10 Nigerian artistes to 'blow' in 2016

The goal of every artiste in Nigeria is to ‘blow’. It’s the famed Holy Grail of Nigerian entertainment, which has kept many going on in their careers.

2016 has fully kicked in, and while we don’t have a repeat of a Kiss Daniel-esque break out, we have seen a couple of new entrants hit the ground running with new music, increased visibility, performances and many more.

After bringing you the report on the state of the Industy and the strongest record labels, Pulse Music takes a look at all the indices of blowing, the key performance indicators, and presents to you the top 10 artistes who are most likely to blow in 2016.

Base One

After hanging in the industry for a considerable length of time, and getting everyone to feel his explosive talent, Base One hit the jackpot last year when he found access to both a structure to back his talent, and the funds to make his dreams come true. He was signed by Shina Peller on to the fledgling Aquila Records and has gone on to release singles including ‘Weyre re’, and ‘Skon skon’. Big things are ahead for this man.

Simi

Many would wonder why the girl wonder makes this list, seeing that she already has a foothold in the industry. True Simi is known within the entertainment sector and many parts of the Spouth West, but can she shut down a crowd on a cold Harmattan Night in Umuahia?

Simi, who rebranded in 2014, released her two singles ‘Tiff’ and ‘E no go funny’, took things a step higher when she came better on the lovers song ‘Jamb Question’. But by some situational twiost she is yet to have that one song to make her a mainstay. Her efforts on Falz’s ‘Soldier’ is admirable, and she seems to be on the brink of greatness.

One more song in 2015, and Simi will hit her highest point yet.

Koker

Last year was a blessing to this act from Chocolate City. Signed on to be the next generation of stars, Koker kept heads bumping to his Fuji hit song ‘Do something’. But He failed to build up on that, with ‘Kaabo’, his next release which flopped on arrival. ‘Kaabo’ aside, Koker possesses enough ammunition to come back strong and better this year.

Milli

Nigeria’s version of Drake resides in the Chocolate City mansion, after crossing over last year with the merging of Loopy Music. Mill’s releases have done wonders for his niche fans, as he raps with immense artistry that Nigeria can’t overlook.

In 2016, he is reworking his craft to get more appeal, and his last single ‘Unlooking’, makes for decent listening. A hit on the horizon? We see it coming.

Dice Ailes

What many don’t know about this young wide-eyed entertainer from Chocolate City is his depth of versatility. Dice can pull his weight on any single regardless of genre. Although he feels more comfortable on rap songs, his recent single ‘Machinery’, is a dance gem that clicks the reset button on his career. 2016 might just be the year Dice rolls out the dice and gets all six.

LK Kuddy

The singer has been in the industry for a number of years, with each year bringing him closer to pop brilliance. His latest single ‘With you’ (remix) featuring Wizkid and Yung6ix might just do it for him.

Maire

Hitting the scene in 2013, the Next Level Entertainment graduate has been unrelenting in her quest for breaking out. Her 2015 single ‘In your heart’, placed her in good stead. Right now, she has ‘Alhaji’, a jam with Iceberg Slim.

Humblesmith

The singer was a bit of an underground success last year with his Gospel-leaning song ‘Osinachi’ making the rounds. This year, Davido has blessed the jam with his star-dust and melody, and he is looking to rise on the back of that.

Johnny Drille

The Benin City native is a master of percussion, instrumentation, and the best of lyrics. From his viral ‘Aww’ cover, to his now trending ‘Wait for me’, the singer leads the new generation of folk, rock and Afro fusion sounds. He is next in line.

Zoro

With Eastern Nigeria calling his name. Here’s one rapper who can rival Phyno for his wordplay, energy and branding. He is on the brink of something heavy when he decides to export his craft. Listen to his new single.