It’s now casual doings for afrobeats to break or set one or two records daily. And performing at the biggest sport events in the world is just part of it. We compile all the times our music has been on these iconic stages.
Several CAF Awards
This organisation is obviously a huge fan of afrobeats. Everyone from Yemi Alade and Korede Bello (2016) to Wizkid (2017) and Tiwa Savage (2017 and 2022) have graced that stage. And it’s hard to forget Flavour’s 2016 performance with the cultural dancers and masquerade.
2022 World Cup final
Two major historical things happened at this huge event. France became the first team to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final and lose. And it was the first time the competition would put out a theme song collection, featuring different international artists. Davido was one of them, making him the first Nigerian musician to perform on a FIFA World Cup stage, joining Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour and Benin Republic’s Angelique Kidjo.
2022 World Tennis League commencement ceremony
On the 20th of December, 2022, Wizkid made history as the first and only afrobeats artist to perform at the league’s commencement ceremony, alongside Ne-Yo and Armin van Buuren. At the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Wiz entertained the multicultural audience with hit songs like Azonto, Fever, Soco and Mood.
It was a three-peat moment for afrobeats at the 72nd All-Stars halftime show, as Tems, Burna Boy and Rema gave the U.S. basketball audience a taste of African rhythm and sounds. Burna performed Anybody and It’s Plenty, Rema followed with Calm Down and Holiday, ushering in Tems to close the performance with Crazy Things, Free Mind and her verses from Wizkid’s Essence and Future’s Wait For U. Nigerian music went from playing on NBA stars’ Instagram stories to featuring live on their game court.
2022/2023 Champions League final
After Burna sold out a stadium in London, it’s well-deserved that he’d headline the UEFA Champions League’s opening ceremony of the final game. The world’s greatest football club competition, hosted Burna Boy in Istanbul, where he performed a medley of It’s Plenty and Last Last and gave further proof that he’s one of afrobeats’ greatest performers.
The world’s biggest streetball tournament finally made its return after the 2020 pandemic in July 2022. And Yemi Alade, 1da Banton, Fally Ipupa and DaBaby were invited to Paris to give some electrifying performances. While Yemi Alade’s music isn’t new to French-speaking communities, the crowd didn’t spare Ida Banton’s music any excitement.
2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN)
https://youtu.be/BmO1B7bATSg
The afrobeats movement took centre stage at CHAN’s closing ceremony, as CKay took the gospel of Love Nwantiti and Emiliano to over 40,000 people. They turned the sad romance tunes into a rave at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers. Seeing as artists like CKay and Burna Boy are gracing major stages, there may be benefits to eating breakfast after all.
The world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand partnered with Grammy award-winning producer Sarz to celebrate his musical journey in the Nigerian music scene. And when Johnnie Walker is in your system, and Sarz’s sound mix is setting the mood, you know you’re about to have a good time.
In honour of the collaboration and celebration of the Nigerian creative industry’s progress, we look at how Sarz is contributing to and inspiring new sounds coming out of Africa.
If you’re an afrobeats enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the producer tag “beat by Sarz”, “Sarz on the beat”, and more recently, “Really”. Born Osabuohien Osaretin, Sarz is a music producer and DJ who’s been killing it in the music industry for more than ten years.
Since he made his first hit, Jahbless’s Joor Oh remix in 2010, Sarz has been ahead of many others. Known for his unique approach to production, he’s carved out his niche, and it has placed him high on the list of seasoned producers from Nigeria. Sarz has produced for global artists like Beyoncé, Drake, Chris Brown and Skepta.
And out of a zeal to help budding producers and songwriters, he officially established the Sarz Academy (in partnership with YouTube) in 2015. Over 500 creatives have passed through the academy so far. Through it, he’s mentored popular names like D-Tunes, Jay Pizzle, Kel-P, Legendury Beatz, P.Priime, Dunni, Tempoe, who’ve gone on to be huge successes.
In 2019, Sarz made a very bold statement with his first solo body of work, Sarz Is Not Your Mate, an instrumentals-only project to remind his colleagues and the public that he has no match. The same year, he performed his first major DJ set at Gidifest. In 2020, Sarz set himself apart further when he put out his debut sound packs of numerous drum kits, Afrobeats loops, FX, textures, guitar rhythms, for producers to sample and loop on Splice.
His dedication and adventurous spirit has edged him forward to be the partner and focus of Johnnie Walker’s 2023 “Walkers Mix” event. Attended by popular musicians, media personalities such as Reminisce, Wurld, Vee (former BBNaija housemate).
