Zule Zoo is a Nigerian music duo that formed in the late 1990s by Michael Aboh and Al-Hassan Ibrahim who were both from Benue State. [1] [2] They are known for their fusion of different musical genres such as traditional Nigerian rhythms, hip-hop, and reggae. [3]
They became known after the success of their controversial hit song “Kerewa”, which was banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for obscene content. [4] [5] They were one of the top musical groups in Nigeria in the early 2000s, with their unique dance steps. [6] Zule Zoo performed at the 2018 Headies. [7] [8]
The duo split up in 2008, after Aboh released a solo album titled “E dey pain me”. Since then, they went silent musically. [9] [10]
In 2022, Aboh died after slumping in the bathroom while having his bath. [11] [12] Zule Zoo is remembered as one of the pioneers of the Takuraku beat, which projected Nigerian culture through creativity in lyrical composition and innovative use of African percussion instruments. [13]
Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, known professionally as King Sunny Adé, is a Nigerian jùjú singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is regarded as one of the first African pop musicians to gain international success and has been called one of the most influential musicians of all time.
Jos is a city in the North-Central region of Nigeria. The city has a population of about 900,000 residents based on the 2006 census. Popularly called "J-Town", it is the administrative capital and largest city of Plateau State. The city is situated on the Jos plateau which is embedded in the Guinea Savannah of North-Central Nigeria. It connects most of the North-Eastern capitals to the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, by road. Driving in and out of Jos, traffic encounters very steep sloppy bends and breathtaking mountainous sceneries typical of the plateau landform. The name of the state was coined from its affiliation to this landform.
P-Square are a Nigerian music duo composed of the twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye, who co-write and co-produce most of their songs. Noted for their artistic reinvention, musical versatility, and visual presentation, they are widely regarded as one of the most influential African acts of all time and one of the most successful music groups from Africa. They were integral to the evolution of the 2000s and 2010s African popular music. The duo was launched into the mainstream recognition following the release of the song “Senorita” in 2003, and later gain recognition after releasing their sophomore album Get Squared in 2005. The success of the album earned them a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2006. A prominent figure in the Africa popular culture of the 21st Century, P-Square was awarded Artistes of the Decade at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015.
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.
Chinedu Okoli, better known by his stage name Flavour N'abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church. Flavour is popularly known across Africa and the world for his hit song "Nwa Baby ". He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment.
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 Flyboy I.N.C record label in November 2017.
John Saviours Udomboso, known professionally as Young Jonn, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer, currently signed to Chocolate City Music. He is also known for his hit singles Dada and the remix with Davido. He had music production credits on industry hits during the 2010s and was affiliated with the YBNL mafia family going on to be ranked #3 in The NET's list of "Nigeria's Top 7 Biggest Music Producers" and went on to be nominated in the "Producer of The Year" at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies 2015.
Niniola Apata, known professionally as Niniola, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She participated in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013 After releasing her debut single "Ibadi", she was nominated for Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Gqom, gqom tech, sgubhu, 3-Step or G.Q.O.M) is an African electronic dance music genre and subgenre of house music, that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, South Africa, pioneered and innovated by music producers Naked Boyz, Rudeboyz, Sbucardo, Griffit Vigo, Nasty Boyz, DJ Lag, Menzi Shabane, Distruction Boyz and Citizen Boy.
John Ighodaro, professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. His career came into the spotlight when he released a cover of "Awww" by Di'Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records.
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.
The Headies 2018 was the 12th edition of The Headies. It was held on May 5, 2018, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Nigerian comedian Bovi and singer Seyi Shay hosted the ceremony. After shortlisting thousands of entries submitted during the eligibility period, the organizers of the ceremony announced the nominees in April 2018. They also announced the addition of three categories: Viewer's Choice, Best Performer, and Industry Brand Supporter. Simi led the nominations with 7, followed by Wizkid and Davido with 6 each. The ceremony featured performances from a number of artists, including Falz, Mr Real, Simi, and the Danfo Drivers. Pulse Nigeria praised the award's sound production and stage design. Davido, Wizkid and Simi won the most awards with 3 each. Mayorkun won the Next Rated award, beating Dice Ailes, Maleek Berry and Johnny Drille.
Ladipo Eso popularly known as Ladipoe or Poe is a Nigerian rapper and musician. On 28 February 2017, Ladipoe signed a record deal with Mavin Records. He rose to prominence with the song "Feel Alright" where he got featured by SDC "Show Dem Camp". He also released a new single "Jaiye" in March 2019 before dropping the hit song, "Know You" featuring Nigerian Joromi singer, Simi. He is also a member of the Nigerian supergroup Collectiv3 and goes by the alias, “Leader of The New Revival”.
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.
Joel Amadi, known as Joe El, is a Nigerian afrobeat singer, songwriter, and performer, signed with Kennis Music. In 2006, he participated in the Star Quest singing competition in Jos and later on in the annual Kennis Music Easter fiesta.
Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, known professionally as Bella Shmurda, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence in 2019 with the release of the song "Vision 2020", and a follow-up remix which featured Olamide. He is also the leader of Dangbana Republik; a collective of creatives in Lagos providing community and humanitarian contributions.
The Cavemen are a Nigerian highlife band consisting of sibling duo Kingsley Okorie, a bassist, and Benjamin James, a drummer. They were brought to the limelight by Lady Donli and are known for their live performances. They won the 2020 Headies Award for the Best Alternative Album.
The following is a list of events and releases that happened in 2022 in African music.
Oniyide Azeez, professionally known as Zinoleesky, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper. His rise to fame began with the launch of his debut album Chrome Eccentric featuring hit tracks like "Ma Pariwo" and "Kilofeshe.".
Alexander Uwaifo known professionally as Andre Vibez is a Nigerian music producer and songwriter. He is best known for producing "Rush" from Ayra Starr's album 19 & Dangerous and Rema international hit single “Calm Down” which peaked at number one on the India IMI International chart and also peak no.3 on Billboard Hot 100. In September 2022, he was announced as one of the new signed record producers of the Nigerian record label, Mavin Records.