The Nigerian music industry has gone through various motions in the last decade. Before we had the likes of Fireboy DML, Tems, and Rema, there were the OGs whom we couldn’t do without. These were the top Nigerian artistes of the 2010s.
The decade was near bursting with addictive hits from these favorite stars of ours, some of which we will pay homage to in this article.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right in. And in case you’re wondering why we chose twelve, well, every Nigerian knows the power of dozen.
‘Nuff said.
Top 12 Nigerian artistes of the 2010s
Wizkid
Yes, the self-acclaimed Starboy. We risk starting a riot if we exclude WizKid from this list. Not that we could, though, because well… he’s Wizkid! Baba nla himself. Big Wiz. The titles plenty die.
Wizkid is a superstar amongst superstars. He began it all with his 2010 smash hit ‘Holla At Your Boy’ and in 2012, he was named both Artist of the Year and Revelation of the Year.
His grass-to-grace story is very inspiring, as he went from the streets of Ojulegba to occupying the US music charts. WizKid has bagged international awards, with Grammy and BET awards attached to his name. We Stan him greatly!
All hail! A spot on the list of top Nigerian artistes of the 2010s? E gbe fun!
Yemi Alade
Now, this list is not in any particular order or kind of level (before some of you start fighting me that Yemi came before your faves).
Yemi Alade was the queen of music back in the 2010s, popularly nicknamed ‘Mama Africa’ for her Afrocentric musical appeal. And this is beyond true, as she manages to pull out Africans in every of her performance and songs.
Her smash hit single, ‘Johnny’ got more than 110 million views on YouTube and she had everyone singing it every day! Including boys!
Yemi also monopolized the Best African Female Artist for several years consecutively at the MTV Africa Music Awards. And even though she’s not as active as before, she is still going strong, making her one of the top Nigerian artistes of the 2010s.
Phyno
The Igbo king of the music industry! Show me another rapper who can get everybody bobbing their heads even when they don’t understand a word of what he’s saying.
Phyno just spits fire whenever he raps.
We loved his verses in ‘Local Rappers’, ‘Dope Money’, and ‘Ghost Mode’. His album ‘Alobam’ was a popular hit, and any track pairing Phyno and Olamide was sure to be fire.
Tiwa Savage
The hottest woman! Mama Jamal!
What most people don’t know is that Tiwa wrote songs for artistes overseas and was even a backup singer for Beyoncé. She was born in Nigeria but grew up in the UK.
Her first two singles, ‘Kele Kele’ and ‘Love Me‘ dropped in 2010, and she signed with MAVIN Records shortly after. Since then, she has been consistent.
2baba
You may not like 2baba, but you cannot deny that this man is unstoppable. Just like the name of his previous album.
2baba has been around since the 2000s, dropping African Queen and True Love, which are now wedding classics. His Jay Sleek-produced hit song ‘Implication’ dropped in 2010 to become a smash hit due to the lyrics and the fast tempo.
You can say what you want but he is a legend and continues to let people know!
Psquare
The epic and talented twins!
At the 2012 Headies, P Square‘s Invasion deservedly won the Album of the Year! These twins delivered quality hits! They made strategic music matched with incredible performances.
Can you dance like them? I still try hard to do the Alingo dance!
The Invasion album brought hits like ‘Onyinye,’ ‘Bunieya Enu,’ ‘Chop My Money’ and ‘Do As I Do.’ More importantly, ‘Beautiful Onyinye’ got a remix with the hottest American rapper of that year, Rick Ross.
Sadly, they broke up in the year 2018, but we are thrilled to see the duo very happy and recording songs together!
SEE: I dey for you: Paul Okoye assures his new lover, Ifeoma
Davido
Davido is the Nigerian artist everyone loves! Argue with yourself!
His songs are extremely catchy, even though like “when I look into your eyes, all I see is your waist…” can leave you like…
But we still love him either way!!!
The Great OBO stormed the grounds in 2012 with his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo. Dropping quality and catchy hits like Dami Duro, IF, Chioma my lover, and Aiye, his collaborations with other stars made the decade memorable.
His collaboration with Meek Mill in 2015 was the first sign for everyone that Nigeria was not enough for Davido. Since then, he has recorded hits with international stars like Chris Brown, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. He even went as far as performing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
If this doesn’t prove that he is one of the top Nigerian artistes of the 2010s (and present sef), then I don’t know what will.
Want to know about this Reknown Artist, Kindly take a look at Davido’s biography
Olamide
Nobody is badder than Olamide, and that is final!
Over the past 10 years, he has been one of the most important figures in Nigerian Hip-Hop. Scratch that, it’s the entire Nigerian music. He has won three albums of the year awards at the Headies.
Let’s just say Olamide and music were synonymous during the past decade.
Although he’s not prominent in the international space like his peers, Olamide is still very successful and no one can deny that he is one of the top Nigerian artistes of the 2010s. He owns the record label, YBNL, and gave us Fireboy DML, so please treat him with respect!
READ: Ruger Biography: Net worth, Record label, Feuds, and His Eyepatch
Adekunle Gold
This smooth and clean man was like a breath of fresh air when he debuted in the middle of the decade.
His song Sade, Orente, and Pick up were certified bangers. He embraced the romantic side of music while his peers focused on other aspects. This beautiful man has a smooth theme surrounding his music; it is no wonder everyone loves him!
Adekunle is married to Nigerian musician, Simi who also killed it during that period with her sweet soothing voice. We love a couple who slays and top the music charts.
READ ALSO: Eniola Badmus Biography: Net worth, Husband, Old and New looks
Asa
If Fire on the mountain or Bimpe is not playing in your head right now, then I cannot help you. Only God can.
Asa’s uniqueness is her creative spirit and the fact that her lyrics are relatable to Nigerians. This beauty has carved a place in Nigerians’ hearts.
Her music is slow and beautiful; the right vibe if you just want to relax! She could be the only Nigerian artiste who focuses on soul music. She has released three albums this decade.
CHECK OUT Check Out Top 10 Richest Female Artistes in Nigeria
Flavour
The original waist-turner!
This Afro Highlife maestro has grown to become the greatest contemporary artiste to come out of Enugu state. He is not just known in Nigeria, but in Africa as a whole.
Girls love him, and not just because of his well-chiseled body (wink wink).
SEE: Burna Boy Biography: Real name, net worth, height, controversies
D’banj
The original bad boy of the decade!
Dbanj had us singing inappropriate songs during the 2010s. Give it to me now was a classic. Oliver Twist??? Boy, he deserves an accolade!
He was the star of Mo’ Hits and also had international acts who loved him. It wasn’t a year if Snoop Dogg hadn’t appeared in a D’banj song.
More than most artists, D’banj has influenced the Afropop genre, with his energetic voice and charisma. The great Eja n’la. Please clear that spot on the top Nigerian artistes of the 2010s for him.
Conclusion
Other hot stars include Tekno, who owned 2016 while everyone was busy. According to Ebro Darden, ‘Pana’ was huge in the US. Ice Prince also ruled the 2010s with his cool raps! Kizz Daniel, who now goes by Kizz, dropped hits like Yeba and Woju.
We also appreciate stars like Korede Bello, Lil Kesh and much more.
