2022 was an amazing year in the music industry every musician put out their best show and it was quite evident in their deliveries. The country has had its ups and downs, but one thing was certain – good music to make to get us through the tough times. Many mishaps were recorded from various angles of the industry, but Nigerians found ways to survive.
As the year 2022 is coming to a close, TooXclusive wraps it up with a list of Nigeria’s top 10 artists. These constantly paid their sues and saw Nigeria shine on the global map.
1. Asake
From “Omo Ope” to “Sungba”, “Trabaye”, “Palazzo”, “PBUY”, and “Terminator”, these songs have earned him 7 number 1 spots on apple music and now his debut album Mr. Money With The Vibes an album that houses 12 hot tracks. MMWTV has only 2 guest features; Burna Boy and Russ. This in itself is record-breaking in the history of Afrobeats. From all indications, 2022 absolutely favored Asake and yes, he owned it.
Asake has headlined several concerts this year including the flutter wave/fly time 2022 fest. Although there was a tragedy at his recent 02 Brixton concert, where 2 deaths were sadly recorded. One, a mother of 2 identified as Rebecca Ikulomo, and one of the staff working at the venue that night. He paid tribute to the lives lost, while he headlined the Flytime concert in Lagos.
2. Burna Boy
Oluwadamini Ogulu, widely known as Burna Boy is a Portharcourt-born singer and songwriter. Burna Boy is the only Nigerian artiste, whose mother doubles as his manager, and she sure does an amazing job. Burna Boy has been on an amazing journey of success and has achieved several milestones in his career. With his 6th studio album, Love, Damini, the singer added to his never-ending list of achievements.
For a couple of months now, Burna Boy has been on his Love, Damini tour. In October, Burna Boy’s Last Last reached a milestone of 100 million youtube views. Another interesting thing about the Grammy-award-winning singer is how he engages his fans and controls the crowd. As the year 2022 is coming to a close, he decided to open the year 2023 up with his Lagos concert, which has been altered to hold on the 1st of January.
3. Tems
She is often referred to as Africa’s Rihanna’, but that narrative has been corrected, and instead, music lovers around the world love to call her, Tems of Africa like she truly deserves to be called. Tems has been utterly dedicated to her craft and her hard work is evident in her achievements so far. She constantly breaks barriers and makes history. She is currently one of the most globally recognized African musicians.
The multi-talent was nominated in the category “Best Original Score in a motion picture” for the soundtrack “Lift Me Up” off Marvel`s blockbuster film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” alongside Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler. She, Burna Boy, and others were part of the artists that made the 2022 music wrap-up list of American billionaire rapper and businessman, Jay Z.
4. Rema
Remmy Boy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and energetic performer. Rema is one artist that knows his onions and never fails to hone his craft. Although Rema signed a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, the singer still identifies as a member of the Mavin record label. He has, undoubtedly, had an amazing run in the year 2022.
Matter of factly, the remix to his track, Calm Down is now the most streamed Afrobeat song in the year 2022 on Audiomack. The same song has also almost reached 300 million youtube views. The 22-year-old, whose real name is Divine Ikubor is slowly becoming a role model to his peers. Also, a couple of A-list artists have recalled that they have a soft spot for him.
5. Kizz Daniel
The fine boy of the entertainment industry, even though there is no award for it. Kizz Daniel is quite a versatile artist with good looks to match it up. He got signed into G worldwide, a label owned by businessman, Emperor Geezy in the year 2013, but left to start up his own label, Fly Boy Inc Records in November 2017, which births lots of amazing music from the singer.
The year 2022 saw Kizz Daniel drop monster hits like Buga, where he featured Tekno and Cough. Although he has been heavily criticized for not pushing himself far into the limelight as his peers, he constantly turns deaf ears to naysayers. Kizz bagged various nominations this year, from Bodies like AFRIMA and Headies. He was also one of the headliners of the 2022 FIFA world cup held in Qatar.
6. Wizkid
Born on the 16th of July, 1990, he is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He began recording at the tender age of 11, and released a collaborative album with his group then, tagged the Glorious five. Wizkid is often regarded as the GOAT of AFrobeat and this is why his protege, Carter Efe released the song, Machala, a tribute t the music powerhouse. In 2022, Wizkid premiered his long-awaited album, More Love; Less Ego on the 11th of November, 2022.
An album with 13 tracks and guest features from both local and international frontlines. Although critically acclaimed, he’s strong backing from his ever-loyal fanbase – Wizkid FC. Among his various achievements, this year sits his performance at the World Tennis League. The Grammy-award-winning singer performed on the 20th of December 2022, the second day of the competition, held at the Coca-cola arena in Dubai.
7. Pheelz
Phillip Kayode Moses, better known as Pheelz is a Nigerian music producer, singer, and songwriter. He was nominated as the“Best New International Act” at BET Awards 2022. He was also nominated Afro-Pop Producer Of The Year and Afro RnB producer of the year. The singer has collaborated with several Nigerian and international artists and is continuing to break boundaries.
Pheelz was among the few artists that were invited on stage during Wizkid’s 02 Arena perfect in London. The body of talent admitted to it being such a remarkable moment for him. Pheelz also went on the record a remix of his hit song, Finesse with American raper, Montana. He also shared that he would be releasing more amazing music in the coming year while doubling as a music producer.
8. Young Jonn
Young Jonn the ‘wicked producer’ is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, currently signed to Chocolate City Music. The singer became a music lover’s favorite following the release of his hit track, Dada, and the remix with superstar, Davido. Young Jonn also premiered his debut album, Love Is Not Enough (Vol 1 & 2). The singer has also been able to garner a loyal and supportive fanbase.
Young Jonn’s monster hit, Xtra Cool was recorded as the number 1 song of Apple music a couple of days after its release. The singer, in an appreciative remark, revealed how he manifested it into existence. It is also one of the most-streamed songs in the year 2022, with a social media challenge to go with it.
9. Seyi Vibez
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Seyi Vibez is the new voice of the street and has been making a tremendous effort. Seyi, whose real name is Balogun Afolabi Oluwaseyi came through with his debut album, titled, Billion Dollar Baby. The singer carries a contagious energy and vibe. Although he shot to fame in the later part of the year 2022, he has made sure to make an unerasable mark on the music industry.
Very recently, Seyi got dragged for adopting his new style of music from the likes of Asake, Bella Shmurda, and Olamide to mention a few. However, he shocked naysayers with his clap back, after he noted that none of the new school rappers inspire him.
10. Fireboy
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, Fireboy is another remarkable artist that Nigeria has produced. Fireboy is signed to Olamide record label, YBNL. His debut studio album Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps was released in 2019. Ever since 2019, Fireboy has made his relevance known in the industry and has performed on many of the most prominent stages around the world.
Peru remix with British singer, Ed Sheeran topped Adele`s “Easy on me” on London Apple Music Chart. It is the first Nigerian song to achieve this. The singer also released his 2nd studio album, Playboy in August 2022. His joint with his label mate, Asake was one of the most-top charting collaborations of the year 2022.
