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  • 2023 was a good year for Nigerian music. The “old cats” continued on their streak of global ascension; the new cats made their marks in uncharted territories. And there’s been a surplus amount of bragging rights for fans all round.

    As the year winds down, we highlight the important milestones that pushed the “afrobeats to the world” agenda in 2023.

    Tems’ Oscar nomination

    14 Events that Shot Afrobeats to the Stars in 2023

    On January 25, Tems became the first Nigerian artist to be nominated for an Academy Award AKA the Oscars. She was nominated alongside Rihanna for her work on “Lift Me Up”, an original soundtrack for Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

    Tems’ Grammy win

    On February 5, 2023, the hitmaker made history again as the first female afrobeats artist to win a Grammy award. Tems bagged the iconic award for her performance in Future’s “Wait For U”. She won Best Melodic Rap Performance alongside Future and Drake.

    Burna Boy, Tems and Rema’s NBA Halftime Show

    On February 19, 2023, the trio performed at the American National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star halftime show in Salt Lake City, Utah, making them the first Nigerians to grace the stage. Burna took the stage first, performing “It’s Plenty”, “Alone” and “Last Last”. Rema came next performing “Calm Down” and “Holiday”, and Tems rounded up the show with a medley of “Crazy Tings”, “Free Mind”, “Essence” and “Higher”.

    Davido releases “Timeless”

    After taking a hiatus in 2022, OBO released his fourth studio album, “Timeless”, on March 31, 2023. The album broke multiple first-day and week records across major streaming platforms.

    Tiwa Savage performs at King Charles III Coronation 

    On May 6, 2023, African Bad Gyal Tiwa made Nigerians proud as she became our country’s first artist to perform at the coronation of a British monarch. Tiwa performed “Keys to the Kingdom” at King Charles’ coronation.

    Burna Boy sells out London Stadium

    On June 3, 2023, Burna Boy made history as the first African artist to headline a stadium concert in the UK. 60,000 fans turned up to watch the African Giant perform at the popular London Stadium.

    Grammy introduces Best African Music Performance category 

    On June 13, 2023, the American Recording Academy officially announced the inclusion of a Best African Music Performance category to recognise and celebrate the best talents on the continent. The category will cover but is not limited to “Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alté, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop and Ethio Jazz genres.”

    Burna Boy sells out Citi Field Stadium 

    On July 8, 2023, Odogwu gave his fans even more bragging rights after he sold out the 41,000-capacity Citi Field Stadium in NYC, USA.

    Wizkid receives BRIT Billion Award

    14 Events that Shot Afrobeats to the Stars in 2023

    On July 31, 2023, Wizkid became the first African artist to receive the esteemed BRIT Billion Award. The award is a special recognition from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) to artists who achieve over one billion digital streams in the UK.

    MTV VMAs adds Best Afrobeats category 

    On August 8, 2023, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) announced a new category for afrobeats songs. The category, Best Afrobeats, had Rema, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido and Libianca as first-time nominees. 

    Rema’s “Calm Down” remix hits 1 billion Spotify streams

    On September 10, 2023, the rave lord made history after his “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez reached a billion streams on digital streaming platform, Spotify. Rema became the first African artist to hit the milestone.

    Rema wins first Afrobeats MTV VMA 

    On September 13, 2023, Rema and Selena Gomez became the first winners of the MTV VMAs newly introduced category, Best Afrobeats. The duo won for their hit collaboration, “Calm Down” remix. 

    Davido breaks record with ₦100 million “Feel” video

    After months of anticipation, Davido released the official music video for “Feel”, a hit song off his “Timeless” album, on October 3, 2023. The music video was directed by TG Omori and is the first Afrobeats music video to be shot with a ₦100 million budget. 

    Rema performs at Ballon D’or

    On Monday, October 30, 2023, Rema, became the first African artist to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony. He performed his hit song, “Calm Down”, at the ceremony in Paris, France.

    Speaking of records and milestones, you’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered, fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Get your Burning Ram ticket here.

  • Such fun times when we shook our bodies and broke our backs to 4/4 beats.

