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Five Nigerian Musicians Set For Stardom Beyond Their Record Labels

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In this review, entertainment pundit ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM takes a look at some of Nigeria trending young musicians making waves under their record label that would remain relevant even after leaving their labels.
Nigeria’s music industry has evolved into a global powerhouse, producing artistes who have not only dominated local charts but have also gained international recognition. A key aspect of the industry is the role of record labels in nurturing talent and propelling artistes to stardom. However, true stars have the potential to thrive even after parting ways with their labels. Below, I analyze five young Nigerian musicians currently under record labels who, given their talent, persona, and industry acumen, are likely to continue rising to new heights even if they leave their labels.
1.ASAKE
Label: YBNL Nation
Since bursting onto the scene with his hit “Mr. Money,” Asake has proven to be one of Nigeria’s most versatile and exciting artiste. His unique blend of Fuji, Afrobeats, and street-hop has endeared him to a broad audience. Under the guidance of Olamide’s YBNL, Asake has honed his craft, releasing hits like “Sungba” and “Terminator.”
Asake’s energetic performances, street-smart lyrics, and knack for storytelling are clear indicators that his talent transcends the backing of any record label. His authentic connection with his fans and his ability to adapt to different sounds suggest that even after YBNL, he will continue to make waves, cementing himself as a mainstay in Nigerian music.
2. AYRA STARR
Label: Mavin Records
Ayra Starr’s rise to fame under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records has been nothing short of meteoric. The young singer captivated audiences with her debut album “19 & Dangerous”, which produced hits like “Away” and “Bloody Samaritan.” Ayra’s unique sound, which blends Afro-pop with a sprinkle of R&B, resonates with Gen Z listeners who appreciate her boldness and versatility.
What sets Ayra Starr apart is her ability to push boundaries while maintaining a deeply relatable aura. Her songwriting prowess, coupled with her eye-catching visuals, makes her a standout talent. While Mavin has been instrumental in shaping her career, Ayra’s creative vision and self-confidence indicate that she has the potential to carve her own path in the global music industry once she decides to move on.
3.REMA
Label: Mavin Records
Another product of Mavin Records, Rema, has quickly become a household name both in Nigeria and on the international stage. His fusion of Afrobeat, Trap, and Afrofusion has created a distinct sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences. From his breakthrough single “Dumebi” to global hits like “Calm Down,” Rema’s star power is undeniable.
With collaborations that span continents, Rema’s versatility as an artiste is clear. He has the ability to craft both club bangers and introspective tracks that show his artistic depth. Though he is still under the nurturing guidance of Don Jazzy, it’s clear that Rema has the talent and ambition to continue thriving on his own, with or without the label.
4. Zinoleesky
Label: Marlian Music
Zinoleesky has been a consistent hitmaker under Naira Marley’s Marlian Music. His street-influenced Afrobeat sound and catchy lyrics have made him a fan favourite in Nigeria. Songs like “Kilofeshe” and “Gone Far” highlight Zinoleesky’s ability to capture everyday life in Lagos, making him relatable to the average Nigerian listener.
Zinoleesky’s infectious sound and steady stream of hits show that he has what it takes to remain relevant. His work ethic, coupled with his deep understanding of the streets, suggests that his success is not solely tied to his label. When the time comes for Zinoleesky to fly solo, his raw talent and authentic appeal will undoubtedly carry him forward.
5. Oxlade
Label:Troniq Music, Epic Records
Oxlade’s silky vocals and emotive delivery have made him one of the most promising young artistes in Nigeria. His breakout single “Away” put him on the map, and since then, he has delivered several solid projects that showcase his vocal prowess and unique sound, a blend of Afrobeat and R&B.
Oxlade’s collaborations with international artistes and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level position him as an artiste with longevity. While his label has played a significant role in amplifying his career, Oxlade’s artistry is powerful enough to sustain him well beyond his current affiliations.
Conclusion:
The Nigerian music industry has become a breeding ground for global superstars. While record labels play a crucial role in an artiste’s early development, true talent will always shine through. Asake, Ayra Starr, Rema, Zinoleesky, and Oxlade are not just fleeting stars; they are artistes with the potential for long-lasting success, even beyond their record labels. Their talent, work ethic, and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level ensure that they will continue to soar, regardless of the banner under which they perform.
                         Anthony Ada Abraham,
                         tkmmedia2012@gmail.com,
                         aanthonyada@yahoo.co.uk .
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Entertainment

I started my life in face-me-I-face-you apartment – Davido

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Nigerian Afrobeats singer Davido has claimed that he started his life in a one-room apartment in a public compound, known locally as a face-me-I-face-you.

