These Nigerian songs dominated the airwaves in 2003 and 20 years later, still have a place in the hearts of fans who remember them.

In comparison to what it is now, the Nigerian music industry’s environment was very different in 2003. The reality of the situation was that American pop culture and music dominated at the time, with Nigerian entertainment taking a back seat.

Despite this, Nigerian artists continue to put a lot of effort into their songs.

The year 2003 was excellent in terms of sound diversity. Gospel, Hip-hop, and R&B were among the musical genres that Nigerian artists experimented with.

P-Square their debuts that year, but they would not see significant success until much later in their careers. Veteran artists like Tony Tetuila and Sunny Neji released notable hits as well.

It was also a good year for the female force, as Sasha, Nigeria’s first notable female rapper, released her breakthrough track ‘Emi le gan‘ on Da Trybe Records.

The majority-female band KUSH also released “Let us Live Together,” which was their biggest hit. With the release of “Eji Owuro,” Sola Allyson created one of Nigeria’s most well-known love songs. Love/Heartbreak was a theme that frequently appeared in the music that was being released at the time.

Here are the top Nigerian songs that are turning 20 in 2023.

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OLUFUNMI- Styl-plus

One of Nigeria’s best R&B groups, Styl-plus, released their smash hit ballad “OLUFUNMI” in 2003. Following its release, Olufunmi was one of the songs that radio callers most frequently requested.

Because TV stations kept airing the song’s video back-to-back, it became a national anthem for love. The song was about a heartbroken boyfriend who kept proclaiming his love and affection for his girlfriend.

Danfo Driver – Mountain Black, Mad Melon

Following Ajegunle’s domination in Nigerian music, the combo of Mad Melon and Mountain Black created this simple yet popular dedication to commercial bus drivers in Lagos.

Mountain Black and Mad Melon both saw their musical careers take off because of Danfo Driver, which helped make them well-known figures in the Nigerian music scene.

The song Danfo Drivers was so well-liked by listeners that it became the group’s name.

Oruka – Sunny Neji

Oruka by Sunny Neji was one of the top five wedding songs in 2003. It had to be on the playlist of every DJ.

The song was released from the album, “Unchained“. It enjoyed massive airplay and became an anthem at every wedding ceremony and between newlyweds. The song was produced by Sunny Nneji and co-produced by Sammy Odins Odihirin under the O’Jez Music label.

Ehen by Ruggedman feat. Nomoreloss

Nigerian rap music needed a rude awakening, and this song provided it. Ruggedman turned the focus back to excellent rhymes and lyricism. He did not hold back when he took jabs at the biggest rappers of the day. Few people have dared to follow Ruggedman’s example.

Senorita- P-square

“Senorita“, the debut single from P-Square is off their debut album, “Last Nite“, and their elder brother Jude Engees Okoye directed the video.

The song, which featured the duo’s dancing abilities, earned the most airplay of the entire album. The two were inspired to dance as children by Michael Jackson.

Eji Owuro- Sola Allyson

This intriguing soundtrack is taken from her widely acclaimed 2003 project, Eji Owuro, which includes seven astonishing worship euphonies.

The love ballad propelled Sola Allyson to fame because of its romantic elements, which made it a requirement for weddings.

The song was produced by Cohbams Asuquo.

Emi Le Gan- Sasha P

Known as the first lady of rap in Nigeria, this was Sasha P’s debut solo track under Da Trybe records. Saha P earned the deserved title as Nigerian rap First Lady thanks to her beautiful penmanship.

Let’s Live Together- Kush

KUSH was a group made up of three women, (Lara George, TY Bello and Emem Ema) and a man (Dapo Torimiro).

K.U.S.H released their hit song “Let us Live Together” as part of their album The Experience in 2003. The video for this well-liked song featured a combination of black, white, grey, and sepia.

