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December 21, 2024
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The 20 moments that shaped the Nigerian music industry in 2024

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The Nigerian music industry had an eventful 2024, marked by monumental performances, historic wins, groundbreaking collaborations, intense celebrity drama and other moments that shaped the music industry.

From groundbreaking performances at the Grammy Awards to major album releases, the year brought attention to the global influence of Nigerian music and the unique artists that continue to drive its growth.

Here are the top 20 moments that shaped Nigerian music industry in 2024:

1. Burna Boy's historic performance at the Grammy Awards

In February, one of those moments that shaped Nigerian music industry was when Burna Boy made history at the 66th Grammy Awards. He became the first Nigerian artist to perform at the main ceremony. With four nominations, including a prestigious nod for Best Melodic Rap Performance, his performance captivated audiences globally. This electrifying moment reflected Burna Boy's status as a pioneering force in the global music scene. His historic performance not only elevated Nigerian music but also solidified his legacy as one of the country's foremost international musical icons.

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2. Nigerian artists' not winning at the Grammy Awards

Despite the high expectations, Nigerian artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Olamide were unable to secure any wins at the 66th Grammy Awards. With several nominations across various categories, including Davido's Grammy debut with three nominations, the lack of wins served as a reminder of the highly competitive nature of the global music industry. Despite this setback, the strong presence of Nigerian artists at the Grammys showcased their increasing influence on the international stage.

3. Tems' breakthrough moment at Billboard Women In Music awards

Meanwhile, in March, Tems reached another milestone in her career by winning the prestigious Breakthrough award at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards. The ceremony, held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated the achievements of remarkable women in the music industry. During her acceptance speech, Tems expressed heartfelt gratitude, dedicating the award to her mother. The event was further highlighted by her stunning performance of Not an Angel, proving her undeniable presence in global music. Additionally, Tems graced the cover of Billboard Women in Music Issue, solidifying her place as a rising star.

4. Tiwa Savage’s letter to Commissioner of Police over alleged threats from Davido

The Nigerian music industry was rocked by a public dispute between Tiwa Savage and Davido. Following Tiwa’s attendance at a party with Sophia Momodu, Davido’s first baby mama, Tiwa alleged receiving threats from Davido over a video featuring herself and Sophia. The situation escalated when Tiwa claimed that Davido had warned her through mutual connections to be cautious in Lagos. Tiwa's subsequent plea for police intervention and the attached screenshots sparked a heated debate, shedding light on the personal dynamics within the Nigerian music industry.

5. Wizkid declares he is not an Afrobeat artist

In a bold move that sent shockwaves through the music scene, Wizkid declared that he no longer wished to be labeled as an Afrobeat artist. Through a series of Instagram posts, he distanced himself from the genre, signaling a shift in his musical identity. Wizkid also announced the completion of his highly anticipated album Morayo, dedicated to his late mother. The album represents a departure from his previous Afrobeat sound, signaling a new era in Wizkid’s artistic journey.

6. Davido and Chioma’s grand wedding

Nigerian superstar Davido and his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland, tied the knot in a lavish traditional wedding ceremony in Lagos on June 25, 2024. The wedding, a perfect blend of cultural richness and modern elegance, was one of the most talked-about events of the year. The ceremony, attended by top stars, political dignitaries, and sports personalities, went viral on social media, with numerous heartfelt moments capturing the nation’s attention. The couple’s love story, highlighted by their heartfelt vows and family blessings, became a symbol of commitment and joy in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

7. Wizkid and Davido’s beef

Additionally, the ongoing rivalry between Wizkid and Davido reached new heights in 2024. After an initial attempt at reconciliation, the two superstars found themselves at odds once again after Wizkid posted an alleged video involving Davido. The feud quickly escalated on social media, with both artists exchanging heated words through posts and comments. This public spat added to the already tense relationship between the two, keeping fans and the music industry on edge. Despite their differences, both Wizkid and Davido continued to dominate the global music scene.

