Some days ago, Livintainment published this list on its website. It surprised me though because I never knew some of these musicians are Nigerians. Check it out:
Nigeria's Most Popular Musicians...
11. Dbanj:
The Kokomaster, as he is known, is one of Nigeria’s most successful
and richest musicians. His journey to startdom stardom started with the
single “” which he released in … with the help of long-time associate,
Don Jazzy. It wasn’t long before the song became an anthem of sorts
throughout the country, He followed this up with other successful
tracks, most of which he recorded along with other artistes of the MO
Hits Allstars. The peak of his career so far probably came with the
release of the song “Oliver Twist” which featured Kanye West in 2012.
10. Nneka
Nneka Lucia Egbuna is one of the most popular Africans residing in
Germany. Her father is from Anambra State in Nigeria, while her mother
is a German. She and her family migrated to Germany when she was 18 to
enable her study abroad and develop her budding musical skills. She has
released songs that have been received positively by music critics the
world over.
9. Asa
The France-based songstress is one of Nigeria’s most recognizable
musical exports. She was born to Nigerian parents in Paris, but began
her musical career back home in Nigeria following the influence of
indigenous African musicians like Angelique Kidjo and soul musicians
like Marvin Gay and Erykah Badu.
8. TuFace
He was the first Nigerian act to hit the limelight at the
international level in the 21st century following the release of his
major hit track, African Queen. He was born in Jos, Plateau State to
Idoma parents. He dropped out from the Institute of Management and
Technology, IMT Enugu, to pursue a career in music. It was a move that
would turn out to be a wise decision as he catapulted himself
to the apex of the Nigerian music industry.
7. Psquare
They are the most popular music acts based in Nigeria. The duo,
composed of twins Peter and Paul Okoye, and managed by elder brother
Jude “Engees” Okoye, are household names in Nigeria. They are signed to
Akon’s Konvict Music as well as their own record label, Square Records.
Their major inspiration was the late music icon, Michael Jackson, whom
they mimicked in their days of humble beginnings. Today they are one of
the most marketable faces in the Nigerian entertainment industry,
banking on their fame in Nigeria and their immense popularity in East
and Southern Africa.
6. Sade Adu
Folashade Helen Adu is a Nigerian-British soul musician, born in
Ibadan and tutored in England. She achieved worldwide fame and acclaim
in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the multi-platinum selling group,
Sade, which was named after her. She is the first Nigerian to win a
Grammy award, a feat she achieved in 1986 with her band, Sade. Sade has
sold more than 40 million units till date.5. Chamillionaire
The controversial Grammy Award-winning rapper was born Hakeem Seriki
in Washington DC to a Muslim father and a Christian mother, both of
Nigerian extraction. At a very age, the family relocated to a rough
neighbourhood in Houston, Texas. It was a move that would go on to shape
the rest of his life. While in Houston, he was influenced by hardcore
acts such as The Geto Boys and Public Enemy. His first solo album, The
Sound of Revenge, peaked at number 10 in the Billboard 200 US chart
following its release in November 2005. He is best known for his 2007
Grammy Award-winning rap single, “Ridin’”, which featured Krayzie Bone
of the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony fame.
4. Wale
Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, popularly known by his stage name Wale
(Wah-lay), is an American rapper best known for his single “Pretty
Girls”. He has rubbed shoulders with the very best in the American music
industry including the likes of Lady Gaga, Wiz Khalifa and Pharrell
Williams. He has two BET awards in his kitty.
3. Seal
Henry Olusegun
Olumide“Seal” Adeola Samuel is perhaps more famous for his long time
relationship with supermodel Heidi Klum than for the music he makes. But that
does not belittle his musical credentials in any way. So far, he has four
Grammy awards to his name, as well as making numerous hit singles that ended up
at number 1 in various charts around the world.
In 1994 he
recorded the Batman Forever theme song, “Kiss from a Rose” which remains his
greatest hit till date. The song went on to win three awards at the 1996 Grammy
Awards, including the Song of the Year. His 7-year marriage to German model,
Heidi Klum, was the toast of the paparazzi as they were trailed everywhere they
went and everything they did ended up on the pages of tabloids and celebrity
magazines. The relationship which produced 3 beautiful children ended in 2012.
He has sold more than 20 million albums in his career.
2. Taio Cruz
With 11 million likes on his Facebook fan page and over 2 million
followers on Twitter, he is the most popular celebrity of Nigerian
extraction as far as the social media goes. Two of his songs (“Break
Your Heart” and “Dynamite”) have peaked at number one at the US
Billboard Singles Chart. Associated acts include Travie Mccoy, Ludacris,
Pitbull and DJ David Guetta. He also performed along with Tinie Tempah
and Jessie J at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
It was later revealed that he was actually actually the one billed to
record the single “Umbrella” before missing out to R&B superstar,
Rihanna.
1. Tinie Tempah
He has collaborated with the best of the best
in the music world including Rihanna, Rita Ora, Eric Turner, the defunct
Swedish House Mafia, J Cole and Snoop Dogg. His most popular track till date,
“Written in the Stars”, was the official theme song for WWE’s Wrestlemania 27 and
it was also used to usher in the New York Giants for Super Bowl 46. He has
performed at various top events in the world including the closing ceremony of
the 2012 London Olympics where he performed “Written in the Stars”. The
performance was watched by an estimated global television audience of 750
million.
Never knew some of these guys were Nigerians. Good to know we have stars to call ours. Weldone guys.
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