As the popular saying goes; “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step,” such is the case with all the Nigerian artistes who have made it to the top.
In a bid to look at some of the top Nigerian artistes and their journey to fame, we have highlighted a list of hit songs that brought them to the limelight.
2Baba – African Queen
Then, signed into Kennis Music and identified with the popular name, 2Face the young legend released this soft melodious tune that captured the hearts of many Nigerians, and eventually the international market, leading to his first Grammy nomination.
- RELATED: Top 10 Nigerian Songs to vibe to in the Summer
- RELATED: Top 10 Most Streamed Nigerian Artistes of all-time on Spotify
D’banj – Mobolowowon
In 2005, this aspiring legend dropped this evergreen vibe which ushered a new dawn in his career.
Upon dropping his debut single, “No Long Thing”, the tune starred as one of the lead singles.
Wizkid – Holla At Your Boy
Young and energetic, Wizkid of EME Music captured the hearts of many with this glorious record.
Of course, it was the official debut single of his Superstar album!
Davido – Dami Duro
Like some people, their debut single also became their hit songs. Such is the case of this multi-award-winning star.
Burna Boy – Like To Party
The Grammy boy also has a starting point in his career and for the record, this was the hit tune that paved the way for him.
Olamide – Eni Duro
Here is another talented rapper and singer whose growth has been a blessing to the industry.
From the rural streets of Lagos came this determined rapper who changed the rap game.
His debut hit song is below, enjoy!
- RELATED: Top 10 Naija Songs for the Month of August 2021
- RELATED: Crusie with these new Amapiano songs from Naija artistes
Wande Coal – Bumper 2 Bumper
This sensational singer is another vocalist who graced some of our childhoods with his unique voice. In 2008, he took the clubs with this debut.
Naira Marley – Issa Goal
This Marlian Music boss also came through with this groove after staying under the fame radar for a while. Inspired by the 2018 World Cup, he featured Lil Kesh and Olamide.
M.I – Crowd Mentality
From the talented rapper’s “Talk About It” debut album comes this hit record that shot him to the spotlight. Since then, the artiste has been giving us back-to-back hits.
Timaya – Dem Mama
Before the birth of the Dem Mama Records, this Bayelsa hustler gave us A song inspired by the sad occurrence in Udi, the Oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria in 1999.
It was his stepping stone!
Ice Prince – Oleku
This is another awesome and talented rapper who has been a force to reckon with in the industry.
On his debut hit, it is no other than “Oleku” in which he employed the vocals of Brymo to perfect his hook.
- RELATED: Top 10 throwback of Nigerian albums released in 2010s
- RELATED: 10 Memorable moments in the Nigerian Music Industry so far in 2021
Adekunle Gold – Sade
“Sade”, a cover of One Direction’s popular track, “Story Of My Life” is the starting point of this Afropop star. After serving us his cover, the world knew and readily accepted what Gold had to offer.
Phyno – Ghost Mode
This indigenous rapper and singer took the industry by surprise after releasing this single with Olamide.
It was simply the birth of something great in the industry; a great combination of the Eastern and Western vibe!
Tiwa Savage – Kele Kele Love
Former Mavin Records signee came to fame with her Kele Kele record. Since then, its been from hits to hits.
Yemi Alade – Johnny
Here is another powerfully vocal songstress that came to the limelight with her hit song, Johnny.
So far, it has become her most streamed music video on YouTube with over a 130milllion streams.
Korede Bello – Godwin
African prince, Korede gave it to us as a gospel-like vibe and by surprise became the “Godwin” of his music career.
Lil Kesh – Shoki
It is safe to call him one of Olamide’s proteges. He came into the industry with this dance and rap single.
Taking the world by storm, this song became so big it got a remix with Davido and his boss, Olamide.
Reekado Banks – Katapot
Here comes another former Mavin star who rose to fame with a mid-tempo Afropop groove.
Kizz Daniel – Woju
On September 1, 2014, through G-Worldwide Entertainment, this youngster dropped this Afropop single that catapulted him to fame.
Like every reasonable label, he got hooked up for a remix with two buzzing singers, Tiwa Savage, and Davido.
Patoranking – Alubarika
Our very dancehall and reggae kingpin also has his own rise to fame song. This evergreen single features his benefactor, Timaya.
9ice – Gongo Aso
In 2008, 9ice singer served the world the Gongo Aso. Gongo Aso won him several awards after becoming widely accepted.
Top Nigerian artistes and the hit songs that brought them to limelight
- 2Baba – African Queen
- D’banj – Mobolowowon
- Wizkid – Holla At Your Boy
- Davido – Dami Duro
- Burna Boy – Like To Party
- Olamide – Eni Duro
- Wande Coal – Bumper 2 Bumper
- Naira Marley – Issa Goal
- M.I – Crowd Mentality
- Timaya – Dem Mama
- Ice Prince – Oleku
- Adekunle Gold – Sade
- Phyno – Ghost Mode
- Tiwa Savage – Kele Kele Love
- Yemi Alade – Johnny
- Korede Bello – Godwin
- Lil Kesh – Shoki
- Reekado Banks – Katapot
- Kizz Daniel – Woju
- Patoranking – Alubarika
- 9ice – Gongo Aso