This article provides a detailed list of Nigerian music artists from the 1990s to the 2000s, aiming to rekindle memories and provide a roadmap of Nigerian music evolution. It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive but rather a representational impression of Nigerian music during this period.
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Nigerian Music Artistes from the 1990s
The 1990s saw the rise of various genres and artists who shaped the Nigerian music landscape. Here are some notable names:
- Alex Zitto - "Tickle Me" (Reggae Fusion)
- Alariwo of Africa - “Yawa Go Gas” (Afro-Pop)
- Baba Fryo - "Dem Go Dey Pose" (Afro-Dancehall)
- Benita Okojie - "Osemudiame" (Afro-Gospel)
- Blackky - "Bang Belly" (Afro- Dancehall)
- Chris Hanem - "Siyole" (Freestyle)
- Daddy Showkey - "Diana" (Ghetto)
- Daniel Wilson - "Mr Ragamuffin" (Afro-Dancehall)
- Esse Agesse - "Bendel Girl In Lagos" (Reggae-Pop)
- Etiene T. Boy - "Chop I Chop" (Fusion)
- Fellyx & Mozzyx - "Free" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- Lagbaja - "Rock Me Gentle" (Afro-Jazz)
- Orits Wiliki - "Heart Of Stone" (Afro-Reggae)
- Peterside Ottong - "Where Are The Prophets?" (Afro-Reggae)
- Plantashun Boiz - "Ememma" (Afro- Hip/Hop)
- Remedies - "Sakomo" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- Samsong - "Count Your Blessing" (Afro-Gospel)
- Segun Arinze - "Moonlite Dance" (Afro-Pop)
- Styl Plus - "Olufunmi" (Afro-RnB)
- Sunny Nneji - "Face Me" (Highlife)
- Tony One Week - "Gyration" (Fusion)
- T.W.O (Tunde & Wunmi Obe) - "The Way" (Afro-Gospel)
Nigerian music scene in the 1990s.
Nigerian Music Artistes from the 2000s
The 2000s brought a new wave of artists who continued to evolve Nigerian music. Here are some prominent figures:
- Anne Inyang - "Akanam Nkwe" (Afro-Gospel)
- Asa - "Fire On The Mountain" (Afro-Soul)
- Azadus - "Madam" (Afro-Dancehall)
- Banky W - "Yes/No" (Afro-R&B)
- Cobhams Asuquo - "Ordinary People" (R&B)
- D’Banj - "Do You Like D Coko" (Afro Hip-Hop)
- Di’Ja - "Awww" (Afro-Pop)
- Eedris Abdulkareem - "Jaga Jaga" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- Faze - "Kolomental" (Afro Hip-Hop)
- Folake Umosen - "Kosobabire" (Afro-Gospel)
- Ikechukwu - "My Name Is Ikechukwu" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- Infinity - "Olori Oko" (Afro-Gospel)
- Kefee - "Branama" (Afro-Gospel)
- Kenny St Brown - "Ayo" (Afro-Gospel)
- Kush - "Let's Live Together" (Afro-Pop)
- Lara George - "Through The Years" (Afro-Gospel)
- Mad Melon & Mountain Black - "Danfo Driver" (Afro-Reggae)
- M.I - "Number One" (Afro-Rap)
- Muma Gee - "Kade" (Afro-Pop)
- Naeto C - "10 over 10" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- Olu Maintain - "Yahooze" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- Paul I. K. Dairo - "Angel Of My Life" (Afro-Pop)
- P Square - "No One Like You" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- Seun Kuti - "Giant of Africa" (Afrobeat)
- Sound Sultan - "Motherland" (Freestyle)
- Timaya - "Timaya" (Reggae Fusion)
- Timi Dakolo - "Great Nation" (Afro-soul)
- Tony Tetuila - "E Go Better" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- TY Bello - "Green Land" (Afro-Pop)
- Weird MC - "Ijoya" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
- 2face Idibia - "African Queen" (Afro-Hip/Hop)
2face Idibia, a prominent artist from the 2000s.
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Emerging Talents in the 2020s
The Nigerian music industry has continued to evolve, with new talents emerging and making significant impacts. Here are some artists who gained recognition in the early 2020s:
- Bella Shmurda: Known for hits like "Vision 2020" and "Cash App," mirroring street realities through music.
- Ayra Starr: A new Mavin signee who quickly rose to fame with her eponymous EP and hit single "Away."
- Ruger: Unveiled by Jonzing World, with a developing presence behind the scenes.
