Nigerian music: Who rules 2016?

2015 was an eventful year for the Nigerian music industry. Going by the trends, 2016 promises to be another fruitful year. Here are the musicians that will rule the music scene in the New Year.

Harrysong

One artiste who redefined his game in 2015 was 5star Music sign-on, Harrysong. The release of Reggae Blues has set the act on a new path, and as 2016 unravels, expectations are high and music buffs just can’t wait for The Sun Creative Person of The Year award winner’s sophomore album.

Harrysong, who relocated to Lagos from Port Harcourt in 2011, released his debut, Testify, under the Question Mark imprint in 2012. He joined Kcee’s 5star Music’s label in 2013, and ever since, has never looked back.

 Majek Fashek

After years of false starts and disappointments, Rainmaker, Majek Fashek finally settled down into rehabilitation last year and industry watchers were amazed by his remarkable recovery.

Commenting on his quick recovery in an interview, Majek Fashek had said: “To fully explain what the rehab was to me, I have a song entitled, A Living Dog Is Better Than A Dead Lion. It captures how I feel. I give thanks to the Most High for where I am today. For me, it was an opportunity to dry out. They say recovering addicts return from rehab dry, but somehow after a month or a year they go back to their old habit.

“I have been vilified. I have heard people say all sorts of things about me but I need people to understand that stress can make anyone do anything. It is true that I have an addiction, but I trust that I will be fine.”

Last year, Majek performed at various events including COSON Awards, and this year, expectations are high as fans expect a lot from the reggae star.

 Yemi Alade

If 2013 was the year Yemi Alade finally had her breakthrough, 2015 was the year she consolidated her position as the numero uno female pop singer by winning the prestigious MAMA award. However, in 2016, the artist is set to climb higher with the release of her sophomore album.

 Tiwa Savage

Six years after she stormed the industry with Kele Kele Love, Tiwa Savage, who took a break to start a family after tying the knot with Tee Bills, her manager-husband, is poised to make a great comeback in 2016.

Already, the ambassador of iconic brands such as MTN, Pepsi, and Forte Oil has started her career on a positive note this year when she got an endorsement ‎from P$G’s Pampers courtesy of her baby boy, Jamil.

Meanwhile, Tiwa, whose post baby body has set tongues wagging on social media, has unveiled her new 16-track album, R.E.D.

Olamide

Olamide Adedeji aka Olamide has no doubt metamorphosed into one of Nigeria’s most successful acts. 2015 was indeed his year with tracks like Bobo and Melo among others. Ever since the Bariga, Lagos-born singer released his debut album, Rapsodi; he has warmed himself into the hearts of music buffs. Olamide crowned his success last year by winning the 2015 Best Rap Act at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards held in New York.

But then, at the Headies held on January 1, Olamide had a brawl with Mavin Records’ boss, Don Jazzy when his signee, Lil Kesh didn’t win the Next Rated award. Many music lovers were appalled by his action, leading to his tendering an apology and eventually settling with Don Jazzy.

No doubt, Olamide was the king of rap in 2015 and there is little likelihood he will drop the title this year.

Korede Bello

While 2015 was the year Korede Bello finally found his voice; many expect him to consolidate on this feat this year. Ever since he got signed on to Mavin Records, Bello’s career has continued to grow from strength to strength, and last year, he was appointed Police Youth ambassador.

Bello’s hit, Godwin, has broken the gospel cum secular music barriers. He ended 2015 on a promising note with his latest release, Romantic, featuring Mavin’s First Lady, Tiwa Savage. Popularly referred to as Omo Olope by fans, the singer has vowed to turn his music around this year.

Adekunle Gold

Another singer who will make a mark in 2016 is Adekunle Gold, nephew to veteran actor, Jide Kosoko. The graphic designer turned-musician stole away the hearts of music lovers with his debut single, Sade, which also brought him into the limelight. Following the success of Sade, he released Orente and Pick Up thus wrapping up 2015 on a very positive note.

 Reekado Banks

University of Lagos graduate, Reekado Banks, is a songwriter, singer and rapper. He has consistently stood out as a force to reckon with on the Mavin crew on songs like Dorobucci and Adaobi. There is no gain saying it, his controversial winning of the Next Rated award at the Headies gave his career a major boost! In spite of his hit tracks, Katapot and Oluwa Ni, the searchlight will definitely be on Banks as 2016 unfolds.

 Phyno

Penthauze boss, Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson aka Phyno, hit the airwaves in 2014 with his song, No Guts, No Glory, and he has not relented since then. Though, he raps in Igbo, his fans cut across ethnical and geographical divides in Nigeria. Going by the trends, Phyno will definitely rule the scene in 2016.

Tekno

Aside making his Nollywood debut in Superstar, 2015 was an exciting year for Ubi Franklin’s Men Made Men Group as far as music was concerned. Recently, he collaborated with Yemi Alade, Iyanya, Olamide and Selebobo for the release of Mama Oyoyo, which celebrates motherhood. However, Tekno’s Duro, which was released in 2015, will continue to enjoy massive airplay in the New Year.