Artists are basically empty without a fanbase, it’s very important as air itself. Most Naija artists know that having a fanbase is one of the major stepping stone to international success.
Fans are an important factor in an artist’s success in the music industry. They hype you, publicize your music and fight for you when need be, all of this for free. Sure you might have to do giveaways at some point.
To measure the level of success an artist has, his fanbase is one of the yardsticks used to check. It gets better when your fanbase has a name unifying them, it helps in identifying true supporters.
Nigerian artists have benefited from the advantages that come with having a strong fanbase, from having to do fewer promotions to never having to fight and reply criticisms or rival attacks.
In Fact, the rate at which an artist gets sponsorships is also dependent on the fanbase. A Brand when picking an ambassador checks the fanbase to see how much of their product and services can sell.
Here are 5 Nigerian artists with a hardcore fanbase.
DJ Cuppy
DJ Cuppy is well-loved not for her music but her vibrant personality and her football banter. This has attracted fans to her which is surprising despite the criticisms her music receives.
Her fanbase which she refers to as Cupcakes are the type of friends that tease you when they want but still have your back no matter
Rema
Rema is the youngest artist in this list but has been able to establish a strong fanbase which is quite a feat for a new school artist. They are referred to as the Ravers.
The Ravers are mostly made up of young adults who find his music worthy of vibing to and also accept his transition into trap music.
Ravers are a cool-headed fanbase and are rarely involved in any disputes or fan wars probably because their fave isn’t involved in any of those too.
Naira Marley
The rise of the Marlian fanbase could be attributed to the publicity that EFCC brought Naira Marley when they arrested him on alleged fraud charges.
Naira Marley who is known for his controversial behavior and music got himself a hardcore fanbase known as Marlians or No Belt Gang which surprisingly includes celebrities like DJ Cuppy, Toke Makinwa.
However, this fanbase has often been criticized as being an immoral one with no respect for law and order. They have also been criticized for their love of drugs, women, and rebellious lifestyle.
The fact that a large percent of this fanbase are people who either support or are into cybercrime doesn’t help much.
Davido
Davido’s fans refer to themselves as the 30 Billion Gang, a moniker that originated from one of Davido’s songs, “Fall”. They are extremely loyal to Davido and it shows from their eagerness to stream his songs and defend him whenever someone criticizes him.
Their loyalty manifested a few days after Davido announced his social absence. They got Davido trending on social media even with no song, begging him to return to social media.
Their biggest rival is Wizkid’s fanbase known as WizkidFC. It is no longer news to see these fanbases at loggerheads with each other.
Wizkid
Wizkid’s fanbase refers to themselves as the WizkidFC which to a beginner would make one think the singer has a football field. I refer to this fanbase as a beehive due to their vicious and organized nature. They are probably the most hardcore fanbase one would find in Nigeria.
Wizkid rarely needs to do much promotion on his songs in Nigeria as he is certain his fanbase are always ready to do the job for him. One dare not criticize their fave, as they would come at you like a swarm of bees. Davido is a testament to that fact. On so many occasions, the DMW boss has being a victim of their vicious nature.
The only person who they listen to is Wizkid and no one else.