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.
Since her appearance in Super Story, Kehinde Bankole has been consistent on our TV screens with outstanding performances that leave lasting impressions. Whether acting as a zealous single mother or scheming wife, she’s always phenomenal.
She’s one of the most versatile actresses in the Nigerian movie industry and these movies are proof.
Sista (2023)
https://youtu.be/LhDCxb3z4k0
Released in 2022, the Biodun Stephen-directed picture tells the story of a struggling single mother that fought tooth and nail to protect her children from their absent father when suddenly returned to get their attention. Kehinde Bankole starred as lead character Sistá, alongside reputable actors like Deyemi Okanlawo and Bisola Aiyeola.
October 1st (2014)
This Kunle Afolayan’s 2014 blockbuster explored mystery and gender-based violence in a local community. Kehinde Bankole acts as Tawa, an impressive school teacher, beside the late Sadiq Dana, Kayode Olaiya and Ibrahim Chatta.
Blood Sisters (2022)
This Ebonylife and Netflix’s production is undoubtedly one of the most talked about Nigerian limited TV series of 2022. Kehinde Bankole plays Yinka, a wife in crime, alongside Gabriel Afolayan, Nancy Isime and Ramsey Nouah.
Love Castle (2021)
Kehinde Bankole features as Adetutu in this Desmond Elliot-directed epic alongside Lateef Adedimeji and Halima Abubakar. Although the movie’s primarily about the battle for power, it also explores disability and cultural differences.
The Set Up 1 & 2 (2019 and 2022)
Kehinde Bankole teams up with Dakore Akande and Adesua Etomi-Wellington for this crime-thriller Nollywood film. Two ladies work in the underworld in order to survive. This is another action-packed production with stellar performances from Kehinde.
Prophetess (2021)
This Niyi Akinmolayan-directed comedy was majorly shot in Ibadan, and it tells a story of a prophetess who predicts football matches and her uncontrollable dabble into betting. It features Kehinde Bankole with other skilled actors like Toyin Abraham, Lateef Adedimeji and Kunle Remi.
Mama Drama (2020)
Kehinde Bankole features in this film that explores fertility issues and surrogacy. She acts as a surrogate who fell in love with her client’s husband. In this intense drama, she stars alongside Shaffy Bello, Osas Ighodalo and Kunle Remi.
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.
Gospel music remains one of the most popular genres in Nigeria. Beyond the four corners of the church, the songs have elevated to become foreign exports and taken its artists to big stages such as Afrobeats Festival, The Experience, Afropunk London, Coast 2 Coast Music Festival, etc.
In the last decade, Nigerian gospel music has experienced new generation musicians who’ve helped bring younger people and unbelievers into the fold. If you’re looking for the gospel musicians making waves with their music, here’s a list.
Anendlessocean
He’s a fast-rising Nigerian singer-songwriter from Lagos. Well-known for his blend of R&B, pop and soul music— a sound some of his fans have described “gospel but doesn’t feel like gospel.” With one album to his name, Anendlessocean is slowly building a solid fanbase. He’s considered one of the best talents of his generation. His second album, Decagon comes out August 18.
Limoblaze
If you’re not familiar with his brand, you’d call this cap, but Limoblaze is one of the biggest exports the Nigerian music scene has seen in recent times. The Nigerian gospel rapper started his music career independently in 2014. Since then he has gone on to develop consistency, versatility and music-making skills that set him apart from peers. His six music projects testify to this. He’s now signed to Reach Records, owned by famous American gospel artist, Lecrae. Limoblaze is set to join the list of Nigerian superstars who’ve sold out and performed at the O2 Academy this September.
Ty Bello
She’s known for songwriting skills and live music approach. In 2008, Ty Bello’s Greenland, her debut album, won multiple awards like Sound City Award and Nigeria Music Award. Her sophomore album, The Future, was released in 2011— with features from Banky W, Tara Fela-Durotoye, the late Sound Sultan, etc. Since then, four other full-length projects have followed, including her latest album, Heaven Has Come; a 20-track album, which was released in May, is already making statements as some of the best music to come out of 2023.
Apostle Emmanuel Iren is the founder and general pastor of Celebration Church International, popularly known as CCI, with its headquarters in Lagos. When he’s not preaching, he’s singing or writing songs, and leading his Outburst Music Group. Although many listeners acknowledge Apostolos as his first album, he actually released a debut titled Kerygma in December 2017.
