The 10 Hottest Artists in Nigeria #TheList2016 takes into account the hottest names in Nigerian music from the tail-end of 2015 till date. For the rest of the week, we’ll systematically reveal all 10 names on #TheList2016.
Be sure to continue refreshing your NJO homepage to see who’s next.
….and we’re into the Big 3!
1. Wizkid
Wizkid is the hottest artiste in Nigeria. Period! He's #1. This is the year Wiz shut down all competition, home and abroad, and he did it without an official single in 2016! I almost feel like ending the post here. I mean... let's just pack up and go home. It's over.
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Wizkid's last official single "Baba Nla" was released in December 2015, and became an instant hit, spending time on the charts for several months. While he hasn't done much locally in 2016, he's been featured on hit songs by DJ Jimmy Jatt, Runtown, and Tiwa Savage. He also broke the Naija/GH internet by announcing the signings of R2bees, Efya and Mr Eazi to Starboy Worldwide; a move which has elevated the profiles of each act, particularly Mr Eazi (#8 on #TheList2016).
The international scene is where Wizkid has truly excelled, scoring a global hit with the world's biggest EDM band, Major Lazer, and getting featured on the biggest song on the planet, Drake's "One Dance", which sat on top of the Billboard Charts for over 10 weeks (a first for a Nigerian artist). At some point, Wizkid was ranked #11 on Global iTunes/Spotify Artist Ranking. Let's not forget Wizkid also got a feature on R. Kelly's latest album "Buffet", and a mega collaboration with Chris Brown, Trey Songz and French Montana on the track "Shabba".
In terms of awards, it's almost been a clean sweep for Wizkid this season, grabbing 4 Awards at this year's MTV MAMA, including Artiste of the Year, winning Best African Act at MOBO '16 and Best Worldwide Act at MTV EMA.
Wizkid has also solidified his status in Africa by touring mega cities across the continent. In Europe, he was a special guest on Chris Brown's "One Hell Of A Night" Tour, and headlined the first-ever One Africa Music Fest Concert in New York.
While we still await official confirmation, Wizkid signed a major deal with Sony Music Global, taking home a record amount of money (currently undisclosed).
...oh... and Wizkid copped himself an "Island Ting" in Justine Skye! The perfect icing on the very big cake. 😉
The 10 Hottest Artists In Nigeria #TheList2016: #1 – Wizkid
This guy is on a whole new wave right now. What is surprising is the fact that this is the first time Wizkid is sitting at #1 on #TheList. Prior to #TheList2016, he's been #4, #5 and #2 (the only artist to appear on the Top 5 in all 4 editions of #TheList). Now, the King finally sits on the throne. Congratulations, Wizkid!
