International Women's Day: Celebrating Female Artists Who Have Been Influential In The Nigerian Music Industry

Today is International Women’s day and Notjustok would like to take time out to appreciate the amazing women who have made (and continue to make) monumental contribution to the Nigerian music industry.

In an industry that’s completely patriarchal, we have seen women rise to challenge the norm and have succeeded in directing attention to themselves and their music. Spanning across different genres, women have had a massive impact in the Nigerian music industry.

We have carefully selected female artists whose influence cannot be understated in the Nigerian music industry.

Waje

Waje

Waje is one of the best female vocalists whose vocal range is said to cover three octaves. She rose to prominence when she featured on P-Square’s Do Me.

She has since been active in the music industry, releasing impressive hit songs and has dropped two albums. She has collaborated with different acts including M.I, Dencia, P-Square, and many others.

Waje has been pivotal in the entertainment scene. She is a phenomenal songwriter and a talented actress.

Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage

Arguably the biggest female Nigerian act, Tiwa Savage is a natural-born performer. She is one of the leading African acts on the global scene.

Since she joined Mavin, Tiwa has been unstoppable. She has garnered fans both locally and internationally, striving hard to seal her place as one of the greats in the music industry.

She has released a number of hit singles including Kele Kele Love, Ma Lo, Wanted, One, Lova Lova, and more as well as critically-acclaimed albums. She has worked with a variety of artists worldwide such as WSTRN, Whitney Houston, Kat Deluna, Don Jazzy, Wizkid, Duncan Mighty, Patoranking, and others.

Asa

Asa

The mother of alternative music. One of the greatest Nigerian musicians to ever grace our music industry. Asa is blessed. Special. Amazing. Gorgeous. Words are barely enough to describe Asa.

Asa sings in different dialects (French, English, Yoruba). She has released platinum-selling albums and has gone on extensive tours. She has played a major role in the popularization of African music.

Asa has continued to establish herself as a dominant name in the Nigerian music landscape. Her music is said to be serene and nourishes the soul.

Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade gained recognition when she released her massively hot track Johnny. The song has since become one of the biggest Afropop songs of all time and the video has accumulated over 100 million views on YouTube.

She has a stronghold in Africa as her audience is expanding in Europe and America. She has gone on tour to various countries. Her other hit songs include Kom Kom, Bum Bum, Oh My Gosh and several others.

With numerous awards to her name, Yemi Alade is one of the few female acts who has been very influential in the music industry.

Omawumi

Omawumi

She is the definition of grace and awesomeness. Her vocal strength is mind-boggling. Omawumi became known when she featured in the 2007 edition of Idols.

She has a strong personality and a unique character. Her hit songs include If You Ask Me, In The Music, Today na Today, The African Way. She has released two critically-acclaimed albums.

Omawumi is a highly respected musician that has made a major impression in the hearts of many music lovers in Nigeria.

Simi

Simi

Simi is a sensational singer and songwriter who entered the spotlight with her hit single Tiff. She remains one of the relevant female acts who has achieved remarkable things.

She has collaborated with several acts including Mr. Eazi, Falz, Adekunle Gold, and more. Asides being a talented singer, Simi is a sound engineer who has mixed and mastered different projects.

She sits conveniently in a venerable position of women in the entertainment scenes that have set an admirable standard.

Niniola

Niniola

Niniola is one of the most talented voices we have in the Nigerian music industry. She gained prominence with her hit single Ibadi shortly after emerging third runner-up at the sixth edition of Project Fame West Africa.

Niniola has worked majorly with Sarz and together they’ve successfully delivered a couple of hits. Her style is distinct from many mainstream acts as she describes her type of music as Afro-House. She is known for her energetic performances and titillating lyrics.

She has left a considerable influence as a woman in the Nigerian music industry, inspiring younger women including her sister Teni (an emerging Nigerian singer).

Some other notable names of female artists who have been astounding include Weird MC, Mo'Cheddah, Sasha, Seyi Shay.