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The biggest women-only festival in Lagos is BACK. Get your tickets here for a day of fun, networking and partayyyyy. -
We came into 2024 demanding for new sounds, a breakaway from Amapiano for good. And last week, a rising singer named taves went viral with his pop-alt singles Folake and Bodija, which people called a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian music space.
The clamour for more unconventional music set us into action to bring you some of the other new artists that aren’t on your radar.
Wapo
Wapo’s music sounds like a big, shiny disco ball in a large ballroom. One can clearly hear his experimentation with African rhythms, ‘80s pop and R&B on songs like No White Tees, Bleed and Walk on Water. Wapo’s music is similar to Runtown’s recent album, “Signs”. His latest, “Afraid of the Dark”, is heavy on synth and fearful emotions like he’s running through the dark woods. His music is an interesting and comfortable deviation from the formulaic logdrums the Afrobeats industry is plagued with.
Odenose
Are you looking for a genre mixologist? Odenose (formally OD) is the answer. From jazz to hip-hop to spoken word, neo-soul and afrobeats, the Abuja-based musician is capable of blending genres into a refreshing African music cocktail. Let her recent album “MissChief” lead you into endless flavours of Afro-fusion and live instruments.
Seanmichael Ike
It’s time to discard the family situation that turned the lights on Seanmichael Ike and shift the focus on his artistry. He’s a singer-songwriter making the chill Afropop of a shy and hopeless romantic with enough rizz to steal people’s babes. While we wait for his 2024 releases, his songs, Shy Shy and Stargirl, are good places to start.
Bagetti
Entering into 2024, Jonzing introduced its latest signee, Bagetti, with Hard Girl, and it’s now a viral TikTok jam. On March 12, she followed up with Dawn, the last single before her debut EP drops on March 15. Bagetti explores familiar territories like dancehall and Afropop, but her confident and non-conforming delivery make the difference.
Tega Ethan
Tega Ethan is an Ibadan-based singer-songwriter and guitarist making records about love, longing, hope and other fleeting emotions. If you’re looking for some delicious poetry and soundtracks that say a lot without saying too much, Tega’s music is where it’s at.
Modim
Modim has found a way to synthesise Afrobeats, African folklore and alternative rock into one electrifying performance. Complex guitar riffs, evocative vocals, thoughtful lyrics interspersed with local stories, and catchy hooks make his music wholesome. Songs like Eko Meji, Eni Aráyé and Emini Nii will light up any stage if given a moment.
Ayo Maff
Street-pop music constantly breaks the stereotype that its artists have to be rogues and good-for-nothings. Ayo Maff’s take on it goes far beyond the penchant for street upbringing and hustle life; he poignantly sings about his background, dreams, fears, deceased loved ones and the lives of ordinary men. Ayo Maff isn’t political, but he sounds very much like the “voice of the people”.
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Growing up, you may have heard the story of a Nigerian artist who made rain fall with a song. Or the one whose song was inspired by a mermaid.
We can’t confirm if these are true or not, but we can research other songs which also had myths attached to them.
Guitar Boy — Sir Victor Uwaifo
Sir Victor Uwaifo made ‘Guitar Boy’ in 1966. The late artist stated in an interview that he once had an encounter with a mermaid at the Bar Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos. True or not, the story has gone far, and many people think the song title is “Mami Water” instead of Guitar Song.
Send Down the Rain — Majek Fashek
The legend of Majek Fashek is hugely attached to his 1987 hit ‘Send Down the Rain.’ A year after the song’s release, Nigeria recorded an average annual precipitation of 121.6cm, making it the second rainiest year in the 1980s. The heavy rainfall came at that time the song was at its peak, so many people considered the song prophetic.
Esubiribiri Ebomi — King Sunny Ade
This song was King Sunny Ade’s protest anthem when he had label issues with Bolarinwa Abioro in 1974. The legend says that each time King Sunny Ade touched the guitar, he was “struck by madness.” And then on the record, he chanted incantations that hinted at defiance.
If I Die — Da Grin
After the success of Da Grin’s first album CEO (2009), the rapper went mainstream. While preparing to release his sophomore album, he put out ‘If I Die’ — a song about death.