O’tobi
“Otobi lomo na” as he fondly praises himself on songs, is that guy. His 2017 EP, Son of God is an example of how the talent makes some of the best gospel music in the country— he infuses African percussion and contemporary swag into his songs. In 2021, he released his debut album titled Breakfast (Afrogospel Vol 1). Throughout 2022, he dropped a series of singles. 2023, he is back with another one called Take It featuring Marizu and Tbabz.
CalledOutMusic
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, now based in England, CalledOutMusic is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He started his career In 2016, and between then and now, he has released two successful albums, won a Best Gospel Act at UK Entertainment Award (2020), MOBO awards (2020), and toured internationally. CalledOutMusic is famously known for his deep lyricism.
Greatman Takit
Former member of award-winning music group The Gratitude, Greatman Takit is one of Nigeria’s best young gospel artists. He’s a rapper and singer who has struck a fine balance with his raps and Afrobeats elements. In 2016, he released WildFire (The EP) and put out another EP titled Energy (Afropop Gospel Vol. 1) in 2021. His 2023 singles, Melody and Asiwaju are more proof of his conscious efforts to dominate our playlists. Greatman Takit is an incredible musician, unconfined to a musical box— on any type of sound, he showcases great artistry without losing sight of his goal to uplift and spread gospel messages.
Jlyricz
Jlyricz is a Lagos-based singer-songwriter, author and poet, born and raised in Benin-City. He hasn’t looked back since his debut in 2017. His discography is full of singles and projects like The Redeemed (2017), Thankful, Love Play (2018), Love & Gospel: The Collection. This year, he has released another album titled Spirit & Rhythm II and a new single, Lifting Me High. Besides his impressive consistency, Jlyricz’s soulful vocals and puts him on lists of Nigerian gospel artists that should be on your radar.
Sometimes, nostalgia hits and you suddenly start missing your faves from the past. We were curious about these ones in particular, so we did a little digging to find out what they’re up to these days.
Tunde & Wunmi Obe
In the late 90s, you’d find Tunde with Wunmi, his wife, in perfectly tailored suits and hats and durags to match. Popularly known as T.W.O, this power couple were in the limelight as actors, hosts, entrepreneurs and musicians, dropping six whole albums. But since they dropped their last, T.W.O Plus, in 2014, the fashion-forward heartthrobs have gone quiet, focusing on other business ventures. You can catch them on TikTok, where they’re still active.
Styl Plus
https://youtu.be/fqdiULiEJG8
You probably didn’t know that this R&B music group from the late 90s was originally called STYL, an abbreviation of the founders’ first names (Shifi, Tunde, Yemi and Lanre). After Lanre’s demise in 1999 and Zeal’s entry into the group, “Plus” was added to the name. After three albums and hits like Olufunmi, Four Years, Runaway and Iya Basira, they dropped their last single, Alive featuring rapper, Sunky, and went under the radar. We thought they were back when Shifi and Zeal dropped Aso Ibora a day before Valentine’s Day 2017, but they’ve left us again to keep rinsing their classics.
Niyola
Toh Bad was the first single Niyola dropped under Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2013. But if you grew up before the SoundcityTV era, you’d know she was affiliated with Trybe Records and Make-Sum Noise Entertainment when she put out her first and only self-titled album in 2008. She’s a coach on The Voice Nigeria 2023 and posts photos we love to like on social media. But are we getting a new song or video soon? We just might, based on this Instagram post she captioned “Time for MUSIC”.
K-Switch
Once upon a time, K-Switch was an enigmatic artist, who reigned in Mo’Hits Records. With a discography that included collaborations on Dr. Sid’s 2010 Over the Moon and Wande Coal’s 2009 iconic anthems, Who Born the Maga? and Booty Call, K-Switch captivated hearts and ears alike. No one knows why he chose to leave music, but once in a while, he posts lifestyle content on Instagram. At least, it’s better than nothing.
OzzyBee
If you’ve been asking where the former child-star, Ozzy Bosco — who dazzled us with his hit, Tinini featuring Olamide, in 2013 — has been, he’s now OzzyBee. Now a teenager, he still features Naija music heavyweights — Teni Makanaki was on his most recent single, Omah Baby (2021). As of 2023, he’s busy with school while constantly recording. We’ll get new music when he’s ready.
Flash
Flash has shown he can be one of the best afrobeats acts of his generation if he wants to. His unique songwriting skill and vocal dexterity brought him major attention after his feature on Sarz’s 2017 Get Up with DJ Tunez. These days, he’s either outside Naija or focused on school. We support artistes taking their time, but someone needs to lock Flash in a recording studio with badass producers for 40 days and nights.
