From Lagos to Accra, Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg, Cape town, London, Toronto, Houston and Atlanta just to mention a few places, Nigeria music sometimes branded as Waija music has created a new culture of entertainment, excitement and enjoyment as popular dance hall music in those places be it in a bar, night club, lounge or restaurant, music lovers gyrate to the beat coming out of the sound monitors that are recognized and celebrated as Nigerian music.
Nigerian musicians such as Wizkid, Davido, Run Town, Olamide, Tekno, Burna boy and so on are famous for their songs. The effect of their music is usually spontaneous, you just get up and begin to shake your body without any prompting to the unmistakable beats in the songs. The beats give the songs a unique Nigerian identity, a product exported from Nigeria.
Recall that 10 years ago, Dr Reuben Abati wrote in a Guardian Newspaper editorial that the lyrics in the music by most Nigerian artistes were meaningless and disqusting’. The reactions from different quarters especially the music industry were swift and defiant and the matter became highly controversial at the time. The artistes and their promoters fought back vehemently, challenging Dr Abati to a duel in the court of public opinion and he had to publish countless rejoinders on the matter.
Between then and now, the success of our pop music stars have been remarkable and their achievements profound, thereby earning recognition globally. Even if you do not agree with the content and message strategy of their lyrics, the fact remains that the music produced is very popular, enjoyable and hilarious to the music consumer and very danceable too.
There was a gap our artistes identified which they filled and the result was the big bang effect, They suddenly became popular and began to make waves and they have never looked back since then. So popular and appreciated is the Nigerian musicians that Mark Dayton, Governor in the United States of America declared, October 6 every year as Wizkid day, which is truly a big deal. It is remarkable according to the story Wizkid, real name, Ibrahim Ayodeji Balogun was honoured because of his musical achievements as a popular Nigerian pop music star and for his role as a culture influencer.
Some of his achievements include recently becoming the first African artiste to sell out the sky way theatre in Minneapolis making a bill board number ‘One Dance’ with Drake; selling out the 02 Arena in London; walking the run way as a model for Doke and Gabbana and winning countless international awards amongst other notable achievements.
Wizkid has become a global brand icon much to the delight of his fans and admirers because of the popularity of his kind of music. From Wizkid to Davido, Olamide, Burna boy etc it shows that our artistes are very creative with the kind of energy in their music and amazing stage performances.
It is no gainsaying that Nigerian music evolved and gained global recognition since the days of the late Afro beat king, Fela Anikulapo Kuti- who is generally referred to as the music legend out of Africa and it is popular today because of its unique beat and sound. The global recognition began with Fela, but the secret of the trending Nigerian pop music culture today is the lyrical nature of the songs and the production that goes into the beats as well as how the artistes ride the beats.
The twin brothers of P-Square (Peter and Paul) when they were still together dominated the music scene for so many years with lyrics so beautiful and voices so melodious, you began to wonder where their gift and special talent came from. Burna boy who recently signed a mouth watering endorsement deal with Star larger beer has his own peculiar. Style and brand of music Patoranking also emerged on the top music scene with an amazing delivery of his Jamaican and African flavoured songs making him the King of Reggae in Africa.
The last time Tekno performed in Nairobi, the show sold out and he was practically mobbed in excitement by his fans especially the women during his virtuoso stage performance. Wizkid and Davido are just in a class of their own, they are incredible talents and great music icons and ambassadors of Nigeria. When Wizkid is singing ‘Soco’, or Davido is singing ‘Assurance,’ ‘Banana follow you’ their fans go wide in excitement, jubilation and appreciation.
We also love incredible artistes such as D’Banj, Falz, Ice Prince, Phyno, Banky W, Wande Coal, Flavour, Reckado Banks, Maleek Berry. Small Doctor etc, who have made their marks in different ways. Tu Face also called 2 Baba is a legend because he has been around for a very long time. His music is pure and clear. He is celebrating 20 years on stage this year.
Other artistes to reckon with include Tony Tefuila, Rugged Man, Eedris Abdukareem, Paul play Dairo, Duncan Mighty, Timaya, Baba Fryo etc. Wizids ‘Sisi caro and Davido’s skelewu’ were so iconic and popular that oven 5 year old could sing along and dance to the beats. New dance routine never seen before also became part of the pop culture. The latest ones being ‘shaku shaku’, and ‘leg work’. With every new song a new and highly choreographed dance routine was likely to follow.
Their female counter parts are also making waves and receiving media attention. They are Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Omawunmi, Waje, Simi, Niniola, Temi, Sheyi Shay etc they have excellent music repertoire and great voices that would give you goose pimples. They are very creative and original with their lyrics and performances.