51 21st century Nigerian musicians

Jude Abaga, better known as M.I Abaga, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist and record producer. He was CEO of Chocolate City from June 2015 to 2019. He won Best Hip Hop and Best New Act at the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards, and was nominated in the Best International Act category at the BET Awards 2010. He rose to prominence in 2006 when his song "Crowd Mentality" became popular in Jos, plateau state, Nigeria. His critically acclaimed debut studio album Talk About It was released on 11 December 2008. The LP was succeeded by MI 2: The Movie (2010). Four years after that, he released The Chairman as his third studio album. Abaga released the playlist Rendezvous in February 2018. In August of that year, he released his fourth studio album A Study On Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl. On 6 March 2020, Abaga announced his exit from Chocolate City Music and launch of his record label Incredible Music.

Shasha Damilola Alesh better known by his stage name Dice Ailes, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper. In July 2014, he signed a record deal with Chocolate City. He was nominated for Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2016. In 2016, TooXclusive ranked his breakthrough single "Miracle" third on its list of the "Top 10 Songs for the month of October". In 2017, tooXclusive named him as "one of the sixteen artists you need to know.

Elohor Eva Alordiah, better known as Eva Alordiah or simply Eva, is a Nigerian rapper, entertainer, make-up artist, fashion designer and entrepreneur. She is considered one of the best female rappers in Nigeria. Since her breakthrough into the Nigerian music industry, Eva has garnered several awards including one Nigeria Entertainment Award from 4 nominations, one Eloy Award, and one YEM award from 2 nominations. Her debut EP, titled The GIGO E.P, was released for free digital download on 20 November 2011. Eva is the owner of makeupByOrsela, a company that specialises in Makeup services. In November 2014, Eva released her self-titled second EP. Her debut studio album, 1960: The Album, was released in September 2016.

Olubankole Wellington, popularly known by his stage name Banky W and credited in film as Banky Wellington, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur and politician.

BANTU is a 13-piece band based in Lagos, Nigeria. Their music is a fusion of Afrofunk, Afrobeat, Highlife and Yoruba music. The group features multi-instrumentalists and singers who perform as a collective.

Korede Bello is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Mavin Records in 2014. Bello is best known for his hit single "Godwin", a semi-gospel and pop song which became a national anthem and topped many music charts across Nigeria.

Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and author. He started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract with the label in 2013.

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, rapper and dancer. He is one of the biggest and most successful African artists.

Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, is a Nigerian singer.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, professionally known as DJ Cuppy, or simply Cuppy, is a Nigerian disc jockey and producer. She is the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola. She grew up in Lagos and moved to London at the age of 13.

David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the biggest and most influential artists in Africa.

Yinka Davies is a Nigerian vocalist, dancer, lyricist and judge of reality show, Nigerian Idol. Yinka has been in the Nigerian entertainment industry for 28 years.

Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D'banj, is a Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, entrepreneur and television personality. He has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009, Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards, and Best-selling African Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards, Evolution award at the 2015 MTV Africa Music awards

Ayodele Basil, better known as Del B, is a Nigerian (composer) sound engineer, record producer. and songwriter. He is best known for producing Kcee's hit single "Limpopo", which went on to be voted Song of The Year at the 2013 edition of The Headies. In 2012, he produced the single "Shake" by Flavour N'abania, which received critical acclaim among music critics.

Oluwatosin Ajibade, better known by his stage name Mr Eazi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns. Mr Eazi relocated to Kumasi in 2008 and enrolled at KNUST, where he began booking artists to perform at college parties. He showed interest in music after recording a guest verse on "My Life", a song that gained traction and became a popular record at KNUST. Mr Eazi released his debut mixtape About to Blow in July 2013. He gained an international audience following the release of the Efya-assisted single "Skin Tight". His second mixtape Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra To Lagos was released on 10 February 2017.

Paschal Uche Ejikeme, better known by his stage name Etcetera Ejikeme, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, social activist, columnist and radio personality. Born in the Niger Delta town of Warri, Delta State to a father who was a Prison Warder and a mother, who was a petty trader. In 1998 Etcetera Ejikeme discovered his talent for music as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church Kirikiri Town, Apapa Lagos, Youth Organisation Band. He later began pursuing a musical career in 2000 by enrolling to study music at MUSON in Onikan, Lagos. In 2004 Etcetera Ejikeme met OJB Jezreel and Joekaynie to record his first studio song Michelle, which gained nationwide airplay. That same year, he recorded two more songs, Love Should Last and Life For You. In 2007, he met Steve Babaeko through a friend and signed to X3M Music on a three-year and two albums contract that expired in 2010.