    Do you know that since these afrobeats jams came out, you’ve grown ten years older?

    Jaiye Jaiye

    This Sarz-produced song by Wizkid expressed the artist’s aspiration to do exploits and give his parents the fruits of their labour. Wiz featured the legend, Femi Kuti, who delivered the saxophone sounds that make the song extra memorable.

    Sho Lee

    Back then, when you heard “D’Tunes again o”, you were sure a banger was about to play. In 2013, Sean Tizzle broke into the mainstream with the D’Tunes-produced Sho Lee. And anytime the song came up, your shoulders would anticipate the chorus, “sho le?” — are you a real baddie or an audio one? — so you could lift them up and down in response. 

    Durosoke

    Olamide hasn’t gone a year without dropping a hit song — or three — in his music career. 2013 was no exception. Durosoke was blasting on the radio, in the clubs, barbing saloons, and we could all recite the lyrics. From the beat to the flow and delivery, you can tell Baddo was in a playful mood and that transferred well to listeners. It’s always fun when we sing it out loud and throw our hands in the air.

    Gobe

    At a time when using songwriters or purchasing someone else’s demo was almost unheard of in afrobeats, Davido released Gobe, which was written and produced by an artist called Password. It turned out to be a smash hit. Those who were in love when it came out should be happily married with two kids by now. Even the artist is now a family man. But as for the rest of us, we’re holding out for the wise lyrics of this song to come to pass: “Good comes to those who wait”.

    Kokose

    Sound Sultan and Wizkid combined forces and took over dancing floors when they dropped this banger. Kokose commands your body to move and throws your booty in serious whine, urging you to “fidi jo” like 21 times in the chorus.

    Beat of Life (Samba)

    This song has one of the craziest beats in the last decade of afrobeats. Wizkid asks his love interest to be with him and gleefully boasts that he’s “Mr. Give You Everything You Need” before asking for a dance. This is another proof that Sarz and Wiz don’t miss. Ever.

    Caro

    Wizkid had just launched his label, Starboy Entertainment, when Caro came out and became a dancefloor darling. The song featured Wiz’s longtime affiliate, LAX, on a verse.

    Sexy Mama

    Iyanya had us in a chokehold with his bangers, Flavour, Your Waist and Sexy Mama. No other artist could fit best as a guest on Sexy Mama than Wizkid, who took the catchy chorus. Sexy Mama was for all the sexy babes, and they never waste time before shaking to the thumping tempo once it comes up.

    The Matter

    Maleek Berry featured Starboy on this bouncy vibe that introduced Berry, who was based in London, to a larger audience in Nigeria. We all sang along as Wiz affirmed that “20 man shall fall that day if you cross my lane o, eh.” We can all agree that Wizkid owned 2013. From solo songs to collaborations and label releases, he ATE.

    The Kick

    When you hear The Kick, you’ll shout “One by one, two by two, on the line, line.” “Infectious” and “memorable” are the only appropriate descriptors for this track. Don Jazzy produced and opened the song introducing Wande Coal’s Black Diamond label, then left WC to give us one of his best performances ever.

    Gat Me High

    This is the third track off May D’s first album, Chapter One. In the early 2010s, he was signed to Square Records, a label owned by veteran duo, P-Square. In that period, which can be considered as May D’s peak, we witnessed him deliver impressive cuts like Ile Ijo, Soundtrack and Gat Me High, one of the biggest songs of 2013. Anytime it played, it’s a must to scream “as a sure boy” to show our sability. A jam.

    Tonight

    Burna Boy has been that guy before all the Grammys and sold-out shows. He released Tonight in 2013, under Aristokrat Records, to the delight of an audience that quickly recognised his genius. The smooth blend of English, Yoruba and Igbo over LeriQ’s lush production was pure perfection.

    ATTENTION: Catch the crazy dating stories of our 40+ anonymous writer, once a month from Sunday, June 11, 2023.

  • Are you a newbie looking to become a star in the Nigerian music scene? We have a guide to help you navigate the industry.