In between shots of TY Bello and Lara George doing their thing, were short clips of wartime scenes. The theme was devastation, death, and destruction, and Kush played it to the greatest effect with everything from a starving child to a woman promising to kill another woman and an image of a dead body on burnt soil.

https://youtu.be/YWWXCgZKmg0

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Raise Da Roof- Jazzman Olofin ft Adewale Ayuba

This was rap meets Fuji as Jazzman Olofin and Adewale Ayuba really raised the roof with this song and had listeners dancing their heart out. The song shot him into limelight during that period.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Nigerian songs turning 20 in 2023.

Nigerian artists being in a relationship with their managers is an open secret in the industry.

Although we all find love in different places, these Nigerian artists found love right in their own backyard by dating their managers.

The Nigerian entertainment sector is renowned for its wide range of activities that the audience perceives as relaxing and entertaining.

Their lives are public because they are in the spotlight. They appear to have lost the right to privacy because whatever they do is usually public knowledge. The public is not exempt from prying into their love life.

Members of the public are keenly interested in who these celebrities choose to date or have romantic relationships with.

These relationships attract a sizable audience who speculates on their next moves. It becomes even more intriguing if they choose to date their managers. Some of our superstars have been in the news for reportedly having affairs with their managers.

Let us look at some Nigerian artists that have a relationship with their managers, while some are still unconfirmed by both parties, others transitioned into marriage.

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• Top 10 artiste managers In Nigeria music industry currently
• Nigerian artistes who have dated and married fellow artistes

Tiwa Savage and Teebillz

When Tiwa Savage returned to Nigeria, Teebillz took on the role of manager, and the two of them collaborated closely to develop her brand.

When rumours of a love relationship between them first surfaced, they repeatedly denied it. However, the next thing we know, they were getting married and having a baby. The marriage, however, has subsequently dissolved due to allegations of physical violence and infidelity.

Wizkid and Jada Pollock

Shortly after they began working together, there were rumours that Wizkid and his manager were dating. It did not take long for them to confirm it after Wizkid disclosed he and Jada had welcomed a baby boy, Zion.

Years later, Jada gave birth to another boy for Big Wiz, making it the singer’s fourth child.

Emma Nyra and Ubi Franklin

It was reported that American-born Nigerian singer Emma Nyra dated Ubi Franklin, the head of her former label. Ubi was also Emma’s manager at the time until things went south. Years later, Emma grew a pair and disclosed she had been subjected to physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Ubi.

Yemi Alade and Taye Aliyu

“Johnny” Crooner Yemi Alade joins our list because of claims that she was having an affair with her manager Taiye Aliyu. The two, who have worked together for a long period, have stayed silent about the reports.

There is a chance that they are keeping anything from us because rumours on the grapevine indicate that the two are quite fond of one another.

According to recent unconfirmed reports, the couple wed in a private ceremony.

Lara George and Gbenga George

Lara George, who rose to prominence with her girl band ‘Kush,’ is also one act who dated her manager Gbenga George before the couple chose to take things to the next level by marrying. They have children together and have been married for a while.

Niyola and Banky W

Mr. Capable Banky W was romantically linked to his record label signee Niyola long before he proposed to his missing rib Actress Adesua Etomi. Banky W who doubled as the manager of the beautiful Songstress was reported to be more than a manager to her.

However, Niyola and Bank W swiftly denied the allegations, insisting that they were simply colleagues who got along well.

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J’odie and David Nnaji

Though they later got married, singer J’odie’s relationship with her manager and record label boss David Nnaji was initially said to be a rumour. Prior to the breakdown of their marriage, J’odie and David were a happy couple with a child.

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Some groups in the Nigerian music industry have witnessed breakups leading to serious competition among its members. While some of such breakups were necessary, others left their fans heartbroken.

• RELATED: Throwback: Iconic Music groups that rocked the Nigerian Music Industry
• RELATED: Top 5 songs from Naija music groups of the early 2000s

Mp3bullet.ng take a look at the groups that have broken up;

P-square

The history of the Nigerian music industry or Music Groups cannot be complete without the P-Square chapter, which started in 2001. The duo of twins Peter and Paul Okoye is practically a reference point in Nigerian urban music and pop culture, and its huge influence extends into many African countries.

