2020 would be an unforgettable year in the Nigeria Music Industry as so many moments took place in the year that would shape it.
As the coronavirus struck Nigeria and the rest of the world, the Music Industry was one of the industries that was badly affected.
Artists had to find other means to eat and survive and at the same still entertain fans with good music. While people were trying to make sense of their new normal, the Nigerian Music industry provided good enertainment.
From the good, bad, and ugly moments of 2020 in the Nigerian music industry, allow us to take you down memory lane.
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Simi reveals her pregnancy in Duduke Music Video
When Simi dropped ‘Duduke’, her official first release of the year, people praised the song but it wasn’t until she dropped the music video, a lot of people understood the inspiration behind the song.
In the music video, fans were shocked to see a pregnant Simi walking around in a beach. This exciting announcement came a few months after she and her husband, Adekunle Gold celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
She later gave birth to a baby girl who they named Adedeja currently over six months as of this time.
Peruzzi Rape scandal and Record label Drama
DMW artiste, Peruzzi had a really scandalous 2020 at least for the first six months. It all started when the singer was accused of copyright infringement and a breach of contract by his former record label, Golden Boy Entertainment.
Shortly after, controversial investigative journalist, Kemi Olunloyo, accused him of having an affair with Davido’s fiancee Chioma.
As if that wasn’t enough, Peruzzi was further accused of sexual assault and fraud by London-based singer, Daffy Blanco, five months after he was once again accused by another woman of rape. This was the last straw that broke the camel’s back because the singer took a break off social media.
Months later he returned with a track titled “Lagbaja” where he subletly hit back at his accusers. Since then, no negative rumour has been heard of the singer.
D’banj Rape Scandal
Two years after the loss of his son, D’Banj returned to the social media scene just in time for his 40th birthday and the release of a new song.
However, the excitement was short-lived as he faced sexual assault allegations leveled against him by Seyitan Babatayo.
First, D’banj was mute on the issue as he had just celebrated his birthday, then later after a few days, posted a statement on social media.
In his statement. he denied the allegations and said he was suing Seyitan for damages made to his reputation. Things then escalated when news of Seyitan reportedly arrested by the police on the order of D’banj came out.
The singer was criticized heavily on social media for trying to intimidate his accuser and even other celebrities waded into the issue including his longtime friend, Don Jazzy who in a statement said he was recusing himself from the issue.
The whole saga which went on for weeks got very messy and became the trending topic on Twitter for a while.
M.I Abaga exits Chocolate City
Nigerian rapper, Mr Incredible aka M.I Abaga parted ways with his erstwhile record label Chocolate City after 13 years.
M.I rose From a signed artiste to becoming the president of the record label, signed new acts, and also brought a lot more to the limelight while at Choc City.
However, in 2020 he shocked people after he announced his exit from Choc City via his social media page to start his own label, Incredible Music imprint. To kick off the new journey he also launched a new EP ‘Tribe of Judah’.
Clarence Peters and Picture Kodak’s Death
In the month of April, Music Video Director, Clarence Peters became a hot topic after, Love Divine, well-known as Kodak, a regular collaborator turned up dead in his house.
Kodak was rumoured to have died while charging her phone during a video shoot at Peters’ house.
It was revealed that the dancer was in Clarence’s house for an isolated shot and in-between takes, she took a break to plug her phone downstairs.
However, Clarence in a statement revealed he wasn’t home when the incident took place, though he was allegedly arrested by the police over the issue.
Cynthia Morgan and the Jude Okoye drama
After a long hiatus from the music scene, Nigerian dancehall artiste, Cynthia Morgan resurfaced with allegations against her former record label, Northside Entertainment, and manager, Jude Okoye.
The embattled singer shared her ordeal after she fell off the music scene via a video that caused a social media uproar.
According to Cynthia Morgan, she was depressed and sick and couldn’t make music as fans would have expected.
She also blamed her woes on Jude Okoye for taking away her stage name. Recall that Cynthia changed her name to Madrina at one point in her career before she finally disappeared.
While Jude Okoye denied being the reason for Cynthia’s downfall, the “German Juice” dragged him to court over the issue. Not much info has been given concerning the case.
Lil Frosh Domestic Violence Scandal
Upcoming Artiste, Lil Frosh got himself caught up in an alleged domestic violence drama.In September 2020, a young man identified as Michael took to social media where he accused the singer of allegedly beating up his sister, Iyomaterire Okeoghene Taiwo popularly known as Cute Gemini whom the musician was dating to a pulp with photos as evidence.
The photos caused an outrage on social media with many calling for his immediate arrest. Lil Frosh is still reeling from the effect of that scandal.
His label DMW, owned by superstar Davido, dropped him just less than a month after he signed a record deal.
Lil Frosh continues to deny the allegation, insisting that the photos of his estranged girlfriend were a result of an allergy.
Rema breaks down on Twitter
Mavin Record act, Rema is known for his calm and recluse behaviour that was until in September when he went on a surprise Twitter rant about other artists been jealous of his fast paced success.
The young Artist who have achieved a lot within the space of two years got fans worried with his breakdown on Twitter. He even went as far as dropping a bombshell by accusing PDP of killing his father.
Though its uncertain what triggered this incident, it was rumoured to be caused by a run-in with the DMW crew at the BBNaija season finale party.
Omah Lay and Tems being arrested in Uganda
When people had thought the worse was over, Fast-rising singers Omah Lay and Tems got into a messy situation in Uganda.
The duo had been booked for a live show in the East-Central African country. After a warm welcome and a successful show, news got to Nigeria that the singers had been arrested by the Ugandan government for allegedly flouting COVID-19 rules.
The singers were further charged to court and treated like criminals which led to an online war on Twitter between Nigerians and Ugandans.
It took the intervention of top celebrities and government officials before they were released and flown back to the country.
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Celebrities joining EndSars Protests
One of 2020’s biggest unforgettable moment is the revolutionary #endSars protests that took place in October.
This protest saw Celebrities for the first time united over an issue. Burna Boy created a foundation to help protesters, Davido was engaged in a meeting with the Police and lets not forget, Falz and Runtown, the two artists who started the protests and sparked the fire.
The protests had a really huge impact and attracted the attention of major media organizations in the world. International celebrities and public figures also lent their voice to support the movement.
However, things took a turn on October 10, 2020, when the Nigerian government opened fire on its citizens at the Lekki Toll Gate. The event which took the lives of many Nigerian citizens and left some badly injured has been been christened the Lekki Massacre.
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Worthy Mentions
There so many unforgettable mentions that this list can’t capture as a whole lot have gone down this 2020. Here are some honoruble mentions.
Burna Boy’s cheating scandal, Naira Marley two times arrest, Duncan Mighty Marriage saga, Davido and Burna Boy’s rivalry, M.I Abaga settles beef with Vector, Burna Boy’s second Grammy Nomination, DJ Cuppy becomes first African Artist to host an Apple radio show, Naira Marley’s Twitter account hacked, Niniola recognized by Grammys amongst others.