The 10 moments that shaped Nigerian music industry in second quarter 2024

The second quarter of 2024 has been an electrifying period for Nigerian music, with moments that will be etched in our memories for a long time.

From groundbreaking collaborations to historic concerts, and from viral trends to milestone achievements, the industry has witnessed a surge of creativity, innovation, and celebration. In this article, we'll countdown the top 10 moments that shaped Nigerian music in Q2 2024. However, this is reflecting on the events, releases, and happenings that made the quarter an unforgettable one. Get ready to relive the excitement, controversy, and triumph as we delve into the moments that defined the quarter, from Davido's grand wedding to Burna's sold-out concert. Let's dive into the highlights that made Q2 2024 an unforgettable chapter in Nigerian music history.

1. Burna Boy's historic London Stadium concert

Firstly, African giant, Burna Boy made a historic mark in the music industry by selling out the 80,000-capacity London Stadium twice, a feat achieved by few artists. The Grammy Award-winning artist's performances on June 29, 2024, left a lasting impression, with fans from all over the world witnessing his incredible talent. Meanwhile, the concert featured a mix of Burna Boy’s new releases, surprise collaborations, and classic hits, keeping the audience enthralled throughout the night. Also, the event included performances from other top artists such as Shallipopi, Omah Lay, Odumodublvck, and Seyi Vibez, each bringing their unique style to the stage and contributing to the unforgettable experience.

However, for many fans, it was their first time seeing Burna Boy live, while for others, it was another remarkable experience with the artist. The concert was a testament to Burna Boy's ability to captivate and connect with his audience, making it a night that will be remembered for years to come.

2. Davido and Chioma's grand wedding

Secondly, Nigerian music superstar, Davido and his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland tied the knot in a grand traditional ceremony in Lagos on June 25, 2024. The wedding, which was a blend of cultural richness and modern elegance, captivated the nation and drew widespread admiration on social media. Furthermore, the event was attended by top stars, political dignitaries, influencers, and footballers. Also, the strictly by-invitation ceremony became the talk of the town, with many speculating about the guest list. Memorable moments, such as heartfelt family blessings and grand gestures of love, went viral, sparking conversations and admiration. Additionally, the wedding showcased the deep love and commitment between Davido and Chioma, marking one of the biggest events of the year. Despite the high-profile nature of the event, the couple's love story remained at the forefront, making it a truly special occasion.

3. Wizkid’s 'Superstar' album climbs the charts again

Consequently, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, saw his debut album Superstar re-enter the Apple Music Nigeria Album chart, peaking at number 3 after 13 years. Fans have been ecstatic about this resurgence, treating it as a gift to their music idol. Also, the re-entry of Superstar into the charts is proof of Wizkid's enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of his music. Fans' enthusiasm and support have kept the album relevant, proving that great music can stand the test of time.

4. Tems' highly anticipated album release

Tems, a Grammy winner and multi-platinum recording artist, released her debut album Born in The Wild on June 7, 2024. The album, an 18-track exploration of self-discovery and artistic evolution, features collaborations with J. Cole and Asake. Born in The Wild delves into Tems' personal journey, exploring themes of self-doubt, confidence, and relationships. Meanwhile, the album has resonated with fans, amassing 8 million streams on Spotify within its first day of release and topping charts globally. Also, the album debuted at #28 on the UK Official Albums chart, marking the highest peak for a Nigerian female act. However, with its genre-bending collaborations and honest storytelling, Born in The Wild has solidified Tems' position as a rising star in the global music scene.

5. Ayra Starr releases sophomore album 'The Year I Turned 21'

Subsequently, Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr released her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 (TYIT21), showcasing her growth and artistic maturity. The 15-track album features collaborations with international and Nigerian stars, including Asake, Seyi Vibez, Giveon, and Anitta. Also, the album reached #6 on the UK Apple Albums chart, making it the highest-charting album by a Nigerian female artist in the UK. Additionally, TYIT21 garnered 375 million streams across various platforms within its first day, solidifying Ayra Starr's global appeal. Basically, TYIT21 is a deeply personal album that reflects Ayra Starr's experiences and growth over the past year. With its diverse collaborations and innovative sound, the album marks a significant milestone in her career and sets the stage for her future success.

6. ID Cabasa summons top artists for 'Olufunmi Reimagined'

Consequently, Veteran record producer, ID Cabasa reimagined Styl-Plus's 2006 hit Olufunmi, bringing together contemporary Afrobeats stars Fireboy DML, Odumodublvck, BOJ, and Joeboy. Olufunmi Reimagined blends the nostalgic charm of the original with modern Afrobeats rhythms. Also, each artist brought their unique style to the track, creating a dynamic and captivating sound. The single, accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Clarence Peters, has received positive reception from fans and critics alike.

7. Wizkid and Davido beef

Following an initial attempt at reconciliation, tensions between Wizkid and Davido have escalated. Wizkid’s social media post involving an alleged video of Davido sparked a heated exchange between the two artists. However, Wizkid’s post, followed by Davido's swift response, led to a series of back-and-forth comments on social media. The feud has raised questions about the relationship between the two stars and their respective music teams. The ongoing feud has captivated fans and the music industry, with many speculating about the future interactions between Wizkid and Davido. Despite their differences, both artists continue to make significant contributions to the Nigerian music scene.

8. Portable calls out Davido

Furthermore, Nigerian singer, Portable criticized Davido following their recent dinner meeting in Atlanta. Portable expressed frustration over advice he received regarding signing with a music label, leading to a public spat between the two artists. Also, the feud escalated as Portable accused Davido of giving unhelpful career advice and exploiting their meeting for online attention. In response, Davido unfollowed Portable on social media, further fueling the controversy. Despite the heated exchanges, Portable surprised many by extending congratulations to Davido and Chioma on their wedding.

9. Ruger and BNXN release joint EP after squashing beef

Ruger and BNXN, formerly known as Buju, went from rivals to collaborators, releasing a joint EP titled RnB. The seven-track project showcases their distinct styles and artistic chemistry, creating a compelling listening experience. Additionally, the EP features no guest appearances, allowing Ruger and BNXN to shine individually and collectively. Their journey from feud to friendship highlights the positive impact of collaboration in the music industry. Meanwhile, RnB has been well-received by fans, who appreciate the blend of Ruger’s wit and BNXN’s smooth vocals.

10. Shallipopi and Odumodublvck's tour

Lastly, Shallipopi and Odumodublvck’s had an interesting tour, leaving fans with unforgettable memories. The dynamic duo, celebrated for their distinctive sound and electrifying performances, toured multiple cities, captivating audiences with their exceptional talent. Shallipopi and Odumodublvck delivered high-energy performances at every show, igniting the stage with their hit tracks. Also, their infectious energy had fans dancing and singing along, creating a vibrant and engaging concert atmosphere. Additionally, the tour featured surprise guest appearances by other notable artists. Fans were treated to exclusive premieres of Shallipopi and Odumodublvck’s unreleased music. These sneak peeks into their upcoming projects added an element of anticipation and excitement for what’s next in their musical journey.

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