Nigeria’s music scene has exploded in recent years, with Afrobeats becoming a global phenomenon. Here, we celebrate six Nigerian musicians who have broken barriers and garnered international recognition through their talent and creativity.
1. Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu)
Burna Boy known as the ‘African Giant’ as he calls himself is indeed a force to reckon with in the music industry. His accolades include a Grammy win for Best Global Music Album (2021) as well as several BET Awards nominations with one win in 2019 for Best International Act. His infectious mix of Afrobeats and dancehall has helped him amass a huge international following.
2. Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun)
When it comes to Nigerian music entertainment, one of the faces synonymous with phenomenally blending sounds is Wizkid. He is also regarded as a pioneer in creating modern Afrobeats sound has long been warming hearts and captivating audiences. He holds the record for the most BET Award nominations by an African artist, with a win for Best International Act: Africa in 2012. His collaboration with Beyonce on “Brown Skin Girl” earned him a Grammy win for Best Music Video in 2021, further solidifying his international acclaim.
3. 2Baba (2face Idibia)
2Baba is a legend of the Nigerian music industry and has been around for years. While his haul of international awards might not be as big as others on this list, his Best African Act win at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards was a breakthrough moment for Nigerian music. He is one such artist who has served as an inspiration for many struggling musicians in the industry.
4. Yemi Alade (Yemi Eberechi Alade)
Nigerian music queen, Yemi Alade, is a powerhouse vocalist and performer known for her energetic stage presence and blend of Afrobeats, pop, and highlife. While she hasn’t secured any major Grammy nominations yet, her international recognition is undeniable. She has won numerous awards across Africa and Europe and collaborated with international artists like Beyoncé and Coldplay.
5. Femi Kuti
The son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Femi has carried the torch with pride. Though not strictly Afrobeats, his music’s political and social commentary has resonated with audiences worldwide. He has garnered numerous Grammy nominations in the Best World Music Album category, most recently for his album “Legacy +” with his son Made Kuti in 2022.
6. Davido (David Adedeji Adeleke)
A global powerhouse, Davido is celebrated for his melodic style and energetic live shows which often hypnotize audiences worldwide. He may have a mainstream pop focus in the Afrobeats space, but his international appeal cannot be denied. He has also picked up a handful of awards in Africa and Europe, as well as features with international acts like Chris Brown & Quavo.
Conclusion
These six artists represent just a fraction of the incredible talent emerging from Nigeria. Their dedication to their craft and innovative sounds have not only captivated audiences worldwide but also opened doors for future generations of Nigerian musicians to take Afrobeats even further on the global stage.
Written by Sarah Aboje
