By Rotimi Agbana

In 2017, the music scene was replete with good music from greenhorns and top shots in the music-making craft. So far, 2018 has equally been characterized by stiff competition, as the likes of 2Baba, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Niniola, Simi, Falz, Adekunle Gold, and a few others, continue to dish out good music.

From what is coming out of the music industry in Nigeria, it’s obvious that the best is yet to be seen.

While the the established musicians are taking their craft notches higher, the new entrants are proving they can give the older ones a run for their money with awards to show for it. In all, whatever surprises they are springing, Nigerians are loving their efforts.

In no particular order, here is a list of top 15 artistes currently rocking the music scene with hit songs.
Wizkid

Though he may not have released as many singles as expected in 2018, Wizkid aka ‘Star Boy’, continues to top charts with his song, ‘Soco’, whose video has garnered over 14million Youtube views.

His brilliant collaborations with Skepta on ‘Bad Energy’, Kizz Daniel on ‘For You’, Afro B on ‘Joanna’, L.A.X on ‘Nobody’, Duncan Mighty on ‘Fake Love’, Olamide on ‘Kana’, DJ Spinall on ‘Nowo’, and MHD on ‘Bella’ have been on constant replay on top radio/TV stations locally and internationally.

Recall that he promised to continue ruling the music scene locally and internationally at the 2017 edition of Headies awards.

So far, the award-winning pop star has not failed to keep his name on the lips of music pundits.

Davido

After stealing many hearts in 2017 with his hit songs ‘Fia’, ‘If’, ‘Like that’ and crowning it with his 30Billion concert which continue to top discussions, Wizkid’s stiff competitor, David Adeleke, aka Davido, has experimented with nearly every strategy to maintain his position at the top in 2018. From the release of his first single in 2018, ‘Flora my flawa’, to dedicating a love song, ‘Assurance’ to his girlfriend, Chioma, he has undisputedly stayed at the top of charts. His collaborations with DJ Ecool on ‘Ada’, Larry Gaaga on ‘Doe’, Dremo on ‘Kpa’, and Mayorkun on ‘Bobo’, have been an icing on the cake for him. He is currently in ecstatic anticipation of a yet-to be released project which he says may mark a turning point in his music career.

Simi

Besides having a velvety voice that delivers unadulterated justice to any tune she jumps on, the release of her album, debut concert, stellar stage performances at top industry shows, and interesting music videos, X3M sensation, Simi, has crawled her way into the hearts of lovers of good music with her charming mien, looks and party jams. Irrespective of stiff competition from Tiwa Savaga, Yemi Alade and Niniola, she remains on music charts with good songs including ‘One Kain’, ‘Owambe’, ‘Aimasiko’, and even ‘Joromi’, one out of her many hit songs in 2017.
At the Headies 2018, Simi carted away three awards; Best Recording of the Year, Best Single and Best Album for her second studio album, “Simisola”.

2Baba (2Face)

‘African Queen’ crooner, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as ‘2Baba, is a true depiction of the saying that “Stars are born but not made.” Little wonder after almost two decades, he is still rubbing shoulders with a new generation of artistes who have since changed the music game with brilliant trends. His latest song ‘Amaka’, featuring Davido Music Worldwide act, Peruzzi, has been topping charts since its release. With over 1.6million Youtube views to the video of the song which was released barely two months ago, 2Baba has been able to steal the show from the likes of Wizkid and Davido.

Tiwa Savage

Even when pessimists thought her music career would suffer a tragic nosedive after her marriage to Teebillz hit the rocks, ‘No1 African bad girl, as she fondly calls herself, Tiwa Savage has continued to assume the position of Nigerian queen of pop music by releasing songs which constantly top charts, enjoy frequent radio airplay and reviews. From singles which have gradually become street anthems to collaborations with trending greenhorns, Tiwa savage has continued to maintain her highly coveted status on the music scene.

Kizz Daniel

While music lovers are yet to savour enough of his 2017 songs including ‘Yeba’, ‘Mama’, ‘Sofa’, ‘Kilamiti’, Kizz Daniel, aka ‘General Vado’ began thrilling in 2018 with two beautifully- crafted singles, ‘4Dayz’ and ‘No Do’. Like he was being stifled while with his former record label, G-Worldwide, the ‘Woju’ crooner has been on a collaboration spree with the likes of Wizkid on ‘For you’, DJ Spinall on ‘Baba’, Seyi Shay on ‘Surrenda’, and DJ Neptune on ‘Wait’, all in less than 6-months. So, why won’t he stay at the top of charts?

