The Legends of Nigerian Music: Top 10 Musicians of All Time

Nigeria has a rich and diverse music culture with a long list of talented musicians who have made a significant impact on the music industry both in Nigeria and globally. Here are the top Nigerian musicians of all time:

Fela Kuti:

Fela Kuti is widely considered the greatest Nigerian musician of all time. He was a pioneer of Afrobeat music, a fusion of jazz, funk, and traditional African music. Fela’s music was politically charged, and he used it as a tool to challenge the Nigerian government’s corruption and oppression. Some of his most popular songs include “Zombie,” “Water No Get Enemy,” and “Sorrow, Tears and Blood.”

King Sunny Ade:

King Sunny Ade is another Nigerian music legend. He is a pioneer of Juju music, a genre that combines traditional African music with western instruments. King Sunny Ade’s music has won him numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally. Some of his most popular songs include “Ja Funmi,” “Mo Ti Mo,” and “Merciful God.”

Ebenezer Obey:

Ebenezer Obey is a Nigerian music icon and a pioneer of Juju music. He is known for his unique style of music that blends Yoruba music with western instruments. Obey’s music has won him numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally. Some of his most popular songs include “Aimasiko,” “Eyi Yato,” and “Ota Mi Dehin Lehin Mi.”

Onyeka Onwenu:

Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian music legend known for her soulful and inspirational music. She is a feminist icon and a human rights activist who has used her music to challenge societal norms and advocate for social justice. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “You and I,” and “Alleluya.”

Oliver De Coque:

Oliver De Coque was a Nigerian music icon and a pioneer of Highlife music. He is known for his unique style of music that blends Igbo music with western instruments. De Coque’s music has won him numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally. Some of his most popular songs include “Biri Ka Mbiri,” “Nempi Social Club,” and “Ogene Sound Super of Africa.”

Sir Shina Peters:

Sir Shina Peters is a Nigerian music legend and a pioneer of Afro-juju music, a genre that combines Juju music with Afrobeat. He is known for his energetic stage performances and his unique style of music. Some of his most popular songs include “Shinamania,” “Ace,” and “Experience.”

Sunny Okosun:

Sunny Okosun was a Nigerian music icon known for his socially conscious music. He was a human rights activist and a political activist who used his music to challenge societal norms and advocate for social justice. Some of his most popular songs include “Which Way Nigeria,” “Fire in Soweto,” and “Papa’s Land.”

2Face Idibia:

2Face Idibia is a Nigerian music legend and one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian music. He is known for his soulful and inspirational music, and his unique style has won him numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally. Some of his most popular songs include “African Queen,” “Implication,” and “Only Me.”

Wizkid:

Wizkid is one of the most successful Nigerian musicians of all time. He is known for his unique style of music that blends Afrobeats with R&B and hip-hop. Wizkid’s music has won him numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally. Some of his most popular songs include “Ojuelegba,” “Fever,” and “Joro.”

Davido:

Davido is another successful Nigerian musician who has made a significant impact on the music industry. He is known for his unique style of music that blends Afrobeats with pop and hip-hop. Davido’s music has won him numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally. Some of his most popular songs include “Fall,” “If,” and “Fem.”

These are just a few of the many talented Nigerian musicians who have contributed to the music industry and made an impact globally. Their music has not only entertained but also inspired and influenced people across generations and cultures.