No doubt the Nigerian music industry enjoyed a lot of exposure locally and internationally in the year under review (2022). From billboard top charts to amazing recognitions, and sold out concerts among others, Nigerian artistes showed readiness to position their craft in the global stage. MUTIAT LAWORE spotlights a few of the top rated Nigerian music artistes of 2022 in no particular
In February 2022, when music executive and legendary rapper, Olamide Adedeji unveiled a young singer, Ololade Ahmed, otherwise known as Asake, to the world in what was tagged; Omo Ope. It was a momentous disclosure that was accompanied with a hit song to the Afrobeats World.
In less than seven months, Asake proved that he is truly Omo Ope and even more. He has a lot to be thankful for as he didn’t get here by luck; it’s a result of dedication and hard work. He has within a short space of time evolved from an upcoming artiste to being arguably the most loved and listened to artiste in Nigeria.
Asake became a force to reckon with in the industry with topping debut album, Mr. Money, with the Vibe launched on September 8 and within a few hours of its release it became the number one album in Nigeria.
The album set a new record on Apple Music after becoming the African album with the most first day streams as well as the most opening three days streams. It also became the first album to have all its tracks occupy the first 12 spots on Apple Music Nigeria Top 100.
The first album to have seven songs in the top 10 position in the history of Turn-Table Charts (On the chart week dated September 19) Asake is loved on the streets as well and everywhere because of his vocal dexterity, upbeat/party-like chorus, and infusion of religious phrases in his music. Amazingly, Asake sold out three dates for the 5,000-capacity O2 Brixton Hall while a fourth date saw him sell out 20,000 tickets which is the size of the O2 Arena.
Not relenting, Asake earned an instant success and reputation as he suddenly became talk of the town. He recently featured on Tiwa Savage’s new single; Loaded. As the year ends, it is safe to say that Asake is fully booked for all Detty December gig Adekunle Gold With an amazing voice, stage presence and artistry, Adekunle Gold sure understood the essence of relevance in the industry; from great songs releases to mind-blowing visuals as follow up.
The former YBNL superstar now signed to his own personal imprint began the year with a brilliant feature with Davido on ‘High’ and since then the multi talented musician has released outstanding hits that include 5 Star, Toxic, It Is What It Is, Sinner, One Woman and Mercy among others. A show killer of repute, the 35-year-old performed at the Salle Pleyel Arena in Paris with over 5,000 guests in attendance.
For lovers of live music; he sure knows how to hold the audience spellbound alongside his 79th element team. Wrapping up 2022, the music star will be performing to a huge and excited crowd tomorrow at Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos at his self -owned show tagged; Catch me if you can. Still basking in the euphoria of previous sold out concerts, 2023 is already looking amazing for the star as he already has concerts lined up; US concerts on April 29; Roskilde, Denmark on June 24 and Rotselaar, Belgium on June 29. Davido Despite the loss of his son, Ifeanyi, David Adeleke, better known as Davido, is one spectacular artiste to have come out of Africa whose debut in 2009 has shown growth, selflessness, determination and above all team work through his DMW movement.