Top 10 moments that shaped Nigerian music in first quarter 2024

The first quarter of 2024 in Nigerian music has been a whirlwind of creativity and achievement.

From chart-topping singles to groundbreaking collaborations, Nigerian artists have continued to captivate audiences worldwide. Let's take a look at the top five moments that have defined Nigerian music in Q1 2024, showcasing the talent, innovation, and cultural richness that make Nigeria a global music powerhouse.

10. Joeboy's departure from EMPAWA

One of the standout moments in Nigerian music for the first quarter of 2024 was Joseph Akinwale's, famously known as Joeboy, departure from Mr Eazi's EMPAWA record label after five years of collaboration. This pivotal decision coincided with Joeboy's signing of a groundbreaking dual deal with Warner Music, a global music powerhouse. Transitioning into the role of CEO, Joeboy launched his own label, Young Legend, alongside Deola Jaiyesimi as Head of the Label.

This strategic move not only propels Joeboy to the forefront of African music under Warner Music but also positions him as a mentor and champion for emerging talents in the vibrant Afrobeats scene. Joeboy's departure signifies a significant shift in the Nigerian music industry and marks a milestone in his own career trajectory, solidifying his status as a pioneering force in the industry.

9. Omah Lay's sensual dance with female fan in London

In a standout moment for Nigerian music in the first quarter of 2024, singer Omah Lay stirred controversy with an on-stage interaction at his concert in London. Following a successful performance, Omah Lay invited a female fan, who attended the concert with her man, to join him on stage. This gesture, captured in a viral video, sparked intense debate on social media as the man appeared visibly distressed witnessing his girlfriend engage with the singer in what seemed to be a romantic interaction.

The incident prompted widespread discussion about boundaries, consent, and appropriate behavior at live events, showcasing the power of music to evoke strong emotions and ignite public discourse. Omah Lay's controversial on-stage moment became a focal point of online conversations, highlighting the complexities of navigating personal and professional boundaries in the entertainment industry.

8. Tiwa Savage's letter to Commissioner of Police over alleged threats from Davido

Afrobeat Queen, Tiwa Savage found herself embroiled in controversy after alleging threats from fellow artist, Davido. The dispute unfolded following Tiwa's attendance at a party with Sophia Momodu, the mother of Davido's first daughter. In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Tiwa detailed receiving a message from Davido expressing feeling mocked by a video featuring herself and Sophia Momodu.

Despite the two artists having previously unfollowed each other on Instagram, the situation escalated when Tiwa claimed to have received a threat from Davido through mutual connections, warning her to be cautious in Lagos. Tiwa's plea for police intervention and attached screenshots of the alleged conversations ignited a storm of debate on social media, shedding light on the complexities of interpersonal dynamics within the Nigerian music industry.

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

Award-winning artist, Tems achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious Breakthrough award at the 2024 Billboard Women In Music ceremony. The event, held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, celebrated the accomplishments of leading women in the music industry.

Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, the ceremony brought together notable figures such as Pink Panthress, Victoria Monet, and K-pop group New Jeans. Among the attendees was Tems, who not only received the Breakthrough award but also graced the cover of Billboard Women in Music Issue. During her acceptance speech, Tems expressed gratitude and dedicated the award to her mother, highlighting the significance of the moment and the support she received throughout her journey as an artist. Her performance of Not an Angel further solidified her presence as a rising star in the global music scene, showcasing her talent and captivating the audience.

6. Davido's verse on Kizz Daniel's 'Twe Twe' remix

Davido's contribution to the remix of Kizz Daniel's hit single, Twe Twe, became a focal point in Nigerian music during the first quarter of 2024. The Grammy-nominated artist's verse ignited a frenzy on social media, garnering divided opinions upon its release.

In his verse, Davido employed catchy wordplay, drawing comparisons between a woman's body and the WWII Hiroshima explosion, while using Nigerian slang like "Keke Napep" to depict financial struggles. While some listeners found the verse enjoyable and enhancing the song's appeal, others criticized it as juvenile and comical. The collaboration between Afrobeats stars, Kizz Daniel and Davido marked their first joint venture since 2018's One Ticket, showcasing the synergy between the two Nigerian superstars. Twe Twe had already dominated Nigerian charts and airwaves since its initial release, and the remix injected it with the vibrant energy of Davido, promising to resonate with a diverse audience.

5. Nigerian artists' not winning at the Grammy Awards

Nigerian artists, Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Olamide received multiple nominations at the 66th Grammy Awards but failed to secure any wins. Despite Davido's three nominations in his Grammy debut and Burna Boy's four nominations, including one for Best Melodic Rap Performance, none of the Nigerian nominees emerged victorious in their respective categories.

Asake, Arya Starr, and Olamide each received one nomination, contributing to a strong Nigerian presence at the prestigious awards ceremony. However, the lack of wins showcased the competitive nature of the global music industry and served as a reminder of the challenges faced by Nigerian artists in securing international recognition.

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

At the 66th Grammy Awards, Burna Boy, a Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer, made history as the first Nigerian artist to perform at the main ceremony. With four nominations, his performance was highly anticipated, and it lived up to expectations, being hailed as historic. Burna Boy's electrifying performance showcased the best of Nigerian music, leaving a lasting impression on the global stage. This moment showcased Burna Boy's significance in the music industry and cemented his legacy as one of Nigeria's foremost musical talents.

3. Portable and Skepta's Tony Montana

One of the standout moments in Nigerian music for the first quarter of 2024 was the highly anticipated collaboration between UK's hip-hop icon, Skepta, and Nigerian street-hop sensation, Portable. The fusion of their distinct styles culminated in the release of Tony Montana, a track that seamlessly blends grime, drill, and Afrobeats elements. Produced by JAE5, the collaboration showcased Skepta's razor-sharp wordplay and Portable's infectious energy, proving the power of collaboration across different genres and cultures. Tony Montana not only captivated audiences but also set a precedent for innovative fusions in the Nigerian music scene.

2. Eedris Abdulkareem's clash with Burna Boy

Nigerian rap legend, Eedris Abdulkareem ignited a feud with Burna Boy after criticizing the latter's claims of paving his own way in the music industry. This dispute escalated into a back-and-forth exchange, with Eedris Abdulkareem announcing a diss track for Burna Boy, leading to a reexamination of the history of Nigerian music.

1. Wizkid declares he is not an Afrobeat artist

Nigerian music icon, Wizkid made headlines in the first quarter of 2024 by renouncing his association with the Afrobeat genre. Through a series of Instagram posts, Wizkid declared his departure from being labeled as an Afrobeat artist, marking a significant shift in his musical identity. Additionally, he unveiled the completion of his latest studio album, titled Morayo, dedicated to his late mother. With this album, Wizkid hinted at a departure from his previous sound while expressing confidence in its quality, likening it to his acclaimed hit Pakurumo. This declaration stirred discussions among fans and critics alike, signaling a new era in Wizkid's musical journey.