A few months after the song’s release, the rapper passed away in a car crash. His death made the public believe ‘If I Die’ was Da Grin’s premonition of his own demise.
Osondi Owendi Remake — MC Loph
In 2011, rapper MC Loph did a contemporary remake of ‘Osondi Owendi,’ originally made by highlife music legend Osita Osadebe. There was a rumour that Osita’s family forbade MC Loph from using the song, but he did anyway. Although the song shot the rapper into the limelight, it wasn’t for long. He died in a car accident later in 2011, and many remarked it was a consequence of going against the Osadebe family.
If You Are Old Enough to Remember These Popular Hearsays About Nigerian Songs, Take This Quiz
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Let’s test your attitude to rumours.
Tiwa Savage once dedicated a sexy song called ____ to Jesus?
Hey! The third episode of our Valentine Special out. We brought back two best friends to share how their relationship has evolved in the last five years. Watch below:
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2023 came with numerous album releases, from heavy hitters to upcoming acts. We expected some of our biggest stars to join the wagon, but instead, they gave us dust. Here’s a short list of artists who owe us a feast in 2024.
2Baba
It’s been four years since Warrior. But on January 3, the veteran singer took to Instagram to announce his 2024 plan to release a new album. Motivated by the vim and excellence of new-gen artists, 2Baba said, “Na so we no dey gree for anybody this year o.”
Tems
She dropped two singles towards the end of 2023, and it’s been over a month since she teased her album on X. Let’s have it, please.
Image source: Premium Times Victony
This guy made noise in 2023 with bangers like My Darling, Angelus and Ohema. We heard him. Now, he needs to put his artistry into a full-length body of work. We’re ready for Victony.
Image source: BellaNaija Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage may be killing features up and down, but she needs to drop a new album. Water & Garri, an EP, came out in 2021. That’s a long time to be stuck with only groceries. Maybe banga soup and starch-type albums this year?
Image source: Premium Times Odunsi (the Engine)
The three-track SPORT EP he dropped in December 2023 was just a tease. We see he’s come out of ghost mode and has been appearing on his socials lately. He also produced Jazz Up off Pan African Rockstar (Lady Donli’s latest album) back in September 2023. We hope he’s back to feed us with another innovative album like rare. (2018).
Image source: GQ Middle East Peruzzi
Peruzzi has shown himself to be a brilliant singer-songwriter and composer. With three albums in his catalogue and over 252 songwriter credits on hits like Nwa Baby, Risky and Unavailable, he’s defining himself as one of Afrobeats’ top writers. But it’s been over three years since Rum & Boogie, or is he not doing singing again?
Image source: Viberate Ayra Starr
Sabi Girl had a successful 2023 taking her music around Africa, Australia and North America, and featuring on everything from Girl Next Door with Tyla to Big FU with David Guetta. We love these records, but a new album will bang differently.
Image source: www.ayrastarr.com READ NEXT: New Cats We’d Have Loved Albums From In 2023
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It’s a travesty that Afrobeats doesn’t have a museum yet, but that’s where Zikoko comes in — to help us collectively fake it till we make it. To do this, we curated an Afrobeats museum with memorabilia of the music creators and executives who took Afrobeat and experimented with other African rhythms and Western sounds to form the modern Nigerian genre we know and love — Afrobeats
Relics from the founding fathers
Afrobeats is an offspring of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Tony Allen’s — the drummer who directed his band, Africa ‘70 for 11 years — 1970s Afrobeat.
A shrine of Fela’s favourite things
First of all, Fela’s iconic saxophones, pants and combs have to be in our museum — it was documented in Alex Gibney’s Finding Fela that he loved to spend time in front of the mirror, just combing and admiring his hair. Also, one of Fela’s favourite books, The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X, should be on a shelf somewhere.
Tony Allen’s drum sticks
Specifically, the ones he used on more than 30 Fela albums.
Afrobeats memorabilia
What Junior and Pretty wore in their album cover
The duo is considered one of the first to lay the foundation for an Afrobeats sound. On the artwork of the album, Tribute to Okechukwu Azike a.k.a “Junior” — which has their classic hit, Bolanle — they wore a Fulani attire that must be found and showcased in our museum.
