Meet 50 Young IGBO Musicians Rocking The Scene

Ibo Kwenu! Kwenu!! Kwenuzuonu o!!! The Igbos in Nigeria are known mainly for their prowess. They hold sway in the business sector, trading in both petty commodities and big commodities. Many of them have their own companies scattered all around the world. One example is former Abia governor, Orji Uzor Kalu and his Slok holdings. They’ve come to be known as Business Tycoons; just ask Ghana, Benin or even the US. To say they’ve been coming up in the Entertainment industry is an understament. They are now major players in naija entertainment both famous in the Nigeria music and film making (Nollywood) sectors. But today we are looking at Nigerian musicians of Ibo extraction, some, not all, as there are many music artists that are Igbos. This list includes Igbo musicians of different genres that are currently making waves in different parts of the country. City People’s  Music Reporter, DANIJI EMMANUEL unveils 50 out of the abundance of Igbo talents in the Nigerian music industry.

KCEE

Kcee and his longtime partner and friend Presh made an impact in the entertainment industry as a duo for 12 years they worked together as music partners which gave them both a few recognition until 2011 when they called for a split both chasing their own career on their own not together anymore. Kcee hails from Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria. He currently has a record deal with Five Star Music. He started working with Del B, a record producer known for producing “Limpopo (Kcee song)”.

 LYNXXX

Lynxxx is the only son of Chief John D. Edozien, a former deputy governor of old Bendel State in Nigeria. After ten years of behind-the-scenes work in the music industry, Lynxxx made his debut as a recording artist in December 2009, with the release of his first official single, “Change your Parade”, produced by Syndik8 in-house producer and partner “IKON”. The single received a lot of radio airplay and was popular in nightclubs, which helped Lynxxx cultivate a significant fan base through online media.

RUFF COIN

He is a new artist originally from Abia State, Nigeria. He is got some big songs that is jamming the airwaves at the moment. Born Emelogu Muruako Fortune he originates from Abia State, Local Government Area: Obi-Ngwa, Hometown: Owoahiafor. Born to Late Mr Akwarandu Emelogu and Ugoeze Rebecca Nne Emelogu and he has four brothers and four sisters. His Musical journey started in 1998 while still in secondary school but he made no significant move because he wanted to get a Law degree but in his final year in school he deferred his admission to pursue his Music career.

OBIWON

Obiora Nwokolobia-Agu better known by his stage name Obiwon, is a Nigerian singer, musician, and evangelist. Obiora Obiwon was born Obiora Nwokolobia-Agu on 9 June 1977 in Enugu, Nigeria. A passion for music started developing as early as age 5, while singing along to HipHop and R’n’B records from his elder brother’s Audio Cassettes. Obiwon most likely inherited musical genes from his father, Sir Humphrey Nwokolobia-Agu, a renowned folk and classical music composer and arranger from Eastern Nigeria.

D’PRINCE

D’Prince was born to Collins Enebeli, a Business man and a musical production manager and the founder of the record label Sagitarious Productions and Patience Enebeli an international Business tycoon and he is the younger brother of music mogul and CEO of Mavin Records, Don Jazzy. Music has always being in this family an he is not strange to the Music business and D’Prince is also know as Omoba which is a Yoruba language which means a Child Of A King.

DON JAZZY

Michael Collins Ajereh better known as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter, musician, former CEO of Mo’ Hits Records and current CEO of Mavin Records. Born in Umuahia in Abia state, his first signing was D’banj who was at that time also the Vice-President of Mo’ Hits Records.

J MARTINS

J Martins was born on September 29, in Onitsha Anamabra State, Nigeria. He hails from Ohaofia in Abia State. He was heavily influenced by his mother who was a choir mistress. As a child, young Jay travelled with his mum a lot and was exposed to various church choirs. He learnt to play multiple instruments growing up and acquired his nursery, primary and university education in Eastern Nigeria.

Ruggedman/Ruggedy Baba

Michael Stephens, stage name Ruggedman, born on September 20 (year unidentified) in Ohafia, Abia State, is a Nigerian rapper. A graduate of political science from Lagos State University, Ojo. Ruggedman started exploring music in 1999. He produced his own songs and released two tracks in 1999, both which were well-played on radio. Ruggedman launched himself into the music industry in 1999, eventually becoming the most featured rapper in Nigeria.

