Recent years were produced massive hits for Nigerian musicians both locally and globally. While the likes of Burna Boy, Kizz Daniel, Davido, Wizkid and Tems continue to flag Nigeria’s flag positively with their global acceptance, some others enjoyed the local space. This includes Asake, Fireboy DML, Mavins, Adekunle Gold, Pheelz, etc. In the midst of this competitive industry are talents who have shown they are going to eb forces to reckon with.

These artists have already started to make waves on streaming platforms but will want to take it a step further in 2023. We have curated our top 10 musicians to watch out for in Nigeria in 2023.

Seyi Vibez

22 Year old hot shot, Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, recognized by his stage name, Seyi Vibez is a fast-rising Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to notoriety for his single God Sent in 2021.

The Lagos State indigene was born on July 12, 2000, in Ketu, Lagos State but grew up in Ikorodu, Lagos. He is currently a student at Lagos State University, studying Sociology.

Since he started his music career, he has released numerous singles such as Dia Fada, Better Days, On Your Own, and Anybody. His style has been described as a mix of Asake and Burna Boy; he is known for his word play and ingenuity and flow. Seyi Vibez performs his songs in Yoruba and occasionally in English in order to reach a larger audience unrestricted by linguistic boundaries.

Seyi’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he released his single God Sent. The song is off his debut album, NSNV (No Seyi, No Vibes). The song’s popularity assisted Seyi in expanding his fan base and solidifying his position in the business. The afro-pop artist has also done several collaborations alongside notable artists like Rich Man, Reekado Banks, Zlatan Ibile and Inoliaky.

Seyi Vibez is currently the most-trended artist on Audiomack, thanks to the release of his new album, Billion Dollar Baby, which is also the most-streamed album on Audiomack in November. 2023 is definitely going to be that year Seyi Vibez reaches the heights expected of him.

Bayanni

Next on the list Mavin Records’ talented signee, Bayanni, who prior to signing for Mavin, was previously known as Zhenoboy. Christened, Abimbola Oladokun, he was born June 25, 1997, in the South Western region of Nigeria and spent most of his early life in Lagos pursuing his musical career.

Bayanni has recorded and released covers of popular songs such as Peru, Jowo, and Felony before joining Mavin. Interestingly, he is the brain behind singles BMW, African Beauty, Duro, and Ballerina.

He announced his presence with his self-titled, four-track EP, which initially led with the introspective tune “Family.” However, towards the end of the year, courtesy of video sharing app Tik-Tok, Bayanni’s “Tata Ta” became a viral tune, racking up over four million streams on Spotify and garnering over a million views for its official video on YouTube. With the backing and strategy of a heavyweight label like Mavin Records, we are tipping the youngster to have a meteoric career in 2023.

On August 23, 2022, Bayanni was unveiled as a newly signed artist to Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, joining the likes of Boy Spyce, Ruger, Ladipoe, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Rema, Magixx, and others on the label. He is currently single and a student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

Majeed

Ekeh Chiaka Joseph (born November 28) known professionally as Majeeed is one to watch out for in 2023. He is a Nigerian Afropop Singer, and Songwriter signed to Dream Empire Music. He is known for his breakthrough single “Yawa No Dey End”, released in 2022 as the lead single off his EP, Bitter Sweet.

Majeed was born on November 28 in Lagos to Igbo parents who hail from Imo state. After completing his primary and secondary education in Lagos and Ogun State respectively, the singer went to Cotonou, for his tertiary education at Iscom University Benin, where he graduated with a B.Sc in Mass Communication.

Before coming into prominence, the talented artist has worked as a songwriter/singer with some amazing Afrobeat artists such as Seyi Shay, Dj Xclusive, Djgmoney, Jay Pizzle and more. In fact, Majeeed began his music career as a songwriter for Seyi Shay. His breakthrough single, “Yawa No Dey End”, was co-signed by Don Jazzy, and Tiwa Savage.

