Top 10 hottest Nigerian artistes Of 2016

What a year it has been for music. From the emergence of Sony Music as a true African big time player to the elevation of Wizkid to near god-status, there has been a lot of activity surrounding the artistes, inspired by the artiste, or the artiste being the activity.

From music firestorms, to the emerging new acts, the industry has never lacked in artistry, awards, power moves, success moves and relevance. Instead, it has been a very difficult year keeping up with your favourite musician.

But we at Pulse have kept the tabs on every one of them shiny, performing, players of the game, and right now we give you the Top 10 Hottest Nigerian Artistes of 2016, in order of magnificence.

10. Mr Eazi

From Ghana to Nigeria, Mr Eazi clicked the reset button on Nigerian pop music. From his humble music roots in Ghana, Mr Eazi, broke through the Nigerian space with very little promotion. And right now, he still has very little in promotion. All he has done is organic, and that’s why he stands out. Mr Eazi has since seen his song ‘Skin tight’ penetrate the Nigerian market, where he has enjoyed tremendous acceptance. Interviews and press rounds have been carried out, as his profile has continued to grow. A UK tour has been held, and many more are lined up, planned and ready to execute.

What has made Mr Eazi so appealing to Nigeria? His sound. Mr Eazi’s partnership with Julz is currently one that is working. Grabbing inspiration from 80s and 90s Ghanaian Highlife melodies, Julz creates a modern fusion of these sounds, and hands it to Mr Eazi, who layers his pop verses over it. Thematic direction of the songs are all romance and love-based.

Just like the 70s and the 60’s when Ghanaian Highlife was appropriated by our Nigerian fathers, the sounds from Ghana have been mixed with a Naija delivery, and it has caught on. Mr Eazi’s reliance on a certain system of delivery and production has also been the driving force of his nascent career. There’s a uniqueness to his madness that has seen him produce his songs such as ‘Skintight’, ‘Hollup’, ‘Anointing’, and ‘Dance for me’.

Mr Eazi has appeared on more collaborations than any other buzzing artistes this year. He has made songs with Eugy, IllBliss, Reminisce, Solidstar, Del’B, Rayce, Shatta Wale, DJ Neptune, DJ Spinall, Terry G, Lil Kesh, Phyno, Jeed Rogers, Ko-Jo Cue, Sarkodie, PhizBarz, Sheunakamura and many others recorded. And that’s just the ones that have been released in Nigeria.

He is also recording with Rudimental, Anne-Marie, Giggs, Riton, and others, that are yet to be released. There’s still ‘Skin tight’ remix to be done with Wizkid and many more.

In 2016, Eazi has become Nigeria's breakout star. Where 2015 had Kiss Daniel and Tekno standing tall above the others as the best new acts, Mr Eazi has trumped the rest in 2016 to become the only bona fide breakout star in Nigeria.

9. Kiss Daniel

Kiss Daniel is a lone ranger. One who flies on his lane.

Kiss Daniel, signed to G-Worldwide Entertainment via his sound is finding success in reducing the tempo of mainstream music. He operates on a mid-tempo level, infusing jazz and multiple percussive influences into his beat. ‘Woju’, ‘Laye’, and ‘Good time’, have churned out copycats, with MMMG’s buzzing man Tekno, recognizing the new movement in there. Also, a look through the works of several acts will provide people working with Kiss Daniel’s template for making hits.

One other thing which has made him stronger than the lot of artistes who blew in 2015 is that he sticks to a script, with a delivery that has kept him relevant. Prior to his “New Era” album release, his singles had a personal feel about them, and maintained a trademark percussive influence backed by romance. “No be you I carry come, but na you I go carry go”, was his opening like in ‘Woju’, ‘Good time’ had “Girl you bad like crack”, ‘Laye’ was famous for ‘I know I’m crazy but, this is all I have for you..”. There’s a consistency in his lyrical composition and melody, making him almost irresistible via recognition.

This year his released debut project “New Era” has steadily grown in sales, debuting at the 8th position on the Billboard World Album Chart. As Kiss Daniel continues his rapid ascent to Nigeria pop music zenith, he has maintained his sound, which in some quarters is somewhat polarizing. But one thing is clear: Kiss Daniel is one of 2016’s pop music MVP.

8. Patoranking

Patoranking is a big Nigerian act, who wears dancehall as his primary genre, but has enjoyed continued growth via fusing his sound with other genres. ‘His debut album which has finally become reality was truthfully long overdue, with the singer missing chances to drop the album.

But that album did drop this year, and it’s one of the best. “God Over Everything” showed, Patoranking turning to two of his trusty themes of gratitude and romance – Throwing in some of the industry’s biggest names for guest spots. His collaboration with Sarkodie ‘No Kissing Baby’ is the biggest collaboration of the year. His single ‘My woman my everything’ won the Best Song at the MAMA 2016.