OJB JEZREEL

OJB Jezreel aka jigga man, is a renowned producer, writer and executive producer for over two decades. He is behind the African Number one song, African Queen and he hails from Delta State.

KELLY HANDSOME

Controversial singer, Kelechi Orji, popularly known as Kelly Hansome. When it comes controversy no one does it better than the self acclaimed “Igwe of Igbo land” Kelly Hansome! He hails from the great land of Eziobodo in Owerri west local government area in IMO state.

PATORANKING

Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie better known by his stage name Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Patoranking, who is a descent of Ebonyi, started his musical career doing underground collaborations with artists such as XProject, Konga, Slam and Reggie Rockstone. He signed a record deal with K-Solo’s Igberaga Records in 2010, releasing “Up in D Club” under the outfit. Patoranking became a protégé of Dem Mama Records after collaborating with Timaya on his song “Alubarika”. In February 2014, he signed a record deal with Foston Musik and released “Girlie O”, a single that put him in the limelight. On 9 February 2015, Patoranking announced via Instagram that he signed a distribution deal with VP Records.

DJ ZEEZ

Kingsley Elikpo also known as DJ Zeez was born on the 10th of January to a father from the eastern part of Nigeria, (Imo state) and a mother from the western part (Ogun state), Zeez has lived most of his years in Lagos State. DJ ZEEZ is a young multi-talented artiste, DJ, writer and Producer who started as a DJ by 2001 before joining a 4 man group called Xzist. He later went solo in 2003 with his debut single titled “Orin Tan Ba Ti Fe”. By late 2005, he had released the album ‘Same Ni’ which became an instant hit Nigeria. He got many awards and nominations including the 2007 Channel O Music Video Awards.

KETCHUP

Fast rising Dancehall Act Onyido Nkemjika better known as “KETCHUP” is the first of four siblings who drew his earliest inspirations from Ebenezer Obey, Sir Sina Peters, Bob Marley, Shakademus and a host of others.

SLOWDOGG

Slowdogg aka omeleme (the gbalu gaba master) hails from okuzu in Anambra State Nigeria. He is into rap & general hiphop. He started music way back in 2000 in a group known as d.s.d DODGE & SLOWDOG, and as of 2007 he decided to go solo and do his own thing his own way. He has done songs with Nigga Raw, Ruffcoin, tj(elewe ukwu), Jim Iyke, etc.

NAETO C

Naeto C is from Owerri in Imo State of Nigeria ; Born to former Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland, Doctor Mrs. Kema Chikwe and Chief Herbert Chikwe. He spent his early years in that city, in a household very influenced by music. His fondness for music grew fast and was articulated into other creative art forms, most specifically poetry, which took him to various competitions and earned him accolades as a young poet.

MR RAW

The song “Obodo” is still as evergreen as ever but the singer of the song, Ukeje Okechukwu Edward, a.k.a Mr Raw, formerly known as ‘Nigga Raw’ is a rapper from Southeastern Nigeria. He is often regarded as one of the pioneers of Igbo rap, a genre that now appeals to a broad, mainstream audience. Born and raised in Enugu, he gained prominence during the early 2000s rapping in the Igbo language and Pidgin English.

AFRICAN CHINA

Real name: Chinagorom Onuoha, the name African China stands for: African Children Have Ideas Natural for African. African China was born in Orile, a ghetto side of Lagos, Nigeria. His educational backgrounds were in Metropolitan Primary School and Iganmu High School. He is from Imo state and is the last child of his mother.

SINACH

Gospel singer ‘Sinach’ Osinachi Kalu a native of Ebonyi State Nigeria is an award winning musical artist who has written over 200 songs. She is also a member of Believer’s love world ‘Music Team of Christ’. Sinach has over 400,000 fans on a verified Facebook page and about 45,000 fans on twitter.  Bless the lord, I know who I am and You are the same are some of her best tracks.

TERRY G

Gabriel Amanyi, Terry G aka HITMAN is a very talented and successful entertainer. His unique style called chante chante is the result of a lifetime of musical influence. Growing up in a talented musical family. Terry G has over 500, 000 fans of Facebook and 37,000 on twitter. Some of his hit songs are Free Madness 1 & 2, See Grove, Akpako Master.

PHYNO

Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson also known as Phyno ‘Phenomenal’ is s a Nigerian rapper and record producer. Born and raised in Enugu State. The rap artiste of the year 2014 has over 147,000 followers on twitter. His hit songs are Alobam, Ghostmode and Parcel.