The party became more interesting with games and fun activities like Jenga and painting, shots, cocktails and spin on Sarz’s exclusive beats.
In the spirit of camaraderie, we bask in the brilliance of remarkable talents that mold our world, like an enchanting symphony, resonating with every heartbeat. Raise your glasses high and toast to the brilliant partnership between Johnnie Walker and Sarz, the masterminds behind indelible memories, alongside the boundless creative community that ignites our collective inspiration!
We agree not everyone can dance to save their lives, but at least, they can avoid dancefloor embarrassments and still shine with these tricks.
Spray money
Nobody cares about how you’re moving to music when you start throwing money on the dance floor like Obi Cubana. Matter of fact, make sure you do it when Billionaire Onye Ji Cash starts playing.
Source: Gifer
Do the auntie dance
You can’t fail with a little two-step dance. Put some back into it for a little razzle dazzle. Whether it’s Wizkid, Yemi Alade or Asake, you can two-step into anything.
Source: Zikoko Memes
Throw up gang signs
Gun fingers or peace signs, just throw your hands and fingers in the air like you don’t care. Isn’t that the spirit of a true party?
Source: Meme Finder
Move like you’re in a music video
Imagine you’re the main character of the last music video you saw and act like it. People won’t see fraud, they’ll see passion. For starters, study how Tiwa Savage, Davido and Rema perform in their music videos.
A real screamer knows they’re the true life of any dance floor. They have the most vim to raise the energy of the room when it’s low. But don’t forget the rule of thumb: know the song lyrics.
Source: Zikoko Memes
Or continue dancing rubbish
Why should your ability stop you from dancing? Rubbish today, nonsense tomorrow, and you may eventually shaku shaku. Practice makes perfect.
Source: Zikoko Memes
Watch others
Just sit down and pretend you’re from Wakanda. In your quietness, you’ll learn from watching others. There’s no need to stress yourself. Your time will come.
Source: Zikoko Memes
Tell the DJ to turn off the music
No dance, no embarrassment. But they’ll beat you sha.
About nine months ago, Asake solidified his fresh and unique sound with his debut album Mr. Money With the Vibes — an album that went on to influence the current soundscape of the industry with log drums and choral backups. Back with a taste for paintings, Asake is set to take us on artistic vibrations with his new album, Work of Art.
Prior to his debut album, Asake first made a colourful splash on the scene with his EP Ololade Asake, which took Nigerians straight to the dance floors. Carefully fusing Afropop with styles that slowly creep into Fuji and Apala, Asake sang about having money, a good time and being streetwise. With MMWTV, Asake became the biggest breakout star Nigeria has ever seen with the biggest album of the year and the most streams for an artist, culminating in a recent BET award nomination. It’s Asake’s world and the rest of us are just paying rent and agency fees.
In the buildup to his latest, Work of Art, Asake released three songs, Yoga, 2:30 and Amapiano, and they were all number one singles on Official Nigeria Top 100. In all this, Asake hasn’t strayed from the fast life narrative. But while we enjoy the omo jaiye jaiye persona, the important question is: will it keep fans to their feet like it did nearly ten months ago?
The Breakdown
Asake opens the album with a mouth full of gratitude to God who translates to Olorun (the opening track title) in Yoruba. On this record, he recalls his life’s journey, the hard times and his meteoric rise. The introspective track is followed by the indulgent Awodi in which he continues the story of his successes and turns Pasuma’s name into wordplay. Early single, 2:30 comes after and it fits in seamlessly, picking up the pace of his Amapiano-inspired direction. Asake asks what the probability of anyone catching up to him is, or if they have the agility to even move.
On Sunshine, Ololade Asake becomes more flexible. The song is a shift from his usual pattern (stripped down beat, minimal horns, whistle and choral backups), but still manages to deliver a light-hearted message of motivation.
Maintaining a similar direction to Sunshine production-wise, Asake shifts gears to Mogbe which finds Olamide’s protégé in top form, with infectious lyrics about having a good time. Basquiat, the sixth track named after the famous American painter, Jean Micheal-Basquiat finds Asake in his artistic bag, comparing himself to a priceless work of art. After the year that was 2022, Asake’s worth on the music scene fully reflects his position on this track. The Olamide-assisted Amapiano enters next to subtly remind us of their exotic lifestyles and the overall sound the album sets to achieve.
