As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s always exciting to see which artists are poised for success in the coming year. In Nigeria, there is a wealth of talented musicians who are making waves and attracting attention from fans and industry insiders alike. As we look ahead to 2023, there are a few Nigerian artists who stand out as ones to watch. These artists have already made a name for themselves with their unique sounds and captivating performances, and we have no doubt that they will continue to rise to the top in the coming year.
Get an early start on your music playlist for 2023! We’ve curated a list of 10 Nigerian artistes who are poised to make big waves in the Nigerian music scene next year. Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeats, hip hop, or highlife, there’s something for everyone here and we can’t wait to hear what they have in store for us.
1) Rema
Repping the young generation, Rema has recently taken the Nigerian music scene by storm with his signature blend of hip hop and afro-pop rhythms. His debut EP – Bad Commando – really kicked things off in 2019 and ever since then, he’s been ascending to new heights with each single. In 2023, we predict that Rema will be firmly established as an essential artist of all Nigerian playlists.
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2) Asake
Born in Lagos in 1995, Asake’s career is just beginning to take off but with his captivating blend of contemporary Afro-pop and laid-back R&B, we’re sure that he’ll be a household name by the time 2023 rolls around. His debut EP called “Ololade Asake” – was released on the 2nd of February is already garnering huge numbers of streams as well as critical acclaim from some of Nigeria’s popular music bloggists. Set to embark on a nationwide tour next year, keep an eye out for this artist as we think he could be one to really blow up in 2023.
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3) Ayra Starr
Another rising star of the Nigerian music scene, Ayra Starr’s artistry has been infectious since she burst onto the music scene in April 2020. Her self-titled debut EP was an instant hit with fans, garnering over 11 million streams on Spotify and top charts across Apple Music and SoundCloud. And it’s not just music fans who recognize her talent, receiving nods from AACTA Award winning writer/director Terence Nance and Academy Award winning artist Jóhann Jóhannsson – hence further raising her profile worldwide. We think that 2023 could be a huge year for Ayra Starr, with major releases and performances planned to spread even more of her unique sound.
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4)Blaqbonez
Blaqbonez, who several outlets labeled as the “Best Rapper in Africa,” has quickly risen to prominence since releasing his first mixtape Bad Boy Blaq back in 2017. Since then, Blaqbonez has released a series of EPs, including The Oppressor and Mr. Boombastic – which cemented his position as one of Nigeria’s most talented and unique rap acts. We’re predicting that 2023 may well be the year that Blaqbonez goes global with a live tour planned around major music festivals and likely more collaborations with international artists, making him even bigger than he is now.
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5) Starboy Terri
Terri, or Starboy Terri as he is often referred to, is a Lagos-born artist who first gained recognition for his Afrobeat infusions with rap in his 2018 single “Bia.” Since then, Starboy Terri has released a series of EPs and mixtapes that have seen him experiment with reggae and electronic music to create unique and often thought-provoking sounds. With several major festivals already under his belt and a host of new collaborations in the works, 2023 promises to be an even bigger year for this rapidly rising star of Nigerian music.
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6) Ckay
Ckay began his career as a producer, working with some of the biggest Nigerian artistes like Davido, Skiibii and Olamide. He soon started to focus more on singing and released the track ‘Love Nwantiti’ in 2019 which was quickly followed by four more of his songs being featured on popular awards shows. In 2021 he released his debut album ‘Boyfriend EP’ which peaked at No.4 on Apple Music Top Chart in Nigeria. His catchy and melodic tunes are a surefire hit that will take him even further in 2023.
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7) Tems
Making waves in the music scene is Tems, an artist who combines soulful vocals and dazzling guitar playing with a modern blend of RnB and pop. The Nigerian born vocal powerhouse has already made her unique mark on the Afrobeat genre with her debut album ‘For Broken Ears’ in 2020. Her singles like Try me and Ice T both shot up the Nigerian charts, popularizing her work further. She will be dropping more music in 2023 and is definitely one to watch out for.
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8) Bella Shmurda
With his unique blend of rap and Afrobeat, Bella Shmurda has quickly become one of the most promising young acts in the Nigerian music scene. His single, ‘Vision 2020’ became an anthem for many people globally who needed hope and encouragement during a difficult time. The chart-topping single saw him nominated for numerous awards, proving that he is not only here to stay but will be pushing boundaries in the years to come. Look out for more singles from him in 2023!
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9) Fireboy
Fireboy DML has made a name for himself with his romantic lyrics and powerfully resonating vocals. His 2019 album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps won him multiple awards, including Album of the Year at The Headies 2020, further solidifying his place in the music industry. With hits like “Vibration”, “Scatter” and “Jealous” the singer-songwriter shows no signs of stopping – we’re sure to see more fire tracks from him in 2023!
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10) Mohbad
Mohbad is another artiste to watch out for in 2023. He has been making waves with his street-style beats and hit songs like “KPK (Ko Por Ke)”, “ON DESTINY” and “FAKE LOVE”. The Marlian Music signee is set to prove himself as one of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeat artistes with his new project coming up – you don’t want to miss it!
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nigerian music industry is a thriving and dynamic one, with a constant influx of new talent. The artists mentioned in this article are just a few of the many talented individuals who are poised to make a big impact in 2023 and beyond. From their unique styles and innovative approaches to their dedication to their craft, these artistes are sure to be ones to watch in the coming year. Whether they are breaking new ground in the world of Afrobeat or pushing the boundaries of traditional genres, these artists are sure to make waves and leave their mark on the industry.