    Always throw salutes

    Be humble. As you climb from grass to grace, make sure you’re giving Nigerians double tuale with a sprinkle of no shaking to remind them they don’t have to worry about you switching up one day and start acting bougie. You’re a man of the people. Learn from 2Baba, kill your haters with one love.

    2Baba

    Be free-spirited

    Next step is to surround yourself with like 30 people, eat together from the same plate and sleep on the same bed. Also, pay people’s house rent. Make sure to link up and collaborate with other acts. If not, they’ll talk and talk till you vex and tell them to fem.

    Zikoko Memes

    Say no to being underrated

    What you won’t accept when you blow, don’t allow now that you’re still begging people to listen to your music, i.e., don’t allow your name to be written in small fonts. If the show promoters refuse, drag them on social media. Nothing do you.

    Zikoko Memes

    Look the part

    Start saving for your Cuban link, Rolex, designer earrings and clothes now. They’re important accessories. Or do you want to be addressed like you’re hustling for a selfie with stars?

    Zikoko Memes

    Be controversial

    Your method of controversy is up to you. But when we see you from afar, we should always smell the scent of wahala wahala. If not, out of sight is out of mind. 

    Zikoko Memes

    Have money, dear

    Or be a trust fund baby. Blowing up isn’t beans.

    Zikoko Memes

    Or have a sob story

    Do you remember the times you trekked to school without shoes or slippers? Or  when you had no soup to eat your eba? Remind us all the time, before people mistake you for a trust fund kid.

    Zikoko Memes

    Fake your death

    If you’re serious about being famous and all other means have failed, this can be a last resort. You can also fake your own kidnapping and plaster #FreeKinikan with your face around your city and social media.

    Zikoko Memes

    Arrive late to every show

    Keep the people that bought tickets to watch you waiting for a few hours. Let them anticipate your presence. When you get on stage, blame the bad sound system. You’re in Nigeria, people’ll eat it up. That’s how stars do.

    Zikoko Memes

    Use streaming farm

    If you want to be an Apple Music or Spotify top charter and celebrate three billion streams when next you drop a single, pay the machines to become the most streamed Nigerian artist. Like play, you might even be on Billboard.

    Zikoko Memes

    READ: We Wondered Where These Nigerian Artists Are, So We Went Digging

  • Do you really deserve enjoyment?


  • Conversations about women in music don’t happen as often as they should, even though most of these women have proven they’re just as qualified as their male counterparts.

    Just like the recording artistes pool, the DJ scene is dominated by men. Female DJs are not represented nearly enough. In relevance to their representation, here are seven female DJs who should be rocking your events.

    Sensei Lo

    One of the DJs and producers at the forefront of the House/EDM scene in Lagos and West Africa. The Nigerian-born Ghanaian started her career in 2014 as a resident DJ at Black Lounge Elegushi, before she began playing at local and international events such as Chale Wote Art Festival Accra from 2016 to 2018, BBC, Glastonbury Festival 2020, etc. She’s responsible for the DJ mix of “Insecure” on Chike’s “Dance of the Booless” EP. She’s currently the resident DJ at Oroko Radio.

    DJ Yin

    Although she’s been around before the mainstream began catching up to her craft, getting on records and singing with popular Alté acts artistes like Cruel Santino, Tay Iwar, BankyOnDBeatz, etc. Prior to her training under the tutelage of legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt, she had learned from her dad and uncle who used to be DJs. In 2021, as the first black female, DJ Yin broke a Guinness World Record and set a new one as the longest-playing DJ after a 243 hours and 11 minutes music set. DJ Yin is currently mashing up the place in Dakar, serving them black girl magic.

    READ: The Best Nigerian Songs to Listen to When That Credit Alert Hits

    DJ Ayizan

    London-born Nigerian DJ, Ayizan, came back to the motherland specifically for her NYSC programme three years ago. Constantly pushing against the stigma of being a woman in Nigeria, especially in the music industry; Aziyan keeps growing her fanbase and performing in set dancefloors on fire both in Nigeria and London. She’s the creator of “Mental Jukebox”and radio host at Dropslive FM in London.

