Nigeria is very present in and visible on the global music scene. While Afrobeats is currently dominating the global music scene, Nigerian rappers are also making a significant mark in the world of international hip-hop. The sound is thus created to form a powerful and bold amalgamation of their heritage into traditional rap styles. Let’s check out 6 Nigerian rappers breaking ground and stealing the spotlight with Naijassador.
1. Jidenna
Jidenna Theodore Mobisson better known by his stage name Jidenna, is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, green-lighting his way into the chamber of international hip-hop. The Wisconsin-bred, Nigeria-raised artist Jidenna combines American swagger with Afrobeats tendencies, further embodying his coined genre of “swank.” His profile rose with the hit single “Classic Man” which honed his conversational rapping and debonair charm into a top 40 Billboard Hot 100 record. Jidenna continues to display a form of rap that goes against the corniness of the genre and bridges cultural divides that most of the international rap game is slow on.
2. Skepta
Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., known by his stage name Skepta is a global artist. He is a Tottenham, England native of Nigerian parentage, Skepta, is considered a pioneer of grime music, a UK brand of rap music characterized by its high-tempo breakbeats and complex wordplay. He’s a critical fav, taking home the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2016 for his album “Konnichiwa.” Skepta’s music draws largely from his Nigerian heritage, his featured spots on tracks with Wizkid and other Afrobeats stars have blurred genre lines and opened up grime to a wider audience.
3. Tion Wayne
Tion Wayne born Dennis Junior Odunwo is a British-Nigerian rapper who was born in London to Nigerian parents. The British phenom is one of the hottest drills and grime artists out of the UK right now, having amassed millions of streams and scoring the #1 spot on the UK charts for “Body” with Russ Millions. He has also kept his roots in Nigeria, no long ago he shot a music video in Lagos. Tion Wayne is a prime example of the fusion of cultures that are going to be changing the landscape of music for the better.
4. Dax
If you listen to his music, one thing becomes obvious: Dax is a huge artist on the way up in the rap game. Originally from Canada, and of Nigerian descent and born Daniel Nwosu, his music combines a hard-hitting flow with intricate wordplay. Through his lyrics, Globet tackles social issues and mental health awareness, earning a following among his youthful fan base. Making a name for himself with freestyle videos between then and now, Dax has collaborated with several big-name artists and built a huge online following. With this incomparable style and his unifying expression, he can only go from strength to strength and surely will.
5. Rotimi
Born Olurotimi Akinosho, Rotimi already has a hit for real in the global music scene. Hailing from New Jersey, Rotimi remains true to his roots with African influences and fuses them with modern beats. Hits like “In My Bed” featuring Wale turned heads, and his work on shows like Power also sent him further into the stratosphere. Rotimi is a genre-blending talent that crosses over between Afrobeats and American R&B and is shining brightly for what he can accomplish in the future.
6. Wale
Although born to Nigerian parents as Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, Wale is still an American rapper as he was born in D.C. His heritage plays a big part in his sound though. He fuses old-school hip-hop and refreshing Afrobeat melodies to birth an uncommon mixture. He may not have the clout of some of these on this list worldwide, but Wale is making a nice lane for himself in the US alongside Rick Ross and opening on many national stages. Wale His rhymes are infectious in the US, and he is lifting the growing Afrobeats arena by always shouting out his Nigerian roots.
Conclusion
This list is just a glimpse into the wealth of talent emerging from the Nigerian diaspora. These rappers are pushing boundaries, experimenting with sound, and using their platforms to share their stories. One thing is certain: Nigerian rappers are a force to be reckoned with in the global hip-hop scene, and their influence is only going to grow stronger.
Written by Sarah Aboje
