Entertainment
Behold, Nigerian Artistes Who Ruled The Music Clan In 2020
To match their efforts, streaming platforms are making inroads into the nation and wanted figures throughout the ecosystem are taking form to resolve structural issues.
However amidst all of it, there was music – nice music. Music that made moms get off their units, that made girls fall in love, that made grown males cry, that mended damaged hearts, served as confederate for spliff moments, soundtracked protests and set golf equipment on hearth.
Some artists have been extra constant than others whereas others added our burdens of labor to cement their place. With streaming platforms nonetheless unable to boast of a mixed two million subscribers in a rustic of 200 million, we will depend on streaming numbers for this record.
With out ado, right here is Nigeria’s record of the highest 10 Nigerian artists of 2020;
10.) Tiwa Savage
Notable releases: Koroba, Harmful Love
Album: Celia
After a lukewarm 2019, Tiwa Savage entered 2020 with ‘Harmful Love’ as a tone-setter. She then adopted it up with ‘Koroba’ after which ‘Temptation’ that includes Sam Smith. Her album, Celia adopted after which, a video for the politically-charged ‘Ole’ that includes Naira Marley. She was additionally nominated for a MOBO Award, MTV Africa Music Awards and a few Headies.
She additionally carried out on esteemed levels likeJimmy Kimmel, NPR Tiny Desk and MOBO Awards 2020. She additionally lined Billboard alongside Davido and Mr. Eazi.
2021 needs to be fascinating for ‘Mummy Jam Jam.’
9.) Rema
Notable releases: Beamer (Unhealthy Boy), Ginger Me, Girl
In contrast to 2019, Rema didn’t launch any physique of labor in 2020. Nevertheless, he began 2020 with a double launch of ‘Alien’ and ‘Beamer (Unhealthy Boy)’ with Rvssian. He additionally featured on Manny Norte’s single, ‘four Am,’ bought a ‘Dumebi (Remix)’ with Becky G topped TikTok’s charts of the highest Nigerian songs in Q2 2020.
He then launched a double header in ‘Ginger Me’ and ‘Girl,’ with each songs piercing by means of the Nigerian mainstream. His rising energy was felt throughout the ‘date’ he tried to arrange amongst his largest followers. His Twitter rant shut social media down for a day and his haircut trended on the go.
He appears to have slowed down over the previous few months, however his moments within the first three quarters of 2020 land him on this record. He bought Headies nominations but once more and was nominated for Finest Worldwide Act on the 2020 MOBO Awards. He was additionally nominated for the Finest New Worldwide Act on the 2020 BET Awards.
8 Fireboy
Notable releases: Tattoo, ELI
Album: ApolloLaughter, Tears and Goosebumps was nonetheless going sturdy when Fireboy selected to launch his sophomore album, ‘Apollo.’ Fortunately, the album labored and labored amazingly. Whereas Fireboy did not actually have a smash hit single in 2020, he transcended that facet of his music and have become an all-rounder.
He additionally dished out hearth on options for Reminisce, Cuppy, Peruzzi and extra.
On the 2020 Headies, he was probably the most nominated artist with 9 nominations. He additionally bought a nomination for Finest African Act on the 2020 MOBO Awards.
7.) Wizkid
Notable releases: Smile, No Stress
Album: Made In Lagos
‘Baba Bolu’ ended 2019 with a really dangerous EP,Soundman Vol. 1. After a string of DJ Tunez-aided experiments in addition to a function on BlaqJerzee’s single, ‘Arizona,’ Wizkid returned with the attractive tune, ‘Smile’ that includes Grammy winner, H.E.R.
What adopted was Made In Lagos. The success of the album – each critically and commercially– reaffirmed Wizkid’s standing whereas it additional cemented his greatness. The album debuted at No. 80 on the Billboard 200 and within the prime 10 of Spotify’s world albums charts – the identical week as Taylor Swift and Sam Smith.