    Handi and Wanni

    The identical twin female DJs and performers based in Lagos, Handi and Wanni used to be TV presenters and anchors at Linda Ikeji TV. In 2016, they were in the top four of the MTV VJ Search Party. Handi and Wanni are known for their energetic performances; they leave their DJ booth and drop moves on stage as we saw at the Spotify party last Saturday.

    DJ Juba

    Juba has built a solid brand for herself across Europe as a genre-hopping DJ. She’s the founder of Boko! Boko! is a DJ collective created to support female DJs and encourage them to get behind the deck. 2021, Juba did the documentary Assurance which explored the experiences of female DJs in Nigeria.  She’s one of the DJs taking African and African diasporic sounds around the world.

    Heyy! HERtitude is tomorrow. Join all the hot babes. But buy your ticket first if you haven’t.

    DJ Nana

    Her first encounter with the limelight was at the first edition of the Airtel/Barcadi Cool FM competition hosted for budding DJs. After she won the competition, she took time to learn under DJ Jimmy Jatt at Jimmy Jatt Incorporation. DJ Nana, who mainly slams Afrobeats jams, has performed at several events and shows, and is currently the official DJ at Naija 102.7 FM.

    DJ Switch

    She got the public’s attention after her unforgettable performance at a Saturday party for the 2020 edition of Big Brother Naija. That same year, everything changed for her after she transmitted live footage of the shootings from Lekki Toll Gate during the End SARS protest. DJ Switch is a world-class DJ with great transitioning skills and incredible ears for sounds.

    DJ TGarbs

    She commands attention whenever she plays a set. DJ TGarbs is one of the top female DJs regularly spinning and shutting down parties across the country. She’s currently Fireboy DML’s DJ and an ambassador for Audiomack Africa and Chivas Regal Nigeria.

  • No one gives us as much drama as Nigerian artistes and university lecturers. But what would it be like if they switched places and your favourite artists became university lecturers?

    Wizkid

    TThe dean of the faculty. You only get to see him him once in a while, and when you do, he won’t stop raving about how he taught your favourite lecturers when they were in school.

    Image credit: Premium Times

    Burna Boy

    If you’re an olodo, just avoid his class. If you must attend, you better not sit in front. Just make sure you study the course months in advance first. Because if he calls on you and you can’t answer, he’ll return your school fees and send you away.

    Image credit: PM News

    Teni 

    The former student activist who got tired of shouting “Solidarity forever!” all the time. Now, she just wants to collect her salary and be left alone.

    Image credit: Vogue

    Asake

    You’re not actually sure if he’s a lecturer or a student disguising because he gets along with everybody, and his classes are always full. He’ll probably charge you money to attend sha. Nothing concerns him with your school fees.

    Image credit: The Guardian

    Tiwa Savage

    You can tell she’s not living on her lecturer salary because she’s so unbothered. In fact, she’ll probably just be waiting for the next strike to happen so she can go on another vacation.

    Image credit: Glamour South Africa

    Simi

    She’s simply everyone’s sweetheart, lecturers and students alike. Her only problem is that we don’t get to see enough of her.

    Image credit: TrendyBeatz

    Davido

    He gives off student union president vibes. The kind you can rely on to show up when students need to fight the school authorities.

    Image credit: The Guardian

    Fireboy

    He’s the oversabi professor who’ll ask you what he didn’t teach you in an exam.

    Image credit: Billboard

    CKay

    He won a huge award decades ago and still scores points for it even though nobody attends his class anymore.

    Image credit: BellaNaija

    QUIZ: Which Nigerian Artist Is Your Alter Ego?

  • You can’t stan portable and not have small agbero talent in you. Tell us your favourite celeb and we’ll guess the right career for you.

    Coming to you next week

  • Have you ever wondered which Nigerian artist has your personality? Take this quiz and we’ll tell you who your alter ego is.

  • Are you really a fan of Nigerian music if you don’t know the first song these artistes released? Take this quiz and prove yourself.

  • 2021 was indeed a very eventful year. In the spirit of remembering how this year was, let’s tell you which 2021 Nigerian album you are.

    Take the quiz: