Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known Seun Kuti, is a Nigerian musician, singer and the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Seun leads his father's former band Egypt 80.
Olamide Gbenga Adedeji is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is regarded as one of the most influential artists in Nigeria and has been pivotal to the creative and commercial success of several Afrobeats music stars, and is consistently praised for his role in elevating street pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre. He records in Yoruba and English. In 2011, he released his debut studio album Rapsodi while signed to Coded Tunes. YBNL, his follow-up album, was released under his label imprint "Yahoo Boy No Laptop", aka YBNL Nation. The album was supported by the singles "First of All", "Voice of the Street", "Stupid Love", and "Ilefo Illuminati". On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. The album's singles include "Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover". On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, who is better known as Kizz Daniel, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to fame in 2014 with his debut single, "Woju". He signed a record deal with G-Worldwide Entertainment in 2013, but left the label following a publicized contract dispute and court case. He founded the Fly Boy Inc record label in November 2017.
Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, known professionally as Adekunle Gold and AG Baby, is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter currently signed to Def Jam Recordings. He gained widespread attention after releasing the 2015 hit single "Sade", a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life". He signed a record deal with YBNL Nation and released his 2015 debut studio album Gold, which debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Albums chart. Gold was preceded by the release of three singles: "Sade", "Orente" and "Pick Up". Adekunle Gold revealed to Nigerian Entertainment Today that prior to signing with YBNL, he designed the label's official logo and completed other designs for Lil Kesh, Viktoh and Olamide. In 2023, he released "Tequila Ever After", his fifth studio album and first under Def Jam.
Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called The School Boys with his friend before his professional career as a music artist began in 2009. Falz became more well-known after releasing the song "Marry Me" featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.
Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, better known by her stage name Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She started her career as a gospel singer, releasing her debut studio album in 2008, titled Ogaju. She also played as one of the top judges in season 7 of the Nigerian idol TV show in 2022. She gained public recognition in 2014 after releasing "Tiff", a song that was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015. Simi signed a record deal with X3M Music in 2014, but left the label in May 2019 following the expiration of her contract. She released her second studio album Simisola on September 8, 2017. Her third studio album Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 was released to coincide with her thirty-first birthday on April 19, 2019. She launched her record label Studio Brat in June 2019.
Gold is the debut studio album of Nigerian recording artist Adekunle Gold, released on 28 July 2016, by YBNL Nation. Prior to its release, three songs were released off the album to positive reviews, with "Sade" and "Orente" being his breakthrough singles.
The following is a list of events and releases that have happened or are expected to happen in 2018 in African music.
Okafor Uchenna Victor, popularly known as Mr Real, is a Nigerian rapper and singer from Lagos State.
A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Denzel is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on August 24, 2018, by Chocolate City. The album features guest appearances from Tay Iwar, Cina Soul, Lorraine Chia, Odunsi the Engine, Lady Donli, Niyola and PatricKxxLee. Its production was handled by M.I, Tay Iwar, Chopstix, Major Bangz, TMXO, Doz, G Clef, Chillz, GMK and PatricKxxLee. Yung Denzel addresses topics such as depression, mental health, disloyalty and cultural repression. It explores themes of self-introspection, self-doubt and reassurance. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2019.
Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, known professionally as Mayorkun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, pianist and dancer. He released a cover of Davido's "The Money" single and was discovered by the singer on Twitter. Mayorkun was signed to Davido's record label DMW from 2016 to 2021; his debut single "Eleko" was released under the label. Mayorkun released his debut studio album The Mayor of Lagos in November 2018. After his exit from DMW in 2021; he released "Let Me Know" and his second studio album Back In Office in October 2021, under the Sony Music West Africa division.
Oṣó is the sixth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released independently on 27 March 2018. The album was produced entirely by Mikky Me Joses and consists of 11 tracks, including three recorded in the Yoruba language. Oṣó is a mixture of Alternative folk and Yoruba music and has elements of mysticism; it sheds light on Brymo's folk and traditional roots. Oṣó was supported by the singles "Heya!" and "Bá’núsọ". It received critical acclaim from music critics, who complimented its production and Brymo's songwriting. The website Pulse Nigeria and Nigerian Entertainment Today ranked Oṣó second on their list of the best Nigerian albums of 2018.
Moral Instruction is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper Falz. It was released on January 15, 2019, by Bahd Guys Entertainment. The album was recorded in Nigerian pidgin and samples musical recordings from Fela Kuti. Its production was primarily handled by Sess, with additional production from TMXO, Willis, and Chillz. The album features collaborations with Demmie Vee, Chillz and Sess. Moral Instruction addresses societal issues such as corrupt politicians, corruption, police brutality, prostitution, social injustice and internet fraud. The album's release was preceded by "Talk", a socio-conscious record that addresses critical events. The cover art for Moral Instruction was created by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, a long-time Fela collaborator. The album won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2019.
Klĭtôrĭs is the fifth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was made available for pre-order on iTunes before its independent release on May 9, 2016. The album comprises eleven tracks and was supported by the singles "Happy Memories", "Something Good is Happening", "Alajọ Ṣomolu", and "Billion Naira Dream". Brymo's then-girlfriend, now wife, Esse Kakada is featured on the song "Naked". Pulse Nigeria included Klĭtôrĭs among the 10 Best Nigerian Albums of 2016. Klĭtôrĭs was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2016 and for Album of the Year at The Headies 2018.
The Mayor of Lagos is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Mayorkun. It was released on November 16, 2018, through Davido Music Worldwide. The album's production was handled by Speroach Beatz, Cracker Mallo, Fresh VDM, Kiddominant, DJ Coublon, Phantom, Northboi, Killertunes and Lussh. Mayorkun enlisted Davido, Sarkodie, D'banj, Patoranking and other label mates to appear as guest artists on the album. Preceding the album's release were five singles: "Mama", "Che Che", "Bobo", "Fantasy" and "Posh". The album won Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2019.
Zainab Elizabeth Donli, known as Lady Donli, is a Nigerian musician. She is an alternative R&B, hip hop, alternative jazz and Afrobeat singer and songwriter.
Stories That Touch is the second album by Nigerian rapper and actor Falz. It was released on 16 November 2015 through Bahd Guys Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Show Dem Camp, Yemi Alade, Phyno, Reminisce, Simi, Sess, Poe, Shaydee, Chigul, M.I., Bez, Oyinkansola, Chyn and Reekado Banks. Production was primarily handled by Sess, with additional production from Tin Tin, Oscar Heman-Ackah and Spax.
Adedamola is the eponymous fourth studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on 29 August 2024 by YBNL Nation and Empire, and features guest appearances from artists Seun Kuti, Jon Batiste, Lagbaja, Lojay and disc jockey Spinall. The album featured production from Drexbeats, Magicsticks, Blaisebeatz, Lagbaja, Telz, Godomarr, Foreigngotem, WXLA, Nxrthmix, Spinall, Bassiqally, Jon Batiste, Southtag, Semzi, Pheelz, Eskeez and ID Cabasa. The album serves as a follow-up to Playboy (2022).
Afro Pop Vol. 1 is the third studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold and was released on 21 August 2020 by EMI.
Catch Me If You Can is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. It was released on 4 February 2022 by Afro Urban Records and distributed by Splatoon. The album features guest appearances from Stefflon Don, Davido, Ty Dolla Sign, Fatoumata Diawara, Lucky Daye and Fousheé. Adekunle Gold enlisted production from Pheelz, Blaisebeatz, Seyifunmi, Tay Iwar, Synematik, Bigfish, Kali, Rymez, Lekaa Beats, Quebeat and TMXO.
