Nigeria has a rich musical heritage and has produced some of the greatest musicians in Africa and beyond.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the greatest Nigerian musicians of all time. These artists have made an indelible mark on the music industry, both locally and internationally.
From Fela Kuti to Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and more, these artists have carved a niche for themselves in the music industry, showcasing their unique sounds and styles.
Greatest Nigerian Musicians
1. Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Nigerian musicians of all time. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, in 1938, Kuti was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer who fused African rhythms and Western jazz, funk, and soul to create his signature Afrobeat sound.
He used his music to criticize social and political injustices in Nigeria and beyond, making him an icon and a voice of the oppressed. Kuti released over 50 albums in his lifetime, and his music continues to inspire new generations of artists.
2. King Sunny Ade
King Sunny Ade, born Sunday Adeniyi, is another legend in Nigerian music. Born in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, in 1946, he is a pioneer of juju music, a genre that blends traditional Yoruba music with Western instruments.
King Sunny Ade has released over 70 albums in his career and has won several awards, including a Grammy nomination. He is also known for his energetic live performances and his use of the talking drum, an instrument traditionally used in Yoruba music.
3. Burna Boy
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 1991, is one of the biggest Nigerian musicians of the present generation. He rose to fame in 2012 with his debut single “Like to Party” and has since released several hit songs, including “Ye,” “Gbona,” and “On the Low.”
Burna Boy’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop, and he often sings about political and social issues affecting Nigeria and Africa. He has won several awards, including the Best Global Music Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
4. Wizkid
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria, in 1990, is another major Nigerian artist. He rose to fame in 2010 with his debut album “Superstar” and has since released several hit songs, including “Ojuelegba,” “Daddy Yo,” and “Joro.”
Wizkid’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop, and he has collaborated with several international artists, including Drake and Beyonce. He has won several awards, including the Best International Act at the 2017 MOBO Awards.
5. Davido
David Adedeji Adeleke, known by his stage name Davido, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992, he moved to Lagos, Nigeria, at a young age and began his music career in 2011.
Davido’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and R&B, and he has released several hit songs, including “Fall,” “If,” and “FEM.” He has won several awards, including the Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards.
6. P Square
P Square, a Nigerian R&B duo, consisted of the twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye. They rose to fame in the early 2000s with their debut album “Last Nite” and went on to release several hit songs, including “Do Me,” “Chop My Money,” and “Personally.”
P Square’s music is a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeat, and they were known for their unique dance moves and stage performances. They won several awards, including the Best International Act at the 2011 BET Awards.
7. 2face Idibia
Innocent Ujah Idibia, known by his stage name 2face Idibia, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, in 1975, he rose to fame in the early 2000s with his hit song “African Queen.”
2face’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop, and he has released several hit songs, including “If Love Is a Crime,” “Implication,” and “Amaka.” He has won several awards, including the Best African Act at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards.
8. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage, born Tiwatope Savage in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, in 1980, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame in 2010 with her debut single “Kele Kele Love” and has since released several hit songs, including “All Over,” “Ma Lo,” and “Koroba.”
Tiwa Savage’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop, and she has collaborated with several international artists, including Beyonce and Coldplay. She has won several awards, including the Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards.
9. Olamide
Olamide Adedeji, known by his stage name Olamide, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria, in 1989, he rose to fame in 2011 with his debut album “Rapsodi” and has since released several hit songs, including “Wo,” “Science Student,” and “Pawon.”
Olamide’s music is a fusion of hip-hop, Afrobeat, and Fuji, and he is known for his unique style of rapping in the Yoruba language. He has won several awards, including the Best Rap Act at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards.
10. Wande Coal
Wande Coal, born Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria, in 1985, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to fame in 2008 with his hit single “Bumper to Bumper” and has since released several hit songs, including “Iskaba,” “So Mi So,” and “The Kick.”
Wande Coal’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop, and he has collaborated with several international artists, including Major Lazer and Burna Boy. He has won several awards, including the Best R&B/Pop Album at the 2016 Headies Awards.
11. MI
Jude Abaga, known by his stage name MI, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and record producer. Born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, in 1981, he rose to fame in 2008 with his debut album “Talk About It” and has since released several hit songs, including “African Rapper Number One,” “Undisputed,” and “Bad Belle.”
MI’s music is a fusion of hip-hop, Afrobeat, and R&B, and he is known for his socially conscious lyrics. He has won several awards, including the Best Hip Hop Artist at the 2010 MTV Africa Music
12. Dbanj
Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known by his stage name Dbanj, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, in 1980, he rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his hit single “Tongolo” and has since released several hit songs, including “Oliver Twist,” “Fall in Love,” and “Scape Goat.”
Dbanj’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, pop, and hip-hop, and he is known for his energetic stage performances. He has won several awards, including the Best African Act at the 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards.
In conclusion, Nigeria has produced some of the greatest musicians in Africa and the world. From Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat to Burna Boy’s contemporary Afrofusion, Nigerian music has evolved over the years and continues to influence the global music scene.
These musicians have not only entertained but also inspired and influenced generations of Nigerians and Africans. They have won several local and international awards and have performed on some of the biggest stages in the world.
Nigerian music is indeed a force to be reckoned with, and these musicians are some of the greatest Nigerian musicians of all time.