Year in Review: Artistes to watch out for in 2023

Nigerian music is fast gaining global recognition.

In this year, 2022, Wizkid and Burna Boy headline a sold-out event at the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York joining the likes of late Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Jay-Z who also brag of such a feat.

It's reasonable to say that the coming year will be very successful for Nigerian and African music.

It is in this regard that this article highlights the top Nigerian artists whom we believe will succeed and blow in 2023.

These artists are envisaged to succeed because of the milestone they accomplished this year including their fame on and off social media, their number of streams, their creativity, and other factors.

1.Ayra Starr

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe who is professionally known as Ayra Starr is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and model born in Cotonou, Benin.

Ayra Starr came into the limelight in 2021 with her debut EP and its hit track “Away”.

The singer cum songwriter received various nominations this year including ‘The Headies Award for Next Rated 2022, MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act, and The Future Awards Africa Prize for Music 2022.

2.Asake

Born Ahmed Ololade and better known as Asake is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer who is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution.

He became prominent in 2020 after his freestyle performance of "Lady" went viral and received a favorable response from a number of well-known internet influencers.

Since he started out as a dancer his diversion into music was only by chance.

3.Tems

Temilade Openiyi who is better known as Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.

She rose to prominence after she was featured on Wizkid's 2020 single "Essence" which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 after the release of a remixed version with an additional feature from Justin Bieber.

The singer is tipped to do incredibly well in 2023 following her contribution to the Nigerian music this year.

Tems has received five entries on the Billboard Hot 100, featured in the Black Panther Wakanda Forever soundtrack and received numerous nominations and awards both home and globally.

4.Ruger

Ruger started music at a very tender age and came into lime-light in 2021 after he signed a record deal with D'Prince's Jonzing World record.

The singer achieved various feats after his recognition in the industry among which include 2021 AFRIMA, Most Promising African Artiste of the year and also listed among the 22 Musicians Set To Rule 2022 by Vogue Magazine UK.

5.Blaqbonez

Rapper Emeka Akumefule who is better known by his stage name Blaqbonez is signed to Chocolate City.

Blaqbonez is well-known for both his original rap style and his artistic ability.

The singer made waves with his “Back to Uni” song which he did the music video himself because he couldn’t afford the charges of a director.

6.Lojay

Lekan Osifeso Jr. known by his stage name Lojay is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who came into limelight after featuring Wizkid in his debut EP 'LV N ATTN'.

Lojay reached No.8 on the Billboard Afrobeats songs chart with his song 'Monalisa' which featured Chris Brown and Sarz.

7.Magixx

23 year-old Magixx born Alexander Adelabu is a Mavin Record signee.

Magixx has featured in hit songs like 'love don’t cost a dime' and 'overloading'.

8.Crayon

Charles Chibueze Chukwu is a Nigerian artiste who rose through the ranks in inner-city Lagos until being discovered by in-house Mavin producers.

The singer is a multi-genre performer who performs pop songs with a combination of local Afro-beats, Latin, and Caribbean rhythms.

GA