Top Nigerian Musicians Based on Musical Talent and Achievement
The Nigerian music industry has long been a powerhouse in the Afrobeat genre, boasting some of Africa’s wealthiest and most influential artists.
However, in an industry where popularity and riches don’t always equate to musical excellence, we aim to present a list of the finest musicians in Nigeria, judged purely on their lyrical prowess, vocal delivery, and quality, as assessed by Clacified’s in-house musical expert.
Defining “the best”:
In this context, the term “best” is used to identify those artists whose recent work showcases exceptional quality, regardless of their established reputation or standing in the industry. The likes of legends such as 2baba, PSquare, and Wizkid, while iconic, did not meet the criteria for inclusion in this list, but they will undoubtedly feature prominently in future “all-time” or “greatest” lists.
So, based purely on lyrical prowess, vocal delivery, and the uncompromising evaluation by Clacified’s in-house musical experts, here are the top musicians in Nigeria:
9. Omah Lay
Omah Lay holds the ninth spot on this list, thanks to his remarkable achievements in the music industry. His album “Boy Alone” received a warm reception, ranking fifth in Spotify Nigeria’s first-day album listens in 2022.
Notably, his collaboration with Justin Bieber on “Attention” became the first Nigerian single to achieve a million Spotify streams on its release day. Omah Lay also claims the title of the fifth most-streamed artist on BoomPlay and the fourth most-streamed African artist on Audiomack. With hit songs like “Bad Influence” and “Godly,” he has established himself as one of Nigeria’s finest musicians.
8. Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel secures the eighth spot with his EP “Barnabas,” the first project to accumulate 100 million plays on Boomplay. He ranks as the second most-played artist on BoomPlay and holds the distinction of having two songs with over 150 million streams on the platform.
In 2022, he was the tenth most popular Nigerian artist on Spotify and the third most popular on YouTube Music. His hits “Buga” and “Cough” took TikTok by storm, making him a prominent name in Nigeria’s music scene.
7. BNXN (formerly Buju)
BNXN, formerly known as Buju, earned the seventh spot, winning the prestigious Next Rated award at The Headies in 2022. His collaboration with Pheelz on “Finesse” entered the UK Official Singles Chart, peaking at #52.
His 2022 project, “Bad Since ‘97,” garnered significant attention, with the most first-day plays of any EP on Spotify Nigeria. BNXN’s music even made its way to the Billboard Global Album Chart and the FIFA 23 official soundtrack. With records like “Gwadalada” starring Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez, he continues to shine in the music industry.
6. Fireboy DML.
Fireboy DML is a multifaceted vocalist who claims the sixth position on this list. His album “Playboy” achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 400 million listens on Spotify.
Certified platinum in the United States, France, and twice in the United Kingdom, Fireboy’s music has found international acclaim. Notably, he contributed to the official Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, making him the first Nigerian artist to perform at the BET Mainstage Awards.
5. Victony
Victony secures the fifth spot with his chart-topping song “Holy Father” featuring Mayorkun, which became the sixth most streamed track in Nigeria in 2022. Victony’s “Soweto” gained immense popularity on TikTok, and his performance at Fireboy DML’s November 2022 OVO Arena Wembley show was a standout moment in his career.
4. Rema
Rema: Net Worth, Biography, Age, Cars, and Awards
Rema, in the fourth position, has rapidly risen to stardom. His collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down” became the most played Nigerian song on Spotify in 2022 and earned him a place in the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
His debut album “Rave & Roses” achieved a remarkable feat, accumulating a billion plays across all digital streaming platforms. Rema’s popularity is evident with the most monthly listeners on Spotify in Nigeria, surpassing all his peers.
3. Asake
Asake, at the third position, had a sensational 2022, earning the title of Artiste of the Year by Audiomack. He sold out his debut gig at the prestigious 02 Academy Brixton in five minutes and ranked as the second-most-played Nigerian artist on iTunes, Spotify, and Boomplay.
His hit single “Terminator” achieved significant success on Spotify, making him a prominent name in the music industry.
2. Davido
Davido takes the second spot as the first African artist with over a million hashtagged posts on Facebook.
His performance at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony and the success of his album “A Good Time” on YouTube cement his status as one of Nigeria’s best musicians.
2. Burna Boy
Burna Boy Net Worth, Biography, and Awards – 2023
Burna Boy reigns supreme as the best musician in Nigeria, and indeed, the entire continent. With a Grammy win and numerous records to his name, including being the first African artist to achieve 200 million plays on Boomplay, he is a trailblazer in the industry.
Burna Boy’s achievements include headlining the halftime show during the 2023 NBA All-Star Game and selling out renowned international venues like Madison Square Garden and the Accor Arena in Paris. His influence in the world of music is undeniable.
This list serves as a testament to the incredible talent and accomplishments of these top musicians in Nigeria. Their contributions continue to shape the music landscape in Nigeria and beyond.