Nigerian music artistes have made immeasurably contributions to the industry, making the country Africa’s biggest market of talented, creative and successful musical artistes.
These musicians have taken the art of singing beyond the shores of West Africa and Africa as a whole, having their career blazing high above the skies.
In this Special Report, the ait.live Entertainment Desk goes down memory lane to explore some of the evergreen songs that trigger memories when played at social gatherings or while on road trips.
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For music lovers who appreciate good music, Sunny Nneji is probably part of the old generation because of his traditional High Life style.
Born in Lagos, the youngest of 5 children, his sophomore single, “Mr. Fantastic” released in 1997 sold hugely and won numerous awards. “Unchained” was his fourth album with tracks like “Face Me” and the evergreen hit single “Oruka” which remained a dream song for every Nigerian couple walking down the isle.
Another Nigerian old rap lord is Michael Ugochukwu Stephen aka Ruggedman. He was born on September 20, 1976 in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State who became a graduate of Political Science from the Lagos State University, LASU.
In the 80s and 90s when it was pejorative to call yourself a rapper in Nigeria, Ruggedman lived it through, breaking boundaries. In 1999, he released a controversial hit single “Ehen”, the album “Come” was released in 2004 and “Ruggedy Baba” in 2007. The veteran rapper runs a clothing line Twentieth September Wears TSW till date and his GBMH wear is spotted in different countries worldwide.
Lastly, Styl-Plus was the music group formed in 1997, as all the members attended the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
The name Styl is an abbreviation of the founders first names, including Shifi Emoete, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwunmi and Lanre Faneyi.
After the death of Lanre Faneyi in 1998, the group added Zeal Onyecheme and renamed the group Styl-Plus. In 2002, Yemi Akinwunmi however left to pursue another career. The group launched its official record label Styl-Plus Records in 2003.
The group has been dubbed Africa’s Boys 2 Men due to their vocal harmonies, catchy tunes combined with meaningful storytelling lyrics.
Their singles “Olufunmi” and “Run Away” are the most requested love songs on all major Nigerian R&B charts. “Four Years” and “Iya Basira” were campus hits at send-off parties of various universities in Nigeria.
In December 2016, Eskimo Records signed Shifi Emoete and Zeal Onyecheme and in February 2017 they released a new single “Aso Ibora” on 15th November 2018.
The last member Tunde Akinsanmi adopted a new name Tunde Tdot.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
