20 Top Nigerian Artists to Watch in 2024

Nigerian music is on fire right now, and 2024 is shaping up to be an amazing year. The energy and creativity coming from these artists are unmatched, making waves not just in Nigeria but globally. Here’s a list of the top 20 Nigerian artists you should keep an eye on.

Best Nigerian Artists in 2024

1. Fireboy DML
2. Joeboy
3. Omah Lay
4. Oxlade
5. Ckay
6. Bella Shmurda
7. Zinoleesky
8. Soundz
9. Lifesize Teddy
10. Kemuel
11. Tar1q
12. Ninety
13. Llona
14. Winny
15. Logos Olori
16. Yemzzy
17. Shine TTW
18. Raebel
19. TML Vibez
20. Qing Madi

1. Fireboy DML

Fireboy DML, born Adedamola Adefolahan, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who burst onto the music scene in 2019 with his debut album “Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps.” The album featured the hit single “Jealous,” which quickly gained widespread acclaim.

Known for his smooth vocals and emotive lyrics, Fireboy’s music blends Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, resonating deeply with listeners. Tracks like “Vibration” and “Peru” have further cemented his place in the industry. With a unique ability to connect with his audience, Fireboy continues to evolve, making him a standout artist to watch in 2024.

2. Joeboy

Joeboy, whose real name is Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, is a talented Nigerian singer and songwriter who first made waves with his hit single “Baby” in 2019. This track quickly went viral, establishing him as one of the most exciting new artists in the Afrobeats scene.

His music blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, creating catchy tunes that are hard to get out of your head. Songs like “Beginning” and “Alcohol” have kept him at the forefront of Nigerian music.

3. Omah Lay

Omah Lay, whose real name is Stanley Omah Didia, burst onto the scene in 2020 with his debut EP “Get Layd.” The EP featured the hit single “Bad Influence,” which quickly became a fan favorite.

Known for his unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, Omah Lay has a talent for creating songs that are both catchy and meaningful. Tracks like “Godly” and “Understand” have helped him maintain his position as a leading artist in Nigerian music.

4. Oxlade

Oxlade, known officially as Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, gained recognition with his hit single “Away” in 2020. His music, a mix of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike.

With tracks like “Ojuju” and “Ku Lo Sa,” Oxlade has shown his ability to create catchy and memorable songs.

5. Ckay

Ckay, born Chukwuka Ekweani, rose to fame with his viral hit “Love Nwantiti” in 2019. His music blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, creating a unique and infectious sound.

Songs like “Felony” and “Emiliana” have kept Ckay at the forefront of the music scene, earning him a growing fan base worldwide.

6. Bella Shmurda

Bella Shmurda, whose real name is Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, gained attention with his single “Vision 2020” in 2019. His energetic style and raw lyrics quickly made him a favorite in the Nigerian music scene.

Hits like “Cash App” and “Rush” showcase his ability to combine Afrobeats, hip-hop, and street music.

7. Zinoleesky

Zinoleesky, whose real name is Oniyide Azeez, made a name for himself with the viral single “Caro” in 2019. Known for his catchy beats and streetwise lyrics, Zinoleesky has a unique style that blends Afrobeats with hip-hop and street music.

Tracks like “Kilofeshe” and “Ma Pariwo” have solidified his reputation as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.

8. Soundz

Soundz, born Samuel Idowu Oluwadarasimi, is a standout Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer affiliated with AfroNext Entertainment. He has made significant strides in the music industry with tracks like “Attention” and the collaborative single “Down.”

His 2022 project “In The Rough” showcases his versatility and talent.

9. Lifesize Teddy

Lifesize Teddy, officially known as Timileyin Sulaimon, has been making waves since joining Mavin Records. Her debut EP “Timileyin” and the hit single “Goated” featuring Seyi Vibez have garnered significant attention.

Known for her infectious energy and genre-blending sounds, Lifesize Teddy is set to take the music scene by storm in 2024.

10. Kemuel

Kemuel Emmanuel, known professionally as Kemuel, has been gaining attention with his sultry single “Champagne Girl.” His breakthrough came with the song “Bunda,” a collaboration with DJ Spinall and Olamide.

Kemuel’s blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul creates a captivating sound that appeals to a wide audience.

11. Tar1q

Tar1q, whose full name is Tariq Oluokun, is a Chocolate City signee known for his impressive debut EP “Son Of The Moon.” This five-track project explores themes of love, mental health, and the challenges of fame.

With songs like “Bad Intentions” and “Dear 2020,” Tar1q has amassed over a million streams across various platforms.