Terry tha Rapman
Terry tha Rapman gained prominence in the Nigerian hip hop scene in the early 2000s. Regarded as the initiator of the popular Nigerian phrase, “Boys are not smiling”, Terry tha Rapman has released several singles, mixtapes and albums throughout his career, and is also known for frequent collaborations with artists like Mode9 and DJ Jimmy Jatt. Although in December 2022, Terry tha Rapman dropped a single named after viral TikToker, Bhadie Kelly, we’ve been waiting for him to fully grab the mic. And if his most recent IG post is to be believed, we might not have to wait too long for a new album.
Do you remember those Facebook pictures of man dem wearing a Mahmudi cap on T-shirt and jeans, with “#yesboss” somewhere in the caption? Naeto C pioneered that whole movement. 13 years since his popular single, Ten Over Ten, came out — and eight since Festival, his last album — Naeto C has gone on to focus on getting his master’s degree, raising his family and judging new talent on The Voice Nigeria. But 2022 seemed to be the comeback year for OG rappers, with M.I Abaga, Mode9 and Vector all dropping new albums. So if Naeto C isn’t too busy, maybe he could finally drop a new jam?
Infinity
When their classic Olori Oko came out, this gospel music collective gave us an unconventional experience, finding the common ground between art and spirituality. After their first album, two members — Kenny and David — went solo. The rest churned out three albums and then went on a hiatus, returning in 2021 with their most recent EP, Abiyamo. Since then, Sunny Steve — the group’s musical director and producer — has been a voice coach on Kids Voice Nigeria, while Joe juggles music with a career in sales. Though it’s hard to find Infinity on socials these days, they still get together to minister sometimes.
Blackmagic
Blackmagic’s 2013 single, Repete, off his critically acclaimed BlackMagic 2.0 album, will remain a staple on any serious Nigerian classic songs list for a long time. The rapper-singer has since serenaded us with alternative sounds like Pass You By featuring Oritse Femi (2013), Golden Girl and Africa remix (2014), consistently putting out bodies of work with undeniable quality.
Lynxxx
Lynxxx’s music was like a pot of deliciously spiced jollof rice that kept everyone coming back for more. And his record label, Syndik8 records, served as a launching pad for his extraordinary talent. But in 2014, Lynxxx announced that he’d experienced a profound encounter with God, and took a break from secular music. In 2022, we saw him in Nollywood’s Glamour Girls, but that isn’t enough for fans who’ve been hoping for new music. In his latest interview with Taymesan, he shared some tea about new businesses (a creative agency and crypto company) that have taken his focus.
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.
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.
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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.
It can’t be argued that some of the exceptional music talents of the Nigerian music scene are in the form of a duo. These artistes are either paired up by birth, friendship, partnership or alignment of dreams.
Here are some of the exceptional musical duos currently holding it down.
Show Dem Camp
Tec and Ghost have been incredibly consistent as one of the major frontiers of African Hip-Hop. For over a decade, they’ve been killing it with their series of Clone Wars and “Palmwine Music”. The former which caters to core Hip-Hop fans first came out in 2010, now in its fifth installment. “Palmwine Music” was introduced in 2017 and its fourth installment came out 2023. SDC, as they’re popularly known, is consistent in providing a platform to new and young artistes via their music projects. In case you’re wondering which Nigerian rappers are currently touring North America, “It’s the Show Dem Camp, omo yes indeed.”
The Cavemen.
Made up of siblings Benjamin James, a drummer and Kingsley Okorie, a bassist; the Cavemen are known for their fresh take of Highlife music. Their Headies-award winning debut album, “ROOTS” was released in 2020 and made fans out of many young Nigerians. The Cavemen’s sophomore album “Love and Highlife” came out in 2021. The album boasts of features from Made Kuti, Efuk Ubong, PC Lapez and Cobhams Asuquo.
Umu Obiligbo
Chukuemeka and Ifeanyuchukwu Obiligbo are also siblings making Highlife music. Their discography boasts of two recording albums and two EPs. Their traditional and cultural approach has gained them placements on Basketmouth’s “Yabasi” and Larry Gaaga’s “Rattlesnake” soundtrack albums. Umu Obiligbo toured the U.S this year, and concluded the European leg two months ago.
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Ajebo Hustlers
Straight out of Port Harcourt, singer Piego and rapper Knowledge, known for their strong street poetry and rap-highlife fusion, began their musical journey in 2015. Five years later, they got the mainstream’s attention with their “Barawo Remix” that featured Davido— the song which originally addressed the gruesome killing of the ALUU 4, became the unofficial anthem during the End SARS protest. Ajebo Hustlers released their full length debut titled “Kpos Lifestyle Vol. 1” in 2021, the same year they became the first artistes and musical duo in Apple Music’s “Up Next” programme.
