10 Times Nigerian Female Musicians Collaborated to Produce Magical Songs

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Summary: Contrary to the unverified myth that Nigerian female singers never support each other, this article highlights the hit songs they have released, showcasing female solidarity and creativity. 

In the dynamic realm of the Nigerian music industry, the emergence of female-singer collaborations brought about a refreshing wave of creativity, talent, empowerment, and female solidarity. Their collaboration produces great songs, challenges stereotypes, celebrates diversity, and amplifies their voices on the global stage.  

Below are 10 notable collaborations between female artists in Nigerian music, along with their magical songs.

1. Yemi Alade and Chidinma – Selense

The dynamic collaboration between Yemi Alade and Chidinma Ekile produced the notable song “Selense” on April 5, 2014. The track is a blend of Afropop and Highlife, characterised by its rhythmic drive and celebration of style and confidence. The two captivating artists are renowned for their exceptional vocal abilities and energetic performances. Yemi Alade’s vibrant and melodious delivery harmonises seamlessly with Chidinma’s cheerful vocals, creating a track that honours their Igbo heritage. Generally, Selense is regarded as a lively, upbeat song that features the rare pairing of two of Nigeria’s biggest female vocalists at the peak of their careers.

2.  Simi and Tiwa Savage – Men Are Crazy

Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage and fellow artist Simi Kosoko collaborated to release a soulful and introspective duet, “Men Are Crazy,” in April 2024. This vibrant song beautifully combines Tiwa’s powerful vocals with Simi’s smooth, lyrical delivery, delving into themes of love and self-discovery.

 This notable collaboration deeply resonated with fans, bringing together two leading female stars in the industry and representing a significant moment for women in Afrobeats. Its harmonious fusion of styles and emotional depth made it a favourite among fans. Ultimately, the Afrobeats icons’ partnership showcases their talent and connection, producing a celebrated song.

3. Simi and Fave — Loyal

Originally released on June 3, 2023, “Loyal” is a standout collaborative track between Simi and breakout star Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, known professionally as Fave. The song is a soulful mid-tempo anthem that explores the complexities of friendship and loyalty. It combines Fave’s distinct, soulful voice with Simi’s calming, melodious vocals, resulting in an R&B track. The duo’s collaboration creates an engaging and dynamic partnership that showcases their exceptional talents. Fans shared that Loyal symbolises the artists’ artistic synergy.

4. DJ Lambo feat. Cynthia Morgan, Seyi Shay, and Eva — The Motion

“The Motion” is a widely celebrated girl power song anthem because it featured three of the most prominent female voices in Nigerian music at that time. Officially released on July 28, 2015, The Motion features a stellar all-female lineup: Cynthia Morgan, Seyi Shay, and Eva Alordiah. Known for her trailblazing influence as a female DJ in Nigeria, DJ Lambo brought together these talented artists for a powerful and memorable single. The combination of Eva Alordich’s sharp rap delivery, Cynthia Morgan’s dancehall flair, and Seyi Shay’s sultry vocals produced a dynamic and energetic track that showcases their exceptional talents.

5. Ria Sean and Ayra Starr – Why

Nigerian music witnessed another captivating collaboration between Ria Sean and Ayra Starr on the track “Why,” released on September 29, 2022. This song brought together two rising stars known for their unique voices and dynamic styles. The song explores the confusion and emotional exhaustion of a toxic situationship-style romance, with both singers questioning their lover’s motives. The partnership between the two artists creates a mesmerising blend of soulful melodies and contemporary beats. Ria Sean and Ayra Starr’s distinct vocal styles harmonise seamlessly, creating an engaging, memorable listening experience for fans. Their collaboration showcases the promising future of these talented artists and their potential to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

6. Yemi Alade and Seyi Shay — Pempe

Accomplished songwriter and dynamic performer Deborah Oluwa-Seyi Joshua (Seyi Shay) and Nigerian Afropop and R&B artiste, Yemi Alade, released the high-energy Afrobeats song, “Pempe,” on May 7, 2021. The song is a widely accepted hit, serving as an anthem for female empowerment. It even sparked an online competition in which fans recorded themselves singing and dancing to the song. The winners met Seyi Shay for an intimate conversation on sisterhood. The song addresses social media trolls, the over-sexualisation of women in the music industry, and the unrealistic expectations men often have of women. Interestingly, both artists explicitly stated that they collaborated to debunk the narrative that female artists in Nigeria do not support one another.

7. Seyi Shay and Niniola – Juba (Bow Down)

Released on December 10, 2021, “Juba (Bow down)” is a high-energy collaboration between Seyi Shay and the “Queen of Afro-House,” Niniola Apata. The track blends Seyi Shay’s pop sensibilities with Niniola’s unique vocal texture, creating a bridge between pure pop and the burgeoning house-influenced sounds of Nigerian music in the mid-2010s. 

8.  Guchi & Yemi Alade — I Swear

Ugochi Lydia Onuoha, professionally known as Guchi, teamed up with veteran Yemi Alade for her 2022 single “I Swear.” This collaboration produced a lovely tribute to their partners, crafting a soothing and romantic song that honours the beauty of loving relationships. The combination of Guchi’s youthful talent and Yemi Alade’s seasoned experience in the music industry adds richness and emotion to the track, resulting in a heartfelt, melodious declaration of love and affection.

9. Ayra Starr & Tiwa Savage – Gara

“Gara” is a collaboration between Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr (Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe). The 2024 soundtrack album is a landmark moment in Afrobeats, representing the “passing of the torch” from the established “Queen of Afrobeats” to the leading voice of the new generation.  Literally, “Gara” is Yoruba slang, meaning showoff or stunting. While Tiwa Savage provides a smooth, soprano foundation with polished melodic runs, Ayra Starr complements the vocals with her soulful alto and raspy “Sabi Girl” grit, adding a youthful edge to the track.

10. Asa & Tiwa Savage — Emotions

The 2024 collaboration track, “Emotions,” between Tiwa Savage and Asa, is an anticipatory, historic pairing that fans have long requested; it brings together two of Nigeria’s most influential female musical icons. The song explores themes of regret, healing, and the complexity of love. It serves as a personal narrative of seeking peace and mending broken bridges. Asa provides deep, earthy, and soulful vocals to blend with Tiwa Savage’s smooth, airy, and light delivery. The result is a masterclass tracksound rooted in vocal blending, and moving away from high-energy Afrobeats toward a more folk-inspired, acoustic sound.