The party continues with What’s Up My G and I Believe, songs complete with log drums, drawn out storytelling and braggadocious lyrics meant to assert his dominance. At this point, it’s clear the plan is to keep us dancing— he reminded us again on Introduction that he’s Mr. Money with a sprinkle of no food for a lazy man.
Asake admonishes his lover to “give it to him” while flexing his big vocabulary muscles on Remember. Lonely At the Top follows and switches up the ambience, now in a more solemn but groovy mood; Asake shows some vulnerability and preaches self-love. We’re with him on this.
Mr. Money’s fun isn’t stopping anytime. He flexes on Great Guy about catching flights, wearing the finest satin, and being in his woman’s bosom. The song ends with a popular Michel Legris’ Mo Capitane sample, ushering us into the trance-like closing track, Yoga, where he accepts the burdens of success, warns detractors and vibe killers.
Final thoughts
Asake has never shied away from being heavy on vibes and melodies. He heavily taps in feel-good grooves and since Amapiano is still a darling out here, it works in his favour.
Though the hooks and choruses are infectious, the album sounds like he’s using the same beat for the 100th time sometimes. Asake paces himself on Work of Art and triumphantly soaks in the momentum.
The ability to make cohesive albums with great replay value takes immense talent and skills.
Some Nigerian artists have made conceptual albums that have resulted in series and volumes. In this article, Zikoko highlights seven Nigerian music albums that feel and sound like a continuous story.
Clone Wars Vol. 1 – 5 — Show Dem Camp
In 2010, Show Dem Camp dropped the first Clone Wars: their Hip-Hop series that explores the Nigerian political landscape, mental health and toxic masculinity. Clone Wars I was fueled by braggadocious bars and fierceness that could be heard in their voices. The second volume (Clone Wars II: The Subsidy) came out in 2012; inspired by the subsidy removal protest during former president Goodluck Jonathan’s regime. In 2016, “Clone Wars III: The Recession” came out during the start of the recession of Muhammadu Buhari’s government. The fourth volume, “Clone Wars IV: These Buhari Times”, also inspired by the former president’s era, dropped in 2019. Then the fifth installment is called “Clone Wars V: The Algorhythm” — inspired by the aftermath of the 2020 pandemic lockdown.
Palmwine Music Vol. 1 – 3 — Show Dem Camp
Since they perfected their palmwine music formula on their 2013 single, Feel Alright (featuring BOJ), it’s been an overflowing tap of grooviness, Lagos romance tales, and showcasing the talent of younger generation artists. The first volume came out in 2017 and featured frequent collaborators like BOJ, Ladipoe, Ajebutter22. In 2018, they followed with volume two, featuring Burna Boy, Worlasi (from Ghana), Lady Donli, etc. Completing a musical series of Nigerian love and Lagos nightlife stories. Show Dem Camp released the most recent installment of the series in 2022 to critical acclaim and it boasts of guest artists like Oxlade, WurlD, Tay Iwar, etc.
Make E No Cause Fight Vol. 1 & 2 — BOJ & Ajebutter22
These two artists have been collaborating since 2012, after they did on the popular song, Omo Pastor. It wasn’t news to their avid listeners when they announced their joint EP, but it was a transcendent experience after it dropped in 2018. With productions from Ekelly, Spax and Studio Magic, they explored topics of sex, love and living a soft life. The second volume came out in 2019, this time with Falz in the mix. On Make E No Cause Fight 2, they brag about their baller status and Lagos rendezvous.
Illegal Music 1 – 3 — M.I Abaga
M.I’s 2009 Illegal Music is the poster project for the consecutive series. M.I rapped on uncleared instrumentals that sampled popular records made by other artists. He knew he did something crazy and he had continue the series. Illegal Music 2 came out in 2012 and unarguably became one of the best Nigerian Hip-Hop moments; boasting of high-level features from talented rappers like Ice Prince, Phenom, Boogey, HHP (from South Africa), etc. In 2016, he completed the trilogy with Illegal Music 3, which found him at one of his most vulnerable states of mind.
Jagz Nation Vol. 1 & 2 — Jesse Jagz
After Jagz’s exit from Chocolate City in 2013, he launched his own independent music outfit, Jagz Nation. That was the road to his Jagz Nation albums creation. He showcased his full capacity as a music producer and artist, producing all tracks by himself. In the same year, he put out the first volume; a projection of who he is, and examines themes of love, sex, intoxication and spirituality. The popular single Bad (featuring Wizkid) came from Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come. The second installment, Jagz Nation Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company came out in 2014, a proper rap album Hip-Hop lovers will continue to relish years to come.
