EMERGING ARTISTS – FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR
Since 2019, the Nigerian music industry has transcended all previous boundaries and attained unparalleled levels of competitiveness, as each artist passionately strives for the pinnacle of success year after year.
The initial six months of 2023 have undeniably been ignited by the immense success of Davido’s highly praised fourth studio album, Timeless, along with exceptional releases from Asake, Amaarae, Joeboy, and Omah Lay. Consequently, this sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated second half of the year.
While the focus may be on the A-list performers, we cannot overlook the activity ongoing in the underground scene, with the emergence of standout talents who have shown their undeniable potential for attaining stardom.
TOP 5 ON THE RISE
As we enter the second half of 2023, we’re propelled forward by a wave of rising exceptional talents in the underground scene.
Check out our curated picks of Nigeria’s rising artists who have captivated the music scene in the first half of the year.
Segun Aniyi
Segun Aniyi otherwise known as Oluwasegun Aniyikaye is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, and sound engineer. Currently residing in the United Kingdom, he has gradually carved a niche for himself with a distinctive sound infused with RnB and Afroswing.
Segun’s passion for music ignited at an early age and he was able to cultivate his skills through his fair share of stints at church choirs and playing multiple instruments before learning music production and engineering.
After taking a year break, he started off 2023 strong with his self-produced Afro R&B single ‘Different’, a soothing introspective track about assurances and insecurities where he deftly showcases prowess in both songwriting and production.
Seguin Aniyi is unquestionably one of the most promising emerging artists to keep an eye on not only in the year 2023 but also in the foreseeable future and beyond.
@segunaniyi
Mikun
Osikoya Timilehin Ayomikun is a Nigerian Afro R&B recording artist and producer. He was born and raised in Ikorodu, Lagos. He released his debut EP; Sapphire in 2021 independently. And has since then been featured on a couple of singles like MC Rhymz‘s ‘Loyal’ where he delivered one of his most soulful hooks to date and his guest performance on GNG‘s Icontrola‘s Angelina demonstrated his ability to effortlessly captivate listeners.
Mikun is recognized for his soul-stirring vocal abilities, and he continues to evolve with each release as seen in his 2023 single, ‘SuperWoman‘ which is one of the best songs in the first half of the year.
@mikunmusic
VICTOR COLLINS
Victor Collins Nebo most widely known as Victor Collins is a Nigerian singer and songwriter from Enugu. His undying love for music sprouted during his days as a chorister in his family’s catholic church in Lagos. Since his debut single; Clouds, he has grown exponentially amassing over a million streams on all platforms. He cites Coldplay, Lana del Rey, Asa, Bez, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar as his major influences for his sound which is predominantly alternative.
Victor released the deluxe version for his 2022 3-song pack; Relax earlier in the year. With the addition of 3 new songs, the 2023 Relax Deluxe takes you on an emotional and uplifting journey through the highs and lows of life.
This project showcases a diverse range of themes, with each song delving into a unique topic. From the exploration of true love and the profound bond between a mother and child to the intense pressure of navigating life’s challenges. The EP covers a wide spectrum of emotions and experiences.
His distinctive alternative sound demonstrates his immense talent and versatility making him one to watch out for.
@VictorCollinsN
LOBI
Olaoluwa Adebayo who is also known as Lobi, is a Nigerian-born songwriter and producer. His sound is characterized by a blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and Soul. He attributes his early influences to Ty Dolla $ign, Tay Iwar, Wande Coal, and PARTYNEXTDOOR.
Lobi released his debut single, ‘Roses‘ in 2022 to wide acclaim.
2023 saw him team up with his label; Kinfxlk for their self-titled debut collaborative project.Which was highly praised for its creative direction and cohesion. Lobi‘s contribution to the album was remarkable. Most notably on the project’s lead single Kinfxlk Party where he shone through. Elevating the song to new heights with his Jagged Edge-inspired hook.
Lobi is poised to release new music this second half of the year. Make sure you stay tuned because there is definitely more magic on the way.
Listen to his debut single, “Roses” here.
@lobithecreative
KEZIAH MALLAM
Keziah Shih Mallam, simply known as Keziah Mallam is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Since making the key decision to become a full-time artist in 2020, she’s worked extra hard to fine-tune her sound which primarily combines elements of Soul, R&B, Funk, and Afro.
In 2022 Keziah went on a run, releasing self-produced records monthly, that left audiences eagerly anticipating each new release. Her 2023 single, Royalty featuring RnB Princess and Beezyx is currently her highest-streamed song, a testament to her rising popularity.
@keziahmallam
EDITOR’S NOTE
The first half of 2023 has been filled with an abundance of exhilarating moments for both mainstream and emerging artists. We’ve witnessed the release of highly acclaimed albums by Davido, Asake, Joeboy, Amaarae, and Omah Lay, whose deluxe edition for his debut project; Boy Alone has garnered widespread admiration.
The underground scene has been a captivating showcase of immense talent as well, where distinguished artists such as Segun Aniyi, Victor Collins, Lobi, Mikun, and Keziah Mallam have firmly established themselves as artists on the rise.