CHINYERE UDOMA

Chinyere Udoma is a renowned Nigerian gospel artiste from Enugu State, Nigeria, she is also well known in the African entertainment industry. She has hit songs like Omeokachie, Adim Well loaded and Wind of Glory.

REV. FATHER MBAKA

Rev. Father Mbaka is a roman catholic priest from Enugu, Nigeria. He is known for his firebrand style of preaching.  Signs and wonders follow his ministrations. Mbaka’s weekly all-night adoration crusade at the GTC field, Enugu , has never ceased to inspire Catholic faithfuls to attend his programme. Some of his songs include Chidera, Casrry Go and Miracle worker.

FLAVOUR

Chinedu Okoli, better known by his stage name Flavour N’abania, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and performer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church in his hometown of Enugu State. Flavor’s songs have been nominated for over 30 awards and has won about 13 of them. His top songs include Ada Ada, Nwa Baby, N’Abania.

PETER AND PAUL

OKOYE OF PSQUARE

P-Square are a Nigerian R&B duo composed of identical twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye. Late in 2007, they released their best selling album so far, Game Over. It has sold 8 million copies worldwide. The have been nominated 18 awards and have won about 17 of them. Their Facebook followers are about 1.6million and both their twitter followers go over 1 million. Their top songs include “No One Like You“, “Do Me”, “Chop My Money“, “Beautiful Onyinye”, “E No Easy”, “Danger”, “Ifunanya“, “Temptation”, and “Bizzy Body”, “Alingo“.

FRANK EDWARDS

Frank Ugochukwu Edwards, simply known as Frank Edwards is a Nigerian contemporary Christian singer-songwriter and recording artist from Enugu, Enugu State. Frank plays several musical instruments, he is also a member of the Presidential band of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in Christ Embassy Church. Awesome Wonder, Glory To Glory and Angels on the Runway are some of his best songs.

STORMREX

Yvonne Akuabata Ogbuogu Aka STORMREX is an amazing songstress that hails from Enugu state Nigeria. That the group, Desperate Chicks is officially disbanded is no longer news. However, a member of the defunct group, Stormrex is leaving no stone unturned at dishing out delicacies to her numerous fans. Signed on Phyno’s record label “Penthauz”, Stormrex has been regarded as the Queen of new school Igbo music by her fans.

ZORO

Owoh Chimaobi Chrismathner aka Zoro SwagBag was born on the 20th of March 1990. He hails from Awgu in Enugu state. Without saying much, tracing back to the music archives he’s the rapper on the massive hits Owu sa gi, Safe journey and more recently. He dropped a resounding joint that instantly became the Enugu state anthem: 042, followed by other unique singles like, OTU state of Mind and Usain Bolt. Zoro is not just good but he actually eats rap music with Igbo Language. His flow is solid, and even better is his ‘slowed down’ flow that makes you hear and digest pretty much everything he’s saying… of course given you understand Igbo.

ILLBLISS

Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, popularly known by his stage name Illbliss is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist, stage performer, business man and owner of the managing outfit The Gorretii Company, same company responsible for Chidinma and Phyno, among others. Also known as Oga Boss, Ill Bliss was a member of the now defunct Hip Hop Group – Da Thorobreds. The group, consisting of other notable hip hop artistes like Elajoe, Obiwon , Amaka and B- Elect, copped the award for the Best HipHop song by a group/duo at the 2006 edition of Hip Hop World Awards for the massive radio hit “Streethop”.

SPLASH

Genevieve Ogbuewu a.k.a Splash is a young rapper from Ebonyi State, who – despite holding a degree in English Language from Ebonyi State University – has enormously represented the Igbo race via her music. The young rapper began her music hustle when she relocated to Lagos a few years ago and worked with top music labels. Splash made a huge “splash” literally when she dropped her single, “Church Agbasa”. Suddenly there was a female that could flow very well in Igbo.

PHYNO

Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson (born 9 October 1986), better known by his stage name Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper and record producer, who started his musical career as a producer in 2003. He is known worldwide for rapping in the Igbo language. His debut studio album, “No Guts No Glory”, was released in 2014. It produced the singles “Ghost Mode”, “Man of the Year”, “Parcel” and “O Set”. Phyno is slowly becoming to the Igbo hip-hop movement. With a solid debut album, Phyno has shown that he can potentially stay consistently good for years to come.