Pato’s talent and reception has been amplified during his two year mainstream existence, and with “God Over Everything” he’s consolidated it with an LP.  The intrigue and love that surrounds him remains, the songs he’s releasing are desirably niche, and he’ll probably celebrate this as his first time out for many years to come.

Patoranking’s biggest asset is his ability to fuse dancehall with traditional local beats, which has kept him relevant and dynamic.

7. Yemi Alade

What a year it has been for the King Of Queens who went through a brand transition to become MAMA Africa. Where 2014 showed Yemi Alade chasing pan-African pop and cultural success, she tweaked her strategy and achieved more by building with music for different regions of Africa.

Yemi Alade was nominated for the BET Awards, scored the MAMA for the Best Female in Africa, and also generated enough numbers digitally to trump every competitor.

A hardworker, the singer was a Shell Ambassador for clean energy, a deal which saw her generate millions in revenue. She also scored a deal with ABC relaxer brand and headlined a majority of local and continental brand engagement show.

At many points, if Yemi Alade was not involved with anything, it almost didn’t happen for females.

Her only negative is the ability of her songs to resonate home with the local market. But once she leaves these shores, she connects in more ways than can be explained. 2016 has been Yemi Alade’s year, just like the previous one.

6. Davido

Sony Music made this man their flagship artiste, and brought on a hiatus. The start of 2016 was a movie which had Davido starring in it. A deal with Sony Music was announced and celebrated in all corners of the continent. This deal, which was the first of its kind from Nigeria, would have Davido transition into an international star and marketed in diverse markets via the long arm of Sony.

But a 7-month break from releasing music ensured that Davido enjoyed a dip in form. Although he maintained his relevance due to the power of his celebrity and his hit collaborations with Humblesmith and Falz, his lack of a personal single was glaring and embarassing.

He did do a comeback in the final quarter of the year. His EP “Son Of Mercy” EP contained hit singles which has catapulted him back to the top billing, in terms of output. ‘Coolest kid in Africa’ ft Nasty C, ‘Gbagbe oshi’, and ‘How long’ ft Tinashe have all become hits in the market.

All of this has ensured that Davido ends the year on a high, and leads the second half of this list.

5. Olamide

This was a crucial year for Olamide, one in which he achieved artistically, and entrepreneurially. The King Of The West and Nigeria’s rap star focused much of his time and resources into the release of two albums from his YBNL record label. His protégé, Lil Kesh flew out of the blocks with the “Y.A.G.I” album, while Adekunle Gold reaped huge benefits from the cultural “Gold” album.

Olamide also signed on two new acts – Temi Ovwasa, and Davolee – to swell his ranks and keep the business ticking over. All of these made him successful as a label executive who steered his house the right way.

Artistically, ‘Who u epp’ became the most viral rap single of 2016. The song contributed to pop culture and stands tall with his other suggestive hit tracks; ‘Konkobility’, ‘I love Lagos’, ‘Owo Blow’ and others.

A new album, “The Glory”, has been announced, and will conclude what has been a very productive 2016. Olamide also collaborated on Phyno’s smash hit single ‘Fada Fada.

Yeah. That’s enough.

4. Falz

Tell me what Falz cannot do, and I will show you what takes more than superhumans to achieve. Falz in 2016 has gone full circle, playing active roles in Music, TV, Comedy and Movies.

From opening his year with the amazing ‘Soldier’ video, the rapper scooped up an Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, hosted events, and also dropped an EP.

Falz launched his singles ‘Soft work’, ‘Chardonnay music’, and ‘Bahd, Baddo, Baddest’, which all contributed to the music conversations in the year, and pushed the culture forward. He also won the BET award for the Viewer’s Choice Best International Act, where he overcame competition from Section Boyz, Tkay, Emtee and others.

And then there was “Chemistry” EP.

Falz was part of the team who pulled off one of the smartest music business moves of 2016. Falz and Simi took advantage of their chemistry and the public yearning for them to do more by creating an EP to that effect. The duo have one of the best projects of 2016.

3. Tekno

It’s been a great year for Tekno. Where he started off as an artiste who was under pressure to replicate the success of 2015, he is ending it with two certified hits, a MAMA award, millions in the bank and a Sony Music deal. A rising profile as a star artiste on the continent, and now, a deal with gigantic music company, which would make him more accessible and bankable as an artiste looking to hit new heights.

That’s a lot for a young man, who was releasing his first official single just four years ago. Where he has shown consistent pop growth in the music scene, this year, all of his hardwork has paid off, granting him wins in every department. Show me another artiste who has had more wins this year in Nigeria. None.

Tekno is working with a formula that has propelled him to become the prince of African music. There’s a certain method to the production of ‘Duro’, ‘Wash’, ‘Where’, ‘Pana’ and ‘Diana’ that remains consistent, even in the audio and video conceptualization; Dedicate it to a girl, use a catchword/catchphrase, and infuse humor over a mid-tempo beat. Dance for that pretty, light skinned vixen in the visual, and you will score great points.

