Nigeria has long been recognized as a hub for music and entertainment and has produced many accomplished musicians over the years.
However, only a select few have managed to attain global recognition for their exceptional talent, unique style, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the best musicians in Nigeria as of 2024 based on lyrical prowess, popularity, international recognition, and overall musical talent.
Rank | Artist Name |
1 | Burna Boy |
2 | Wizkid |
3 | Kizz Daniel |
4 | Asake |
5 | Davido |
6 | Omah Lay |
7 | Rema |
8 | Adekunle Gold |
9 | Tiwa Savage |
10 | Victony |
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy tops our list as the best musician in Nigeria having solidified his status with multiple beautiful songs and accolades to back it up.
Burna Boy is a highly versatile musician who seamlessly blends various genres, such as Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, to create his unique sound.
The Grammy-winning artist has made history by being the first African to earn 200 million plays on Boomplay.
He is also the first African artist to receive RIAA certifications for songs from three different albums.
Burna Boy has played a significant role in the resurgence and evolution of Afrobeat, and his unique sound has contributed to the genre’s global popularity.
2. Wizkid
Wizkid is rightfully considered the second-best singer in Nigeria according to our analysis.
Big Wiz as he is fondly called by fans is known for his exceptional music creativity and talent.
He is often credited as one of the pioneers of the Afrobeats sound.
Over the course of his career, Wizkid has released four albums and one EP, including “Superstar”, “Ayo”, “Sound from the Other Side”, “More Love, Less Ego”, and “Made in Lagos”.
Wizkid is the first African artist to receive seven Billboard nominations and the first Nigerian to win three Billboard Awards.
His hit collaboration with Drake and Kyla, “One Dance”, earned him three awards, and in 2018, he became the first Afrobeats musician to make the Guinness World Records.
In addition, his collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl” earned him an NAACP Image Award, making him the first Nigerian to achieve this feat.
3. Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel whose real name is Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, is a highly talented Nigerian singer who has made a name for himself as one of the best artists in the country.
Having started his career in the early 2010s, Kizz Daniel is known for churning out hit after hit that appeals to a wide range of music lovers.
Some of his most popular tracks include “Woju,” “Buja,” and “One Ticket” featuring Davido.
4. Asake
Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, is a renowned new-age Afrobeat musician with a rapidly growing fan base.
His captivating vocals and catchy lyrics have earned him millions of followers worldwide.
Following the release of his debut album, Asake garnered over one billion streams on Nigeria’s five most popular streaming services in just three months.
In 2022, the Afrobeats singer dominated the Nigerian music charts with his collaborations with top celebrities like Tiwa Savage, Fireboy DML, Olamide, and others.
He is one of Africa’s most sought-after musicians, performing sold-out concerts in Nigeria, the UK, the US, and other parts of the world.
5. Davido
David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is a top-rated singer in Nigeria who has had a tremendous impact on the music industry.
He gained widespread recognition in 2013 when his hit track ‘Dami Duro‘ became an instant sensation.
In 2022, Davido made history by being the first Nigerian artist to feature on a FIFA World Cup soundtrack before performing at the tournament’s closing ceremony held in Qatar.
His hit song, “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys, earned him a Grammy nomination for Best African Performance.
Davido has been in the music industry for over a decade and has achieved a great level of success, making him one of the richest artists in the country.
6. Omah Lay
Stanley Omah Didia popularly known as Omah Lay makes it to number 6 on our list of the best singers in Nigeria.
He gained fame in 2019 and rose to widespread recognition with the release of his debut EP titled “Get Layd” in 2020.
In 2021, his debut song ‘You’ won him the coveted Next Rated Award at the 14th Headies Music Awards and is still a favorite among Afrobeats lovers.
7. Rema
Undoubtedly, Rema is one of the biggest musicians in Nigeria because of his extraordinary musical talent.
Within less than five years of entering the Nigerian music scene, the young artist has achieved remarkable success, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the world of Afrobeat.
His distinctive sound and style have earned him international recognition, leading to collaborations and accolades on global platforms.
8. Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold, also known as AG Baby, is a renowned Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter with extraordinary musical talent.
He rose to fame in 2015 after the release of his hit track “Sade,” which was inspired by One Direction’s “Story Of My Life.”
From a rising Highlife artist in 2014, Adekunle Gold has evolved into a confident Afro-fusion pop star, showcasing his talent in various genres while celebrating his success.
9. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer who has made a significant impact in the music industry with her astonishing musical talent.
She is celebrated for her soulful voice and captivating lyrics and has become a prominent figure in the African music scene.
Her latest album, Celia, which dropped in September 2020, has already been streamed over 70,000,000 times on various streaming platforms.
In 2022, Tiwa performed her hit song “Keys to the Kingdom” at the coronation of King Charles in Windsor, England an achievement only a few can boast of.
10. Victony
Victony is a Nigerian singer who is loved by fans globally for his melodious sound.
He made a name for himself in the music industry after being featured on Mayorkun’s hit song “Holy Father” in 2021, which topped several charts, including Billboard, and catapulted the artist into the limelight.
His hit song “Soweto” was one of the most sought-after Afrobeats sounds on TikTok, and he gained more fame when he was endorsed by Ed Sheeran during Fireboy DML’s November 2022 OVO Arena Wembley show.