VAST AND SMASH

OF BRACKET

Obumneme Ali a.k.a. Smash and Nwachukwu Ozioko a.k.a. Vast popularly known as Bracket are both from Enugu State. They are under the Ape Planet record label and are managed by Mr. Nazy. Bracket got to tour in America, Australia, Germany and other European countries however they claim their biggest audiences are usually the African ones. Smash had a Diploma in Social Works and a degree in Psychology from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, while Vast had a Diploma and degree both in Mass Communication from Institute of Management Technology, Enugu. They were given an honorary award by the Mayor of Philadelphia in 2012 and have been nominated at several awards including the NEA Awards in 2012.

MAVERICK HURT

Maverick Hurt is a prolific rapper who is based in Enugu but hails from Anambra state. The fast rising hiphop act is making waves up East after he released his double EP, Genius 1 and Genius 2. Maverick Hurt is back in the studio cooking up more materials for the end of the year.

SAMKLEF

Samuel Oguachuba a.k.a Samklef hails from Imo State Nigeria, but was born and bred in Lagos. He is a prolific artist and producer who has worked a lot of A-list artistes in the country and has also recorded chart toping songs.

IKECHUKWU

Killz has he prefers to be called now hails from Imo State, Nigeria. Killz’ first single in the Nigerian market was ‘My Name Is’, it was the song that shot him into limelight after returning from the United States to pursue his musical career here in Nigeria. The song made fans see the energy he puts in his voice while singing. This made him to be dubbed the ‘Nigerian DMX’, just as the US rapper, DMX. He released chart topping singles with the Mohits crew with singles like ‘Wine Am Well’ which featured Don Jazzy and D Banj; ‘Like Yo’ where he featured Wande Coal.

ECLIPSE

Eclipse, a brand new kind of rapper, producer and performer, has been introduced from the stable of Ab Original Records run by arts buff, Ikhane Akhigbe. The promising artiste and music producer with unquestionable skill and witty lyricism announced his arrival on the Nigerian music scene with two new singles titled Gentleman and Like A Boss which features the legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt, with accompanying videos. Eclipse, was born Nkasiobi Chukwu to parents from Umuahia, Abia State. But he grew up in Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos and Owerri before studying Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

SEXY STEEL

Abbey Abuede aka SEXY STEEL was formally a member of High Profile, a music group of three, himself, Flo of Kentro World and kayzeal, before he was signed on to his solo career by Yes Media/Records. He came out with a hit album which had the South African Girl track that won the Sound City Best Video Award and OMOGE which got nominated in the Channel O and MTV Base Awards respectively. He hails from Edo State.

2SHOTZ

2Shotz‚ real name‚ William Iroha started rapping in 1992. He published the Pirated Copy album under Trybe Records in 2004. As a sequel, Original Copy was released in 2005 under Umunnamu Music label, a record label he formed himself, and went on promotional tour around all the major cities in Nigeria. 2Shotz is back after a long hiatus from the industry and is currently making waves again. He hails from Abia State.

FAZE

Chibuzor Oji was born in 1977 in Festac Town, Lagos. Oji is the fourth of a large family of nine children. All family members are said to possess good singing vocals perfected by the long time spent singing praises during prayers. Oji made his first attempt to gain publicity when he won the 1994 DBN Karaoke contest. He performed as a rap musician under the name ‘Lyrical Orge’ until he joined the Plantashun Boiz. He hails from Delta State.

TIMI DAKOLO

Timi Dakolo (born; January 20, 1981) is a Nigerian singer. He emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007, at the expense of the amazingly talented Omawumi Megbele. With his victory, he got a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes. Timi Dakolo was born in Accra, Ghana to a Nigerian father, Bayelsa-native David and a Ghanaian mother, Norah, who died when Dakolo was thirteen. Although he was born in Ghana, Timi does not claim dual citizenship and holds a Nigerian passport.

RINO

Ezebuiro Chibueze Chinwike a.k.a. Rino is on the train to stardom. A graduate of Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he started music officially in 2005, but life took a positive turn for him, when he won the first runner-up in the MTN Campus Talent Hunt in UNN. The Abia State-born musician caps his Afro Hip Hop and RnB mettle with a sonorous voice that has forged his “Greenland” track, which is gaining considerable radio time. Prior to this, the poet and M.C had collaborations with other up-coming artistes like, Spicey and T.Y. His other known tracks include: ‘Obim’, ‘Soldier Boy’ and ‘What I Want’.