Although the group has suffered an off and on rancour before their final separation, until about three years ago, the duo has been up and doing in the music scene both locally and internationally dropping massive hits and shutting down stadiums of about 23,000 capacity in Africa.

Things fell apart when Peter allegedly confronted his twin Paul, and their elder brother and manager Jude for sidelining him in choosing the songs to put out, and that they only selected every song composed by Paul alone.

Both Peter and Paul now have their solo careers with various songs to their credit. Peter now goes by the stage name Mr. P and Paul goes by Rudeboy.

P-Square released six albums in their music career, including Get Squared (2005), Game Over (2007), Danger (2009) and Invasion (2011), Double Trouble(2014).

The Remedies

One of the biggest Nigerian Music Groups that rocked the late 90s and early 2000s were The Remedies, made up of Eddy Remedy, Tony Tetuila and Eedris Abdulkareem.

The group was a force to reckon with, they were one of the groups that defined the style now known as “Naija Hip Hop”.

The Remedies was formed in 1997 and hit songs like “Shakamo” and “Omoge” endeared them to millions of people all over West Africa. The group split up in 1999 when the henchman of the crew, Eedris Abdulkareem decided to launch a solo career.

Eedris Abdulkareem’s solo career started off to a glistening start with the release of 3 successful albums with the Kennis Music label imprint between 2002 and 2004.

His fortunes however took a downturn in 2004 after a fracas with the American rapper 50 cent. His subsequent album “King is Back” was released on his La Crème record label and he is still has a visible presence on the Naija music scene.

Tony Tetuila also did very well on his own with smash hit songs like “Omode meta”, “I’m in love with 2 women” and “My car” which became a street sensation. He has 5 albums to date.

The third member of the group Eddy Remedy was unfortunately not able to kick-start a successful solo career. He has an album “Leave Eddy Alone” to his credit.

Plantashun Boiz

Between the late 90s to early 2000s, Plantashun Boiz housed the trio of Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, Chibuzor Orji, aka Faze and as well as Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo better known as Black Face were a household name in the music scene.

During their days as a group, they had several hits but things came to a head when some members of the group decided to pursue individual careers in 2003.

According to how the story goes, 2Baba signed under Kennis Music where he dropped his hit song African Queen which catapulted him to stardom and made him a force to reckon with in Africa and beyond.

Faze on the other hand also made his solo debut with Faze Alone as his first single as a solo artist. Black Face as well dropped a couple of singles.

Within a space of about two years, the three of them had songs and albums doing well out in the industry and radio stations.

2Baba has since gone on to release 7 multiple award-winning albums Face 2 Face (2004), Grass 2 Grace (2006), The Unstoppable (2008), The Unstoppable International Edition in 2010, Away and Beyond(2012), The Ascension(2014), Warriors(2020).

He has also bagged numerous prestigious awards and nominations and become an Icon of Nigerian and African Music all over the world.

Faze has released four albums since- Faze Alone (2004), “Independent” which spawned several hit singles in 2006 and Originality (2008), Refazed(2012).

Since then, 2Baba has grown to become a legend and Faze isn’t doing bad as well. He only drops singles once in a while.

Black face on the other hand has been silent for years now until recently when he called out former label mate 2Baba, for allegedly stealing his song “Let Somebody Love You” which he (2Baba) recorded with international songstress Kelly Bridget.

The Plantashun Boyz collaborated on a reunion album titled “Plan B” in 2007.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM35Au_IYRM

• RELATED: 10 aesthetically pleasing Nigerian Music videos you need to watch
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Style Plus

Styl-Plus (originally STYL) was a gospel and pop music group that formed in 1997 in Abuja. The four founding members were Shifi Emoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwonmi and Lanre Faneyi. In 1998 Lanre Faneyi died, and Zeal Onyecheme joined the group to replace him.

In 2002 Yemi Akinwonmi left the group and the musical band became a trio without adding a new member. Starting 2003, the group had its own record label, STYL-PLUS.

Style Plus gained stardom with their hit single Olufunmi in 2007 and they were known for their crooning love songs.