Pana’ has already been gathering statistical wins, displacing Phyno’s ‘Fada fada’ as the most played single in the country, according to data by tracking app, Playdata. The influence of this single has hit its zenith, changing the conversations around the musician.

Tekno already has the style, the skill, and the resources to grow beyond what he is. His singles are national hit songs, accelerating his growth as an artiste. Tekno is big winner of 2016 in Nigeria, and the new deal with Sony just adds extra gloss to it.

2. Phyno

Eastern Nigeria is the home of some of the greatest legends of Nigerian music. Oriental Brothers, Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque, Bright Chimezie, and many more. But they have a new one in their midst, and his name is Phyno.

While the others in this long list of outstanding performers who gave a voice to the music from that region of the country can be grouped into Highlife veterans, Phyno original inspiration can be drawn from Hip-hop, a foreign culture, which he brought home, Ígbo-lized’ it, and became a voice of the region.

From 2012 when his ‘Ghost Mode’ collaboration with Olamide shot him into the limelight, to this point, where he is Eastern Nigeria’s first son with two albums, he has worked hard at his craft, engaging the audience and sticking to utilizing the Igbo language (the traditional dialect of the East), to make pop music.

Phyno generally did music until 2015, where he switched it up.

Since December 2015, the King of The East unlocked a new level of penetration from making nigh-religious aspirational and thanksgiving music. ‘Connect’ was the first, which ensured that he went through the winter months with a hit ringing all around. ‘Fada fada’ came next and proved to be a bigger hit than its predecessor. His amazing follow-up ‘E sure for me’ also gained traction from all around.

But Phyno moved on with a love song, as the Penthauze switched the narrative with ‘Pino Pino’, a single off his sophomore album “The Playmaker”, which was released in November 2016.

Just as the three singles before it, ‘Pino Pino’ distils the sonic magic of old Eastern Highlife music, and places it in a contemporary context. The song is produced by Benjamz, with the guitars being the most prominent of all the percussions on it. Played by Soularge, it carries the song effortless, complimenting every vocal from the singer. This fits in perfectly as a ‘wedding’ song template.

His sophomore album “The Playmaker” is currently one of the best works released in 2016, and documents the rapper’s progress from being a rapper, to his inclusive fusion of Highlife and other genres from the East into creating pop music. In this light, he is shedding more light on the core sounds that dominate that region, and championing a crucial part of their culture, while making everything look cool.

Phyno leads the new generation of Eastern musicians, and his style, which is ever evolving, is regarded as a pioneering movement. At this moment he is the Eastern mascot, the Igbo champion, and the inspiration for millions of Easterners.

All of these came together at the 2016 edition of his annual concert – Phynofest- which held on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium. It was a tremendous success. Over 25 thousand people were present, screaming to his every word, and enjoying his performance.

Nobody knows how many more years he has left in his career, but at the moment he has done enough to be ranked alongside the Igbo music Kings of the East. As the years roll by, and the dynamic of music shifts, kings will fall, and dynasties of music will be broken, while new acts will rise and thrive. But the story of Phyno will be hard to forget. It is already etched in the Eastern stone.

1. Wizkid

This year, Wizkid bodied everyone else. The singer has been touring for two years since he dropped his sophomore album “Ayo (Joy)” in 2014 which essentially set him free from the contract at Empire Mates Entertainment.

He has since flown to every corner of the earth, performing to the most diverse of crowds, and also recorded with artistes drawn from different music soundscapes. 2016 has seen him have the most streamed song, worked on the bestselling album of 2016 and also earned himself a Grammy. The first by a Nigerian pop star.

The Nigerian pop star makes the list for his contribution to Drake’s 2016 “Views” album. The singer was a prominent contributor on the lead single, ‘One Dance’, where he is nominated as a guest artiste, and also as a producer.

The Grammy Award for Album of the Year is presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position. Album of the Year is the most prestigious award category at the Grammys having been presented since 1959. Although it was originally presented to the artist alone, the award is now presented to the main artist, the featured artist(s), the producer, the engineer and/or mixer and the mastering engineer.

This year too, the singer has won an MTV EMA, 3 MAMAs and many more.

And then there’s Sony Music. Wizkid has signed a global deal with Sony Music which trumps every other one by an African artiste. The star is signed on a deal which involves big bucks and will have him release albums under the record label.

Collaborations have also been thick and fast. ‘Shabba, his only official single of 2016 has Chris Brown, French Montana and Trey Songz featured on it. He also has a song with Tinie Tempah, and Justin Skye. Other unreleased collaborations are on hold for a full attack of 2017.

All of these make him the top artiste of 2016.