15 Youngsters Making Power Moves In Nigerian Music So Far In 2016

The Nigerian music industry has witnessed impressive growths in recent years and 2016 has shown that there’s no limit to what we can achieve as a nation with entertainment.

As we continue to bask in the greatness of a flourishing year thus far, musically and entertainment-wise, we present our list of 15 youngsters who have shown complete control of mainstream sounds with their music.

Also, these artistes are pretty fresh in terms of their emergence into the forefront of Nigerian entertainment but, regardless, they are on the cusp of further greatness so we deem them worthy of some recognition and accolades.

Young artistes making power moves in Nigerian entertainment so far in 2016

This said, in no particular order here are 15 shining music acts set to completely dominate Nigerian music in no time:

1. Tekno

Tekno is a shining star and hardly any other explanation suffices. From Holiday featuring Davido in 2013 to Duro, Where and then Wash, the Triple MG singer has shown growth, artistry as well as a keen understanding of the Nigerian market.

2. Falz

Falz is almost a genius. If you consider his ‘eloquence’, creativity and drive then you’ll agree that there are only a few of his kind out here today. He stands out for these key features and shows tendencies of even greater achievements.

3. Skales

His exit from EME under Banky W has been more of a blessing in disguise and Skales has improved by the day musically. He has shown style, finesse and a deep hunger for more which is what leaves critics with the impression he is here to stay as far as making and controlling mainstream music is concerned.

4. Ycee

Ycee deserves some accolades for his current run of form and we love every bit of his sound. From Jagaban to Alhaji and then Su Mi as well as his efforts on collaborations, the young man has shown class and unique artistry. Interesting stuff.

5. L.A.X

In recent times, L.A.X. has shown one thing and one thing only: consistence. The lad is fresh, skillful and driven and it’s understandable why he gets the amount of buzz he currently enjoys. The movement around his brand management is consistent with urban and pop culture as well as mainstream audience, yet finding a way to fuse seamlessly with current market dictates. He is a star and a major name to look out for in Nigerian entertainment.

6. Lil Kesh

Lil Kesh will go far musically. He has started on a great note, he has a sweet album titled YAGI (which he has failed to properly plug on radio anyways) and he has the substance with which to break grounds if he addresses his promotion issues adequately.

7. Simi

Our petite songbird Simi has gone from being underground and inconspicuous to becoming a key player in the creation of some of the finest sounds around today. She has also played considerable roles in songwriting for other music stars which says a lot about how far she will go.

8. Kiss Daniel

Kiss Daniel is on and popping. His newest single Mama is burning like flames and there’s hardly any day it doesn’t get optimum rotation across mainstream radio. This is particularly impressive as it comes on the heels of back to back successes with Laye, Woju and his recent star-studded album launch of Sunday, May 15, 2016. Kiss Daniel has a bright future in front of him is all we can say.

9. Adekunle Gold

Adekunle has flair and originality, two strong elements that can take any entertainer to great heights and we are optimistic he is up there as one of the major figures to look out for in the near future.

10. Reekado Banks 

As funny as this sounds, Reekado is probably the only Mavin Records artiste who has turned up all 2016 long. Tiwa Savage, in the wake of her infamous marriage issues with Tee Billz in April, has made several great moves towards regaining her prominence as well but hers isn’t anything surprising. She is already up there as a Nigerian entertainment great for Afro pop music. In all, Reekado Banks has shown brilliance and true talent and we believe he has a lot more years to spend at the top.

11. Korede Bello

Mavin Records has another youngster in Korede Bello and the lad is a bundle of talent. We can’t wait to see him shine some more.

12. Runtown

Runtown is also up there as far as talent and creativity is concerned and we love every bit of his sound. He is another major force to look out for in Nigerian music, he is currently buzzing and has the potentials to lead the next phase of Nigerian entertainment.

13. Niniola

It’s almost impossible to ignore the musicianship in Niniola and we believe she has a stellar future in Nigerian music.

14. Humblesmith

Humblesmith needs to continue with his current momentum and then spread his sounds across to as much demographics as he can and with these there’s no limit to what he can achieve.

15. Koker

Koker is a bright young man and he understands music to great extents. With Chocolate City, one hopes he can connect the dots and maintain pole position in what has already started for him as a massive music career.