Kennis Music’s Yellow Hummer
In the early 2000s, a Hummer was the top ride, and Kennis Music had one in yellow. Talk about iconic. It went on to become a video vixen for the many artists in the label’s roster.
2Face’s Lincoln Navigator
The car Kennis Music gifted 2Face after a successful debut album sale. This was also right after they bought their yellow Hummer. The Lincoln Navigator sparked controversy as many believed the artist who made the label so much money deserved his own Hummer. A Lincoln Navigator wasn’t a shit car sha.
DIGITAL CAMERA Written history of Eedris Abdulkareem’s fight with 50 Cent
In 2004, 50 Cent headlined the Star Mega Jamz in Nigeria. At the concert, Eedris Abdulkareem felt local superstars were kicked to the curb for their foreign counterparts. He went at the American rapper, his crew and the show promoters about their seating arrangements, saying that local artists deserve the same special treatment.
When Eedris got on stage, he said, “50 Cent na oga for America. Me, I be oga for rap for Nigeria.” His actions changed how local artists were treated from then on. In 2023, Young Buck, rapper and longtime friend of 50 Cent, said he remembered a Nigerian dude who stood against their whole crew, and how scary it was.
Jaga Jaga music video
Eedris Abdulkareem was in the news a lot in the early 2000s. His hit song, Jaga Jaga, criticised the Nigerian government and was banned from radio by the then-president, Olusegun Obasanjo. The clubs never stopped playing it though, and Eedris is vindicated because Nigeria is still jaga jaga. The video should be on repeat at the museum.
The very-first Headies plaque
The Headies Awards is widely recognised as Nigeria’s biggest music award show today. The first version of the “headie” figurine was made of wood, and it should be on display right next to the current golden one, as an apt representation of how far the industry has come.
Zaaki Azzay’s torchlight and cap
The veteran rapper’s iconic silver torchlight and black and white skull cap have to make the cut.
DJ Jimmy Jatt’s turntable at Jimmy Jump Off
One of the pioneer disc jockeys in Nigeria, DJ Jimmy Jatt’s Jimmy Jump Off cypher was the launchpad for many Nigerian artists like Dagrin, Olamide, Burna Boy, Boogey and Laycon.
Image source: www.matriarca.com A “groups and cliques” section
The Afrobeats museum will have to have a section just for photos and videos of our most iconic groups: Junior and Pretty, Trybesmen, The Remedies, Plantashun Bois, Styl-Plus, Kush, Port Harcourt’s Tuck Tyght and Specimen A, P-Square, the list is surprisingly endless.
Alaba distribution
A history lesson on how Alaba Market in Lagos State changed the Nigerian music distribution game, exploring how Eldee and 2Shotz where the first Afrobeats artists to distribute through that channel.
Image source: Ndani.tv ModeNine’s first rhyme book
ModeNine is the most decorated Headies “Lyricist on the Roll” winner so far. Flipping the pages of the super emcee’s first rhyme book to see his very first bars would be a cool-ass experience.
NBC’s radio play law
In 2010, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission passed a law that made radio stations prioritise local music over the foreign ones that completely dominated the airwaves. The decision was a systemic way to prevent Nigerian music from taking a backseat in Nigeria. A physical copy of this law in a glass display case would be a great addition to the museum.
Don Jazzy’s walking stick from his Mo’Hits Era
He’s “Don” Jazzy for a reason. The music mogul moved like a Lagos Island mob boss with a walking stick during the Mo’Hits era. He had it with him every time. Back then, he never smiled, hardly spoke and only whispered if he had to speak. We wonder where he’s dumped that stick now.
Terry G’s first bell
Terry G, AKA King of Swagger, was known not only for his talent, face piercings or colourful dressing, but for ringing bells in his songs, videos and on stage. We want to see the bell that began his mission.
Naeto C’s Hausa caps
The rapper began a fashion trend when he arrived on the scene in t-shirts, jeans, sneakers and a Hausa cap. It was the ultimate cool swag of the late 2000s.
Image source: BellaNaija Wizkid’s 2018 O2 tracksuit
In 2018, Wizkid became the first African act to sell out the O2 Arena hall with his Afrorepublik show, his first big London show. And he effortlessly dripped in a Dolce & Gabbana tracksuit.
