Wizkid is currently the standard for most artists in the Nigerian Music industry. Be it sound, lyrics, songs, or branding, the superstar has checked all the boxes and is winning every time.
Wizkid who officially broke into the music scene in the year 2010 under EME Records with his debut hit song, “Holla at your boy” is revered in the music industry and for the right reasons.
While he isn’t perfect and right every time, he has established a strong reign in Afrobeat that an Afrobeat reigning list would be incomplete without his name. With more than several hits to his name, Wizkid is the artist every other artist aspires to be.
In Fact, the only other two artists that are said to be at the same level as him are Davido and Burna Boy. Wizkid contributed to the success of pushing Afrobeat globally.
His fanbase popularly known as Wizkid FC are so hardcore that you dare not scold or write anything contrary to nice things about their fave. Trying would have come for you like a swarm of bees and trust me they sting hard.
Internationally, Wizkid has accomplished so much that he is seen as the face of Afrobeat. But as new school artists crop up every day and new sounds are being heard on the market, one wonders if any of them can accomplish or surpass Wizkid’s feats.
Which is why Mp3bullet.ng have compiled a list of five New school artists we think can step into Wizkid’s shoes or command the same respect the superstar does.
Rema
Rema’s success story is a tale of talent, platform, grace, and proper branding. The 20-year-old singer has accomplished more in just one year of being in the music industry than most artists who have been in the industry longer.
His story proves the phrase “It’s not how far but how well” right. Signed to Jonzing records a subsidiary of Mavin Records, Rema came to prominence with his debut song, “Dumebi” and since then established his own fanbase called the Ravers.
Rema is looked at to be Wizkid’s successor but only time will tell if that would be the case. But from the level of growth and fame, the youngster has achieved in just a short time proves that he would soon be Afrobeat reigning king.
One other thing that has helped push the “Woman” crooner forward is his versatility. Rema is one of the few artists that can swing between Afrobeat and Trap and not lose grip of his sound. With songs like “Iron Man”, “Bad Commando”, “Alien” and the rest, Rema is pushing himself out of his comfort zone.
Though one factor that helped contribute to his fame is the global acceptance of afrobeat music and the contribution of streaming platforms to African music space. Truthfully, when Wizkid entered the music industry, Streaming platforms were unheard of and Nigerian artists were still focused on dominating the local scene.
Notwithstanding, Rema despite his plenty advantages isn’t talking all of these for granted. However, he still has a long way to go as the music industry isn’t constant and any artists’ greatest test is the ability to keep up with trends.
Fireboy DML
Fireboy DML was the experience we didn’t know we all needed. When he dropped his “Jealous” in 2018, he had set a standard for new school artists. Fireboy’s debut EP, “Laughter, Goosebumps and Tears” is
Fireboy is signed to YBNL which is owned by Olamide. Fireboy entrance into the label filled the void that Adekunle Gold and Lil Kesh left after exiting the label.
Though the singer hasn’t featured anyone on his songs or been featured on any artist’s song, he is still able to establish his territory in the music industry.
While Fireboy’s reach isn’t as broad as Rema’s, the singer has what it takes to weather the storm of the ever-changing music industry.
Joeboy
Empawa artist, Joeboy had music lovers spellbound with his breakthrough song, “Baby”, then he decided to spice it up by dropping “Begining”, “Don’t call me back”, “Call” amongst others.
He released his debut EP, “Love & Light” last year, and released his official single for 2020 titled “Call”. Joeboy came to limelight the same period as Rema and Fireboy and the comparison by fans never seems to end.
Joeboy amazing talent doesn’t only shine on his personal song but in features too. Joeboy could be credited for the success of DJ Neptune’s 2020 hit song, “Nobody”.
What amazing about the singer is the fact that despite being mentored by Mr Eazi, he decided to establish his own sound instead of taking the path Mr Eazi did by inventing Banku Music.
Oxlade
Oxlade is a new school artist but has been in the industry for slightly longer than Rema, Fireboy, and Joeboy. He however wasn’t getting the listening ears he needed to push for but after doing some great features on another artist’s songs, he started establishing his ground.
His notable work is his debut EP, “Oxygene” with the lead single, “Away” dominating airwaves. Oxlade is like a mustard seed that doesn’t look like much at first but when he blossoms, exceeds expectation.
He has the talent to surpass Wizkid’s success but if the market and industry will favor, only time can tell.
Omah Lay
Omah Lay just like Burna Boy, Duncan Mighty is another Port Harcourt surprise gift. With the release of “You” Omah Lay has taken a solid step into the industry.
Then he released his debut, “Get Layd” that houses songs like “Damn, Ye Ye Ye, Lo Lo, Bad Influence”. His EP might not be perfect but it was an instant success. Released in a time where the pandemic has people shut at home, his songs were a relief to people who needed something to get their mind off things.
Omah Lay seems to be taking a path of classic Alte genre than going commercial which is working to his favor.
Though the “You” singer still needs to wok on his brand he definitely has the potential to build a successful one.