Adebayo, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, goes by the stage name Ruger. He gained popularity earlier last year thanks to his distinct voice and intriguing appearance.
From Fuji music by the likes of King Wasiu Ayinde to R&B by American performers like Boys II Men, he draws inspiration. He, like the others on this list, posted music on social media for the sake of amusement and landed up on D’Prince’s radar. After proper preparation and recording sessions, he was revealed to the world, and he hit the ground running.
His five-track EP Pandemic, which includes songs like “Ruger,” “Abu Dhabi,” and “Bounce,” among others, helped to make his sound recognizable to Nigerians, particularly “Bounce,” which topped numerous charts, including Apple Music Nigeria’s charts. He’s already basking in the acclaim that comes with a good year, and one can only speculate on what this year will bring.
5. Emmy Dee Light
Emmy Dee Light, whose real name is Oyedeji Adewale, is a Nigerian Afropop singer, composer, model, entrepreneur, and activist. He has released several songs with accompanying videos in recent years, and he’s presently working on a new album that is set to be released soon.
Emmy Dee Light’s first single, “Fine Boy,” was released in 2007, and his second song, “Mouthed,” was released in 2010, with a video that went viral in Ibadan. Emmy Dee Light didn’t stop there; in 2016, he returned to the studio to record another smash song, “Deniyan,” which was accompanied by a video. He has never given up in his pursuit of success in the music industry ever since then.
He also returned to the studio to record a new song, “Tabili Baba Mi”. He has a lot of unreleased songs in his collection that he plans to release soon. Emmy Dee Light has also collaborated with well-known Nigerian music producers such as Indomix, Dresticks among others. His music has made it on HipTv, MtvBase, and CableTv.
6. Fave
God’s Favour Chidozie, popularly known as Fave, is a 21-year-old Nigerian singer and composer. She used social media channels, mainly Twitter, to promote herself and broadcast videos of herself freestyling, which garnered attention and social media shares.
She started her career in the choir and has since advanced to the point where she can sing hit songs. After taking off on Tik Tok, her song ‘Baby Riddim’ became an internet success. It then continued to rise up the rankings, finally becoming a recognized smash hit. Fave is demonstrating to everyone that she can easily make her way up, despite the fact that she still has some ground to cover.
7. Zinoleesky
Oniyide Azeez, popularly known as ‘Zinoleesky,’ is a fast-rising Nigerian singer with a wide spectrum of sounds and the ability to surprise listeners with each song.
He began his musical journey through social media with his friends and associates Lil Frosh and Ibradosky. Naira Marley is his mentor, and he is contracted to Marlian Records. He’s ruled the charts with his recent releases, and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down in 2022.
Shayo Davids is a Nigerian artist who has a distinct sound and a quirky personality. He began making music when he was 15 years old and hasn’t stopped since. He has worked closely with prior annual forecast honorees Laime, Buju, and Psycho YP.
You can always hear the honesty of his life in his music, which is greatly motivated by his circumstances and personal experiences. Shayo Davids is certain to make significant progress in the coming year, thanks to his unwavering passion and infinite potential.
9. Somadina
Somadina Onuoha, a British-Nigerian R&B singer and composer, is a fascinating new talent who has been able to demonstrate her range through sonorous music. Her five-track “EP Five Stages,” released after her 2019 single “Lay Low,” was well-received and put her onto the radar of music fans worldwide.
Her voice has a distinct quality to it that makes it nearly impossible not to be influenced by it.
10. The Cavemen
Kingsley Okorie, the bassist, and Benjamin James, the drummer, make up the Nigerian Highlife band The Cavemen. Their debut song, “Osondu,” was published in 2020, and their debut album, Roots, was released in August 2020. The album was entirely recorded and produced by them in their living room.
They’ve since gone on to win the hearts of music fans all over the world with their electrifying shows and distinctive take on highlife that leaves audiences completely enthralled. They also won the Best Alternative Album award at the 2020 Headies, and you can bet they’re not stopping there.
Adesola is a purpose-driven man, critical thinker, problem solver, inner peace seeker, nature addict, writer, and a good listener.
As a content writer, he has written several published and unpublished articles, as well as life-changing masterpieces on various social media platforms and websites.
Adesola as an ardent knowledge seeker seeks to maximize various opportunities to grow, develop, and become productive in his world.
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