very well pass as the most outstanding segment of our national life today, I stand to be
corrected. The truth about its ascendance and the global recognition is no fairy tale! Strong
Nigerian artistes like D banj, Nneka, Wizkid, Ice Prince, but to mention a few, emerged as
global brands in 2012.
The keen competition among superstars doesn’t exempt our local music heroes. It may even
be said that competition is more intense among up and coming musicians than it is among
the superstars. Good, for the industry, this is. After all gazing into the mist of 2012, very few
would have anticipated Olamide, Flavour and Ice Prince to seal their classes among the elite
of the industry; the arrival of Burna boy, AJEBUTTER 22, Dammy Krane, and lady Tonto (at least
as a singer), the resurgence of Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila (early 2013) and the like
are also testimonies. The veil is still thick and Year 2013 is far from being spent but due to
the signs of progress seen in these artistes, we came up with a list of 13 artistes who could
make their mark in 2013 (much respect to those who didn’t make the list, no love lost).
1. FLOWSSICK: Flowsick, the man who was recently ‘axed’ from Kollertunz Records,
possesses sheer quality that no one can deny. I must admit he did a little too small last year
(I’m quite sure he himself would admit this). With a style similar (not the same) to General
Pype’s, I see them as our Gyptian and Future, based on style. His recent independence
could mean he is ready to get on any track and murder the beat. Just take it slow.
right on point. He has been seen performing in the nooks and crannies of the country but he
released his first official single titled SUAVE on the first day of 2013. Primed to fly to France
to shoot the video of his first official single in March and recently concluded a marketing and
promotional deal with Spinlet, the sky seems to be his starting point. Big year ahead.
but what choice have they when their biological names are Peter and Paul and they are
twins. Born on May 26, as their name suggests, Mayboiz have performed live on stage
alongside Akon. Bizzouch and Samclef are the producers of their released tracks, ‘Do Me’
and ‘Answer Me’ respectively. Clarence Peters shot the video for ‘Do Me’. What else? These
guys are next to blow, I feel the heat.
4. Jay Marcus: Another Yoruba lyricist. Famed for his debut track, Ni’gboro, released in May
2012, he has already shown how hot 2013 would be when he dropped his new single ‘Go
Down’ just 15 days into the new year. His immaculate fusion of Yoruba into R’n’ B would
definitely pave the way for him to feature in songs. If he features and takes the hook in
choruses of more than 100 songs this year, don’t be surprised.
5. Niyola (E.M.E.): She remains the only star without a medal. Signing to the reigning music
outfit in Nigeria got her the fame already, but now she has work to do. Is she that good? I’m
not questioning Banky W’s judgement but she still has a point to prove, and if this be her
drive for the year, another diva could yet stun the industry.
is celebrated for his dangerous freestyle ability. The Cool FM Kano ambassador dropped the
charts’ singles, “Mo mowe” (literally ‘I know book’) and “Sexy ladies”. His recent attachment
with K-Solo suggests he is cooking things which D-plus proudly accepts. “It is gonna be a big
year for me, I am bringing it to Lagos, watch out!” says D-Plus.
7. A-Q: He raps, rather, he is the future of Rap! He sure isn’t faking the swag; right now, the
whole industry is playing his song. His new song “Why” has rocked the airwaves and online
media, amassing tens of thousands of downloads in less than 5 days after release. OMG!
With over 340 days left in the year, this start is too brilliant to be ignored. Just hang on to the
flow.
in the UK, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Originality is less than the word that can describe her.
The soundtrack to the movie, Tango with Me, as well as many of her other songs, would
make you ask if an angel is on the stereo. She ended 2012 with an award from NMVA as the
best alternative, peeping Bez and Lagbaja to the award. 2013 is here, Ebisan.
Surulere. Dropped his first single at age 14 and has been growing ever since. Slightly over 6 years after his first track, his new track ‘BOOM BOOM BAM’ characterizes a high energy
dancehall song. With over 50,000 download already, the reason why he is heading for
stardom so fast is evident.
a niche for himself in Canada and America. He promised at the Nigerian Entertainment
Awards last year to be back to Nigeria to make good music. This is such an exciting
prospect. Giving his level of talent and energy, another star will be born soon.
song for Obama in 2008; the video was shot by Storm Records. He dropped the single
“EWO” in 2009 shortly after leaving Storms record because he couldn’t live in Lagos then.
Willepro, the all sexy guy, is back and better with his latest track “9ja prodigy”.
every aspect. After their concert last year, DRB Lasgidi has rode on eagles’ wings this year,
with ‘3Kingz’ being their latest product. The video of ’3Kingz’ amassed almost 10,000views
in a week. What else can you ask of a very versatile group other than good music, which
they deliver effectively.
no slowing down for the Bayelsa born singer. The video was shot in Port Harcourt, Lagos,
South Africa and London. Obviously, you can’t expect more from anyone else.
What do you think? Leave Your Comments Here ;)