Year in Review: Nigeria's biggest music exports of 2023

Talent has long been abundant in Nigeria's music scene, which regularly produces performers who enthrall audiences with their catchy beats, insightful lyrics, and energetic performances.

Looking ahead to 2023, it's clear that Nigerian musicians will continue to leave a lasting legacy on the world music scene, reaffirming their status as industry pioneers.

These musicians, who specialize in Afrobeat and Afropop, have not only found commercial success but also had a significant influence on the year's musical environment.

1. Asake

As of 2023, Asake is among the most well-known and prosperous musicians in Nigeria. After being signed to the well-known Nigerian record label YBNL Nation, he gained popularity. Following his signing, he immediately put out a number of hit singles and albums that topped reputable music charts.

Despite being new to the industry, he has accomplished a great deal with both solo and feature tracks. Asake is currently regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Nigeria since he has the highest percentage of songs on Spotify's "Top 50 Nigeria" playlist since the release of his album in September 2022.

Asake recently sold out the renowned 02 Academy Brixton and was named Artiste of the Year by Audiomack in 2022. With hits like "Amapiano," in which he collaborated with Olamide, the head of his label, and "Lonely At The Top," a worldwide smash, he reached the top of the charts in 2023.



2.Burna Boy

Popular Nigerian artist Burna Boy is well-known both domestically and internationally for his consecutive hit songs and album chart-topping efforts. The Grammy-winning singer has raised the bar for afrobeats on the international scene since dropping his popular song 'Ye'.

Burna Boy is the first African artist to sell out Atlanta, Georgia's 21,000-seat State Farm Arena and receive a gold certification in France.

With songs from three different albums earning RIAA certifications, he is the first African artist to do so.

Twice, Burna Boy completely sold out Dublin, Ireland's 3 Arena, which holds 13,000 people. 16,000-seat Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden; 15,000-seat Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland.



3. Davido

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke better known as Davido made his breakthrough in the Nigerian music scene as an Afrobeats sensation 10 years ago.

Davido is the first African musician to have over a million hashtagged posts on Facebook. Before making an appearance at the tournament's closing ceremony in Qatar, he was included on a FIFA World Cup soundtrack.

Davido has released a number of successful singles and albums that have reached the top of the charts, which have allowed him to win multiple awards in Nigeria and internationally.

Davido gained greater popularity after he returned from hiatus following the death of his son Ifeanyi and released his "Timeless" album, which had hits like "Unavailable" and "Feel," among others. Davido had a great year in 2023 thanks to his Timeless tour, the AWAY concert, and meetings with some incredible dignitaries.

For him, the year was a rollercoaster as well because the artist was embroiled in numerous scandals. An American entrepreneur named Anita Brown called him out for impregnating her and not keeping his end of the agreement in the side chick drama he was involved in.



4. Wizkid

Grammy Award-winning singer Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun who is widely known as Wizkid continues to be a dominant force in the Nigerian music industry.

With his infectious blend of afrobeats, reggae, and R&B, Wizkid has gained international acclaim and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the global music industry. His 2023 releases "Essence" and "Mood" have solidified his status as one of Nigeria's most popular and influential music stars.



5. Rema

Rema is a well-known musician who rose to prominence in the Nigerian music scene after signing with Marvin Records, a well-known record company in the country.

Recently, Rema's massive hit song "Calm Down ft. Selena Gomez" overtook Ckay's Love Nwantinti Remix as the most-viewed music video in the nation on YouTube.

Aside from Burna Boy, he is the only African musician to have an album certified gold in France. He is a rapidly emerging celebrity.

Rema was chosen to be one of the three performers during the halftime show of the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.

With billions of listens on all digital streaming platforms from his "Rave & Roses" album and other music ventures, Rema is by far one of the greatest musicians in Nigeria in 2023.



6. Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage has been a trailblazer for female artists in Nigeria and continues to make a significant impact in 2023. Known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, Tiwa Savage has consistently delivered chart-topping hits.

Her songs "Koroba", "Somebody's Son" "Pick Up" and "Stamina" have resonated with audiences, further establishing her as a leading figure in the Nigerian music scene.



7. Ayra Starr

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe better known by her stage name Ayra Starr was noticed by music executive Don Jazzy in 2019 when she shared a video of her debut song on social media.

Ayra Starr became well-known in 2021 with the hugely successful hit "Away" from her debut EP.

One of the greatest and most well-known musicians in Nigeria right now is Ayra Starr who just took home the Best Female Artist in Nigeria Headies title.

Ayra Starr's song peaked at number four on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 and at number seventeen on the Triller Global chart of U.S. Billboard.



8. Shallipopi

Shallipopi, the biggest breakthrough artist of 2023, dominated the Nigerian music market with his unique style of rap, which blends aspects of Amapiano, his Edo cultural heritage, and a speech-like delivery that allows him to compose accessible songs for the streets.

Shallipopi soared to the top of the charts with his debut EP, Planet Pluto, which produced an amazing four hit recordings. The teenage musician's breakthrough album Pluto Presido, which prolonged his run of hits, served as a record of his ascent.



9. Portable

Known for his energetic and infectious street anthems, Portable has become a household name in the Nigerian music scene.

His blend of fuji, afrobeat, and street-hop has endeared him to fans across the country. With hits like "Zazoo Zeh" and "Ogo Forever," Portable has solidified his status as one of the most popular artists in Nigeria.



10. Odumodublvck

With his distinctive blend of afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall, Odumodublvck has carved out a unique space for himself in the Nigerian music industry.

His smooth vocals and catchy melodies have earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Tracks like "Mama Africa" and "Gbona" have showcased his versatility and artistry, making him a force to be reckoned with in 2023.



As the year unfolds, these artists are poised to make an even bigger impact on the Nigerian music industry. With their diverse sounds and undeniable talent, they are sure to continue captivating audiences and cementing their status as some of Nigeria's most popular music stars.

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