The 10 Hottest Artists in Nigeria By (Not Just Ok)

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Within the time span of Summer 2012 and Summer 2013, several new artists have made their entrance into the music scene. Some have made a lot of noise with their music, but only a handful of artists really had us putting their songs on repeat, making noise when a song came on and made serious impact between the aforementioned time period.
The list below is a True, undiluted run down of the Artists that shaped, defined and led music among Nigerian consumers in the past year.

10. Burna Boy

Like To Party is a testament that you can catch a hit record without following the typical music format that rules the airwaves in Nigeria. Burna Boy appeared to have come from nowhere after “Like To Party” became an overwhelming hit all over Lagos and most parts of Nigeria, but the reality is that he has been dropping music since 2011 and finally caught his biggest hit in 2012. Burna then went on to deliver a quality video for not just his first single off the L.I.F.E album but for his other strong and widely accepted singles such as Tonight and Run My Race which were produced by Aristokrat in-house producer LeriQ.

9. Timaya

The Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa is still very relevant in the grand scheme of things. After replacing his in-house producer K-Solo with Young D, his sound became more full of youthful energy and translated seamlessly among the more modern audience consuming Nigerian music today. After releasing what most of us call a banger in his “Shake your Bum Bum” single in 2012, it was a required song that had to play at least twice at any given night. Then he went drop other extra catchy singles titled “Sexy Ladies”., “Club on Fire”,“Malonogede” and solid party album UPGRADE.

8. Ice Prince

After the huge success of Oleku, and the launch of Ice Prince‘s debut album in 2011; the critics felt like it was a fluke. However, Ice silenced them with Aboki and a number of fierce freestyles. When it comes to most sought after rappers in Nigeria or Nigerian music around the world, Ice Prince definitely leads the pack and has been able to package his flow and hooks properly for commercial success. He also confirms that he is the ‘best rapper singer surely’ on TRUTH; a recent freestyle he released earlier in 2013.

7. Olamide

Truth be told, Olamide has been putting in quality work since Young Erikina. However, it appears that he started flooding the streets with music in 2012 even before his album dropped and after the success of Ilefo ILLuminati and First Of All, Olamide continues to drop heat until this day from Rayban Abacha to the more popular , Durosoke and Baddo Love.

6. Iyanya

Although Iyanya was all over the gossip sites due to his many unsuccessful relationships, Iyanya definitely dominated Nigerian music for a good period in 2012. His Kukere single took him to a level he had never been before so he and his MMM group team took full advantage by dropping another overwhelming single, “Ur Waist” ft Emma Nyra which kept him up there with both feet rooted deep. In addition, he recently added more fans to his base after touring the USA and UK during the Spring of 2013. It is agreed among many top promoters and DJs in the States that Iyanya’s USA tour has been the most successful among most Nigerian contemporary artist tours in the past 5 years.

 5. 2face Idibia

The most loved and respected artist in the Nigerian music industry, 2face Idibia did his rounds last year and killed the airwaves with his hit single Ihe Neme off his most recent studio album Away and Beyond. He then went quiet in the beginning of 2013 to prepare and participate in his wedding and honeymoon. Happy Married Life, Sir!

4. Wizkid

The StarBoy himself who has a well of talent and unnatural work ethic when it comes to things of music, stayed very relevant all through 2012 with the massive single Azonto and a plethora of good songs he has dropped with his new Starboy producers Legendury Beatsand Maleek Berry. Although his name was mixed up among rumored conflict with EME, the label he is still signed to, he has managed to continue to drop hits and stay very relevant even on the international scene after dropping notable tracks like Drop It ft Wale and Blown Away with Angel.

3. Davido

If you ask most club and party goers what the hit of 2013 is so far, majority of them will probably say Gobe. Davido blew everyone away with the 1st single off his 2nd studio album and continues to drop strong singles such ask Kalo Konnect and One of A Kind. His most recent single Skelewu which dropped barely over a week ago is already on its way to claiming National Hit status. Davido has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the industry and continues to disappoint the naysayers.

2. D’banj

Who God has blessed, no man can curse; that is D’banj‘s story. Although he has not dropped any overwhelmingly engaging track in 2013; he killed everything with Oliver Twist in 2012 from going mainstream in the UK, to getting a Malibu worldwide placement deal for Oliver Twist song. D’banj continues to be one of the most relevant and distinct artists in the continent of Africa. D’banj is a true entertainer and anything he says, drops or headlines (in terms of shows/concerts) usually attracts a huge amount of people because we know that we will be entertained.

1. P Square

The Twin Kings of Africa!!! The Okoye twins are in a league all by themselves and continue to maintain their winning position. They brought us the massive Beautiful Onye and Chop My Money remix both last year and destabilized every huge plan any artist in the continent had of dominating the music scene. P-Square then went on to drop the killer visuals forAlingo and in 2013 delivered another widely accepted single and video Personally.
P-Square Personally occupies the #1 Spot on the ”10 Hottest Artists in Nigeria” list as carefully and objectively selected by the notjustOk Team.

Worthy Mentions

1. Banky W
The EME boss decided to go back into the studio after playing executive role in grooming Wizkid and Skales as solo artists. Mr W blessed us with 2 strong singles Yes/No and Good Good Loving and displayed to us the true essence of R&B with his 3rd studio album,R&BW.
2. May D
After the P Square and May D separation, May D  dropped the visuals for another solid single, Gat Me High after which he released So Many Tinz produced by Fliptyce before releasing his debut album on his newly formed Confam Records in 2013.
3. KCEE
KCEE, who had dropped 2 singles Okpekete and Give it to Me ft Flavour which were attempts at scoring a hit single, pleasantly surprised us all after Limpopo was released in 2013. He successfully gave fans what will probably end up being one of the top 3 songs of 2013, and followed it up with his new single Okoso.
4. Tiwa Savage
Ms. Tiwa Savage who recently got engaged and scored a well deserved Pepsi endorsement deal in 2012, remains relevant in the music scene and finally released her highly anticipated debut album, Once Upon A Time in 2013. “Eminado” (featuring Don Jazzy) is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
5. Flavour
Flavour is like the Rock Star of Nigeria who has been touring the world for majority of 2013 from his concerts in Australia, sold out show in Burkina Faso, USA Tour and a Cameroon tour coming soon. He also dropped some powerful singles like Ada Ada, Shake and Chinny Baby.

Culled From NotJustOk.com