Falz

With his controversial music video, ‘This is Nigeria’ still on the lips of critics and music pundits, Lawyer turned rapper/actor, Falz, remains at an undisputed position on the music scene. The ‘Bahd guy’, (as he is sometimes called) who bristled with entertainment extraordinaire in 2017, ending it with his debut concert tagged, ‘The Falz Experience’, has since the beginning of the year, released a number of good songs including; ‘Child of the world’, ‘Boogie down’, ‘This is Nigeria’ among others. These songs have since become a cynosure on radio airplay and TV video rotations.

Olamide

Tagged ‘The king of street music’, Olamide has since earned himself a pedigree no other street music artiste may surpass because, he has continued to prove he is the king of the jungle. Though ‘Wo’ is one of his hit songs from 2017, it continues to rule the airwaves alongside ‘Science Student’, ‘Kana’, ‘Ronaldo’, to mention a few. How would an artiste who drops songs back to back not enjoy massive airplay? Take it or leave it, Olamide has since the beginning of 2018, ruled the streets with his songs which have long become street anthems.

Mr. Eazi

With his recent songs, ‘Overload’ and ‘London town’, Mr. Eazi has staged a gradual come back to the music scene after a brief hiatus, and it has been a good one because his songs have been rated top 5 on music charts. Since his debut in 2016, he has miraculously found his way to the top and remained there.

Niniola

If curves, butts and beauty were the necessary requirements to make an artiste’s songs go viral in a competitive music industry like Nigeria’s, then curvaceous singer, Niniola, would have nothing to worry about. But since she registered her presence on the Nigerian music scene after emerging third runner-up in the 6th edition of MTN Project Fame, the ‘Sicker’ hit-maker, has been up and up with her unique kind of music, which has earned her an enviable pedigree. With her latest club bangers, ‘Maradona’, ‘Sicker’, ‘Magun’, ‘Saro’ still rocking the airwaves, Niniola comfortably sits on the list of A’list artistes currently ruling the music scene.

Tekno

Besides always courting controversies, MMMG artiste, Tekno, aka ‘Slim Daddy’, has always boasted of being in a world of his own. So, it’s not surprising that he has been rocking the music industry since the release of his 2018 music projects ‘Jogodo’, ‘Your love’ and ‘Anyhow’.

Yemi Alade

With over 2.7million Youtube views to the video of her most recent song, ‘How I feel’, Yemi Alade continues to compete with Tiwa Savage and Niniola. While party lovers continue to dance to her previous songs, ‘Bum Bum’, ‘Elele’, and ‘Knack am’, Yemi Alade never ceases to come top ten on music charts.

Adekunle Gold

After establishing himself as the king of alternative highlife music in Nigeria, Adekunle Gold has since continued to add feathers to his cap, with his music that has a way of igniting romance between lovers. With the success of his sophomore album, ‘About thirty’, he has been able to further prove his worth and stay on the list of artistes who thrill.
Slimcase

After 10-years of persistence and doggedness, self-stlyed ‘Otunba Lamba’, Slimcase, hit limelight when he released his hit single in 2016, ‘Majeomo’. Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride for him on the Nigerian music scene. With a few singles to his credit since he shot to stardom, he has been the rave of the moment for most music top shots as they scramble to feature him on their songs. So far, his collaborations with DJ Sides on ‘Oshozondi’, Idowest on ‘Shepeteri’, D’banj on ‘Issa Banger, to mention a few, are currently rocking the streets, clubs airwaves and all fun spots worthy of note.

Mr. Real

Luck smiled on street music artiste, Mr. Real, when he dropped his debut single, ‘Legbegbe’ in 2017. Since then, he has continued to top charts locally and internationally. Just like Slimcase, he has featured on songs such as, Mr. Eazi’s ‘Overload, DJ Lambo’s ‘Kunta Kunte’, D’banj’s ‘Issa Banga’ and many others which are currently street anthems.