In spite of the year marred by COVID-19 outbreak, this reporter spotlights 10 outstanding new artistes that made waves in 2020, and arguably, these artistes have shown their readiness for 2021.
In no particular order, here are Nigerian artistes to watch in 2021.
Omah Lay
Stanley Omah Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay is a fast-rising new comer and biggest musical revelation of 2020, Omah Lay, is no doubt one of the top music artistes that made waves in 2020.
Omah Lay released two EPs, ‘Get Layd’ and ‘What Have We Done’, a strong introduction of himself to the Nigeria music scene.
With hit songs like ‘Bad Influence’, ‘Damn’, ‘Lo Lo’, ‘Godly’, Omah Lay got himself several nominations at this year’s Headies Award. He dished out fire on featured tracks with Olamide’s ‘Infinity’ and DJ Spinall’s ‘Tonight’. Omah Lay is definitely a music act to watch in 2021.
Tems
Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, the charismatic Nigerian singer, songwriter, is a fast-rising star with hit songs, such as ‘Try me’, ‘Mr Rebel’ and ‘Damages’.
In 2020, Tems had high-profile collaborations with Khalid, Wizkid, Davido and more. She picked nominations at this year’s Headies Award.
With her debut project dubbed ‘For Broken Ears’, Tems proved herself one of the artistes to watch in 2021.
Bella Shmurda
Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, also known as Bella Shmurda, is no doubt one of the acts that rocked 2020 with hit songs like ‘Cash App’ and ‘Dangbana orisa’ that topped charts.
Bella Shmurda introduce himself with a relevant track, “Vision 2020”, which he later featured Olamide in the remix. He released a 7 track EP dubbed “High Tension”, a good one for a new comer.
He dished out fire on “Triumphant” with Olamide and “Fade” with Davido. Bella Shmurda was nominated as a Next Rated Artiste for 2020 Headies Awards.
Chike
Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka professionally known as Chike is a singer and songwriter with a unique voice and style of music.
Chike introduced himself to the Nigerian music scene with his debut album, “Boo of the Booless”. The album released is one of the best albums in 2020.
He picked nominations at this year’s 2020 Headies Awards. No doubt, Chike is an artiste to watch in 2021.
Liya
Abdulsalam Suliyat Modasola, popularly known as Liya, is the first female artiste signed to DMW by Davido.
Liya as a singer and songwriter, with her debut track under DMW label “Melo”, she showed her talent and proficiency in music.
Bad Boy Timz
Olorunyomi Oloruntimilehin, popularly known as Bad Boy Timz. Timz introduce himself with the Nigerian music scene with “Hustle”.
He confirmed his presence with his hit song “Michael Jackson (MJ)”. The two remixes he did with Teni and Mayorkun earned him the attention he wanted. Timz got a nod at this year’s 2020 Headies Awards.
With the fire he dished on “Loading” off Olamide’s ‘Carpe Diem’ album, Bad Boy Timz is a promising act to watch in 2021.
Jamo Pyper
One artiste that is currently registering his name on the minds of Nigerians is Jamo Pyper, who has risen to prominence with his unique music style.
Jamo Pyper introduced himself with “Omode Meta” in 2019. He got many attention when he released his hit songs “If no be you” and “Of Lala”.
Arguably, Jamo Pyper is one music acto to watch in 2021.
Olakira
Adelusola Ebenezer better known as Olakira is a singer, songwriter and multi-talented instrumentalist. He marked his introduction to the music scene with his EP “Wakanda Jollof”.
In 2020, he released one of the best songs to top charts and playlists. Olakira must definitely have things in stock for 2021.
Cheque
Akanbi Bamidele better known as Cheque is asinger and songwriter signed to Penthauze Records, a record label owned by Phyno.
The Chemical engineer released one of the top songs in 2020, “Zoom”. He later recorded a remix with Davido and Wale.
With his “Razor EP”, Cheque is one artiste to watch in 2021.
Oxlade
Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman also known as Oxlade is a Nigerian singer and songwriter that is not really new to the Nigerian music scene.
Oxlade set the tone with “Sing”, a collaboration with Fireboy in 2018. In 2020, he released his EP “Oxygen” with hit songs such as “Away” and “O2”.
No doubt, Oxlade still has much to show us in 2021.
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