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Summary
Men have long dominated Nigeria's music scene, while women, despite immense talent, have had to fight for recognition. Artists like Tems and Ayra Starr have gone global, but you should already have many other incredible Nigerian women on repeat. Let’s shine a spotlight on them!
In many professions—aside from those once considered women’s work—women have had to fight for recognition and the right to be seen. In Nigeria, this reality is evident in the entertainment industry. I remember a time when the only Nigerian women artists I knew were Tiwa Savage, Omawumi, Aṣa, Waje, and Yemi Alade. At the same time, I was well aware of PSquare, 2face, Dbanj, Wande Coal, Terry G, Duncan Mighty, Ice Prince, Flavour, Timaya, Olamide, Dr Sid, and many more.
It wasn’t until the Wizkid and Davido era that more women began to grace our screens—from Dija to Seyi Shay, Niniola, Cynthia Morgan, Simi, and more. Though to non-music aficionados, it may have seemed like these artists were just emerging, in truth, we were unaware of the years of sweat and blood put into their craft. Women have had to fight twice as hard to be seen, respected, and recognised.
Today, many women artists have ascended to greater heights. Yet, too many talented women remain unnoticed and unappreciated. I have curated a list of artists many love, some know, and others are completely unaware of. These women stay true to their music and continue to give the world tracks we can’t easily forget. The women creating them deserve all of our attention.
1. LifeSize Teddy
Raised between Port Harcourt and Bonny Island, Treasure Apiafi Banigo embodies the spirit of Hip-Hop culture with a blend of Afro-Pop and alternative sounds. She blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary pop and electronic influences, creating a unique and dynamic musical experience. Her innovative approach to music has garnered attention for its originality and depth. What can I say? Artistes from our city, Pitakwa, keep steadily representing. Signed to Mavin Records, she has released two EPs: her self-titled debut Lifesize Teddy and POISN.
2. Lady Donli
Known as the First Lady of Alté and The Pan African Rockstar, Lady (Zainab Elizabeth) Donli is a Nigerian alternative R&B, hip hop, alternative jazz, and Afrobeat singer and songwriter. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Abuja and Kaduna. Though she has a law degree, music has always been her calling. In 2014, at 17, she released a 12-song mixtape, Love and War, her first project. Lady Donli has collaborated with numerous Afrobeat artists, including Adekunle Gold, Nonso Amadi, Tomi Thomas, M.I Abaga, Mr Eazi, SDC, Davido, Ayüü, Odunsi (The Engine), and Tay Iwar.
In 2018, she contributed vocals to several projects, partnering with Boogey on Motion, Terry Tha Rapman on Open Letter, and Mr Eazi on his album Life is Eazi Vol. 2. She was also featured on a track from M.I Abaga’s album A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl. In 2019, Donli released her debut album, Enjoy Your Life.
Lady Donli is loved for her introspective lyrics and smooth, soulful vocals. Her sound often explores themes of identity, love, and societal issues, making her a distinctive voice in the Nigerian music scene.
3. Bloody Civilian
Known professionally as Bloody Civilian, Emoseh Khamofu started as a record producer and transitioned fully into a recording artist with her debut single, How To Kill A Man, in 2022, which she wrote, shot, produced, and directed. She is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer signed to 0207 Def Jam. She gained recognition for her singles How To Kill A Man and Wake Up featuring Rema, the latter being featured in the 2022 film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Bloody Civilian is recognised for her genre-blending production style incorporating Afrobeats, electronic music, and alternative sounds. Her music often features experimental beats and thought-provoking lyrics, setting her apart as a bold and innovative producer and artist. The Guardian Nigeria has praised her as one of the most radical emerging artists in the Nigerian music scene and by NME as an essential emerging artist for 2023. In October 2023, she topped TurnTable’s NXT Emerging Top Artistes chart, and in November 2023, she ranked 16th on TurnTable’s Artiste Top 100.
4. Qing Madi
Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, known professionally as Qing Madi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and dancer born on July 1, 2006, in Delta State, Nigeria. She gained significant recognition with her 2022 single See Finish and its 2023 follow-up Ole featuring BNXN, both of which went viral on TikTok. In 2023, she was named Spotify Africa Equal Ambassador for June and released Ole, which charted on multiple Apple Music charts and peaked at number 12 on the TurnTable Top 100. The song also entered the Official Afrobeats Chart, peaking at number 16. In January 2024, she was inducted into Apple Music’s Rising Class of 2024. Her collaboration with Chloe Bailey on Vision Remix has also highlighted her ability to blend international pop influences with her Nigerian roots.
