In the Nigerian music industry, an artist can be a King and a Kingmaker at the same time if he chooses to be.
In the early 2000s, Music personalities like Kenny Ogungbe and Don Jazzy were some of the few personalities that were paving way for upcoming artists by signing them to their record labels. They had a knack for picking talented young artists and grooming them for success.
As more artists began to establish their own labels, they also followed suit by signing talented music sensations.
We have compiled a list of 5 Nigerian Artists who are paving ways for upcoming artists and have birthed stars using their platforms.
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Olamide
Olamide is Nigeria’s best Indigenous rapper to date who have broken boundaries and records with his Discography and rap prowess.
One other thing the rap God is known for his is the ability to choose/groom Stars. Olamide and his label YBNL have contributed to some of the biggest music careers in recent Nigerian history.
A number of music stars owe their success to the rapper. While some have since left him in acrimony, most retain respect for him.
These artists include Adekunle Gold, Lyta, Davolee, Picazo, Viktoh, Lil Kesh, Chinko Ekun, Fireboy DML.
Apart from artists, Olamide has also been an instrument of success for music producers like Pheelz who produced most of the songs from Olamide’s Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album and Young Jonn.
Olamide is also known for featuring on New School artists’ songs which on its own is free publicity. Artists like Naira Marley, Zlatan, Bella Shmurda, Jaido P have benefited from this relationship.
Davido
Since his rise to fame in 2011, Davido has secured himself as one Top three superstars in the music industry.
With more than ten years in the industry, the music star has not only created hits but also created one of Nigeria’s most formidable labels presently called DMW or the 30 Billion Gang.
DMW is the home to new and rising artists who are taking the industry by storm some of which include, Mayorkun, Perruzi, Yonda, Ichaba, Dremo, DJ Ecool, and the label first female artist, Liya.
He was also an instrument to the success and popularity of Music Producers like Kiddominant, Fresh VDM, Napji.
Video Director, Dammy Twitch also became popular thanks to handling most of Davido’s music videos shoot. The label is also home to also personalities like Davido’s manager, Asa Asika, Davido’s hype Special Spesh, Aloma DMW, Isreal DMW e.t.c
Mr Eazi
In 2015, Mr Eazi dominated the music scene with his melodious and groovy tracks that had people dancing. The singer popularized the Banku Sound in the Nigerian Music Industry.
In 2018, the singer launched emPawa Africa program, a charity, and investment program to equip Africa’s most promising music talents with tools, network and money so they can become independent music entrepreneurs.
The first artist to enjoy the program was Joeboy who became successful with ‘Baby’. The program recently empowered 30 other upcoming artists with a $10,000 non-repayable grant for filming their first official music video and pay for marketing services and other services to launch their music recording career.
The program has been a blessing to artists like Lady Donli, J.erobie from Ghana, Namenj, Cnatty, Goodgirl La, e.t.c
Naira Marley
Despite being controversial and on bad terms with the Law, Naira Marley has dominated the streets since the success of his song, ‘Issa a Goal’.
The street hop artist launched his label, Marlian Music in 2019 and had since signed artists like Zinoleesky, MohBad, Fabian Blu, C-Blvck, Emo Grae, Tori Keeche.
In the second half of 2020, he signed former YBNL artiste, Lyta to his label.
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Zlatan
Zlatan gained recognition in the Nigerian music industry after releasing the Olamide-assisted track “My Body” in 2017. He went to release songs that would dominate the streets and popularized the Zanku dance.
In 2020, he announced the establishment of his Label, Zanku Records under which he signed Papisnoop, Oberz & Jamopyper.