The Nigerian music industry has undergone lots of changes and processes in the last two decades. It has also moved from being an industry of older entertainers like Fela, and Yinka Ayefele to one where young artists such as Wizkid, Davido, and so on are dominating.
The inclusion of young artists has also taken the Nigerian music industry to international levels. For instance, Burna Boy and Wizkid won Grammys two years ago, which was a great feat for the industry. Also, with the advent of TikTok, many Nigerian songs have made it to the international levels organically. A classic example is Ckay’s Love Nwantiti which was used by TikTok Company as an ad promotion.
Although great achievements are being recorded and celebrated every day in the music industry, it is obvious that the industry is filled with more men than women. However, times are changing and though the household names like Simi, Tiwa Savage, Teni, Waje, Asa and Niniola, keep doing awesomely, new female artists are climbing the ladder as well.
Since 2020, a set of female singers have invaded the Nigerian music industry and have come to stay. Some of them are:
Tems
Temilade Openiyi is a 27-year-old female singer who broke into the industry with her single, ‘’Try Me’’, in 2019. She has since released other singles like ‘’Crazy tings’’ in 2021, “Damages’’ in 2020, and ‘’Higher’’, in 2020, among others.
In 2020, Wizkid featured her in Essence, one of the songs in his Made In Lagos album; and she received an award for it at the recently concluded BET Awards. Tems has recorded other successful collaborations with international acts like Drake and Future. See more here.
Ayra Starr
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe is a 20-year-old artist who is signed to Mavin Record Label; having been discovered on Instagram by record label executive, Don Jazzy. This young artist has shown and proved her worthiness in her releases which include several singles and two albums. Her song, Bloody Samaritan made waves on Tiktok in 2021, followed by her Beggie Beggie, Sare, and recently, her verse in Mavin’s own Overloading.
Fave
God’sfavour Chidozie is a 23-year-old artist and songwriter who has released several singles, among which have accumulated numbers. Some of her songs are, ‘’Baby Riddim’’ which was released this year, “Mr Man” also this year, and ‘’Beautifully’’ 2021, among others. Fave is signed to TUMBLAR Record Label and has released one album.
Ria
AristoKat Label signed Gloria Asene Enebi in 2021. Although she is relatively new in the industry, Ria has released five songs so far; Minor Notes, Money Bag, Satisfy My Soul, Stamina, and Underwater
Ugoccie
Favour Ugochi Anosike came into limelight with her Single, Do you really like me. The singer and rapper, who is twenty-five years old rose to fame when the song hit top charts on TikTok and its remix was used as a cover for popular singer Rotimi’s In My Bed. She has released several singles, including Candy Rain in 2020 and Breakfast in 2022.
This article was written by Sola Tales.