Nigerian music constantly experiences a new wave with each coming year. New age artists are beginning to tap into unique genres and blending the new with the old,so it may be hard to keep track of the pace of the industry. However, there are some talents that have set themselves that it’d be hard to not recognise them. Here are five amazing artists you should definitely check out.
Qing Madi
After drawing ears to herself in 2022, from setting Tiktok ablaze with her single “See Finish”, the young artist has continued to soar in her music journey, marking her as one of the standout talents to watch out for this year. Her debut EP not only introduced us to unforgettable tracks like “Ole” ft. Bnxn, “American Love,” and “Vision” but also showcased her raw talent and authenticity. When Spotify named her the “Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador” for June 2023, it felt like a validation of her hard work and dedication. And then, the cherry on top: being inducted into Apple Music’s esteemed Rising Class of 2024 alongside fellow rising stars. We definitely cannot wait to see what this year has in store for Qing Madi.
Taves
Toluwanimi Aluko better known as Tavesthegreat is a prodigious talent who started off his music career at a very young age and built his way up steadily. However, it was in 2022 that he truly caught the spotlight with his cover of BNXN’s hit track, ”For Days” capturing the attention of not just the audience but also the industry stalwart BNXN himself.
In 2023, Taves released his first single, “Eleyele,” a significant ode to his roots and upbringing in the vibrant city of Ibadan. But this was just the beginning for the budding artist. Building on his momentum, he dropped “Bodija” this year, a track that makes reference to the allure of the girls from this bustling Lagos locale. And also “Folake,” a mesmerising blend of old-school charm and contemporary flair that solidifies Taves’ position in the industry. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned, because Taves is just getting started on his journey!
Kold AF
Kold AF’s voice is electric, yet soothing and indemnifying lyrics that still pass across the message. That’s talent right there! As her name implies, she comes in K(C)old but still delivers with a fiery passion. Despite her short time in the industry, she’s already left an indelible mark, gifting listeners with her music. She’s been able to place herself as one of the main artists to watch out for. Her bodies of work “KOLD SZN” and “KOLLIDED” are a must listen.
Amaeya
Amaeya soared to musical stardom in 2021 on The Voice Nigeria. The talented singer and songwriter brings soothing melodies and modern sensibilities that brings a fresh perspective to the world of music.
In tracks like “Delusion,” Amaeya portrays the tale of a lovelorn girl trapped in her own fantasies, while “On My Own” paints a picture of heartbreak. With themes of love, loss, and self-discovery at the forefront, her music resonates deeply with listeners.
Amaeya’s unique blend of soul-stirring vocals and modernity sets her apart in the music industry. Her ability to infuse traditional themes with a contemporary twist captures audiences and leaves a lasting impression, solidifying her place as a rising star to watch.
Yarden
Another star on the rise to watch out for is Yarden. The artist embodies a unique sound that features a dark, groovy and ominous vibe offering a fresh sound for the world to get into. Regardless, since his song Wetin gained traction across several platforms, he has been steadily imprinting himself in the music scene.
He describes his music as having “split personalities” which is absolutely true, considering how he explores different genres and finetunes it to fit his own sound. His more recent EP “The One Who Descends” contains a plethora of different jams to listen to.
Folajinmi
Folajinmi is a passionate wordsmith and imaginative storyteller who weaves worlds with her pen and explores the depths of trending topics to evoke the right emotions.