On 19 February 2021, Majeeed released “Time” peaked at number 8 on Apple Music in Nigeria, and number 10 in Mauritius. On 1 August 2022, “Smile For Me” reached number one on Mauritius Apple Music Top Songs; interestingly,that same year, Majeeed had sold-out his first solo international concert in Mauritius. Majeed’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed as he was cited as one of the 10 African Artists You Should Know by Audiomack, after he surpassed 1 million streams in April 2022. On 27 July 2022, he was named Apple Music ‘Up Next’ Artist in Nigeria

Boy Spyce

Just like Bayanni, Boy Spyce is also signed to Mavin Records and is also one of the most promising future stars in the Nigerian music scene. His real name is Ugbekile David Osemeke and he was born on May 10th, 2001. Though a native of Edo State, Nigeria, he grew up in Isolo, a popular district in the mainland part of Lagos, and resided in Jakande Estate.

The singer, who got attention through his Instagram freestyle videos, has been in contact with Mavin Boss Don Jazzy since December 2019 but wasn’t unveiled by the label until 2022. He released his self-titled debut EP, Boy Spyce, twenty-four hours after news of his signing hit the internet. The EP is a five-track project composed of songs – Dreams, Wayo, Destiny, Nobody, and Bad Things. Boy Spyce is currently the most streamed project in Nigeria.

Before signing for Mavin, Boy Spyce had started thrilling music lovers with his raw musical talent. He dropped the cover of Brown Skin Girl by Beyoncé, Wizkid, Blue Ivy Carter, and SAINt JHN on the 29th Of July 2019. He recorded a cover version of Jowo by Davido and made it available to the public on the 30th Of March 2021, released the cover of Forever by Gyakie on the 19th Of April 2021 and also did a cover of Essence by Wizkid and Tems on the 24th Of March 2021, which went viral on the internet.

The Afro-fusion singer is easily marketable with his style of sound, his soft voice and good looks. Songs like “Dreams’ ‘ equally show his vocal dexterity and composure. A talent to look out for. The top-rated superstar has kicked off the new year with the thrilling tune “Folake”. Which is getting raves on various streaming sites.

Ladé

Omolade Oyetundun, born in the 1990s, better known as Lade, is a multi-talented Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer. She is best known as the voice behind the Airtel 444 theme song. Lade rose to prominence following the release of her hit song, “Adulthood Anthem.”

Ladé went from being unknown to a viral sensation thanks to TikTok, which launched her into superstardom. After releasing her eponymous 5-track debut EP Omolade in 2021, Lade gained popularity when her single “Adulthood Anthem” became a trend on TikTok, spawning videos that accumulated millions of views.

For many, Ladé appears to be a new name in the industry; however, she’s been in the industry since 2015. It wasn’t until 2021 that she gained much popularity after she got her first major gig in 2021 when she collaborated with Airtel Nigeria for a commercial, with the sing 444 becoming a popular anthem.

Ladé was a student at the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, but she had to sacrifice it by having to pause her academics to pursue her music career, which seems to be fulfilling and rewarding for her.

Ladé’s musical journey has been for some time while in school. She won the third season of Unilorin Idol in 2017 and also did several freestyles and covers of popular songs online. She has performed covers of songs by Simi, Fireboy DML, and Khaid With You.

T.I Blaze – The Fresh Prince of Lagos

In the Nigerian music scene, street pop has always been a force to be reckoned with. Olamide and Phyno pioneered this path years ago, which has proven to be one of the industry’s most thriving genres. This is the path T.I Blaze, called the prince of Lagos, is treading.

T.I BLAZE whose real Name is Akintunde Abiodun Timileyin, is a Nigerian Singer and Songwriter who received Nationwide fame after the release of the remix of his song “Sometimes” featuring rapper Olamide in January 2022

He was born on the 16th of February, 2000 and raised in Alagbado area of Lagos State, Nigeria. He has always been a lover of music since he was a teenager and would sing and rap for his classmates when he was in secondary school.

