The City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, flaunts a throbbing music scene. It has produced artists that are putting out great music and for a long time, have had quite a number of them launched to nationwide and even global acclaim.
While people will argue that the industry is a Yoruba-dominated one due to the common use of the language in songs and most Nigerian Artists are from the tribe, other regions have also done their part in producing talented artists, most especially Port-Harcourt.
Recently, Burna Boy became the first Nigeria-based artist to win the Grammys’ “Global Music Album” category with his 2020 “Twice as Tall’ album.
Burna who hails from Port-Harcourt isn’t the only talented artist the oil-rich city has produced. The city has always been a hotbed for talent.
Apart from Burna Boy, artists like M-Trill, Korkormikor, Mr. 2Kay, Duncan Mighty and others have emerged from the oil-rich city over the years.
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Here are some Popular Artists Port-Harcourt city have produced;
Duncan Mighty
One of the great Port-Harcourt artists, Duncan Mighty made a name with his vibrant Highlife sound spiced by his usage of his native Ikwerre dialect.
In 2010 he released his sophomore album, ‘Ahamefuna (Legacy)” which produced hits like Obianuju and Port-Harcourt son” which earned him popularity in other regions.
In 2018, he made a spectacular return to nationwide fame as he enjoyed a feature run that saw him appear on tracks alongside Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Davido, among others.
Timaya
Timaya actually hails from Odi, Bayelsa but was born and bred in Port-Harcourt. It was from the city his career started.
The Egberi Papa has been around for a while. His earliest songs spoke against the oil-related politically-sponsored conflict which has rocked the South-South for some time now. Nowadays he’s an Afro Dancehall legend whose influence transcends borders.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy is probably the biggest export of Port-Harcourt so far. The self-proclaimed African Giant has the whole world eating from the palm of his hands. He is also the only Port-Harcourt artist to have been nominated for a Grammy twice and win one time.
Mr 2Kay
Mr 2Kay was born in Port Harcourt. After his birth, his family moved to Bonny Island, Rivers State where he grew up.
He enjoyed a good 2010s run which began with “Bubugaga” (2012), and has several hits to his name.
Omah Lay
Omah Lay is the latest act from the oil-rich city that is dominating airwaves.
Within the period of one year, Omah Lay has risen from obscurity to be one of the hottest new acts from Nigeria thanks to the runaway success of his ‘Get Layd’ EP which landed him a deal with Warner Music Group.
Ajebo Hustlers
Ajebo Hustlers made up of Knowledge and Piego, scored a hit with the street conscious ‘Barawo’ in 2020 and tapped Afrobeats superstar Davido for the remix.
The Port Harcourt duo at first attained recognition in their home city and have begun to make targeted efforts at a larger market. With a fresh sound that spurned the 2018 project ‘Ideas in my Voicenote’, they’ve managed to consistently climb to something great.
Mercy Chinwo
Mercy Chinwo became popular after winning Season 2 of the Nigerian Idol in 2012. The talented vocalist has gone on to become one of the foremost gospel musicians and songwriters, holding her turf with acclaimed albums and hits like “Excess Love“, “Incredible God” and “Akamdinelu.”
Mr Eazi
While Ghana influenced his sounds, Mr Eazi was actually born in Port-Harcourt where he stayed until he moved with his family to Lagos aged 4.
The singer had a great run from 2015 to 2017 when he released hit songs like, “Skin Tight”, “Anointing”, “Leg Over”, “Ohema” and others.
Ric Hassani
Ric Hassani was born in Port-Harcourt but later travelled out of the country for school. In the early days of his career, he was known as Rico Slim.
Hassani released his debut album The African Gentleman in 2016. He is said to have a dress style that is influenced by his self-acclaimed stance as an African gentleman.
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Other Artists that hail from Port-Harcourt city;
- M Trill
- Waconzy
- Muma Gee
- Frank D’Nero
- Idahams
- Sky B
- Muna
- Lyrikal
- Rex Lawson
- 1Da Banton
- King Perryy
- Bukwild Da Ikwerrian
- Korkormikor