5 Nigeria Artistes You Shouldn’t Be Underrating

Maybe because they are way too talented for our uncultured ears or maybe we’re just a hypocritical bunch that would rather ‘shoki’.

It’s been a fantastic year for Nigerian music. With Wizkid setting himself up nicely for at least a Grammy nomination on that song with Drake, and Tiwa Savage becoming a Roc Nation chic, one can safely say Nigerian entertainers are going global.

But let’s face it, while those two are just examples of the handful of our superstars, we all know that they’re not necessarily the most talented.

There are a bunch of other stars that we kinda like but don’t appreciate as much as we probably should. Maybe because they are way too talented for our uncultured ears or maybe we’re just a hypocritical bunch that would rather just ‘shoki’.

1. BlackMagic

Who he is: Efemena Mukoro; a singer, rapper and songwriter who fuses a handful of genres, including hip hop and soul, into one alternative sound.

Why you should listen: He already showed the delicious music he can deliver with two albums to his name – BlackMagic Version 1.0 and B.O.B, as well as a healthy slew of singles.

Start with: Repete

2. Temi Dollface

Who she is: Temitope Phil-Ebosie; London raised and influenced by the world, and has been compared to Janelle Monae in some quarters.

Why you should listen: It’s not hard to see why; Temi possesses an alternative sound that is not mainstream but just as important.

Start with: Pata Pata

3. Jesse Jagz

Who he is: The other Abaga brother, but incorrect to be regarded as only that.

Why you should listen: As a producer, he’s one of the finest. As a songwriter, he’s been proven to be excellent. As a rapper, M.I called him the greatest. As a rebel, he’s walked out on his brother, mentor Audu Maikori and their record label Chocolate City.

He has since returned like Paul Pogba to Manchester United though…

Start with: Pyeri Boy featuring M.I

4. Show Dem Camp

Who they are: Rap duo that comprises Ghost and Tec.

Why you should listen: At a time that hip hop has taken a back seat to some other indigenous genres, a group that tries more than most to stay true to the genre ought to be commended.

Their pen game is top-notch and they’ve shown they can blend it with local infusions.

Start with: Happy Weekend Sir

5. Wande Coal

Who he is: W-Ceezy. Black Diamond. The one and only golden son of Mushin.

Why you should listen: He might have been unfortunate to be lost child of the Mohits breakup and more unfortunate to be relegated to the back of the Mavin queue. But his is still the most gifted talent Don Jazzy ever worked with. The transition (or lack thereof) of said gift to proper stardom is another matter.

Start with: The Mushin2Mohits album.

Which of these Nigerian artistes do you think should also be on the way to the Grammys?