This music passion pushed him to sing and record songs while dropping them on Digital platforms under his stage name – T.I BLAZE. He recorded success with his songs, also featuring top artists like Camidon, Ladipoe, to mention a few. After garnering some success in 2022, Blaze is poised for bigger things in the street pop lane, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

YKB

With a growing discography, Oluwo Yusuf Gbolaga also known as YKB has steadily been building his profile in Nigeria. Recognized for being multitalented, YKB has steadily amassed a fan base with a number of hit songs including Zlatan-assisted “Dey Your Dey” and his 2022 love ballad “San Siro.”

YKB made his debut in 2019 when he released “Swaggu,” earning a reputation for his brilliant wordplay and mesmerising lyrics. His 2021 EP Before I Blow showcased his versatility, giving listeners a peek into his world of diverse sounds. This EP helped YKB capture the attention of fans, peers, and media alike around the world and amassed over 2 million streams. YKB recently dropped “SAN SIRO” and it’s another huge success.

The year 2023 has begun and it looks like the year he finally reaches the towering heights ahead of him.

Ayola

The Canada-based singer, whose real name is Abdullah Abubakre is also a prolific songwriter, African Folk, and Afro-Pop act with out-of-box imagination and storytelling proficiency which is impressively enjoyed in his music.

Born in Osun State and raised in Kwara State, Nigeria, Ayola grew up singing at home and listening to the nostalgic Afro-juju songs of King Sunny Ade on road trips with his father.

After getting a taste of the music business while studying in the UK and turning down a record deal to focus on his education, Ayola moved to Windsor in 2016 for his second Masters degree at the University of Windsor before moving to Montreal, Quebec. He began writing the songs on Scum in early 2019.

Ayola released his first major project, ‘Scum EP’, which he described as an Afrosoul sanctuary of emotional wisdom and a frank approach to modern relationship drama. It was released on all major streaming platforms on 20th November 2020. He followed it up with a debut album “Conversation Till Dawn” in late 2021 and had a good run throughout 2022. Ayola has surely earned his reputation as an independent musician to look out for in 2023.

Raebel

Ademuyiwa Oluwatobi Christiana popularly known by her stage name Raebel is a Nigerian artiste who is currently creating her own space in the music industry. She is currently signed to Konvest Music, where she is also one of the front artists. Her unique sound is a reflection of alternative R&B, Neo-soul, reggae/dancehall, and a sprinkle of the traditional Nigerian flavour. The 19 year old attributed some of her styles to International singer, Rihanna.

Raebel’s 2022 biggest song ‘Miniskirt’ was originally a freestyle, but it became a smash hit single after she teamed up with Timbun who produced the song. The song is now a radio anthem and dance floor filler, one of the trending songs on social media.

She also teamed up with Africa’s finest video director TG Omori who now doubles as her Creative Director to give life to the visuals of the song. Raebel is ready to take her fans on a new journey this year, especially THE RAEBELLIONs; the name of her fan base across the world.

Odumodu Blvck

Tochukwu Ojogwu popularly known as Odumodublvck is a Nigerian rapper, and songwriter, known for his boisterous stage performance and genre-blend. Known for his provocative and raw style of hip-hop, the Abuja-based rapper got his big break when he released a single “Picanto,” featuring Zlatan Ibile and Ecko Miles, debuting on Apple Music Nigeria Top 100, making it his first entry on the official chart.

The rave of the moment, Odumodu Blvck has continued to garner massive attention on social media with his freestyle videos.

Following their joint venture partnership with Def Jam, NATIVE Records, the music division of NATIVE Networks, signed Odumodu Blvck as its first official act. American label, Def Jam, began its African subsidiary in 2020 and currently counts Stonebwoy, Stogie T, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tellaman, and Vector among its roster of talented musicians.

Last year, Odumodu blvck performed at the Jameson Connects concert alongside DRB LasGidi, and Vict0ny at Abuja. On 8 December 2022, he won the Next Rated Artist category at Galaxy Music Awards.