8. Burna Boy’s historic London Stadium concert

Burna Boy made another unforgettable mark in music history with his record-breaking London Stadium concert in June 2024. Selling out the 80,000-capacity stadium twice, Burna Boy became one of the few artists to achieve this feat. The concert, which featured surprise collaborations and a mix of his classic hits and new releases, was proof of Burna Boy’s ever-expanding global appeal. With performances from other top Nigerian artists such as Shallipopi, Omah Lay, and Seyi Vibez, the event further solidified Burna Boy’s status as one of Africa’s most powerful musical ambassadors.

9. Tems and Ayra Starr release highly anticipated albums

This year, as part of the moments that shaped Nigerian music industry, two of Nigeria’s most prominent female artists released albums that garnered widespread attention. Tems, with her highly anticipated debut album Born in The Wild, explored themes of self-discovery and growth. The album's 18 tracks, featuring collaborations with J Cole and Asake, resonated deeply with listeners, topping charts and amassing millions of streams. Likewise, Ayra Starr’s sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21 (TYIT21), showcased her growth as an artist. With collaborations from international stars such as Anitta and Giveon, the album received critical acclaim and reached impressive chart positions, further solidifying both Tems and Ayra Starr’s dominance in the music industry.

10. Ruger and BNXN squash their beef and release a joint EP

However, Ruger and BNXN (formerly Buju) turned their once contentious rivalry into a successful collaboration in 2024. Their joint EP, RnB, was released after the two artists buried the hatchet, marking a moment of reconciliation in the Nigerian music scene. The seven-track project, which features no guest appearances, allows the duo to showcase their individual styles while demonstrating their strong artistic chemistry. The EP, well-received by fans, blends Ruger’s distinct wit with BNXN’s smooth vocals and creating an enjoyable listening experience.

ALSO READ: The 10 moments that shaped Nigerian music industry in third quarter 2024

11. Asake sells out O2 Arena for the second time

Asake, the YBNL star, achieved a remarkable feat during his Lungu Boy tour by selling out the O2 Arena for the second time in his three-year career. This is one of those notable moments that shaped Nigerian music industry. The performance, held on September 21, 2024, was an electrifying celebration of Afrobeats as Asake performed to over 20,000 fans. His expanded setlist, featuring tracks from his new album Lungu Boy alongside fan favourites like Remember, Fuji Vibe, and MMS, had the crowd singing along with passion. Special guest appearances from Afrobeats giants like Wizkid and Stormzy added an extra layer of excitement to the night, making it a landmark event in Nigerian music history.

12. Rema’s homecoming concert in Benin city

Basically, on August 30, 2024, Afrobeats sensation Rema returned to his hometown of Benin City, performing at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. This concert was not only significant for Rema but also for the city, as it marked his first show on Nigerian soil. The concert became an unforgettable event, drawing thousands of fans who experienced powerful performances of his hits like Dumebi, Calm Down, and Charm. The night also featured surprise appearances from Mavin Records’ Don Jazzy, Crayon, and Shallipopi. A heartwarming moment occurred when Rema gifted two fans N2 million for their creative portraits of him, solidifying the evening as a blend of star power and philanthropy.

13. Rema’s experimental HEIS album

Rema took the world by surprise with the release of his experimental album HEIS, which marked a significant departure from his usual Afrofusion style. In an interview with Complex Music, Rema shared his desire to push boundaries and explore new sonic textures, despite his label’s initial hesitation. The album blends rock, R&B, and traditional African sounds, drawing comparisons to Kanye West's Yeezus album. This bold creative direction has been praised as a forward-thinking project that pushes Afrobeats into exciting new territories, showing Rema’s versatility as an artist.

14. Flavour sells out Wembley Arena

Nigerian highlife legend Flavour made history in 2024 by selling out the prestigious Wembley Arena in London. On August 23, 2024, Flavour’s African Royalty Experience tour brought together fans from across Europe to witness a night of music, dance, and cultural celebration. His setlist included classics like Ada Ada, Nwa Baby, and Oyi, as well as new tracks from his album African Royalty. The concert highlighted Flavour’s fusion of traditional Igbo rhythms and modern Afrobeat. It further solidified his status as a global ambassador for African highlife music.

