Paul "Play" Dairo is a Nigerian musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his songs "Angel Of My Life," "Forever," and "You and Me." In 1999, under the music label Kennis Music, he produced a remix of the song "Mo So Rire." [1] [2] [3] [4] Dairo has won several music awards, including The Headies' Artist of The Year award. [5] [6]
Dairo is the son of the late Nigerian singer I.K. Dairo. .
Studio albums
Singles
Awards
Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, known professionally as Ruggedman, is a Nigerian rapper from Ohafia, Abia State, southeastern region of Nigeria.
Chibuzor Oji, better known by his stage name Faze, is a Nigerian musician and actor. He was a member of the defunct Nigerian hip hop group Plantashun Boiz, along with BlackFace Naija and 2face Idibia. The group split up in 2004 and each member of the group has gone on to launch solo careers.
Dare Art Alade, popularly known as Darey, is a Nigerian multi-platinum Afro R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur. He is also the son of the African jazz musician and entertainer Art Alade and the creative director of Livespot360.
Sidney Onoriode Esiri, professionally known as Dr Sid, stylized as Dr SID, is a Nigerian singer.
Aituaje Iruobe, known professionally as Waje, is a Nigerian singer. She first gained recognition after being featured on the remake of P-Square’s "Omoge Mi". Waje was also featured on the duo's 2008 hit track "Do Me". She contributed vocals to Banky W's "Thief My Kele" and M.I's "One Naira". In 2016, Waje was one of the four judges in the inaugural season of The Voice Nigeria. In 2018, she appeared on the final season of the Africa Magic telenovela Battleground.
The Headies is a music awards show established in 2006 by the Hip Hop World Magazine of Nigeria to recognize outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry. The annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists. It is broadcast live on HipTV to viewers across Nigeria. The first and second editions of The Headies were held at the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos State. Between 2010 and 2012, the awards were held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Several media personalities in Nigeria have hosted the annual ceremony, including Darey Art Alade, D'banj, Dakore Egbuson, Banky W., Rita Dominic, M.I, Tiwa Savage and Dr SID.
Douglas Jack Agu, better known by his stage name Runtown, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer. His music is a blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. He gained initial recognition with his song "Gallardo (2014)" featuring Davido. He achieved international recognition with his 2016 single "Mad Over You", The song's success led to a remix by Nigerian-Bajan artist Mr Eazi, further expanding its reach.
Harrison Tare Okiri, better known by his stage name Harrysong, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and instrumentalist who rose to fame after his tribute song to Nelson Mandela won the "Most Downloaded Callertune Award" at The Headies 2013. Harrysong was born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria to Ijaw parents but moved to Lagos in 2007 after spending some of his early life in Port Harcourt. Prior to signing to QuestionMark Entertainment, Harrysong used to perform at night clubs until he met Kcee who introduced him to top music personalities. In 2014, Harrysong was nominated in the "Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year" category at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards after the release of his chart-topping song "Beta Pikin".
Oludemilade Martin Alejo, known professionally as Ycee, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He gained popularity after his single "Condo", which features vocals by Patoranking, earned him two nominations at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He was also nominated for Best Artist in African Pop at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards and for Next Rated at The Headies 2016. Ycee signed a record deal with Sony Music in October 2016, but terminated his contract with the label in February 2018.
Phillip Kayode Moses, better known as Pheelz, is a Nigerian record producer, singer, songwriter, and graphic designer. Pheelz is credited to have produced all but one song on Olamide's Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album. In 2022, he had a hit with his song "Finesse", a collaboration with Bnxn.
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.
Babatunde Okungbowa, popularly known by his stage name OJB Jezreel or OJB, was a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He died on June 14, 2016, of kidney disease.
Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, professionally known as Jaywon, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, performer, producer and actor. Following his departure from Kennis Music, he founded the Next World Music record label in 2013. In 2009, the Nigerian Music Video Awards presented Jaywon with the Best New Artist award. He also won the award for Best Recording at The Headies 2013 and the Tush Awards for 'This Year' song.
Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf popularly known by his stage name CDQ, is a Nigerian indigenous rapper, singer and songwriter best known for his single "Nowo E Soke" featuring Wizkid and Masterkraft's Indomie where he was featured alongside Olamide. While the former is instrumental for launching his career into the Nigerian music industry, the later won him his first career award at the 2016 Nigerian Music Video Awards. Signed to his label No Struggle No Success Entertainment, CDQ's repertoire of music includes rapping in Yoruba language with addition of ad-libs such as the popular "Woss Wobi" which he invented.
John Ighodaro, professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He first came into the spotlight when he released a cover of "Awww" by Di'Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records.
The following is a list of events and releases that have happened or are expected to happen in 2019 in African music.
Terry Alexandar Ejeh better known by his stage name Terry Apala, is a Nigerian Afrobeat, Hip-Hop and Apala musician.
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.
Made in Lagos is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Wizkid. It was released on 30 October 2020 by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Burna Boy, Skepta, H.E.R., Ella Mai, Tay Iwar, Projexx, Tems, Damian Marley, Terri and was executive produced by P2J. The deluxe edition was released on 27 August 2021. It features additional guest appearances from Buju and Justin Bieber. In support of the album, Wizkid embarked on the Made in Lagos Tour (2021–2022). The album received a nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Album.
Boo of the Booless is the debut studio album of Nigerian singer Chike. It was released on February 14, 2020. Chike enlisted Ogaga Sakpaide to A&R the album.