5 Afro-Pop Artists You Need to Know
In the last few years, Afro-pop has taken over the world. Here are 5 artists you need to know if you want to be up-to-date on the latest music trends.
Davido
Davido is a popular Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. His music is a mix of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and pop. He has been nominated for several awards and has won several awards, including the MTV Africa Music Awards and the BET Awards.
Born in Atlanta, GA
Davido was born in Atlanta, GA, on November 21, 1992. His full name is David Adedeji Adeleke. His father is a wealthy businessman, and his mother is a university lecturer. Davido has five siblings. He attended the British International School in Lagos, Nigeria, and later went to Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, where he studied business administration.
Davido began making music in 2011 after he was inspired by a friend who was producing beats. He released his first single, “Back When,” in 2012. The song was a hit in Nigeria and helped Davido gain a following. He released his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo, in 2013. The album included the singles “Dami Duro,” “Gobe,” and “Owo Ni Koko.”
Since then, Davido has gone on to release several more hit singles, including “Fall,” “If,” “Fia,” and “Assurance.” He has collaborated with international artists like Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Young Thug, and Wizkid. In 2019, he won the Best International Act award at the BET Awards.
Signed with Sony Music in 2016
In 2016, Davido signed a deal with Sony Music. The recording contract was worth $1 million, according to the label head, Kevin Liles. The multi-album contract gave Sony exclusive distribution rights to Davido’s next three albums in North America, South Africa, and Europe. It was a historic moment for both Davido and African music as a whole.
Has released two albums
Davido has released two albums, the first being “Omo Baba Olowo” in 2012, which was his debut album and contained the singles “Back When”, “Dami Duro”, “All of You”, and “Ekuro”.
In 2014, Davido released his second album, “The Bumster”, which included the singles “Gobe”, “One of a Kind”, and “The Sound”.
Wizkid
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He started recording music at age 11 and released his first album in 2010. Wizkid has won several awards, including 3 MTV Africa Music Awards, 2 BET Awards, and 4 Channel O Music Video Awards.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian Afro-pop singer and songwriter. He started recording music at age 11 and released his debut album in 2010 with the hit single “Holla at Your Boy.” Wizkid’s follow-up album, Ayo, was released in 2014 and includes the singles “Jaiye Jaiye” and “On Top Your Matter.” His third album, Sounds from the Other Side, was released in 2017 and features collaborations with Drake, Chris Brown, and Ty Dolla $ign.
Signed with Sony Music in 2017
In September 2017, Wizkid signed a multi-album deal with American label, RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music. The deal is reportedly worth $3 million. The contract includes Wizkid producing three albums under RCA Records. The first album is expected to be released in 2018.
Has released three albums
Wizkid’s debut album, Superstar, was released in 2011. The album features hit singles “Holla at Your Boy” and “Don’t Dull”. In 2012, Wizkid released the single ” Bombay “, which was produced by Ekelly. The song was included on his second album, Ayo, which was released in 2014. The album includes the singles “Jaiye Jaiye”, “On Top Your Matter”, and “Show You the Money”. Wizkid’s third album, Sounds from the Other Side, was released in 2017. It features the single “Come Closer”, which peaked at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Tiwa Savage
If you’re not familiar with Tiwa Savage, she’s a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who is taking the African music industry by storm. She’s been dubbed the “First Lady of Afro-Pop” and her music is a mix of R&B, pop, hip-hop, and Afrobeats.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria
Tiwa Savage (born February 5, 1980) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She has been featured on numerous international collaborations including those with Mariah Carey, Trey Songz, Drake, Wizkid, Vitamin C, Akon, and many others. She currently has a worldwide deal with Universal Music Group. In July 2019 Forbes magazine listed her among the 40 most powerful celebrities in Africa. In October 2019 she was ranked as the richest female musician in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $11 million.
Signed with Universal Music in 2012
Tiwa Savage (born Tiwatope Savage on 5 February 1980) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, television personality, actress and philanthropist. She currently has a songwriting deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. After signing a record deal with Mavins Records in 2012, Savage released her debut studio album Once Upon a Time (2013).Its singles “Kele Kele Love” and “Love Me (3x)” earned her two headlining tours, Tiwa’s Vibe in 2013 and Tiwa Savage Live! in 2014. She left Mavins Records in 2015 and released her second studio album R.E.D under Universal Music Group’s subsidiary record labeldistributed by Virgin EMI Records.The album’s lead single “All Over” was nominated for Song of the Year at The Headies 2015.
Savage signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation record label in June 2016, making her the first Nigerian artist to be signed by the American entertainment company. In September 2017, Savage was featured on the cover of The Fader magazine for its 93rd issue titled Legends Issue. In October 2018, Tiwa Savage was ranked number 10 on Guardian Nigeria ‘s annual list of the 100 most influential Nigerians.
Has released one album
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She has released one album, Once Upon a Time, and her songs “Kele Kele Love” and “Love Me (3x)” have become hits in Nigeria and across Africa. She is also known for her work as an ambassador for Nike’s #BetNoLimit campaign, which encourages young women to pursue their dreams.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained prominence after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009. Her musical style is a mix of Afro-pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Alade is one of the most popular Afro-pop artists in Nigeria and has a large following in other African countries as well.
Born in Abia State, Nigeria
Yemi Alade (born 13 March 1989), is a Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter. She gained prominence after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009, and is best known for her hit single “Johnny”. She followed up with the release of her debut studio album King of Queens (2014) which was preceded by the release of the singles “Tumbum”, “Kissing” and “Na Gode”.
Signed with Effyzzie Music Group in 2014
After a standout performance at the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2014, Nigerian singer and songwriter Yemi Alade was signed by Effyzzie Music Group. She released her debut album, “King of Queens”, later that year. The album’s lead single, “Johnny”, was an instant success, topping charts across Africa and becoming one of the most watched African music videos on YouTube. Alade has since released two more albums, “Mama Africa” (2016) and “Woman of Steel” (2019), both of which have been well received by fans and critics alike. With her unique blend of Afro-pop, R&B, and dancehall, Alade is one of the most exciting young artists currently making waves on the African music scene.
Has released two albums
Yemi Alade has released two albums, “King of Queens” and “Mama Africa”.
Mr Eazi
Mr Eazi is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of Ghanaian and Nigerian music. He has been featured on songs with Wizkid, Major Lazer, Diplo, and Skales. Mr Eazi is one of the afro-pop artists you need to know.
Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Mr Eazi is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is the pioneer of afro-pop and African music as a whole. He was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and is currently signed to Wizkid’s record label, Starboy Entertainment. His hit singles “Skin Tight” and “Leg Over” have made him a household name in Africa and beyond.
Signed with Diplo’s Mad Decent label in 2016
Mr Eazi is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion genre of Ghanaianhighlife and Nigerian Afrobeat.
Eazi signed with Diplo’s Mad Decent label in 2016 and has released two mixtapes, Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra To Lagos in 2017 and Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos To London in 2018. His debut studio album, Lagos To London (2017), was supported by singles “Leg Over” and “Skin Tight”.
Eazi has been featured on songs with major artists such as Wizkid, Major Lazer, Skepta, Diplo and Giggs. He was ranked 19th on Forbes’ list of the top 100 African music celebrities in 2019.
Has released one EP
Mr Eazi has released one EP, “Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra To Lagos”, and a number of singles.