Pendulum Vol. 1 – 4 — Femi Leye
Femi is a Nigerian guitarist, singer-songwriter, composer and producer that blends African sounds with modern jazz, soul, r&b and funk in his music, and he’s worked with heavy hitters like Burna Boy, Akon, Salif Keita, Adekunle Gold, Angelique Kidjo and Don Jazzy. In 2021, he started his Pendulum music series: a soothing instrumental music project that combines afrobeats, lo-fi, hip-hop and jazz and melodious guitars. The first volume dropped in January 2021, the second in June 2021, the third was released in September 2021 and the last installment dropped in December of the same year.
The Collectiv3 EP & Live. Create. Repeat. — The Collectiv3
Music executive, Chin Okeke brought together a group of Nigerian musicians: Show Dem Camp, Funbi, Ladipoe, Nsikak, Temi Dollface, and producers IKON and Kid Konnect; to be The Collectiv3. They put out their debut offering, The Collectiv3 LP, to mark Nigeria’s 55th independence in 2015. In 2018, they released their sophomore album, Live. Create. Repeat, a celebration of creativity. Their productions fuse afropop, alternative, Nigerian R&B with some alté sounds.
LOFN 1 – 4 — WeTalkSound
In 2018, WeTalkSound made a shift from being just the biggest Nigerian creative community, with members home and abroad, to a tastemaker in the music industry. They curate original collections of love stories, told from different perspectives, with different styles, across genres. “LOFN” is derived from Norse mythology which translates to “loving” the idea of the series being a collection of love stories. The first compilation dropped on SoundCloud on February 13th, 2018 to celebrate the year Valentine’s Day. This has now become their annual tradition. The second one came out 14th February, 2019. LOFN 3 dropped on 14th February, 2020, and the last installment came out in 2021.
It’s 2023 and hardly any smash hit goes out without marketing and a strong rollout plan.
To gain a wider reach and keep momentum going for a long time post-release, a pre-planned rollout of promotional activities is necessary. Nigerian music has evolved such that a lot more intentionality goes into executing a project release.
It’s no longer enough to hold your money and be creative, the average Nigerian musician needs to find new ways to engage people. Learn from Davido, Joeboy, Victony and Ladipoe, who are currently running the hardest rollout campaigns.
Davido released his latest album, Timeless, in March 2023, bouncing back from a major personal tragedy. He set a new bar with the project, which became the number one album on Spotify in 24 hours, broke Boomplay’s debut week record in four days, had the highest on-demand streams across all platforms in its first week, and is one of the best albums of 2023, according to Rolling Stones — all results of his star power and the fantastic rollout he put in place with his team.
From March 30 to April 1, 2023, Davido collaborated with Beat FM, who changed their name to “Timeless FM” to promote the release.
Watching my line with @PUMA come to life, seeing people wear it has meant the world to me. We’re working on TIMELESS moments only, can’t wait to keep seeing you all show out in it 💜
A partnership with PUMA to produce his merch and sneakers line followed, as Davido joined their list of famous partners — Jay-Z, Skepta, Dara and more. PUMA, who’s also making Manchester City FC’s home kits for the 23/24 season, invited Davido to the club to see its match against Chelsea on May 21, 2023, to celebrate its third Premier League cup in a row.
When you think of levels, his partnership with Martell is one for the record. An exclusive blend cognac blend — Martell x Davido — was launched to honour their partnership renewal in June, 2023.
These events put the already loved superstar in the world’s face, announcing his return and increasing exposure for his new body of work, Timeless.
But Davido didn’t stop at brand visibility; he’s also killing it in the pop cultural department. The world is doing his “Unavailable” dance challenge as they prepare for his tour in three weeks. He’s made appearances on popular platforms like The Lateish Show (his UK TV debut), Forbes, Drinks Champ, NativeMag, Billboard, spreading his message to a larger audience across the globe. And in May, he was awarded an honorary title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
We stan a king who knows his business and is aware he must hawk it.
U be Artist and u Dey form ‘I no dey post’ … nah u know imma hawk my shit like pure water!😂 https://t.co/HTCirlqSv7
Joeboy has also applied a new approach to engaging his fans; his new album campaign has shown there are no restrictions to music promotion. While most musicians limit it to media tours and a little social media interaction, Joeboy unlocked a new channel for Body and Soul, which dropped in May, 2023.