He had a listening social gathering for the album on Capital Xtra, led an EndSARS protest in London, had a three-hour YouTube Special programme which positioned Afrobeats in a distinct mild, had quite a few Headies nominations, gained the Finest African Act on the simply concluded MOBO Awards, gained yet one more Soul Practice Award alongside Beyonce and appears to have bagged a Grammy nomination for ‘Brown Pores and skin Woman.’
6.) Olamide
Notable releases: Wonma, Triumphant, Infinity, Loading
Album: 999 EP, Carpe Diem
Olamide began 2020 with a shock announcement of 999 EP. He then adopted it up with the announcement of his take careof EMPIRE Distribution and instantly introduced one other album for himself. When he launched ‘Eru’ and ‘Inexperienced Mild,’ each singles didn’t precisely breakthrough as they may have.
However by the point Carpe Diem dropped, it turned obvious that bangers havebeen coming. ‘Triumphant’ set the tone for Bella Shmurda’s present kind, the social media sensation, ‘Infinity’ that includes Omah Lay and ‘Loading’that includes Unhealthy Boy Timz. Tobe trustworthy, ‘Loading’ has solely simply gotten began.
5.) Timi
Notable launch: Know You by Ladi Poe, Duduke
Album:Restless II EP
Simi could be greater up this record solely on the energy of ‘Know You’ and ‘Duduke’ alone. However the momentum of each songs slowed down by Q3 and This fall 2020. Whereas she did launch a tremendous EP, Stressed II in Q3, it didn’t precisely produce any hits. ‘Be There For You’ is taking off on social platforms, however it’s solely simply began.
Nonetheless, Simi’s 2020 has been a ridiculous run regardless of having a child and being overseas since January. Her participation handed LadiPoe his first smash hit file and ‘Duduke’ turned an anthem on the streets of Nigeria – probably Nigeria’s largest tune of 2020.
She additionally introduced a take care of Platoon and bought Headies nominations. How she didn’t get a MOBO Award nomination remains to be a thriller to many individuals.
4.) Burna Boy
Notable releases: Odogwu, Monsters You Made, Actual Life
Albums:Twice As Tall
Burna Boy didn’t come into 2020 to make Nigerian hits and that’s obvious. How that can replicate on his profession long run is one thing that we’ll need to await. Nonetheless, he stays Odogwu, although his single of the identical identify didn’t precisely succeed as anticipated.
What we do know is that Burna Boy’s 2020 modified after he was displaced of a misplaced a Grammy class to Angelique Kidjo.
His strikes since then haven’t been geared in the direction of the Nigerian market. Even his singles were not precisely geared towards acceptance in Nigeria. ‘Fantastic,’ his Telz-produced single was lukewarm. What he bought proper was the general high quality of Twice As Tall, his third straight critically-acclaimed physique of labor.
All year long, he has additionally copped accolades on the Headies, Finest Worldwide Act on the BET Awards for a second consecutive time, Finest Worldwide Act on the MOBO Awards and yet one more Grammy nomination.
3.) Mayorkun
Notable releases: Geng, Of Lagos, Betty Butter
In some unspecified time in the future in 2020, it felt like Mayorkun could be the most popular Nigerian act of 2020 and he might have, if he had launched a physique of labor on the flip of the lockdown. He opened the 12 months in clearly assured trend as a younger artist who had shed off the ultimate vestiges of his younger self. He took on the looks of a person.
His experimentation with the Grime observe, ‘Geng’ confirmed a person who was prepared. He adopted it up with yet one more experimental effort in ‘Of Lagos.’ He adopted that up with ‘Betty Butter’ and ‘Your Physique.’ However extra importantly, Mayorkun turned probably the most potent function of 2020 in Nigerian music.
He had matured into an artist who can persistently dominate as a function whereas additionally guaranteeing visibility by means of streams. He did that for Davido, Unhealthy Boy Timz, Lil Frosh, Chike, Jamopyper, DJ Kaywise, ECool and extra. His recreation bought tighter and he went from a B-list artist into one who began exhibiting A-list traits.