15. P-Square’s final dissolution

Moreso, after years of tension, public feuds, and occasional reunions, P-Square officially dissolved in 2024. Paul Okoye confirmed the split in an emotional Instagram Live session, explaining his frustrations with the group dynamics and announcing his decision to focus on a solo career. This announcement marked the end of an era for P-Square, once one of Africa’s most beloved and influential music duos. While the split was sad for many fans, it also opened the door for both Paul and Peter Okoye to pursue their individual artistic endeavors.

16. Wizkid releases sixth studio album Morayo

Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s biggest international stars, released his highly anticipated sixth studio album, Morayo, in 2024. Named in tribute to his late mother, Morayo explores themes of love, life, and celebration, while also reflecting a sense of introspection. The 16-track album features collaborations with global artists like Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Tiakola, and Jazmine Sullivan. Opening with Troubled Mind, the album showcases Wizkid’s ability to blend Afrobeats with global sounds, reinforcing his position as a trailblazer in the genre. Morayo is a celebration of his legacy and a tribute to those he holds dear.

17. Grammy nominations 2025

Grammy Nominations 2025
Grammy Nominations 2025

The addition of the Best African Music Performance category at the Grammy Awards has been a game-changer for African artists and is one of those moments that shaped Nigerian music. For the 2025 Grammy Awards, Nigerian artists dominated the nominees list, with stars like Tems, Asake, Yemi Alade, Davido, Wizkid, and Lojay securing nominations. In a surprising turn, last year’s winner, South Africa’s Tyla, was absent. Rema’s nomination for Best Global Music Album is another indication of Afrobeat’s expanding reach.

18. Wizkid's record-breaking Spotify streams

Consequently, Wizkid’s album Morayo shattered streaming records on Spotify Nigeria, amassing 12 million streams on its release day and 16.27 million streams globally within 24 hours. The hit single Kese (Dance) also set a new benchmark for single-day streams, showcasing Wizkid’s enduring appeal and influence. Also, He set a new record for the biggest first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria with his hit song Piece of My Heart. The song quickly became a viral sensation, garnering impressive streaming numbers and establishing Wizkid’s dominance in the digital music space.

19. Virgin Music and Empire's market dominance

As 2024 unfolded, one of those moments that shaped the industry was when Virgin Music and Empire emerged as dominant players in Nigeria’s music industry. According to TurnTable Charts, both labels surpassed one billion on-demand streams across major platforms, solidifying their positions in the Nigerian music ecosystem. Virgin Music, partnered with Dapper Music, led with an 8.62% market share, while Empire followed closely with 8.25%. Labels like YBNL Nation, Mavin Records, and Vibez Inc also contributed to the competitive landscape. These impressive streaming numbers reflect the growing commercialization of Nigerian music and its impact on global platforms.

20. Sinach's legal battle over Way Maker

Last on the list of moments that shaped Nigerian music industry, in a dramatic legal twist, gospel singer Sinach found herself in the midst of a high-profile copyright lawsuit. The producer of her hit song Way Maker, Michael Oluwole (Mayolee), is suing Sinach for ₦5 billion, claiming he was not adequately compensated for his instrumental contributions to the song’s success. The lawsuit, filed in November 2024, has sparked debates about intellectual property rights, fair compensation, and the importance of formal agreements in music production. As the case continues, it could set an important legal precedent in Nigeria’s burgeoning music industry.

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AnittaAsakeAyra StarrBNXNBrent FaiyazBurna BoyChiomaCrayonDavidoDon JazzyGiveonJ ColeJazmine SullivanKanye WestLojayOlamideOmah LayP-SquarePaul OkoyePeter OkoyeRemaRugerSeyi VibezShallipopiSinachStormzyTiwa SavageWizkidYemi Alade

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