The trio was even described in some quarters as the Nigerian version of the American RnB group, Boys 2 Men due to their genre of songs.

In February 2006, they released their highly anticipated 11-track debut album Expressions in star-studded launches at Abuja and Lagos that were rumoured to have cost over N10 million (about USD75 000 then), making it possibly the most expensive album launch in Nigerian history.

However, Tunde left style plus few years after to pursue a solo career and since then, not much has been heard from him. The reason for his departure is still unknown.

According to Informationng.com, repeated attempts to get the group to relocate to Lagos was responsible for the breakup of Styl-Plus – some members wanted to move, but others refused.

Shifi and Zeal also haven’t dropped many songs since, leaving their fans to assume that they are done with music and facing other endeavours.

Kush

KUSH was an all-girl music group made up of gospel artist, Lara George, Emem Ema and celebrity photographer, TY Bello, who shot to prominence with their hit song, ‘Let’s Live Together’. The trio met at the University of Lagos where they formed the group but it only lasted a few years.

While the reason behind their split is still unknown, Lara George was quoted to have said; “Music at the time when KUSH started was a very difficult thing to do particularly for three young professionals with so many career options.

It was tough keeping things together at that time because the pressure the financial uncertainty brought took its toll on us as a group and everyone started to drift apart until we were no longer able to keep things going.”

Lara George has since built her career as a gospel musician, Emem on the other hand is now an artiste manager. Incidentally, she now manages Peter Okoye, a member of the defunct Psquare group who now goes by Mr. P. Ty Bello is a celebrity photographer who is doing well in her chosen field. Bello still releases Gospel Songs from time to time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWWXCgZKmg0

Kcee Presh

Kcee Presh made up of Kcee (Kingsley Okonkwo) and Presh (Precious John), came to the spotlight when they won the much-coveted Star Quest prize in 2002.

They were rewarded with the Most Promising Act award that same year. They also won the Best Collaboration, Best Music Comedy Video, Best Akwa Cross Artist (2006), Best South-South Artist (2006) and a host of others during their short stay together.

Although of different backgrounds (Kcee hails from Anambara state while Presh is from Akwa-Ibom and Cross River), Kcee made songs that rocked the Nigerian music scene during their time as a group. They went on to release 5 albums before going their separate ways in 2011.

Kcee however got signed to Five Star Music, a record label owned by his younger brother, E-Money. Kcee hit the music waves with his debut single Limpopo in 2013 which gained him massive followership. He has since helped put his record label at the forefront of the music industry in Nigeria.

Presh on the other hand hasn’t offered much as a solo artist since their split.

Like Kcee, he also got signed to a new record label Eric Many record and released a song “I No Dey Lie” which features Tiwa Savage in 2016. The song didn’t fly as expected and since then, nothing has been heard from him.

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Maintain

The trio of Olu, Tolu and Bamo came to national prominence on the back of hit songs like “I catch cold” and “Nibo la wa gbe lo”. After six albums between 1998 and 2004, the group split up after the exit of Olu in 2005.

Olu Maintain went on to release two albums- “Yahooze/Maintain Reloaded” a successful effort that spawned the mega-hit single, “Yahooze” and Kentro World(2009).

Big Bamo released a well-received album “popotiti” but since seems to have taken a leave from recording music.

Except for occasionally featuring in a few songs Tolu has not had a significant solo career since the breakup of Maintain. The trio has since faded from mainstream music as not much have been heard from them.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on A look into Nigerian Music Groups that have broken up.

• SEE ALSO: Top 5 Naija songs with International certification

According to Wikipedia, a record producer or music producer oversees and manages the sound recording and production of a band or performer’s music, which may range from recording one song to recording a lengthy concept album. A producer has many, varying roles during the recording process.

Most people think a Music Producer is one who makes beat which isn’t wrong but their job doesn’t stop there. A producer is one who there from the inception of the recording and making process until the final stage of a song.

The music producer often wears many hats as a competent arranger, composer, programmer, musician, or songwriter who can bring fresh ideas to a project.

