In recent times, the Nigerian music industry has broken many records and has gone on to be at the forefront of the global exportation of African music.
The consistency in the rise of talented upcoming Nigerian artistes is truly alarming. 2022 saw artistes like Tems, Wizkid, BurnaBoy, Rema, Oxlade, Fireboy DML, and many others climb international music charts. like the Billboard Top 100, and the Billboard Afrobeats Charts.
In the same year, Asake, Seyi Vibes, Young John, Pheelz, and many others. stamped their presence in the music industry. with fantastic tunes that took over everyone’s playlist.
As we progress into the new year. every music lover is ready to enjoy new music and be shot with an influx of fresh artists from every part of the country. In this article, Ekpo highlights five emerging artistes predicted to take over 2023.
BLOODY CIVILIAN
Emoseh Khamofu, popularly known as Bloody Civilian. made her debut in 2019 with “Goliath”. a biblical-inspired tune where the singer dismissed naysayers and sang about determination to overcome challenges.
Last year, the talented singer, songwriter, and producer. was featured on the NATIVE sound system compilation debut album NATIVEWORLD.
She also earned credits as a producer and artist on Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever album. To further etch her name
into listeners’ minds. Bloody Civilian released “How to Kill a Man”.
A self-produced track where she sings against injustice and dares anyone to get on her bad side. Alongside the song’s strong message. an enthralling music video was also released.
With a debut EP in the works and a record deal with Def Jam Recordings, Bloody Civilian is definitely one to watch out for.
TAR1Q
Since his debut EP, Son of the Moon. Tar1q has been on the radar of many lovers of good music.
The 5-track project, which cuts across subjects like love, lust, and loss. pulled listeners in because of its simplicity and Tar1q’s abilities to tell relatable stories.
Using his music to demolish conventional structures. the Nutrybe signee is winning over listeners with his unique sound and top-notch songwriting skills. If Son of the Moon is a taste of what’s to come. then Tar1q is primed to reach new heights this year.
This year, the artist has continued to flex his sonic abilities. with his most recent effort on cruel love. a single featuring somadina and sholz. off the Native sound system two-track single.
RUGER
Ruger’s discography is rich. The talented singer and songwriter has been making music since 2017.
A protruding quality of his music is his penchant for making timeless Dancehall songs. Projects like the Pandemic EP and The Second Wave highlighted his versatility and fine pen. On “Asiwaju,” his second-to-last piece of 2022.
Ruger sings about how he has continuously led the pack, and his career trajectory agrees with this claim.
That track was immediately followed up by yet another excellent delivery on red flags. an infectious tune that narrates his experience with a female partner. and how she saw his toxic traits but still choose to be with him regardless.
With his stellar craftsmanship, Ruger has a knack for making music that reeks of toxic masculinity, and still, listeners chant his songs with passion.
He is more than prepared for this year. as his debut album is rumored to be in the works. the artist recently confirmed that R.T.W(RU the world) will be the title of the project.
ODUMODUBLVCK
One artiste that stands out within the Abuja rap scene is Odumodublvck.
Known for his effortless charisma and bars that leave listeners asking for more. Odumodu is one rapper who is aware of his abilities and confidently basks in them.
With songs like “Dog Eat Dog,” “Domitila,” and the Zlatan-assisted “Picanto,” which became his debut on the Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 charts. the rapper is actively etching his footprints on the sands of time.
Currently, Odumodublvck has everyone in a chokehold with his freestyle videos. the most recent of this being his highly anticipated single “Declan Rice”.
Packed with catchy slurs and phrases. the track is set to drop on the 24th of march. Hopefully, he blesses listeners with his debut album this year, and we are here to watch him shine.
check out one of Odumodu’s most recent effort bellow. with his verse on “Vex”, a track on the afore mentioned Native sound system’s Two-track single.
YKB
Since YKB released Before I Blow in 2021, he has morphed into a multifaceted artiste who
combines different exciting sounds to churn memorable tunes.
In 2022, he released “San Siro,” an infectious love song that further pulled him into the spotlight and had everyone asking the same question “Who is YKB?”
Well, it doesn’t look like he needs any other introduction. As he has come back with a new mixtape titled “Never Lazy.”
YKB is obviously not taking things slowly as he spreads his unique artistry on his latest project.
As the year progresses, it is clear that YKB is ready to showcase his abilities to the world.
What do you think about these artists and who are you most excited for this year?