5. Kold AF
Aninooritsewarami Alero Oritsesan of Itsekiri origin, known professionally as Kold AF, originally Koel, is a rising star in Nigeria’s music scene, celebrated for her distinctive blend of Afrofusion. She pursued Law at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife before transitioning into music professionally in 2020. Kold AF has released two notable projects: her 2022 two-song EP Kold Szn and her 2023 EP Kollide in collaboration with French producer BGRZ. She has also dropped a joint two-pack with singer Aema, featuring tracks like Everyday and No PITY.
Kold AF is renowned for her alternative and avant-garde approach to Afrobeats. Her music features unconventional beats, evocative atmospheres, and innovative compositions that challenge the norms of what is considered ‘Nigerian music’.
6. Mannie
Tseayo Emmanuella Nguavese (Mannie) Tseayo is a singer, writer, and rapper hailing from Abuja’s alternative scene—with a single with Abuja juggernaut Odumodu Blvck, titled Old Ways. The singer, who describes her music as Alté pop, has alchemised a sound that bridges a myriad of genres from Rap, Afropop, R&B, and Alternative, offering a thrilling yet lush musical landscape in her music..
Her recently released deluxe album Grey: The Deluxe, not only encapsulates the breadth of the artist’s growth but also serves as a testament to why she deserves a spot on this list. On Boss How Far? amidst bouncy amapiano beats, she renders a fast-flowing showcase with an addictive chorus, checking the attitude of hypocrites. On Rewind, a magical and appeasing listen, she softly serenades her muse to remember the good times and come back to her. Yet, my all-time favourite songs from this artist remain Save Me, For You and her feature Keep the Energy by Cali-Ber Tha Grime. Mannie Tseayo is one of Abuja’s exports and a signifier of the city’s massive catalogue of music talents. – Udo Ojogbo
7. Fave
Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, aka Fave, is known for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. Her music often features emotive vocals and relatable lyrics.
She gained popularity with tracks like Beautifully and Baby Riddim. Fave has been recognised for her distinct voice and has rapidly risen in the Nigerian music scene.
She won the Headies Award for Song Writer of the Year in 2023. She’s adored by many women across the nation.
8. Darkoo
Oluwafisayo Isa aka, Darkoo is a British-Nigerian artist. She quickly gained popularity with her hit single Gangsta, which features One Acen.
Darkoo has been nominated for several awards, including the 2022 Best Diaspora Afrobeats Artist of the Year at The Headies Awards and has collaborated with various artists, blending UK rap and Afrobeat influences.
9. Brazy
Brazy is an emerging artist with a vibrant and eclectic approach to Afrobeats and hip-hop. Though she is still building her presence in the music industry, Brazy is gaining recognition for her dynamic sound and energetic performances.
Pressing play on any one of Brazy’s tracks will have you feeling like you’ve tripped and fallen into the club bathroom with all your best friends. With the girls at the forefront of her output, the 21-year-old Nigerian “it” girl – who describes her music as “afro sexy – afro future” – has quickly become a frontrunner in a wave of young Nigerian artists dominating the London music scene. Her use of witty lyricism and ear-catching expressive vocal tones, alongside her ability to drop bars in not just English but Yoruba, French and Mandarin, have unequivocally set her apart from the crowd.
10. Aema
Aema’s Afro-fusion music blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds.
At first, I thought Kold AF and Aema were a package deal when they both performed at Femme Fest ’24 together. Turns out that though they have two songs together that they promoted the hell out of, they’re both independent artists.
Aema co-wrote the song Timeless by Davido and it was nominated for a Grammy in 2023. She is gradually building her reputation with her unique sound and growing fanbase.
11. Blnde
Blnde is an emerging artist who is slowly building her portfolio with her distinct sound and eyebrow-raising lyrics!
I don’t think you can listen to S.B.B without bopping once or twice.
12. Joyce Olong
Joyce Olong’s soulful music blends elements of jazz, R&B, and Afrobeat. Her songs showcase her range and deep lyrics.
Joyce is appreciated for her rich musical compositions and has a growing following for her unique sound. What I love most about her sound is how much it reminds me of poetry—what I like to call the language of my soul.
13. Winny
Winny is an Afrobeat artist with contemporary R&B influences. With over 7,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, she has released tracks that are gradually gaining attention, contributing to her rising profile in the music industry.