While I won’t bore you out with technical jargon, a music producer is basically the one who is responsible for helping the artist put together the final product we hear play on our radios and phones.

We curated a list of 5 Nigerian singers that you might have not known were music producers.

Phyno

Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson known as Phyno is a songwriter, rapper, and Music producer who came into the music scene with his hit single, “Ghost Mode”.

The Igbo rapper started his musical career as far back as secondary school where he showed talent in playing the drum and piano.

Phyno started producing from 2003 but officially started rapping in 2010 after he moved to Lagos.

As a producer, Phyno has worked with artists like Timaya, Flavour, Bracket, Ruggedman, J Martins.

Phyno also produced his debut album, “No Guts No Glory” which housed hit tracks like Ghost Mode, Parcel, Alobam, O set amongst others.

Maleek Berry

Maleek Berry is a British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist who broke into the spotlight in 2012 after dropping ‘The Matter” featuring Wizkid.

The Producer turned singer has worked with artists like Wizkid, Davido, Runtown, Fuse ODG, Iyanya, and Wale.

Maleek Berry is also a successful artist with hit songs like “Pon my mind”, “Kontrol”, “Been Calling”, “4 Me” amongst others.

Tekno

Tekno is a songwriter, singer, dancer, and record producer who started music from childhood. Tekno was formerly signed to Made Men Music before his exit a few years ago.

Tekno dabbles as a singer and a record producer. He was responsible for the production of hit songs like “If” by Davido, “Boss” by Ice Prince, “Show” by Victoria Kimani, “Green Light” by DJ Cuppy, “Won’t Be Late” by Swae Lee featuring Drake amongst others.

He also has hit songs of his own like “Dance”, ‘Jogodo”, “Skeletun”, “Pana”, “Woman” amongst others.

Cobhams Asuquo

Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo is a Nigerian-born songwriter/music producer/singer who started his academic training as a lawyer. The blind singer is the owner of Vintage Grey Media.

Cobhams is one of Nigeria’s most iconic music producer who has produced songs for Asa, Omowunmi, Djinne, Bank W, Eldee, Sasha, Dare Art-Alade, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Djinne, Faze, Seyi Shay, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, Ego, Yemi Alade, Bez, Omolara, Chidinma Ekile, Shola Allyson, Lara George, Ego, Silver Saddih, Flavour, Mo’Chedda, Praiz, Simi, Rooftop MC.

His most notable works include Asa’s “Fire on the mountain”, “Jailer”, Djinne’s “Ego”, Omowumi’s “If you ask me” and “In the Music”.

Cobhams also has songs he personally released, they include, “Ordinary People”, “Empty”, “One Hit”, “We Plenti”.

Nonso Amadi

Nonso Amadi is a self-taught artist, songwriter, and music producer who began his musical journey in 2012.

Nonso released his first EP in 2015 but it was ‘Tonight” which he released a few months later that got people’s attention.

Nonso Amadi produced “Tonight” and has worked with artists like Banky W, Maleek Berry, and Juls. He recently produced “Gbemiro” by Bankuli featuring Wurld.

TOP 5 MUSIC PRODUCERS TURNED ARTISTS

• PHYNO
• MALEEK BERRY
• TEKNO
• COBHAMS ASUQUO
• NONSO AMADI

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Here’s “Show Up & Give it all” off Lara George’s “A Slice of Heaven” Album.. These new two singles will surely bless your soul.

Listen with faith and be blessed.

Enjoy!

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on [Music]: Lara George – Give It all + Show Up.

“Lara George” returns with yet another two lovely soul blessing singles, tagged “Nobody Greater” and “Eyin L’oba”. 

Her consistence with good music keeps her going. Check on these two dope single from the beautifiul Nigerian singer and share your thoughts.

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Produced by Dimeji Durotoye a.k.a Jay, the gospel belter delivers a vocally beautiful rendition of “Hello”.

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Award winning Gospel singer & Ijoba Orun crooner Lara George is back on the scene with a 10-minute worship Medley titled ‘You Alone Oluwa‘.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Lara George – You Alone Oluwa (Medley).