Top Nigerian artists with the highest number of awards (WN Picks)

The Nigerian music industry is a thriving industry. It is in fact one that has grown a lot over the years, and the development does not seem to be stopping. It is joyful to see the industry grow from where it used to be to adapt to the modern age of digitizing the music business.

Through the times, artists have come and gone. Most of them we still remember and sing their songs, while some others, we slightly or never remember them. In this case, it is not a matter of bias but their individual impact in the music industry, and most especially how their fans see them and were able to push them to their peak.

Like it is in every other profession, artists also need something to show for the work they do. Awards and recognitions are that bragging right for them.

This publication is a WN Picks of top Nigerian artists with the highest number of awards.

Wizkid

The Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, is a big fish in the Nigerian music ocean. But he didn’t just get there overnight.

Coming from the 11-year-old boy who loved to sing, to signing a music deal with Banky W’s E.M.E, and getting shot to stardom with his first hit song, ‘Holla at Your Boy,’ Wizkid has come a long way in the Nigerian music industry.

It is no wonder that he has a lot to show for his hard work and persistence. So far, Wizkid has won a total of 69 awards, including a Grammy Award.

Burna Boy

When you see a giant, you cannot simply ignore him. That is who Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy is.

When he started out, although he makes good music, he was one of the most slept on artists back then. Burna Boy, however, was not deterred by that. The 30-year-old Nigerian singer kept working till the world saw his talent and couldn’t ignore him anymore.

Coming from his first hit song, ‘Like to Party’ in 2012, to be referred to as Grammy Boy now, Burna Boy has come a long way.

So far, he has won 37 awards, including 1 Grammys.

Davido

If consistency was a person, it would be David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

From his days of ‘Dami Duro’ his hit single from the ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ album to setting a record on Youtube when his song ‘Fall’ hits 200 million views on Youtube, Davido stays consistent with his craft, positioning himself as a force to reckon with.

So far, he has won a total of 29 awards.

D’Banj

Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’Banj is an all-around entertainer and one of those who paved way for others in the Nigerian music industry.

Kokomaster as he is fondly called by his fans rose from playing his harmonica in music videos to becoming a global figure in the music industry. He has several hit songs from back in the days like ‘Tongolo,’ ‘Booty Call,’ and ‘Oliver Twist’ among his many other songs.

The Kokomaster has won a total of 29 awards.

Olamide

“I’m like a storybook for the ghetto kids wey wan touch the sky.”

This line from Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo or Olamide Sneh among his many other nicknames is an evergreen line that has proven to be true.

Over the years, Olamide has been able to prove himself as an exceptional musician and a leader, raising new artists and bringing them to stardom.

It can be argued that it is not easy to continually work on your own music while making sure that those under your wings also stay up there with you but Olamide has done it and made it look effortless.

The YBNL General has won a total of 22 awards.

2Baba

Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as Tuface Idibia or 2Baba is a legend in the Nigerian music industry.

He is one of those who are in a class of their own, for their creative prowess and contribution to the industry. He is the first winner of MTV Europe, Best African Act Award in 2015 among other places he paved way for African artists.

Starting his musical career as a member of the Plantashun Boiz then moving on to his solo career, 2Baba has done well enough for himself in the Nigerian music industry.

He has a total of 21 awards.

Tiwa Savage

Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage can arguably pass as the most popular female artist in Nigeria.

She has an incredible track in the music industry as she started off doing backup vocals for artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige. She also participated in the UK edition of The X Factor and graduated from Berklee College of Music.

She can boast of hit songs like ‘Kele Kele Love,’ ‘Ife Wa Gbona,’ and ‘Eminado’ amongst others.

She has won a total of 20 awards.

Simi

Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, popularly known as Simi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who started her musical career as a gospel artist.

Her song, ‘Tiff’ was nominated as Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015 and things have never remained the same for her since then as she kept on working and proving to her fans why they should keep supporting her.

Her sonorous voice and lyrics give her an edge too, positioning her as one of the best in the industry.

She has won a total of 14 awards.

Patoranking

Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter.

Pato as he is fondly called by his fans is a unique talent as he does his own music entirely different from what others in the Nigerian music industry do. It is incredible how he has been able to capture the mind of his audience with reggae/dancehall that is not as popular in Nigeria.

He has a couple of hit songs in his name like ‘Girlie O,’ and his recently released song, ‘Abule.’

Patoranking has won a total of 12 awards.

Yemi Alade

Yemi Eberechi Alade, popularly known as Yemi Alade is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress, and activist who has been able to capture her audience with her style and musical prowess.

Mama Africa as she is fondly called by her fans sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili, and Portuguese, showing how versatile she is.

Her hit single, ‘Johnny’ is an evergreen song that is still played in clubs and parties till today.

She has won a total of 12 awards.

Conclusion

The Nigerian music industry can boast of many talented artists, from those who have awards to show for it to those who are still a work in progress.

Whichever it is, we are always here to celebrate talents.