This year, the Nigerian music scene has been electrifying, with numerous artistes captivating audiences and pushing boundaries. OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL shines a spotlight on some of the standout stars of 2024
Asake
Ahmed Ololade, aka Asake, emerged as a fan-favourite this year, solidifying his place in the music industry with the release of his album titled, ‘Lungu Boy’. His infectious sound resonated with a diverse audience, earning him accolades and recognition. Notably, Asake clinched the prestigious ‘Best African Act of the Year’ at the 2024 MOBO Awards held in Sheffield, United Kingdom. He is also nominated in the Best African music performance for the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Wizkid
Ayodeji Balogun, widely known as Wizkid, made waves throughout the year with a string of hits, including ‘Kese’ and ‘Piece of My Heart’. His latest album, a heartfelt tribute named after his late mother, Morayo, showcases his growth as an artiste. He was also awarded ‘Best Male Artist’ at the 10th Anniversary of the African Entertainment Awards USA 2024.
Davido
David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, continued to dominate the charts with a series of captivating hit songs and collaborations that left fans wanting more. The 30 BG artiste teamed up with global icons such as Angelique Kidjo, YG Marley, and Nicki Minaj, creating an impressive body of work that transcends borders. His contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed, as he joins fellow Nigerian artistes in the nominations for the highly anticipated 2025 Grammy Awards.
Seyi Vibes
Oluwaloseyi Balogun, better known as Seyi Vibes, has made a name for himself with his unique sounds and captivating performances. His singles have resonated with fans, earning him a loyal following. Vibes’ engaging stage presence and ability to connect with audiences during live performances have also contributed to his popularity. Some of his notable viral songs this year include ‘Doha’, ‘Casablanca’ and ‘Instagram’.
Tems
Temilade Opaniyi continued to solidify her position as one of the unique voices in afrobeats this year. This year, she showcased her distinct blend of afrobeats, RnB, and soul with her latest album, ‘Born in the Wild’. The album was supported by the singles— ‘Me & U’, ‘Love Me JeJe’ and ‘Burning’, which quickly became a viral jam. ‘Me & U’ went on to clinch the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, triumphing over industry titans like Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar and Maverick City. She also leads Nigerian Grammy nominees with three nominations for 2025.
Burna Boy
Damini Ogulu, popularly referred to as Burna Boy, once again solidified his position as a music powerhouse. Despite releasing only a handful of tracks this year, the artiste emerged as one of the most-streamed Nigerian musicians on Spotify, amassing over 6.2 billion streams across Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Burna Boy also performed at the Grammy Awards. As the New Year approaches, fans eagerly await his next moves, particularly with his nominations for the 2025 Grammys generating even more excitement.
Kizz Daniel
Daniel Anidugbe, aka Kizz Daniel, had an impressive year, releasing chart-topping singles, such as ‘Double’ and ‘Marhaba’. His ability to connect with fans through relatable lyrics and catchy melodies has kept him relevant in the competitive afrobeats landscape. He also understands the nuances of social media marketing which often contribute to his wide reach.
Rema
Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, continued to dominate the afrobeats scene with his undeniable talent. This year, his second studio album, ‘Heis’ caught the attention of many afrobeats lovers. One thing that stood the album out is the fusion of electronic dance music with afrobeats. The singer also has different awards to his name, including the 2024 ASCAP London Music Awards, where his hit song, ‘Calm Down’ won both Song of the Year and Top Streaming Song.
Ayra Starr
Oyinkansola Aderigbigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has solidified her position as one of afrobeats’ brightest stars in 2024. With her captivating stage presence, she released several chart-topping singles, including ‘Rhythm & Blues’ and ‘Commas’, that resonated with fans both locally and internationally. Her ability to connect with audiences through her music has garnered her numerous accolades and nominations, marking her as an artiste to watch in the coming year.
Young John
John Udomboso, aka Young John, was one of the significant players on the afrobeats scene in 2024. His album gained massive popularity, and his collaboration with top artistes have helped him to carve out a unique niche in the industry.
Oghenovo Egodo-Michael @ThePUNCH