NOSA

Nosa Shadrax Omoregie hails from Benin in Edo State. He began his journey into the world of music at the tender of age of seven. With age he moved up to writing rap lyrics and immersing himself in popular culture. But he was restless. He was aware of his talent but hadn’t found a satisfying channel until he found his spirituality. Even as a devoted and full-time (Christian) minister, his message has not changed. Chocolate City helped to package ‘N-I-G-E-R-I-A’ – a song written, produced and arranged by Nosa. The lyrics, the production/sound arrangement, and the vocals are all perfect in a soulful rendition that renders itself ‘addictive’ to the listeners. Nosa is a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian music scene. He is currently working on an album titled ‘Open Doors’ and he is presently signed to Chocolate City record label.

TEKNO

Augustine Miles Kelechi AKA tekno miles,born on the 17th December 1992.He is a Nigerian and is called the chrisbrown of Nigeria because of his great talent in singing and dancing.Tekno miles is the youngest in the Made men music group, he is actually fun and also is loved by all the people around him. His fans mean a whole lot to him and then the love he’s got for his mum is so indescribable. He has recorded so many songs and the he is just one of a kind. He is from a family of 4 brothers and 1 sister and hails from Ebonyi State.

YOUNG STUNNA

Young Stunna was born Ikechukwu John-Ogbuku in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; He spent his early years in PH city, and was involved in different aspects of music from an early age, from singing in the church choir as a child, to learning to play the piano to rapping old Heavy D and MC Hammer songs. He attended Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School where he eventually wrote his first song and developed his talent from battling to talent contests. He began to produce and record music actively in University. Young Stunna has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Coventry University.

TIMI KAY

Timi Kay (born Ndutimi Kei) is a 19 year old rapper, repping the South (Port Harcourt). He is signed to the PHCity Label Tunehouse. Lyrical prowess, insane delivery with an amazing ability to paint a picture using only an instrumental as a canvas, that is who TIMI KAY is.

WACONZY

Kelvin Anyanwu is called several names among – ‘Supa Dupa Nigga’ and ‘Awah’ etc, but he prefers to be called Waconzy, a derivative of Wacko and Zany. He is the latest addition to an increasing list of Port Harcourt boys making good in the music industry. Waconzy has been in the industry for close to 10 years but he didn’t start getting attention until recently; this was after the popularity that trailed his album, I Celebrate. Incidentally, he released his first album in 2000, fresh out of secondary school. Whilst he is not on the same page with Timaya or Duncan in terms of popularity and patronage, Waconzy is gradually cultivating his own fandom and clientele. A Project Management graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Waconzy combines impressive rap skills with soothing vocal abilities.

FRANK D’NERO

For some reasons, the spotlight has continued to elude Frank D’Nero even though he has been in the industry, professionally, before any of the trio. This, however, does not diminish from his Port Harcourt roots. Frank, whose real name is Ibiba Frank Higwe, is one of the early stars from the volatile but oil-rich city.

KAYJAY

Victor Ogbonna also known as ‘KAYJAY’ hails from Arochukwu in Abia state where he attended Abia state polytechnic. During his developmental years as a musician and a songwriter he has worked with the likes of Seyi Shay, Tunde Ednut, Kach, Tillaman and many more.

TIMAYA

Enetimi Alfred Odon better known by his stage name Timaya, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is the founder of South South hip hop group Dem Mama Soldiers. He was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and has an Origin from Odi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

DUNCAN MIGHTY

Duncan Wene Mighty Okechukwu simply known as Duncan Mighty, is a Nigerian musician, singer, and music producer from Obio-Akpor, Rivers State. Though his musical style demonstrates a high-level of genre versatility, it is also heavily influenced by the sounds and culture of his people as most of his songs are sung in his native Ikwerre tongue.

CHIDINMA

Chidinma Ekile, popularly known by her stage name Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, recording artist, stage performer, and brand ambassador for MTN Nigeria. In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN’s Project Fame West Africa, a reality-singing competition series. Chidinma Ekile, the last of six children, was born in Ketu, Lagos State. Both of her parents are from Imo State. She worked as a business promoter in Lagos prior to auditioning for the third season of MTN’s Project Fame West Africa.

 

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