Though rappers Boogey and PayBac iBoro have their solo careers, through their super rap group “Lost & Found,” they’ve given us some of the most memorable lyrical sparring moments ever. “Face-Off”, their debut, came out in 2016. Their latest offering is the critically acclaimed “Alternate Ending” released in 2019. Boogey hasn’t released new music in a while, PayBac keeps pushing the envelope with his latest, “West African Goat”.
BOJ and Ajebutter22
These guys have had each other as guest artistes on their songs multiple times, but the first time they put out joint music in 2018— their EP, “Make E No Cause Fight”, their chemistry was so evident. The second installment of the EP included rapper Falz as primary artiste.
P-Square
Legendary! That’s the word for them. More than two decades they’ve championed the Nigerian and African music scene; dropped serial hits, inspired kids to dance and toured around Africa. After their public, messy break-up in 2017, the twin brothers, Paul and Peter Okoye, took to solo careers; though not as successful as their group career. After years of the feud, the brothers reunited in 2021. In the last 24 hours, news of their new album has been going around. We’re excited.
The Grey Area
Consists of singer-songwriters 3rty and Kid MARLEY. Although their solo careers are not taking back seats, they came together to become The Grey Area in 2015. They put out their self-titled joint album in 2018. With organic instruments, interesting perspective and strong storytelling, they’ve proved to be one of the best duos since Don Jazzy and D’Banj. In preparation for their next offering, they’ve started receiving beats.
The extra effort artistes put into their visual production is why we run up their YouTube numbers.
In this article, we list some of the artistes whose music videos have given us performances so stellar, we wonder if it isn’t time they featured in a Nollywood original.
Tiwa Savage
We need to know why any Iya Rainbow-esque role script hasn’t been sent to Tiwa Savage. The performance in the opening scene in her 2015 hit, My Darlin’, video confirmed she’d kill as an “African mother”. She acts as an aged woman dressed in traditional attire for her daughter’s wedding, solemnly praying for the bride and her friends while they get ready.
Prettyboy D-O
Almost all of his music videos are cinematic. But he took it to the peak in Living In Bondage, a single he released in 2022. He’s chained and with a cloth bag on his head as some uniformed men dragged him to the gallows for execution in one scene. We need to see him on a Nollywood set giving the police a wild chase.
Joeboy
This guy established his music career as a loverboy in 2019. Fast forward to 2023, while Contour plays in the background, Joeboy’s speeding in a Mercedes to an unknown location to murder and bury a rival. In another scene, he’s brutalising the men holding his woman’s attention.
We don’t know if love truly turns anyone into a killer. What we do know is if Chike, a fellow afrobeats loverboy, can do good gangster work in Nollywood, so can Joeboy.
Cruel’s been expressing his passion for film, using Nollywood plots and aesthetics for a long time. Based on his track record, we’re sure he’d make better spin-offs of old classics like Living In Bondage and Nneka the Pretty Serpent.
Burna Boy
In the Monsters You Made video, Burna moves with a pizzazz associated with the bad boys of Nollywood, like Sam Dede, Ernest Asuzu and Kelvin Ikeduba. He’d fit right in similar roles.
Rema
In Fireboy DML’s Playboy music video, Rema dons a suit to make deals with some white men at a casino. He’s seen lighting a cigar for Fireboy, who seems to be his gambling oil-magnate boss. He’d make a good right-hand man, like Ade from King of Boys, don’t you think?
Since his emergence to the music industry, the ZaZoo Zehh crooner has been in the news every three market days for one drama or the other. We think he’ll like Nollywood.
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Don Jazzy has been active in music for over two decades. He started in church like many other artists, then picked tungba music before pivoting into pop sounds with African leanings — which helped shape afrobeats.
Since his early days with the 419 Squad, Don Jazzy has hundreds of music production and vocal credits to his name, highlighting his insane ability to deliver infectious hooks and choruses. But Don Baba J has shown he’s the master of hook and choruses these 14 times in particular.
Wind Am Well
Don Jazzy was so mesmerised by booty on Ikechukwu’s street banger back in 2009 that he told the babe to “wind am well” more than 30 times. When he finally found words to say, they were, “Na she start from head to toe, even if popsy call, I no go o.” His charismatic delivery elevated Ikechukwu’s verses and made the song unforgettable.
Now Is the Time
Ikechukwu, AKA Killz, linked up with Don Jazzy again on a track off his debut album, The Alliance Reconstructed. It was all red cap chief energy on that hook as he boasted, “Now, it’s time to know who gat the money.”
