Nigeria’s music industry is a unique one. In less than 20 years, the entertainment sector has witnessed swift growth and been able to attract the attention of folks all over the world.
In a report by multinational auditing company PwC called ‘2016 – 2020 entertainment and media outlook‘, the Nigerian music industry is slated to pull in an estimated revenue of $51 million from various platforms – concerts, tours, digital, in-store sales – by 2017. This is undoubtedly a fantastic feat for a country considered to be in a recession.
However, it is impossible to praise this industry without mentioning some acts. Although some of these names have become outdated, they contributed a great deal to what the industry is today.
During the biggest crossover celebration in Nigeria, One Lagos Fiesta, some of these artistes, who made way for the current wave of Nigerian music all over the world, came out to perform their best hits and left some of us wondering what would happen if they made a big comeback.
Salawa Abeni
Popularly known as the Queen of Waka Music, Salawa has thrived in the Fuji industry which was ruled by men in her prime.
She paved the way for younger female musicians such as Cinderella and more.
Adewale Ayuba
Even though the Bonsue-Fuji maestro still performs with his eclectic band, we would love see more of him and his amazing dance moves.
Ayuba, who is often regarded as one of the most educated Fuji artistes of his time, managed to merge finesse with traditional music, making him one for the sophisticated listeners of his genre.
Stella Monye
The singer and activist, who had strong ties with the late Sunny Okosun, thrilled us with memorable songs like ‘Oko Mi Ye’ and ‘Kilode’ and was loved by many back in her days.
Although Monye is past her 50s, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to see a new-school remix of one of her popular songs.
Jazzman Olofin
If you’re a frequent attendee of Nigerian parties (a.k.a Owambe), you’ll be familiar with Jazzman.
The Ekiti State native’s hit single, ‘Bubble’ was a hit, back to back, and will forever be.
Azadus
Azadus was known for his mix of R&B and Dancehall as well as the storytelling in his music videos, which bordered on love triangles and unreciprocated love.
Alariwo
Alariwo took the route of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who merged feel-good music with moral lessons.
As good as the Nigerian music industry is doing now, it could take a step further if there was more conscious music like that of Alariwo and his predecessors.
Tony Tetuila
Tony Tetuila was the face of pop in the ’90s. His boy-band group, Remedies made up of him, Eddie Remedy and Eedris Abdulkareem made every club bump with hits like ‘Omode Meta Sere’ and more.
The artiste – who still performs – tried to get into politics last year but that didn’t work out. This might be a sign that his calling lies within the music industry.
Baba Dee
Older brother of Naija Ninja artiste and founder, Sound Sultan, he has mixed rap and ragga from way back and has successfully maintained this fusion for years.
We surely will like to see more of him in 2017.
Eedris Abdulkareem
Eedris was undoubtedly the most controversial rap artiste during his time. Having had beef with United States rapper, 50 Cent and former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, Eedris is known to raise dust wherever he goes.
Even though we are all about peace in 2017, it will be nice to see Eedris come up with some fresh music in the new year.
Wale Thompson
Best known for his hit song with Remedies, Wale Thompson was probably one of the few Juju artistes to successfully have a hit song with pop artistes.
And he brought back such memories at the ongoing One Lagos Fiesta recently.