2.) Davido
Notable releases: FEM
Album: A Higher Time
Initially of 2020, Davido was on tour till COVID-19 hit. He was then cooped up in his home, crafting A Higher Time. What adopted was ‘FEM,’ a diss tune to Burna Boy which ended up turning into Nigeria’s anthem for EndSARS protests. How that occurred, no one is aware of.
He additionally launched ‘Jowo,’ however the launch of its video falls outdoors the year-in-review.Davido additionally featured on ‘Betty Butter’ by Mayorkun, ‘Barawo (Remix)’ for Ajebo Hustlers, ‘Maserati (Remix)’ for Ola Kira and extra. He additionally launched ‘So Loopy’ with Lil Child, however that didn’t precisely breakthrough.
On the tail finish of 2019, his singles, ‘Dangerous’ and ‘Candy In The Center’ began catching hearth. He additionally launched a video for ‘1 Mil1threes with out blinking.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
Entertainment
“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier has encouraged French Learners to improve their skills on the language, as there are lots of opportunities up for grabs on the job market with fluency in French Language, saying that there are many other career paths which are often less well known to learners of French.
Participants at the “French Up Your Career” event held in Port Harcourt.
Favier who disclosed this during the just concluded third edition of the seminar tagged “French Up Your Career” organized by Alliance
Française, Port Harcourt explained that learning French doesn’t mean adding a language to your resume. It rather provides learners with new opportunities. Irrespective of their area of interest, be it diplomatic and International relations, international development, translation and Interpretation or journalism.
According to the Consul General, it was important to create awareness for young Nigerians in Port Harcourt who desire to have better understanding of how been fluent in French can create diverse career opportunities for users of the languages in Nigeria and the world at large, emphasizing that proficiency in French could possibly make learner a bridge between Nigeria and fast-developing regions.
“You previously heard this morning about how you can improve your French skills. This afternoon you will discover how being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,”
“This event comes at the right time, as it launches the celebration of the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, which will mobilize us for more than a month throughout Nigeria and alongside other French-speaking countries,” Favier added.
He further highlighted that French is spoken by over 300 million people across the world, saying that, it’s one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
“There are many neighbouring African countries to Nigeria ,who have French as one of their primary languages of communication including Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, what does this mean for you as students here in Nigeria?” He asked
“These sectors in which the French Embassy is often mobilized are the business and marketing field for example, as French is often the preferred language in many multinational companies, particularly those in the energy, oil and telecommunications sectors. I’m thinking as well in technology and IT,” he said
He noted that French-speaking countries in Africa are investing heavily in tech, innovation, and infrastructure, revealing that companies in Tech are looking for bilingual professionals to assist with software localization, customer support, and managing projects in French-speaking regions.
“The French embassy is not only mobilized to help learners discover promising sectors. We are also providing our support and expertise in
training teachers and optimizing university programs,” he summed up
Also, the linguistics cooperation attaché, French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, who also gave a lecture at the seminar, in an interview with Newsmen said that the main purpose of the seminar was to be more informative and supportive to those who want to make a skill out of French Language,saying that as the linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy it is her duty to promote French language through culture.
She cited traditional stereotypes as a major challenge affecting the growth and development of French in Nigeria, as school, teachers at the primary and secondary level in most cases teach French using the traditional way, where students learn French, but could not put words and grammar together as a skill for communicate.
“French is important. I don’t see French as colonization, l see French as a key to embrace globalization, l hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” Losange said.
She however said that the French Embassy is working to ensure that equipments to facilitate the learning of French is put in place to enable learners improve their skills fast, which in two to three years learners should be able to communicate with French, advising learners to be intentional with learning the language, through social media and other workable devices to advance their skills for certification and better opportunities.
Highlight of the event which had about 250 participants in attendance was the eloquence award ceremony where students were awarded for their eloquence in French language by the Director, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs.Marina Lacal alongside the Linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange.
After two edition of the seminar it was the turn of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt to host the Third edition.
It would be recalled that the first edition of ” “French Up Your Career” event was organized at the Alliance Française Lagos on October 23, the second one at UNILAG on November 24, 2024 respectfully.