He understood that podcasts are the hot cake of media, so why not set one up to talk about his album, the stories and processes behind it and the creatives who contributed to it? And that he did in May.
For the 1st episode of the Body & Soul album podcast, I had the global superstar and the young legend himself as my guest.
Joeboy vs Pondeck
Body & Soul album podcast premiere episode out now!
He has done a great rollout so far but most impressive is the unprecedented provision of free transportation — in effort to reduce the subsidy stress people face, he provided buses to help people in Lagos shuttle between 8 a.m to 6 p.m without hassle.
I know the fuel subsidy p is hard on everyone right now so here’s my little way of helping. For the next 3 days, there will be FREE Body & Soul buses along the following routes between 8am and 5pm.
Since “Body and Soul” dropped, he has put his foot on the gas, and he’s not stopping anytime soon.
Victony is another artist rolling out like a king right now. Coming after the success of his Soweto remix, Victony announced that “Ebelebe Music” will drop this June, and we don’t even know if it’ll be an album, EP or single.
He’s since brought dramatic content to our phone screens, featuring artists like BlaqBonez, OdumoduBlvck, comedian, Nasboi. In these short clips, Victony has been walking around with a briefcase that has “Outlaw” written on it.Victony hands the featured artist the panama cap and watches them wear it. Could these videos be hinting at possible Ebelebe Music collaborators? Victony is cooking, and we’re here for it.
The game is slowly changing and demanding artists’ A-game. For example, Ladipoe’s quietness after his appearance on his label’s recent album, “Chapter X”, has caused a sudden outburst from fans, who are demanding new music through protests and hashtags.
Nigerian comedian, Layi Wasabi, joined the list of people demanding for new music, even addressing Ladipoe by his government name. Yes, it was that deep.
O̩ládípọ̀ Ẹ̀ṣọ́ you’ve been quiet too long. We need new music!
On June 1st, these starved fans went on a mission spearheaded by Layi Wasabi; tailed down the rapper, kidnapped and held him hostage for hoarding songs. The ransom, new music.
You’ll think it’s a skit, but as the drama unfolds, you begin to see that there’s something in the water. After hot slaps and gbas gbos here and there, he agreed to their terms.
Ladipoe went straight to the studio and gave the kidnappers their ransom with the release of “Guy Man”, featuring Bella Shmurda. All we’ll say on the matter is Ladipoe has learnt well from Nollywood.
The level of intention, out-of-the-box ideas and passionate teams behind these rollout strategies have made more people connect with the music.
Afrobeats in 2023 has gained huge visibility and gone from performing theatre shows to selling out stadiums, penetrating the Asian market and being formally recognised as a music genre with a new Grammy Award category — “Best African Music Performance”.
Wande Coal is an Afrobeats GOAT; no one can tell us otherwise. From his days at Mo’Hits delivering killer hooks on songs like Pere, Close to You and Booty Call to his debut album, Mushin 2 Mo’hits and now, the fantastic, Legend or No Legend, Wande Coal has remained consistent with the hits.
Wande Coal’s distinct sound has influenced many of the artistes we listen to today, so we’re here to give him his flowers ahead of his special performance at Trace LIVE on June 16, 2023.
Wizkid
Source: GQ
Wizkid is one of the biggest Nigerian exports since crude oil. But before becoming Big W with the Grammys and Billboard Number Ones, Wiz lived with Wande Coal while making his debut album, Super Star. From songs like Love My Baby on that album to Pressure on his latest album, More Love, Less Ego, Wizkid has shown countless times that he has a degree from the Wande Coal University of Afrobeats.
Fireboy DML
Source: Billboard
Till date, mandem are on the street arguing about who sang the second verse on Fireboy DML’s 2021 hit, Peru.
The influence Wande Coal has on Fireboy DML’s music has been clear from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps. If you think about it, their collaboration on Wande Coal’s Legend Or No Legend album was written in the stars.
Oxlade
Source: Colors Studio
Oxlade’s Ku Lo Sa was undoubtedly one of the biggest songs of 2022. 100 million TikTok challenges later, we can’t look at green walls the same ever again.
One thing that stands out in Ku Lo Sa is Oxlade’s falsetto and vocal run at the end. Listen closely and tell me it doesn’t remind you of Wande Coal serving vocals while singing: “Girl, you’re so damn fine” on Kiss Your Hands from his Mushin 2 Mo’Hits album?