Michael Ekeghasi also known as "ME" is a Finland-based Nigerian singer and songwriter. Michael first gained popularity in 2016 for his cover of the Finnish rock band Eppu Normaali, titled "Joka päivä ja jokaikinen yö" which became a hit on Facebook and was featured on Soundi.fi, the website for Finland's largest music magazine. He was also a contestant on season 6 of The Voice of Finland (2017) where he reached the knockout stage of the competition.

Fasasi Mobolaji Gaius, known as Da Emperor, is a Nigerian indigenous rapper, actor and songwriter. He has family roots in Ogun State, Nigeria. He raps in his native language, Yoruba, and infuses Pidgin and English. Da Emperor has recorded songs with artists such as Gabriel Afolayan, Small Doctor and Oritse Femi.

Erhiga Agarivbie, better known by his stage name Erigga, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist.

Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called "The School Boys" with his friend before his professional career as a music artist began in 2009. Falz became more well known after his song "Marry Me" featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.

Chibuzor Oji, better known by his stage name Faze, is a Nigerian musician and actor. He was a member of the defunct Nigerian hip hop group Plantashun Boyz, along with BlackFace Naija and TuFace (better known as 2face Idibia. The group split up in 2004 and each member of the group has gone on to launch solo careers.

Adedamola Adefolahan, known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is signed to YBNL Nation, an independent record label founded by Nigerian rapper Olamide. His debut studio album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was released in 2019. He won Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.

Chinedu Okoli, better known by his stage name Flavour N'abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church. Flavour is popularly known across Africa and the world for his hit song "Nwa Baby ". He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment.

Panshak Henry Zamani, better known as Ice Prince, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist and actor. He rose to fame after releasing "Oleku", one of Nigeria's most remixed songs of all time. He won the 2009 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour. His debut studio album Everybody Loves Ice Prince was released in 2011. It was supported by three singles: "Oleku", "Superstar" and "Juju". In 2013, Ice Prince released Fire of Zamani as his second studio album. The album contained the singles "Aboki", "More", "Gimme Dat" and "I Swear". On 1 July 2015, Ice Prince was announced as the vice president of Chocolate City. He held the position until he left the label in 2016.

Michael Collins Ajereh, known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian record producer, audio engineer, record executive, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder and the CEO of Mavin Records. Don Jazzy was co-owner of the defunct Mo' Hits Records record label with Dbanj.

Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, better known mononymously as Jidenna, is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. In 2015, Jidenna released two singles, "Classic Man" and "Yoga", promoting Janelle Monáe's label Wondaland Records' compilation EP The Eephus with Epic Records. His debut album, The Chief was released on February 17, 2017 and peaked at number 38 on the Billboard 200.

Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known as Femi Kuti, is a Nigerian musician born in London and raised in Lagos. He is the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and a grandchild of political campaigner, women's rights activist and traditional aristocrat Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti, commonly known as Seun Kuti, is a Nigerian musician, singer and the youngest son of famous afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Seun leads his father's former band Egypt 80.

Zainab Elizabeth Donli, known as Lady Donli, is a Nigerian musician. She is an alternative R&B, hip hop, alternative jazz and Afrobeat singer and songwriter.

Olawunmi Okerayi, known by her stage name DJ Lambo, is a Nigerian disc jockey. Her song "Drank" was produced by Reinhard and received positive critical reviews and extensive airplay. She was signed to Loopy Music in 2013 before its merge with Chocolate City in 2015. She won DJ of the Year (Female) at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards. Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) listed her as one of top five Nigerian DJs to watch out for in 2015.

Legendury Beatz is a Nigerian record producing and songwriting duo, composed of siblings Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko. Their production style is deeply rooted in afrobeats as well as in several other genres, including hip hop, reggae fusion, moombahton and electro house.

Jesse James Enoch, better known by his stage name Lyrikal, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer and songwriter. He started his professional music career in 2003 with Port Harcourt city based record label Tuck Tyght and released his first official single 'Learn Something'. His second single 'Can U Relate' showed his boldness and ability to address sensitive topics like Socio-political issues in Nigeria. Lyrikal has since become a voice for the gifted and the oppressed.

Opeyemi Babatunde Rahim, known professionally as Lyta is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with YBNL Nation in 2018 but left the label in May 2019 after having a disagreement with the label owner Olamide. He released the 5-track debut EP Id in 2019.

Munachi Abii is a Nigerian rapper / hip-hop artist, songwriter, television presenter model, and actress who performs under the name Muna. She is the winner of Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2007. She is Igbo from Imo state.

Sammie Okposo is an international Nigerian gospel artist. He is also a music producer, psalmist, and CEO of Zamar Entertainment. He released his first album Addicted in 2004. He has collaborated with many other artists in the gospel and soul music fields, has performed regularly in Africa, Europe, and North America, and curates a series of concerts called SOPP. His most recent album, The Statement (2018), was produced by the Grammy-winning Kevin Bond.

Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide (but popularly called Olamide Baddo, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist. He records in Yoruba, and English. In 2011, he released his debut studio album Rapsodi while signed to Coded Tunes. YBNL, his follow-up album, was released under his label imprint YBNL Nation. The album was supported by the singles "First of All", "Voice of the Street", "Stupid Love", and "Ilefo Illuminati". On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. The album's singles include "Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover". On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.

Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, better known by his stage name Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Ijegun-Egba Satellite Town, Patoranking hails from Onicha, Ebonyi State. He started his music career doing underground collaborations with artists such as XProject, Konga, Slam and Reggie Rockstone. He signed a record deal with K-Solo's Igberaga Records in 2010, releasing "Up in D Club" under the outfit. Patoranking became a protégé of Dem Mama Records after collaborating with Timaya on his song "Alubarika". In February 2014, he signed a record deal with Foston Musik and released "Girlie O", a single that put him in the limelight. On 9 February 2015, Patoranking announced on Instagram that he signed a distribution deal with VP Records. on September 28 Patoranking released a song titled Abule one he released ahead of his album scheduled to be released later soon in 2020

Praise Ugbede Adejo, better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian R&B songwriter, producer and singer. Praiz's music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa. He is best known for releasing hit singles like "Rich and Famous", "Sisi" and "I Love You". He contributed guest vocals to Bez's 2011 single "That Stupid Song"; the music video for the aforementioned song went on to be the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park. He is currently signed to X3M Music.

Douglas Jack Agu, better known by his stage name Runtown, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer.

Osabuohien Osaretin, better known by his stage name Sarz, is a Nigerian record producer and musician. Born in Benin City, Edo State, he is popularly known for the tag Sarz On The Beat/"Really", at the beginning or end of all his music productions.

Laolu (Olaolu) Senbanjo, also known as "Laolu NYC", is a Nigerian visual artist, musician, singer/songwriter, and former human rights attorney.

Manuela Modupe Udemba, professionally known as Shanga, is a Swiss–Nigerian singer-songwriter, audio engineer, and record producer. She was born in Bern, Switzerland and pursued her career after being certified as an audio engineer.

Shadrach Adeboye Folarin, professionally referred to as Shaydee, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and vocalist. In 2015, Shaydee was listed on notJustOk's list of "15 Artists to Watch in 2015". He is best known for his hit single titled "Won Gbo Mi", featuring vocal appearance from Wizkid.

Joshua Iniyezo, better known by his stage name SolidStar Isoko or simply SolidStar, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and performer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church in his hometown of Delta State. SolidStar is popularly known across Nigeria and Africa for his hit song "One in a Million". He got signed by Ossy Achievas.

Oluseye Desmond Sodamola, professionally known as DJ Spinall, is a Nigerian Disc Jockey, Record Producer, songwriter, Label Executive, and Media personality. He first gained prominence in 2004, while working as a radio DJ at Raypower 100.5 FM. He later joined Industry Nite where he promoted underground talents at the weekly platform. He was the official DJ to Wande Coal while he was affiliated with Mavin Records. DJ Spinall created a style edge to his outfit known as TheCAP, tracing his roots back to his culture. TheCAP, which fans tags as "TheCrazyAzzParty" has since then been his brand power and identity.

Jerome Sydenham is an electronic music producer, DJ and multi-record label owner known for establishing a Pan-African Electro direction within the House and Techno genres.

Teniola Apata, born 12 December (1992) better known as Teni, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and entertainer.

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, better known by his stage name Vector, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter. He has released three studio albums, including State of Surprise and The Second Coming (2012). In anticipation of his second studio album, he released a mixtape titled Bar Racks. "Lafiaji" which was released in December 2016. He also released a mixtape in October 2018, "The Rap Dialogue" in an effort to keep the spirit of Nigerian hip-hop alive

Princess Vitarah is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, and songwriter.

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, better known by his stage name Wale, is an American rapper and songwriter. He first rose to prominence in 2006, when his song "Dig Dug " became popular in his hometown. Wale became locally recognized and continued recording music for the regional audience. Wale met producer Mark Ronson in 2006 and joined Ronson's label, Allido Records, in 2007. While signed to that label, Wale released several mixtapes and appeared in national media including MTV and various Black-American-focused magazines. A song called "Ridin' in That Black Joint" was featured in the popular video game Saints Row 2's soundtrack in 2008.

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. One of Africa's biggest artistes, Wizkid is the most decorated African artist internationally, and one of the most revolutionary Afro-pop artistes of the modern era.