……Between June 2016-July 2017
TheNewsGuru profiles Nigeria’s most influential male artistes between June 2016- July 2017.
It’s a collection of hit-makers who have made a positive impact on the Nigerian music scene. Armed with hit songs, an amazing work ethic and a devoted fan -base, these crop of artistes are the most sought after in the Nigerian music industry at the moment.
Wizkid
Recording artiste, record label executive
Love him or hate him, Wizkid is one of the most bankable artistes in Africa at the moment . Over the years, he has received a total of 44 awards from 157 nominations.
His song Come closer featuring Drake has 29 million views on YouTube. On social media, he is one of the most influential singers with huge fan-base. If Wizkid sneezes on social media, it becomes news.
As at the time of this report he has 3.8 million followers on Instagram, 2.85 million followers on Twitter. In addition, he has been nominated three times at the MTV Europe Music Awards as well as four times at the World Music Awards. He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists.
In 2013, the youngster did the unexpected, he started his own record label known as Star Boy Entertainment.
Davido
Recording artiste, record label executive
David Adedeji Adeleke a.k.a Davido is one of the most successful Nigerian pop stars at the moment. Just like Wizkid, Davido worked his way to the top.
Though he is born into affluence, but the pop-star has succeeded in writing his own success story. He is one of the most influential Nigerians on Instagram with 4.4m followers on Instagram, and 2.43 million followers on Twitter.Davido’s latest hit song titled If has 27million views on YouTube.
He is the recipient of a BET Award, a Kora Award, a Channel O Music Video Award, a Ghana Music Award, a Nigeria Music Video Award, 2 MTV Africa Music Awards, 2 African Muzik Magazine Awards, 5 The Headies Awards, 7 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and 2 Dynamix All Youth Awards.
Davido is also known for having a heart of gold. He recently gifted his friend, LT (Lateef Biola) a fuel tanker for his birthday and built a house for Utibe, the young boy whose recorded video of Davido’s “IF” went viral. The enterprising entertainer has commenced his 30 Billion world tour which will hold in Europe, Africa and US
Tekno
Recording artiste
The svelte Augustine Miles Kelechi a.k.a Tekno is one artiste that has been underestimated over the years. Armed with hit songs like Pana, Diana and Duro, his unique afro-pop and high life sound has made him an irresistible youngster.
In 2016, he won the MTV Africa Music Awards for the bets new act. Though he was disqualified from the 2016 Headies Artiste of the Year category, but Billboard recognized his talent by naming him among the 10 hip-hop and R&B artistes to watch in 2017.
Tekno has 2.2 million followers on Instagram,84,000 followers on Twitter and 40 millions views on YouTube for the song Pana.
In some quarters, Nigerians believe Tekno is better than Iyanya . We leave that for you to judge.
Olamide
Artiste, record label executive
Olamide is undoubtedly one of the most consistent Nigerian hit makers. Now firmly a star-maker himself, Olamide‘s flourishing record label, YBNL, created the likes of Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold who are stars int their own right. At this moment, Olamide has 2.2m followers on Instagram and 1.19m followers on Twitter. While Wizkid’s strength has been his international appeal, Olamide has said he cannot pay for International collaborations.
At this moment, Olamide has 2.2m followers on Instagram and 1.19m followers on Twitter.Olamide’s Who You Epp Video has over 2m views on Youtube.
While Wizkid’s strength has been his international appeal, Olamide has said he cannot pay for International collaborations. On the 17th of July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.
On 24th of October 2013, he signed a multi-million Naira deal with Guinness. In November 2013, he became an ambassador for Etisalat alongside Iceprince. In 2017, he also became an ambassador for Sterling Bank Plc.
The Bariga born rapper’s street appeal has been his forte and secret weapon for sustaining success.
Falz
Recording artiste and actor
In the entertainment industry it’s a heroic task getting the attention of your fans and sustaining that attention. In a short while, Falz hasn’t only gotten our attention , he has been able to sustain it.
His 2.2 m followers on Instagram and 140,000 Twitter followers are all indications of his star power. Falz’ video, Soft Work has over 5m views on YouTube.Between June 2016 to June 2017, Falz has become one of the most consistent and sought after Nigerian pop icons.
In 2016 his Bahd Baddo Baddest tune, featuring Olamide & Davido) further made him dominate Nigerian mainstream music because of the energy infused beat of the song.
That same year he hosted The Headies alongside Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi. In 2016, he shocked film critics when he won 2016 ‘s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series ,Jenifa’s Diary .
Fast forward to 2017, his relevance is still not in doubt, he has released two hit songs, Jeje and Baby boy.