Davido
Source: New York Times
Davido has claimed to be many things: the best, omo baba olowo and an assurance provider. But we think it’s high time we add Wande Coal prodigy to the list. Fun fact: Wande Coal’s influence on Davido goes beyond music. In an interview with Vibe Magazine, Wande shares how Davido left school in Atlanta to look for him twice and how he’s actually the one who first called the FEM singer OBO. Mad oh!
Teni is one of the few female musicians in Nigeria that has found a unique niche and sound that works perfectly for her songwriting. Songs like Askamaya and Uyo Meyo are solid hits thanks to Teni’s mix of Afropop and the Juju music most millennials heard their parents listening to. While her influences include Salawa Abeni, Shina Peters and co, we can’t discount Wande Coal’s Mo’Hits days influence on her sound.
Peruzzi
Source: The Guardian
Peruzzi popped up on our radars with his feature on 2Face’s 2018 hit Amaka. While Peruzzi has collaborated with many artistes over the years, including Wande Coal himself, his solo music, especially songs like D-Side and Show Your Working, have given us a glimpse into his love for Wande Coal’s music post Mo’Hits.
Tay Iwar
Source: Instagram/TayIwar
Only a few artistes are touching the hem of Tay Iwar’s cargo pants when it comes to vocals and songwriting in the Nigerian music industry. While many Nigerians have placed Tay in an alté box, the singer steadily delivers insane R&B vocal performances and melodies that remind us of R&B Wande Coal circa Private Trips and Again.
Remixes come and go — and some go off point — but these ones prove there’s always something more to explore in any song.
King Kong — Vector ft. Reminisce, Phyno, ClassiQ, Uzi
A wazobia remix — Vector tha Viper brought Reminisce to spit in Yoruba, Phyno to rap in Igbo, ClassiQ in Hausa and Uzi with a blend of English, pidgin and Igbo — delivered with finesse.
We Are Africans — JJC ft. Femi Kuti, Dagrin, DJ Zeez, eLDee, Kel, Ay.com, Moe Money & Ragga Remi
In 2010, Nigerian veteran musician JJC made a remix of his song We Are Africans with the reigning champions of that period, giving it a native pride. We Are Africans remains an evergreen identity expression for Africans.
123 — DJ Neptune ft. Dagrin, Naeto C & M.I Abaga
When possé cuts were a popular thing in the music industry, DJ Neptune teamed up with the biggest rappers at that time to represent Nigerian Hip-Hop. This remix is a display of sharp lyricism ingrained in the industry’s timeline.
Girlie O — Patoranking ft. Tiwa Savage
This remix is a great improvement compared to the original version performed alone by Patoranking. Our “Number One African Bad Gyal” jumped on the first verse and ate this track without leaving crumbs. Dancehall hasn’t been this good in a while.
Oyi — Flavour ft. Tiwa Savage
This remix feels like a love confession of two inter-tribal lovers. Flavour serenades Tiwa Savage as she sings back. This is a contender for one of the most romantic Afrobeats songs of all time.
Rainbow — 2Face Idibia ft. T-Pain
In 2013, 2Face Idibia released the remix, an international collaboration, to his heart touching single, Rainbow. Featuring T-Pain, the harmonization of both voices will give you goosebumps. Send this song to your ex-lover and you might get them back.
Champion — General Pype ft. Dagrin, Vector, Naeto C, Sasha & GT the Guitarman
This remix makes the original song feel lacklustre. Dagrin opened up with smooth indigenous bars, Vector laid all speculation that said he sounded like Jay-Z to rest. Naeto C brought his fresh-boy effect to it. Sasha was on her abinibi steez and GT finished it with a beautiful R&B delivery. It’s forever an indisputable motivational record.
Soweto — Victony ft. Don Toliver, Rema & Tempoe
Don Toliver, unmistakable by his signature voice and style, rocks the first verse uniquely before Victony takes the sweet chorus and Rema brings it home.
It’s difficult, almost impossible even, to look back at the tumultuous year that was 2020 and not acknowledge how strange it was for Nigerians and the global community at large. Riddled with fear of the unknown, and a daily surge of coronavirus cases, the world shut down. Navigating those confusing days was scary. However, for Olorunyomi Timilehin, 2020 was also the year the world got a massive introduction to his musical avatar, Bad Boy Timz. His breakout single, MJ, dropped just five days after the Nigerian government announced a nationwide lockdown, on April 4, 2020.