The singer made the claim on a song titled CFMF, off his fifth studio album, 5ive, which was released on Friday.

He claimed that he is now living a flamboyant life due to Jesus’s divine intervention.

“Take a step and walk into my life…

Started all the way from face me I face you

Face me I face you

And now, I am living real large all thanks to Jesu

All thanks to Jesu oh,” he sings.

His claim has been met with a groundswell of doubts, especially on social media, as the singer is known to be the son of billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke.

This is not the first time Davido has attempted to paint a grass-to-grace story in his music.

On his debut 2011 single, Back When, Davido claimed many ladies rejected his advances when he had no money but began chasing him after he achieved fame and success.

The song didn’t achieve much commercial success, partly due to the doubts that greeted his claims of humble beginnings, as he was known to be from a wealthy background.

Davido finally gained widespread prominence after the release of his 2012 breakthrough single, Dami Duro, where he embraced his wealthy background and boasted that he was unstoppable as the son of a rich man.

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‘Why I’ll Never Support Peter Obi’ – Seyi Law

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Nigeria’s popular stand-up comedian, Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile, aka Seyi Law, has vowed never to support the presidential ambition of former Labour Party, LP, candidate, Peter Obi.

Seyi Law said he would never support Obi’s presidential ambition due to his failure to call the Obidient movement to order.

In an interview on the Teju Babyface podcast, Seyi Law recalled how Obidients attacked his wife and children because he supported President Bola Tinubu.

He lamented that Obi has refused to admit that Obidients attacked those who did not support him.

According to Seyi Law: “I don’t feel down at all because when you talk too much, I swear for you. One of the good things that God has done for me is that my anger doesn’t last long.

“Personal anger for me doesn’t last long. The only place it lasts long is when you leave me and attack my children, mother, and wife.

“The moment you cross that boundary from me to my children, mother, and wife — there is no forgiveness.

“That is why there is nothing on earth that Peter Obi can do that will make me support him. They (Obidients) attacked my children and my wife.

“As long as Peter Obi will not call them to order and he keeps denying that they are doing that, he will never get my support.

“Let Peter Obi wear the garment of Jesus Christ today — he will never get my support. Hate or love me, my personal way of life is between me and God.

“Any organization that does not support free thinking is a cult.”

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LISTEN: Davido finally delivers 17-track album ‘5ive’

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Davido, the award-winning Nigerian singer, has released his much-anticipated album ‘5ive’.

The 17-track project, initially slated for release on March 14, finally hit streaming platforms in the early hours of Friday.

In the body of work, Davido features Jamaican singers 450 and Shensea, South African artiste Musa Keys, American musicians Chris Brown and Becky G, and French singers Tayc and Dadju.

Victony, Odumodublvck, Chike and Omah Lay are the Nigerian singers enlisted in the project.

The album’s songs include ‘5ive’, ‘Anything’, Be There Still’, ‘CFMF’, ’10 Kilo’, ‘Offa Me’, ‘Don’t Know’ and ‘R&B’, ‘Awuke’.

Others are ‘Holy Water’, ‘Nuttin Dey’, ‘Titanium’, ‘Lately’, ‘Tek’, ‘Funds’, ‘Lover Boy’s and ‘With You’.

Davido had earlier put out ‘Be There Still,’ ‘Awuke‘ featuring YG Marley, and ‘Funds‘, three tracks off the album.

‘5ive’ is the singer’s fifth studio album.

In December, Davido revealed that the album is “my story, my truth and my growth”.

“My people. The journey continues in 2025 with my new album ‘5IVE’. This is straight from the heart — my story, my truth and my growth,” he said.

On April 5, he also kicked off a five-city tour has Europe and North America in anticipation of ‘5ive’.

Born David Adeleke, Davido rose to fame in 2012 after releasing ‘Dami Duro,’ the second single from his debut album ‘Omo Baba Olowo’.

Since his debut album, he has delivered three other projects including ‘A Good Time’ (2019), ‘A Better Time‘ (2020), and ‘Timeless’ (2023).

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