10 Best Afrobeat Musicians In Nigeria

Afrobeat is a genre of music that originated in Nigeria in the 1960s and 1970s. It is a fusion of West African musical styles, such as highlife and juju, with American funk and jazz. The sound of Afrobeat is characterized by a mix of complex rhythms, percussive beats, and brass instruments, with lyrics that often address social and political issues.

In this article, we will be discussing the 10 best Afrobeat musicians in Nigeria in 2023. These artists represent the very best of Nigerian music, blending different genres and cultural influences to create a sound that is both fresh and timeless. From veteran artists like Davido and Wizkid to rising stars like Tems and Omah Lay, each of these musicians has made a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene and has helped to shape the future of the genre.

We will explore the career trajectories, musical styles, and contributions of each artist, providing insights into what makes them stand out in such a competitive industry. Through this examination, we hope to shed light on the diverse and vibrant music scene in Nigeria and celebrate the incredible talent that continues to emerge from this country.

• Wizkid
• Davido
• Burna Boy
• Tiwa Savage
• Yemi Alade
• Tekno
• Olamide
• Phyno
• Patoranking
• Rema

10 Best Afrobeat Musicians in Nigeria 2023

1.Wizkid

Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is another Nigerian musician who has achieved global success. He first gained fame with his debut album Superstar in 2011, which featured the hit single Holla at Your Boy. Since then, he has released several successful albums, including Ayo and Made in Lagos. Wizkid's music is known for its smooth, melodic sound, blending elements of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop.

2. Davido

David Adedeji Adeleke, better known by his stage name Davido, is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and record producer. He first gained fame with his debut single Back When in 2011 and has since released several hit albums, including Omo Baba Olowo and A Good Time. Davido's music is characterized by its upbeat, danceable sound, blending elements of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and pop.

3. Burna Boy

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Burna Boy is one of Nigeria's biggest and most popular music stars. Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, he first rose to fame with his debut album L.I.F.E. in 2013, which featured the hit singles Like to Party and Tonight. Since then, Burna Boy has released several critically acclaimed albums, including African Giant and Twice as Tall, which won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021. His music blends elements of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall, with lyrics that often touch on social and political issues.

4. Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She first gained fame with her debut single Kele Kele Love in 2010 and has since released several successful albums, including Once Upon a Time and R.E.D. Tiwa Savage's music is known for its soulful, melodic sound, blending elements of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop.

5. Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. She first gained fame with her hit single Johnny in 2014, which became a viral sensation in Nigeria and beyond. Since then, she has released several successful albums, including Mama Africa and Black Magic. Yemi Alade's music is known for its energetic, African-inspired sound, blending elements of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop.

6. Tekno

Tekno is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer. Born Augustine Miles Kelechi, he is best known for his unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and EDM, which has earned him a reputation as one of Nigeria's most innovative artists. Tekno gained fame in 2013 with his hit single Dance, which was followed by a string of successful singles, including Pana and Skeletun.

Tekno's music is characterized by its catchy melodies, infectious beats, and smooth vocals. He often incorporates elements of traditional African music into his songs, adding a unique flavor to his sound. Tekno's latest album, Old Romance, released in 2020, has been well-received by fans and critics alike, cementing his status as one of Nigeria's top artists.

7. Olamide

Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is one of the most successful artists in Nigeria, having won several awards and released over ten studio albums throughout his career. Olamide's music is a blend of traditional Yoruba music and hip-hop, and he is known for his distinctive voice, creative lyrics, and energetic performances.

In addition to his music career, Olamide is also a successful businessman, with his own record label, YBNL Nation. He has signed several up-and-coming Nigerian artists to the label, helping to develop the next generation of Nigerian music stars. Olamide's influence on the Nigerian music scene has been significant, and he has helped to popularize a unique blend of African and Western sounds that has resonated with audiences around the world.

8. Phyno

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Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, known professionally as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best Igbo rappers in Nigeria and is known for his unique blend of indigenous Igbo music and hip-hop. Phyno's music is characterized by his clever wordplay, witty lyrics, and intricate rhyme schemes.

Phyno first gained fame with his debut studio album, No Guts No Glory, in 2014. The album featured hit singles like Ghost Mode and Man of the Year and helped to establish Phyno as one of Nigeria's top artists. Since then, he has released several successful albums, including The Playmaker, Deal With It, and Phyno 1 of 1.

9. Patoranking

Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, known professionally as Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. He first gained fame with his hit single Alubarika in 2013, which was followed by a string of successful singles and collaborations, including Girlie O, My Woman, My Everything and No Kissing Baby featuring Sarkodie.

Patoranking's music is a blend of dancehall, reggae, and afrobeat, with lyrics that touch on social issues such as poverty, politics, and inequality. He is known for his smooth vocals, infectious beats, and powerful stage presence.

10. Rema

Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He gained widespread recognition in 2019 with his self-titled debut EP, which featured hit singles like Dumebi, Iron Man, and Corny. Rema's music is a blend of afrobeat, trap, and pop, with lyrics that touch on themes like love, heartbreak, and success.

Despite his young age, Rema has quickly established himself as one of Nigeria's brightest stars. He has been praised for his unique sound, which incorporates elements of traditional African music, and his ability to blend different genres seamlessly. In addition to his solo career, Rema has collaborated with several other Nigerian artists, including Fireboy DML and Skepta.