“I was sad and happy at the same time,” the singer tells me at the tail end of 2022, over two years since the lockdown was lifted. “I saw my song climb the charts, but I was broke. I couldn’t perform or make money. It was a club song, but it peaked online. I wish it had dropped when we were all outside.”
Outside or not, MJ, Timz’s catchy tribute to the late king of pop, Michael Jackson, quickly became one of the biggest Nigerian songs of 2020, its infectious energy providing reprieve in uncertain times. The single was followed by two remixes, one with Mayorkun and the other with Teni.
In an industry where lightning rarely strikes twice, much less thrice in a global pandemic, Timz’s tagline “Iyanu yen shock won ba kan”, which loosely translates to “The miracles will shock them”, became a reality. A star-making appearance on Olamide’s Carpe Diem standout, Loading, was soon followed by another feel-good anthem, Have Fun, and finally, the Headies’ Rookie of the Year award to close out 2020. But just when it seemed like the then-21-year-old had established himself as an act to look out for post-lockdown, he disappeared for a while.
Source: Courtesy of subject
Bad Boy Timz’s introduction to music was unknowingly orchestrated by his father. Accompanying the accountant who moonlighted as a Tungba band member gave the future singer front-row seats to making and performing music. After years of covers and recording music unprofessionally in secondary school, Timz’s first brush with the spotlight happened when his freestyle to Davido’s If went viral in 2017. The freestyle caught the attention of rap icon, Olamide, who reposted the video and invited him to perform backup on Radio Lagos, off his Lagos Nawa! album that year.
In 2020, Olamide placed the singer front and centre in both the audio and visuals for Loading. “We recorded the song in 30 minutes,” Timz says. “I remember being in Ikorodu when he [Olamide] called me. Omo, I rushed to the island sharp-sharp, and he introduced me to P.Priime, the producer. I already had the melody in my head, so it was easy. Shoutout to Baddo. That’s my egbon right there.”
Loading changed Timz’s life. He admits to booking countless shows after the single was released. But things took a dramatic turn when a brewing rift between the artiste and the label he had previously signed to in 2019 forced him to take a break from releasing music after the Headies. “Winning the Headies came with mixed emotions as I’d already started having issues with my label at the time,” he confesses. “I expected MJ to win, but I also felt the heat from what was going on with my team. I couldn’t perform or release new music because I needed to leave that label. I was being acknowledged as one of the greats, but I couldn’t even enjoy the moment.”
While Timz doesn’t go into details about his label drama, the whole thing played out publicly, with an arrest and lawsuit dominating headlines in the early months of 2021. By May 2021, Timz had founded his own record label, Shock Absorbers Music, with a distribution deal from Empire Label, which also handles distribution for the YBNL squad, Tyga and Snoop Dogg, allowing him to make a massive comeback with Move in October the same year.
The highs, lows and complexities of Timz’ creative adventures converge on Igboro, the opening track of his long-awaited No Bad Boy, No Party debut album which came out in June, 2023. Giving insight into his journey from the ghetto, Bad Boy Timz reminisces about the past while acknowledging the poignant Nigerian dream of blowing regardless of where you come from.
The party part of the album goes into full gear after the first track and continues until the album closes with the BNXN-assisted Make Sense. With production from heavyweights like P.Priime and BeatsByTimmy, and appearances from Olamide, Zlatan and Shenseea, Timz successfully packaged a fun night out into a 30-minute LP. But as club-friendly and fun as this album sounds, there’s more to Bad Boy Timz than what the audience is getting right now, especially after 2022’s Big Money with its underlying social message. The best part? He agrees.
“I feel like the Nigerian audience is ready for artistes to be versatile,” he admits to me while discussing his decision to put out more experimental music. “I want them to say, ‘Ah, Bad Boy Timz, we love this lamba music, but we also love your R&B work.’ There will be reggae Bad Boy Timz, drill Bad Boy Timz and even trap Bad Boy Timz soon. I need my fans to get to the point where they love my music so much, they won’t even care what genre I’m doing.”
Source: Courtesy of subject
Timz’s new direction is inspired by another artiste. “I’m not saying Burna Boy is my role model,” he tells me. “But this guy has the kind of versatility that allows him to talk about social problems or heartbreak while making you dance.” He explains that while he wasn’t always bothered with messaging before, now, more than ever, there’s a need for music that connects with people’s souls instead of just helping them escape bad times.
As a singer whose music has become known for its resilient, positive energy, I’m curious to know if Timz is familiar with these bad times he talks about. Taking a minute to catch his breath, he reveals that, just like everyone else, he struggles with navigating life in Nigeria while dealing with the pressure of being in the spotlight.
