These are Nigerian afrobeats artists who have received international acclaim or international recognitions
The Nigerian music industry has seen numerous talents come and go; while some only scraped the surface, several others have continued to establish themselves as icons, and here are the afrobeats artists who have received international recognition.
Nigeria has one of the biggest music industries in the world, thanks to her creative artists who ceaselessly roll out enjoyable tunes.
Being the one of finest in Africa, they put the country in good image internationally.
The Nigerian music industry is like no other in Africa, it’s buzzing with a good number of artists who have crossed the borders of African and new acts who are very promising.
Dozens of artists in Nigeria have gone international, however, Thrill NG compiles a list of top Nigerian artists, both male, and female, who have global recognition.
Check out the list below.
Wizkid
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2011, he released a breakout single, “Holla at Your Boy”.
During his music career, he’s been breaking records by collecting nominations and awards.
He’s been the first African to score seven billboard nominations, the youngest African to get a Grammy nomination, and the first Nigerian to win three Billboard Music Awards.
His most well-known songs include; ‘Show you the money, ’Ojuelegba‘ or ’Caro (ft. L.A.X)’. Recently, he’s been cooperating with Drake on ’One dance’ and ‘Come closer.
Davido
Davido who came into the limelight in 2011 courtesy of the hit single, ‘Back when’ featuring Naeto C has remained one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Born David Adeleke in Atalanta, USA; Davido is the son of Adedeji Adeleke and late Veronica Adeleke, he developed an interest in music at a tender age.
While in the United States, Davido honed his musical skills- both as a record producer and a vocalist.
In 2010, he returned to Nigeria with his cousins, B-Red and Sina Rambo. They gained mainstream prominence in 2011 following the success of ‘Back When’ and the follow-up single, ‘Dami Duro’.
Burna Boy
On Sunday, March 14, Burna Boy emerged victorious in the category of the “Best Global Album” at the recently concluded 2021 Grammy Awards ceremony.
He became the first Nigerian Afrobeats artistes to clinch the Grammys. Celebrating his victory, the singer said in a video on Instagram;
“This is a big win for my generation of Africans all over the world”.
Bursting into the scene in 2012, Burna boy has remained one of the most talented recording artists in the music industry.
Since his debut, he has always had the heart to win and had an attitude that urges him to conquer the world.
Yes, today, Burna Boy is a historian and one of the most influential figures to emerge from Africa.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a leading Nigerian singer-songwriter who is currently signed to Universal Records.
In 2012, she signed with Don Jazzy’s newly established, Mavins Records. She was the official first lady of the record label; after releasing three studio albums with the label, she announced her departure in 2019.
In 2020, she released her fourth studio album titled, Celia, she is one of the leading songstresses in the Nigerian music industry.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade has surpassed all expectations in the music business; she is one of the most decorated female artists in the Nigerian music industry.
She won the Peak Talent Show in 2009 after which she signed to Effyzzie Music Group, and had a hit with her single “Johnny” in 2014.
Yemi has also been applauded for her creative and overwhelming stage performances, fashion, and music videos.
Interestingly, Alade sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili, and Portuguese.
Her music has been of influence in many African countries and the world as she is acclaimed “Mama Africa” for her versatility in using different African languages and attires in her songs and music videos.
Mr Eazi
Mr Eazi is a Nigerian-Ghanaian recording artiste who has preferred to differ from his contemporaries.
His lyrics differ, his intelligence is topnotch, and most importantly, he is concerned about establishing a career that is beyond music and streaming.
In 2020, Eazi gave his fans the opportunity to start making money from just listening to music.
From international deals to major collaborations, he’s amassed more than 900 million streams, including over 226m plays on YouTube alone, while recording guest spots on the likes of J Balvin & Bad Bunny’s Como Un Bebe, Major Lazer’s Tied Up and Beyoncé’s Don’t Jealous Me and Keys to the City
Tems
Temilade Openiyi better known by her stage name Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
In 2020, her collaboration with Wizkid on their song “Essence” earned her a number one spot on BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart and also earned her first career entry on Billboard Hot 100
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On 2 September 2021, it was announced on billboards in Lagos that Tems was set to feature on rapper Drake’s Certified Lover Boy album.
Her collaboration with Drake on the song “Fountains” earned her her second Billboard Hot 100 entry debuting at number 26
Ckay
Chukwuka Ekweani, better known as CKay, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer signed to Chocolate City.
He is most famous for his international hit “Love Nwantiti”, also released as “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)”
The song became an international hit, charting across Europe and Africa, as well as in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
It also appeared on the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.
Rema
Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), known professionally as Rema, is a Nigerian singer and rapper.
He rose to prominence with the release of the song “Iron Man”, which appeared on Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist.
In 2019, he signed a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records.
Worthy Mentions
- D’Banj
- 2Baba
- Tekno