Boy bands were significant in shaping pop culture and leaving an indelible mark in the early 1990s and 2000s. It could be said that music revolution was at its highest in Nigeria, led by the charming and talented groups who won the hearts of millions. This golden era of boy bands was marked with talent, charisma, style and persona leaving unforgettable music moments. Today, we take a journey down memory lane on some of the hottest boy bands whose songs continue to resonate with fans across generations.
Styl-plus
The group started with members, Shifi Omoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwonmi and Lanre Faneyi, under the name, Styl. After Lanre’s death in 1998, Zeal Onyecheme joined the group which resulted in the name change to Styl-plus. However, Yemi Akinwonmi left the group to pursue a solo career but the group maintained the name. The group rose to prominence with tracks such as “Olufunmi” and “Runway”. In 2006, they released their debut album, “Expressions” which was a commercial hit and changed the face of RnB in the Nigerian music scene, containing hits such as “Imagine That” and “Iya Basira”. It was revealed that Tunde Akinsanmi had left the group to pursue a solo career leaving Shifi and Zeal.
Trybesmen
Trybesmen is a huge name in the Nigerian hip-hop and rap scene gaining popularity around the decades of 1990s and 2000s. Consisting of members, Eldee the Don, Freestyle and Kaboom. They played a pivotal role in shaping hip-hop culture in Nigeria, arguably one of the best groups to grace the music scene in Nigeria. They released smash hits such as “Shake Bodi” and “Trybal Marks”. The group broke up with Eldee and Freestyle going to pursue solo careers.
Plantashun Boiz
https://youtu.be/wM35Au_IYRM?si=QFogJ3_gTpnjeVIh
Plantashun Boiz were a prominent group in the 1990s and 2000s. The group met in the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu State. The group was made up of Blackface, 2Face (now called 2Baba) and Faze. They were known for their blend of RnB, Reggae and Hip Hop influences which led to hits such as “Knock Me Off” and “Don’t Know You”. They split up following the release of two music albums with 2Face going on to pursue a solo career. They played a significant role in producing a lasting impact in the music culture.
Maintain
Maintain was a group made up of Olu Maintain, Tolu Ogunniyi and Big Bamo. The group released six albums with hits such as “I Catch Cold” and “Alo” before disbanding in 2004. Olu Maintain went on to release the hit song “Yahooze” while Big Bamo went on to make “Fi Jo ko wo je”.
L.O.S.
L.O.S. (Loud on Sound) was a music group made up of artists Tomi Thomas, King Zamir (Yung), Briss B and Bridge. This group redefined the Nigerian music space by creating a movement distinct from the usual afrobeats sound. They are known for singles, “On Fire”, “Magic”, “Paparampe” and many more hits. Although, each of these artists are pursuing solo careers. They brought a new wave of sound to the Nigerian music industry.
Other notable groups include duos like P-square, Danfo Drivers, Junior and Pretty, Mountain Black and Mad Melon, and other groups whose impact on the scene cannot be overlooked including JJC & 419 squad, Blacktribe, Krazee Kulture, Rooftop MCs,.