- Zinoleesky: Signed to Marlian Music, known for "Ma Pariwo" and his debut project "Chrome Eccentric."
- Bad Boy Timz: Gained recognition through social media freestyles and his hit song "MJ."
- Dunnie: An artist and producer known for "Overdose" featuring Oxlade.
- Jamopyper: Signed to ZANKU Music, known for "If No Be You" featuring Mayorkun.
- CKay: Gained prominence with the remix of "Love Nwantiti" and joining Warner Music South Africa.
- Ajebo Hustlers: Launched into the mainstream with "Barawo," a conscious record about Nigerian struggles.
- Alpha P: Signed to Universal Music Nigeria, known for records like "Paloma" and "Vibe With Me."
Nigerian Artistes and Their Fanbases
In the Nigerian music industry, fanbases play a significant role. Many artists have specific names for their fan communities, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
Here's a list of some popular Nigerian artists and their fanbases, presented in alphabetical order:
- Asake - TERMINATORS
- Ayra Starr - MOBSTARRS
- Blaqbonez- BLAQFORCE
- Burna Boy - OUTSIDERS
- Davido - 30 BILLION GANG/30BG
- Fireboy - CITIZENS
- Kizz Daniel - VADDICTS
- Korede Bello - BELLOVERSPress
- Naira Marley - MARLIANS
- Odumodu Blvck - KATAKATA RANGERS
- Olamide - YBNL MAFIA
- Omah Lay - PURPLE GANG
- Reekado Banks - REEKADDICTS
- Rema - RAVERS
- Ruger - RU NATION
- Shallipopi - PLUTOMANIANS
- Simi - SIMI ARMY
- Smada - SALAMANDERS
- Tems - REBELS
- Tiwa Savage - SAVAGES
- Victony - OUTLAWS
- Wizkid - WIZKID FC
Wizkid FC, one of the most active fanbases in the world.
Which Artiste Has The Biggest Fanbase In Nigeria?
Wizkid, has the most engaged audience of any musician worldwide! According to a report Wizkid FC is the most active fanbase in the world. Wizkid FC is slightly years ahead of other international popular fanbases, such as Beyoncé’s “BEYHIVE”, Taylor Swift’s “SWIFTIES”, Nicki Minaj’s “BARBZ”, and Cardi B’s “BARDI GANG”.
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Top Nigerian Artists by Viberate Popularity
Here's a table showcasing the top Nigerian artists based on their Viberate popularity scores:
| Rank | Artist | Genre | Viberate Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davido | African | 6.3M |
| 2 | Burna Boy | African | 5.5M |
| 3 | Wizkid | African | 4.3M |
| 4 | Rema | African | 4.1M |
| 5 | Ayra Starr | African | 4M |
| 6 | Tems | R&B | 2.1M |
| 7 | Asake | African | 2M |
| 8 | Kizz Daniel | African | 2M |
| 9 | Omah Lay | African | 2M |
| 10 | Mr Eazi | African | 1.9M |
Greatest Female Nigerian Singers of All Time
Celebrating Women's History Month, here's a list of some of the greatest female Nigerian singers of all time:
- Onyeka Onwenu: Nicknamed the Elegant Stallion, she championed issues such as female sexuality and reproductive rights.
- Asa: Known for her classic debut album, she brought soul and folk to mainstream consciousness.
- Evi Edna Ogholi: A leading Reggae exponent who captured Nigeria with effective simplicity in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Christy Essien Igbokwe: Nigeria's Lady of Songs, she possessed a powerful voice and was a founding member of PMAN.
- Sinach: The powerhouse of Gospel music in Nigeria, known for her hit song 'Way Maker.'
- Tope Alabi: Expertly intersects Nollywood and Nigerian music with her spiritual soundtracks.
- Queen Salawa Abeni: A prodigy who became the most recognized voice of the 'waka' genre.
- Lijadu Sisters: Emerged at the cusp of the experimental 70s, pushing the envelope with their music.
- Yemi Alade: Nigeria's most prominent female export, known for her electric stage presence.
- Tiwa Savage: A torchbearer for a generation of women who want to live life according to their rules.
- Tems: An outlier who has broken the rules, with a soulful style that cuts across races.
- Simi: Crafted a career out of composing love anthems for your everyday girl.
- Omawumi: Comes with gravitas and strength, touching on themes such as identity and perseverance.
- Stella Monye: A delicate pop singer who laid her mark in the 1980s.
- Waje: Known for her vocal consistency and contributions to the R&B genre.
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