12. Ninety

Ninety, born Alabo Tuonims, is a dynamic singer-songwriter and producer in the Afrobeats genre. Known for tracks like “Touch and Follow” and “Diamond,” Ninety has captivated audiences with his unique sound.

His music combines catchy melodies with relatable lyrics, earning him a spot among the most promising new artists in Nigerian music.

13. Llona

Llona, whose real name is Micheal Ajuma Attah, hails from Kogi State, Nigeria. His music spans Afrobeats, R&B, and Dancehall, drawing inspiration from artists like Olamide. Llona’s collaboration with Bella Shmurda on the “HBP Remix” introduced him to a broader audience.

Tracks like “Gbe” and “Come Closer” highlight his versatility and talent, making him a notable artist to follow in 2024.

14. Winny

Winny, officially known as Winifred Ohili Adanu, is an afro-reggae singer from Benue State. Her debut EP “Winny” is a bold blend of dancehall-infused R&B, influenced by both Jamaican artists and Nigerian stars like Wizkid.

With tracks like “Pretty,” “Love,” and “Sugar,” Winny has quickly gained recognition for her unique sound and captivating performances.

15. Logos Olori

Logos Olori, whose real name is Olamilekan Emeka Taiwo, is an emerging talent signed to Davido Music Worldwide. Despite some early controversy, Logos Olori has quickly established himself in the music industry with tracks like “Only You” and “Jaye Lo.”

His unique style and captivating performances have earned him a growing fan base.

16. TML Vibez

TML Vibez, known as Timileyin Sulaimon, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Vibez Incorporation. His debut EP “Timileyin” and the single “Goated” featuring his label boss, Seyi Vibez, have brought him into the spotlight.

TML Vibez’s energetic performances and genre-blending music make him an exciting artist to watch.

17. Yemzzy

Yemzzy is a rising Afropop artist who has been making waves since his debut single “Only One” in 2020. His music often addresses social issues, with tracks like “Tire” highlighting the struggles of Nigerian youths.

Yemzzy’s EP “Son Of Moses” and his latest project “Vibes B4 Sun Dawn” showcase his lyrical depth and musical versatility.

18. Shine TTW

Shine TTW, born Chukwuma Chinaza Ferdinand, is a promising Nigerian singer from the southeast region. His music, described as Afro-Sentio, aims to evoke deep emotions in listeners.

Shine TTW has made a mark with songs like “No Religion” and “Designer,” and his recent single “Alinko” is gaining traction.

19. Raebel

Raebel is an emerging Nigerian artist known for her unique blend of alternative R&B, neo-soul, and reggae/dancehall. She first gained attention with her 2022 hit song “Miniskirt,” originally a freestyle that became a smash hit after teaming up with producer Timbun.

In 2023, Raebel continued to impress with tracks like “Kash and Karry,” showcasing her versatility and deep connection with her fan base, affectionately known as THE RAEBELLIONs.

20. Qing Madi

Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, is a 17-year-old Nigerian prodigy making significant strides in the music world. Her journey began at 16 with the viral hit “See Finish,” which showcased her raw talent and quickly won her a large following.

As a Spotify EQUAL Africa artist, Qing Madi has continued to build on her success with tracks like “Ole” and its remix featuring BNXN. Her self-titled EP includes popular songs like “Vision” and “American Love,” proving her versatility and depth as an artist.

FAQs

What makes Nigerian music popular globally?

Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats, has gained global popularity due to its unique blend of traditional African rhythms with modern genres like hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall. The infectious beats, energetic performances, and relatable lyrics appeal to a wide audience.

Which platforms are best for Nigerian artists?

Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube are excellent for discovering new Nigerian artists. Additionally, social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter often feature up-and-coming talent.

What impact have Nigerian artists had on the global music scene?

Nigerian artists have significantly impacted the global music scene by popularizing Afrobeats and collaborating with international artists. Their music has topped charts worldwide, bringing more attention to African music and culture.

What challenges do Nigerian artists face in the music industry?

Nigerian artists often face challenges such as limited access to funding, piracy, and navigating the complexities of the global music market. Despite these obstacles, many have achieved remarkable success through perseverance and innovation.

Are there music festivals in Nigeria?

Yes, Nigeria hosts several major music festivals, including the Lagos Music Festival, Felabration, and Gidi Fest. These events provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talent.

Final Thoughts

The Nigerian music scene is thriving, offering a mix of sounds and styles that attract audiences everywhere. The excitement for new music and innovative projects from these talented artists continues to grow.

The energy and creativity coming from Nigeria’s music industry are unmatched, promising groundbreaking tracks and memorable performances. Keep an eye on these artists as they shape the future of music.