Image source: PulseNg Tiwa Savage’s “King Charles coronation” gown
Call it our coloniser’s ceremony, but it’s a big deal for Afrobeats to permeate the British royal house in this way. And who best to call to give them a stunning performance of African rhythm than Tiwa Savage, the Queen of Afrobeats herself. She did it gloriously in this emerald green asooke dress that belongs in a museum.
Image source: AriseNews A collection of iconic debut albums
The most impactful first albums that contributed to the Afrobeats movement should be on display. From 2Face’s Grass2Grace to P-Square’s Get Squared, Asa’s self-titled debut, Wande Coal’s Mushin2Mo’Hits, Wizkid’s Superstar and Rema’s Rave & Roses.
Image source: Spotify Legendary studios
Miniatures of the legendary Kennis Music studio (2Face, Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila), ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes studio (2Phat, 9ice, Lord of Ajasa, Olamide, Reminisce), Knighthouse, Mo Dogg’s studio and other places where the Afrobeats legends recorded their art.
Written history of the first labels to house Afrobeats
We broke this down in a six-minute read in 2023. An Afrobeats museum should have the history of early labels such as Storm Records, Trybe Records, Mo’Hits Records, Question Mark, Grafton Entertainment and Coded Tunes and their impact on the Nigerian music industry.
Image source: Spotify Printed lyrics
The lyrics of legendary Afrobeats songs like The Remedies’ Shakomo, 2Face’s African Queen, Wizkid’s Ojuelegba, can be printed on the walls. They’re the Afrobeats gospels.
Books of Afrobeats history
All the important books on the history of Afrobeats should be available in the Afrobeats museum. Everything from “E File Fun Burna” by Jide Taiwo to “Fela: This Bitch of A Life” by Carlos Moore.
Image source: MoreBranches Web3 digital gallery hall
As a movement that’s relevant in this hyper digital era, Afrobeats deserves a digital universe. Technology like this won’t only shift the paradigm for Afrobeats in the digital world, it’ll allow it to create, share and make profit.
Next Up, Find Out Why Afrobeats Is Old Enough For a Museum
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On November 20, 2023, Victony posted a snippet of his new single, Ohema, along with interesting news: he worked with three music producers and featured 14 artists on the track.
While we all await Victony’s highly anticipated single, let’s travel back to the 2000s to highlight all the all-star songs we loved so much.
1,2,3 remix by DJ Neptune
The year was 2010 when three of the hottest rappers in the country took turns to drop bars on a DJ Neptune record. M.I Abaga, the song’s producer, opened up the remix, followed by Naeto C and the late Dagrin, who had arguably the best verse on it because of his strong Yorùbá delivery. While the 2011 Ako Mi Ti Poju remix gave us Naeto C and Dagrin, 1,2,3 remix is the only song to feature the three iconic rappers together.
My Pain (Tribute to Dagrin) by Sheyman
After Dagrin’s demise in 2010, veteran artist and sound engineer, Sheyman, orchestrated an emotional tribute to the memory of the late rapper. My Pain featured 20 artists including Omawumi, Reminisce, Durella, Kenny Saint-Brown, Waje, Banky W, Sasha, Jaywon, Jahbless, Tony Tetuila, Lord of Ajasa and more. We can’t talk about all-star records in Afrobeats without mentioning when artists came together to pay their last respects to a colleague.
Baddest Boy by E.M.E All-stars
In 2012, Banky W’s co-founded record company, Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), released the album, Empire Mates State of Mind. The first single, Baddest Boy, features former E.M.E artists, Wizkid, Skales and Banky W. During this period, E.M.E owned the airwaves with a cool swag every young person wanted to have. And Baddest Boy had our attention with Wiz’s confident opening verse and infectious chorus, Skales’ braggadocious rap verse and Banky’s singy-rap delivery. Till today, when the Wizkid part, “Bí wón le, le, le” bursts out of any speaker, the crowd will respond with “I’m the baddest boy”. It was an anthem.
Made in Lagos by Naeto C
Way before Wizkid’s latest album Made In Lagos, Naeto C had a song of the same title. It’s the last song on his 2008 album, You Know My P, and features his fellow ex-Storm Records artists, Jazzman Olofin, GT tha Guitarman, Darey Art Alade, Sasha P and General Pype. This was the era when label artists constantly made possé cuts, and we miss it.