Collabo
“I go sing for you, you go sing for me, collabo,” Don Jazzy sings about his desire to be with his love interest on this P-Square hit from 2014, dropping some Portuguese lines and referencing lines from Tiwa Savage’s Eminado.
Adaobi
Also in 2014, his Mavin crew released Adaobi. On this one, Don Jazzy took the chorus and emphatically eulogised Adaobi, a pretty Igbo babe he was eyeing. And once again, he showed he understands the formula to making love songs hit.
Looku Looku
Don Jazzy and his former Mavin artists — Reekado Banks, Dr. Sid, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, Di’Ja and D’Prince — addressed haters with memorable vibes.
Jantamanta
This 2015 song has a four-line chorus.
“Jatanmanta, kill and die, kabakaba ah
Eh, jantamanta, kabakaba.”
These first two lines though, are so infectious, yet most people have no clue what language Don Jazzy was speaking. However, further research showed he read from a Professor Peller book.
Gift
Iyanya was one of the hottest Afrobeats singers in 2015, the year Gift came out. Still, it had to be Don Jazzy on the chorus. Who else could’ve delivered that sexy baritone?
Up to Something
The old Supreme Mavin Dynasty boss started this 2017 jam by telling us to check his melody and not sleep on it. Then made bold statements about his bank account — the type that puts investigators on your tail.
My Dear
Another Jazzy chorus masterclass. On this DJ Big N song that also featured Kizz Daniel, the Don expressed his affinity for women. The jam will have you throwing your behind unashamedly while one rich man sprays you money.
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All Is in Order
This one will serenade you while Don Jazzy sings that money isn’t a problem and everything has been taken care of. This is what victory over life’s struggles sounded like in 2019. All Is In Order also heralded the coming of Rema and Crayon, who just joined the Mavin crew.
African Waist
If Don Jazzy was a hype man, he’d still have a successful career. In this Tiwa Savage cut from 2015, Don Jazzy exclaimed about the African waist and begged to see it shake in five different dance styles.Jazzy walked so Toby Shang and co. could fly.
Some More
Modenine’s 2014 album, Above Ground Level was packed with heavyweight features, including Don Jazzy. As a serial woman lover, Jazzy turned the chorus into an ad about his sexual prowess that’d keep women coming back for more. Modenine complemented his sultry bars.
Safe
At the peak of COVID-19 in 2020, Don Jazzy and Falz united for social awareness, preaching that people should come together and fight the pandemic.
Blessings
Don Baba J channelled his Cherubim and Seraphim roots and took us straight to church when he featured alongside Olamide on Phyno’s Blessings in 2019. It’s advised to wave your white handkerchiefs when dancing to this.
If you were born into a Yoruba Christian home, I’m almost certain that Yinka Ayefele was a big part of your childhood. Even if it wasn’t, you’ve probably heard his songs which were characterised by fast beats and catchy lyrics. Nearly every naming ceremony had the DJs blasting these songs on their speakers.
Honestly, they slapped differently.
1,2,3,4
5,6,7,8 alayo mi ni. This song would make you lose your home training in a Godly manner. You could be battling the worst heartbreak known to man and somehow, it would help you recover.
Eyin Temi Bawo Ni O
Sewa. Le le le le le le le sewa. If your name is Sewa, this was probably as close to musical royalty as it could get.
Ime, Imela, Imela, Jehovah Mela
Ayinkele Gymnastic Imela. We all knew that wasn’t what he said, but we shouted it at the top of our voices regardless.
Emi Ni Temi Mi O Mo J’orin Lo
His rent was definitely due when he hit us with this banger.
Baba Pamilerin Ayo
The mix of makossa and fuji here got everyone dancing. Those were the days.
Mu Mi Lo Si
Ibi giga, to ga ju aiye. Oluwa jo wo o wa gbe mi soke. This was peak vocal dexterity. The ability to get so high in pitch while raising his voice simultaneously puts Ayefele up there as one of the best of his generation.
Do Ti La Mi So Fa
Do Do Do Re Mi. It isn’t quite the tonic solfa taught in music schools but it’s definitely as iconic. Screaming it at the top of your lungs and dancing as the beat drops made it hit harder.
Odun Ikore
This song had tears welling up in the eyes of grown men as they jammed to the chorus at the top of their voices.
Te Ota Mole
Te Ota Mole Left Right. If the angels had a marching song, it honestly felt like this would be it. It has the correct blend of military grit and musical cohesion.