Winny is recognised for her smooth vocals and melodies. The melodies have a way of making you linger, so you want to hear more and see where her voice goes. It’s amazing. I adore Kiss Me. As intense as it is, the song sounds like she was having fun with it, and every stressed lyric sounded so pretty that I couldn’t help but smile.
Honourary Mentions
You cannot put together a list of Nigerian Women artists without mentioning the Queens below.
14. Tems
Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a singer, songwriter, and record producer, who rose to global fame with her Grammy-nominated feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” and has since earned multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award, for her chart-topping hits, collaborations with artists like Drake and Rihanna, and her critically acclaimed debut album Born in the Wild.
15. Ayra Starr
Singer and songwriter Ayra Starr gained international recognition with her hit song “Rush” in 2022 and her Grammy-nominated performance. Known for her chart-topping debut album 19 & Dangerous, and singles like “Bloody Samaritan,” she released her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, in 2024.
16. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is known for her Afrobeats, R&B, and pop music. Signed to Universal Music Group, some of her popular songs include All Over, Kele Kele Love, Somebody’s Son (with Brandy), and Ma Lo (featuring Wizkid).
She’s collaborated with various artists over the years, including Beyoncé on The Lion King: The Gift album. Tiwa Savage has received multiple Headies Awards, including Best Female Vocal Performance, an MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2018, and a City People Entertainment Award for Female Musician of the Year, among countless others.
In addition to her impressive discography, Tiwa Savage delivered a stunning performance at King Charles’ coronation, where she looked drop-dead gorgeous in the green dress she has on above, further cementing her status as a global music icon.
17. Niniola
Niniola is known for her infectious blend of Afro-house and Afropop music, earning her the title “Queen of Afro-House”. Her distinctive style and energetic performances have made her a standout in the African music scene. Some of her globally acclaimed songs include Maradona, Sicker, and Bana.
Niniola’s music transcends borders, resonating particularly strongly in South Africa and across the African continent. She has not only captured the hearts of fans but also earned critical acclaim, reflected in her multiple awards. In 2018, she was honoured with the Afrimma Award for Best Female Artiste in Western Africa and the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Afropop Female Artiste, solidifying her position as a leading female artiste in African music.
Her success extends beyond awards, as Niniola continues to influence the Afrobeat genre with her unique sound and vibrant performances, further cementing her legacy in the music industry.
18. Teni
Teni, an Afropop, R&B, and highlife music artiste, is celebrated for her powerful voice and unique style. Her top songs are Case, Uyo Meyo, Askamaya, and Billionaire.
Like the other queens on this list, Teni has won multiple awards, including the 2019 Headies Awards for Best Recording of the Year for Uyo Meyo and the Soundcity MVP Awards for Best New Artiste.
Her distinctive sound and impactful lyrics have made her a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry.
19. Simi
Simi’s sound is a blend of Afropop, soul, and R&B. Loved for her unique voice and the song Duduke, which became a massive hit and an anthem for expectant mothers. Songs we all had on repeat are Jamb Question, Joromi, Duduke, Love Don’t Care, and Smile for Me.
Alongside her husband Adekunle Gold and Falz (who I like to call her “work husband”), Simi has been part of groundbreaking collaborations. She has won numerous awards, including the 2018 Headies Award for Album of the Year for Simisola and the 2020 Afrimma Award for Best Female West Africa.
20. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is renowned for her energetic performances and vibrant music videos—Johnny, Ferrari, Na Gode, and Shekere (featuring Angélique Kidjo).
Between 2014 and 2019, Yemi Alade was a dominant force in the Nigerian music scene, almost as if it were her playground. During that period, you couldn’t turn on MTV Base, Sound City, or Trace without hearing Johnny or any of her other hits on repeat. When she creates bops, my oh my do they bop!
Yemi Alade has received numerous accolades for her work, including the 2015 and 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Female. She also won the 2018 and 2019 Headies Awards for Best Performer, further cementing her status as a leading force in the African music scene. With her infectious energy and undeniable talent, Yemi Alade has proven that if it were easy, everyone would do it.
21. Waje
Waje has powerful vocals and her sound is a blend of soul, R&B, and Afropop. Some of her popular songs include I Wish, Onye (featuring Tiwa Savage), and Coco Baby.
She has won numerous awards, including multiple Headies Awards for Best Female Vocal Performance and the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year. These artists have made significant contributions to the music industry and continue to influence the sound and culture of African music globally. They deserve these flowers and more!
Editor’s note: This story was first published on The21mags.