Born Champion remix by General Pype
Coming off the success of the original song, General Pype assembled Dagrin, Vector, Naeto C, Sasha P and GT tha Guitarman for a remix in 2010. This remix became the ghetto gospel, giving hope to young Nigerians stuck in the trenches. It’s still a sing-along that sparks nostalgia today.
Pere by Mo’Hits All-Stars
Off their Curriculum Vitae album, Mo’Hits All-Stars — Don Jazzy, D’Banj and Wande Coal — sang to woo their love interests. At the time, Mo’Hits had the music industry in a chokehold with their hit songs and superstar label roster. Pere‘s music video directed by DJ Tee upped its relevance with the iconic scene where Wande and D’Banj argued over who had the finest babe. Pere is still a jam that’s immediately recognisable from the beat drop.
We Are Africans (Naija remix) by JJC
Femi Kuti, Dagrin, eLDee, DJ Zeez, Kel, Ay.com, Ragga Remi and Moe Money featured on the Naija remix of JJC’s We Are Africans in 2010. One of those old-school Naija classics that’s a certified sing-along, the song was their way of promoting African unity and pride to the diaspora.
Represent by M.I. Abaga
Represent was the last song off MI 2: The Movie album, featuring Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz and Brymo. The song started with a lady saying the album can’t finish without a joint from the “Choc Boyz” — the Chocolate City labelmates. Their era as labelmates was a solid run, and their songs together are some of the best releases from Chocolate City.
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Something is in the Edo water. The state keeps making the news rounds lately for the spectacular doings of its young talents. Rema closed out O2 for his London concert on November 15. Shallipopi released his debut album on November 10, and is one of the breakout artists of 2023.
While these two may be the current faces of Edo, there are seven other artists from the City of Bronze you should have on your listening radar.
Aiseh
Omosefe “Aiseh” Aisosa is a hip-hop artist whose music revolves around everyday Nigerian life, relationships and his Christian faith. Five years after dropping his debut album, GROWING (2018), Aiseh returned in 2023 with Heartbreak, Bars and Melodies. The project detailed his love life and showcased a versatile music maker who can sing and rap equally well, with each song connecting cohesively into the next.
thellO
thellO (Ethel Blessing Ngohonba Mote) is a Cameroonian-Nigerian singer and rapper based in Benin, Edo State. Attention first beamed on her during her stint in the 2022 Hennessy VS Class. She raps in English, Yorùbá and her native Cameroonian tongue, Bassa. She’s a battle-tested emcee, and her social pages are stacked with freestyles and song covers you should deep-dive into.
Layzee Ella
Onose Emmanuella Bagudu, PKA Layzee Ella, is an androgynous singer-songwriter best known for her soul-pop music. Her EPs When The Lights Go Off (2021) and Feel Everything (2022) are built around vulnerability and romantic experiences. Her most recent offering, Infinito, is a collaborative effort with Romanian music producer and DJ, Vanotek.
Caleb Clay
Based in Lagos, Caleb Clay (FKA BigC) has made his identity as an adept lyricist in the Naija underground rap scene. Asides from being a great storyteller who tells introspective, personal stories and Lagos city tales, Caleb walks with pockets of flow that endear listeners to every bar he spits. His rapper CV includes three EPs and a session at DJ Jimmy Jatt’s “Jimmy Jump Off” show. His new single Pressure had Port Harcourt rapper, Sknny, on as a feature.
Aisosa
Before Aisosa released his emotional At Night, You Floor My Thoughts with producer UndieJulius in March 2023, he showed his lyrical depth of love languages with releases like Abeg, All Time Low (2021), Strange Fire and Fools (2022). Aisosa, born Michael Timeyin Igbinosa is a burgeoning R&B and afro-fusion act whose vocals and lyrics will wash over you like tidal waves. Watch out for him.
Harry Carter
Harrison “Harry Carter” Ogedegbe is one of the most exciting artists from Benin. When he isn’t exploring trap and emo-trap, Carter is drilling or making afro-pop jams like Myself featuring Lil5ive. From braggadocious rhymes to chill vibes, Carter is an all-round artist. His catalogue is two EPs and several singles deep — his latest is Ovbere (“He has come again” in his native Edo tongue).