“People think we’re not human beings with real emotions,” he says. “We are prone to make mistakes. I try to remember that if I don’t make myself happy, no one else will. I used to allow the craziness around me fuck me up mentally. But now, I understand that problem no dey finish. If I wait for my life to be perfect before I enjoy myself, I’ll wait till eternity.”
Source: Courtesy of subject
Timz’s pursuit of happiness bled into his music first, and now, he has his sights set on new dreams — becoming a toymaker then a restaurateur. Yes, you read that right. The first is an attempt to reconnect with his childhood while growing a sustainable business that could see Nigerian toys become valuable collectables in the future. And the food part? Well, Timz is aware that no matter what, Nigerians will always need food. “Do you know how much Olaiya makes in a day?” he asks me, referencing one of Lagos’s most popular amala joints.
Singer, future toymaker and restaurateur, Bad Boy Timz has his hands full with present tasks and future aspirations. But in the face of everything, I want to know the ethos that drives the singer?
“I’m trying to make a statement,” he explains. “I want people to know I’m capable of much more than what they’ve come to expect from me. I won’t box my creativity to fit in.”
We’ve seen many Nigerian musicians take different routes over time, in their quest to find themselves and become bigger brands.
But these artists did a complete 180° with their craft and turned their careers around.
Adekunle Gold
This brother joined the full beard gang, started using Simi’s hairdresser, ditched adire and batik for designer clothes, shifted from alternative music style to pop sounds and became everyone’s baby. If only Mr. Biggs had attended AG Baby’s rebranding school, they could’ve been so much more.
Chidinma
When we first heard Chidinma on Emini Baller in 2012, we knew the industry had a real problem on its hands. Because who else could sound posh, sultry and street at the same? Then she went on hiatus for three years and returned as Minister Chidinma Ekile, a gospel musician. We didn’t see this coming, but she’s making some of her best songs right now, so we don’t hate it.
Don Jazzy
If these were the Mo’Hits days of looking like a mob boss, we doubt any Instagram comedian would look into the Don’s eyes, much less make him act in their funny videos. But the old days of walking staff, strong face, keeping mute and whispering in his artists’ ears are over. Since he activated Mavin, Don Baba J has become more accessible, drawing more fans to pay attention to his artists.
Mr Eazi
He appeared on the scene in straw hats and dashiki-like tops, and we thought he was some cool nomadic herder. We were right, only that music was his cattle; he took it from Lagos to Accra to London. Although Mr Eazi just put out a new album, Chop Life: Mzansi Chronicles, in May 2023, he’s more focused on being a venture capitalist, investing in tech companies like Paisa, Eden Life, Pawapay, and most recently, South Africa basketball team, Cape Town Tigers.
It’ll be hard to find someone as creative and funny as Falz in the modern Nigerian music scene. But he went from cracking us up in music and movies to being at the frontline of protests, calling out bad governance. He even made an album, Moral Instructions, to address societal issues like corrupt politicians, police brutality, social injustice, etc. Falz is another episode of things Nigeria will do to you.
Teni Makanaki
Since the start of her career, she’s stayed different, even going for baggy clothes and vibrant accessories. But in 2022, she broke the internet with her body transformation, which seemed like the beginning of a new era for her. And after listening to No Days Off, we’re wondering, is she the alté sugar mummy now?
Larry Gaaga
He went from general manager at Young Shall Grow (YSG) Entertainment to managing Nigerian rapper Vector, to collaborating with afrobeat stars as an artist and producer. He has even executive-produced soundtrack albums for movies like Living In Bondage: Breaking Free and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story. Larry Gaaga has come a long way. In 2022, he resumed in Def Jam Africa as vice president and head of its A&R division.
Olamide
Baddo will go down as one of the most influential African artists of all time. Who else has leaped from breaking himself out as a superstar, dropping street knowledge as music hits to signing and breaking out other artists who’ve also gone on to become superstars?
TeeZee
Regarded as one of the pioneers of the Alté music movement, fans prayed and fasted for nine years for Arrested by Love to drop in 2022. TeeZee also makes music with DRB Lagos, his collective with artists, BOJ and Fresh L, and runs NATIVE Records — a label he formed with Chubbziano, his co-founder at The Native Mag. In the last year, we’ve seen him focus on his new signees, Smada and OdumoduBlvck — the current heartthrob of the industry.
