A huge percentage of Nigerians have a whole other type of taste when it comes to music, it seems like everybody is just interested in a song that you can dance to. That is a kind of “Gbedu wey dey enter body”. As a result of this, countless artistes are out there who are able to fill this Nigerians unquenchable thirst for upbeat and danceable songs likes of Wizkid, Zlatan, Slim case, Olamide Baddo e.t.c.
Although, don’t get me wrong, these are really talented singers and have each modified the music scene with their individual unique talent. Nevertheless, there are many other worthy singers there who i feel are underrated and aren’t given the chance to shine, probably due to their lyrical choices or just mere bad luck.
1. John Ighodaro a.k.a Johnny Drille
is an artiste signed under Mavin’s record alongside likes of Reekado Banks & Korede Bello. He is also a producer and a songwriter. JD was born and raised in Edo state, where he started singing from church. He graduated from University of Benin in 2012 from the department of English and literary studies.
JD sings alternative music, a sub-genre of music which isn’t wide accepted in Nigeria, he even confessed to trying out a few other genres such as hip hop, afropop & highlife before finally settling with making alternative. He once said on an interview with HipTV that he draws his inspiration from American bands like Owl city(Fireflies), Mumford & sons & Jon Bellion.
2. Brymo
Who can ever forget the sensational “chorus guy” from Chocolate city? The son of a “kapenta”.
Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ a.k.a Brymo is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, composer and author. He started his career out as
Specializing in afrobeat, pop, and folk music. Brymo has been on tours around the world and has also collaborated with many Nigerian music industry heavy weights such as M.I, Ice Prince and Jesse. They are in fact his former former label mate in “Choc boys”, the biggest musical group to ever come out of Nigeria. In my opinion, Brymo had lived in the shadow of the other Choc boys for a long time.
That is why the contractual breach that lead to his exit from the group in 2013 was the best thing to ever happen to him. Brymo now has been able to break free and do his thing, show the whole world the real him but still is not give the accolades he deserves. Due to the nature of his lyrical content doesn’t appeal to majority of Nigerians. The few die hard Brymo fans who understand how Brymo ridicules societal ills and injustices through his songs and they love and appreciate him for that.
3. Phenom
Topa Onimowo a.k.a Phenom took the industry by surprise when he released his first single (Omo naija) in 2012. His unique style rapping is what made him stand out from all other rappers, you know them….those ones who rap about money and booty from the start to the end of the songs. Phenom does well in delivering clever puns and punch lines which would leave your jaw hanging. Interestingly, he is the only rapper in Nigeria to have signed a record deal without a song. Talk about putting your faith in someone. Why Phenom is slept on and not a household name would continue to marvel me.