Billy the GOAT
Ihama Peter, popularly known as Billy the GOAT (BTG), is a non-stereotypical rap artist. He conveniently switches flows to fit into his fusion of pop and afrobeats, while maintaining his rap aura at the core. STOP PLAYING, his four-track sophomore EP, came out in August 2023.
Get into these young Edo stars through our playlist:
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Nigerian artists might leave you waiting for a good 30 minutes to an hour before they start their shows, but they’ll definitely make the wait worth it. From their stage presence to the props and theatrics, these artists will give you a show of your lifetime.
Rema
At this point, we might have to change Rema’s name to Crowd Controller. Once Divine climbs that stage, he’ll have the crowd eating out the palm of his hands. Another thing is certain: He’ll do it with all the finesse in the world.
Ayra Starr
From her bad gyal fits to her vocals and audience engagement on stage, Ayra Starr has never been known not to give a show.
Davido
We knew Davido was in his live performance bag when he dropped out of the sky at his 2018 Eko Atlantic concert. Since then, it’s been back-to-back finishing for anyone that goes to see him perform. He’ll utilize every inch of his stage, and have all his friends and family come to perform, because after all, “We rise by lifting others”.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy has mastered the art of live performances. He might show up a couple hours late and spend the first 30 minutes on that stage going off on everyone. But once he starts his performance, all the anger that’s been building up in you will vanish, and you’ll be in awe.
Wizkid
They don’t call him Big Wiz for nothing: He’s shut down the 02 arena in London three times in a row. Best believe Ayodeji Wizkid Balogun is walking on that stage to giveyou a show. And he’ll bring out other people to join in on that show.
Asake
Asake had an insane run in 2022 and decided to take the insanity out of the studio and to the stage. He’ll perform live renditions of his songs, and they won’t sound the same as the studio recording. As long as he thinks it’ll make you have a good time, Mr. Money will deliver it.
Shallipopi
The president of Pluto might be new in the game, but he’ll certainly entertain you and leave you begging for more. He knows his audience can sing his entire discography word for word. He’s also very aware that his discography isn’t very long, so he’ll dance and hype the crowd up and have everyone screaming his song back at him. Shallipopi will have a good time on that stage and show his plutomanias are having a good time, too.
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Many end-of-year music festivals and concerts will likely not happen this year because the promoters can no longer afford to book our afrobeats artists.
But that isn’t reason enough to give up on your December enjoyment. If you really want to be in party mode throughout your holidays, you can still have maximum fun these ways.
DJ and hypemen parties
Since artists are now too expensive to book, it’s the turn of the DJs and hype-men to take centre stage. No lip-syncing or waiting for an artist to come three hours after the show starts.
Indie shows
If an artist you like, whether they’re C or Z-list, has a show, go and enjoy watching them live. There are many independent musicians and upcoming acts throwing shows this December. You get to support them, and they get to make enough money to put back into their music to make more music you lowkey love.
Spend time in clubs
You already know you’ll enjoy loud music, alcohol and dance. You already know your favourite club gives you joy every other weekend. But it’ll be pro-max in December. You’ll get to party with invited celebrities and all the big ballers in your city for longer than the usual party hours because it’s the holidays.
Or go to the beach
Lagos beaches move like clubs, with their own celebrity DJs.
Throw your own parties
Gather your family, friends and loved ones and load up your favourite jams. Make it old-school, and everyone will be high on nostalgia, singing along till fuel finishes inside the generator (if you like, trust NEPA).
Street carnivals
If your street or estate has no plan to organise one, call a general meeting and give them the plan. Everyone will come together, have a good time and get to know that neighbour no one sees. You guys can even make estate merch to strengthen communal relationships.
Do “Home Alone”
If you want to be by yourself, that’s cool too. Eat some home-cooked food, drink up and turn up the music. Somebody say, “Macaulay Caulkin, we wanna party.”
There’ll be music at our meat and grill festival in Lagos this Saturday. Get your ticket and enjoy the biggest meat cookout in Nigeria.
