Entertainment

Nine Young Nigerian Musicians Making Waves Musicians

Published

12 months ago

August 29, 2024

Editor

Most Nigerian musicians have surprised the masses with their age and achievements.

Here are nine young Nigerian musicians and their achievements ;

1. Ayra Star:

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe , known professionally as Ayra Starr was born on 14 June 2002. The 22-year-old achieved mainstream recognition with her debut extended play and its hit track “Away”, which spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart; the song also peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart, paving the way for the release of her first full-length album, 19 & Dangerous (2021).

Categorized mainly as Afropop and R&B, the mixtape received favorable critical reception and spawned two top forty hits in Nigeria. The lead single “Bloody Samaritan” peaked atop the Top 50 chart, becoming the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one position. Starr debuted on Pandora Predictions chart and on 28 August 2021, was ranked number three on Billboard’s Next Big Sound.

Starr would later achieve mainstream international recognition in 2022, with the release of her song “Rush”. The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. It earned Starr her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.

With the song, Starr became the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 Million views on a single video on YouTube, and also the first to do so within 5 months.

2. Ruger:

Michael Adebayo Olayinka , known professionally as Ruger is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and musician. He was born on 23 September 1999. He is currently 24 years old.

In 2021, Ruger rose to stardom under Jonzing World, a label owned by Nigerian singer D’Prince, which is an affiliate of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.

Ruger has won several awards for his craft. In same 2021, he won the AFRIMA best newcomer award, and also the best new artiste category at the 2023 Soundcity MVP Awards. Ruger has also swept some of the major awards, including the Best New act in Africa at the 2022 prestigious Afrima Awards.He also has two extended plays (EPs) to his name titled ‘Pandemic’ (2021) and ‘Second Wave’ (2022).

On 16 November 2022, Ruger returns with a new chest-thumping tune capsule, consisting of two songs titled ‘Red Flags’ & Asiwaju, which upon release trended on every social media platforms. Asiwaju peaked at number 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top Songs chart and spent a record-breaking one month in the history of the chart.

3. Omah Lay:

Stanley Omah Didia , known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He was born on 19 May 1997. He is currently 27 years old.

He has released two EPs and a studio album and collaborated with artists which include Spinall, Justin Bieber, Masterkraft, and Jul. In addition to numerous charted singles, his songs “Understand,” “Attention,” and “Soso” have Gold Certifications. He has won numerous awards including Headies in 2020 and 2023.

4. Bnxn:

Daniel Etiese Benson , known professionally as Bnxn (pronounced as Benson) and formerly known as Buju, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter and record producer. He was on born 14 May 1997 . He is 27 years old.

At 2022 Headies, BNXN (also known as Buju) won the Next Rated Award. This particular award is received by a promising act, with an EP or Album, in the year under review.He got nominated for the award alongside Ayra Starr, Lojay, Ruger and Zinoleesky.

Additionally, BNXN got a brand new 2022 Bentley Bentayga SUV and will become part of an important alumni network consisting of previous winners. Last year, the award went to Omah Lay.He dedicated his award to his late mum, Ruger, Ayra Starr, his management and his girlfriend, Peggy.

5. Fire boy:

Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan , who is known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.He was born on 5 February 1996) .He is currently 28 years old .

He is signed to YBNL Nation, a record label founded by rapper Olamide. His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019. He won Listener’s Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for “Jealous” at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.

In 2020, Fireboy DML gained media coverage in Nigeria when his hit single “Champion” was used by FC Bayern Munich for their UEFA Super Cup celebrations.

His song “Scatter” from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps was included in the FIFA 21 game soundtrack.

In November 2022, his song, “Coming Back For You,” was included on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

6. Lojay:

Lekan Osifeso Jnr. , popularly known as Lojay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer. He was born in 28 April 1996 . He is 28 years old.

He peaked at number 8 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with his song “Monalisa”, which features Chris Brown and Sarz. He received a nomination for the Headies Award for Next Rated artiste at the 2022 Headies Award.

In 2023, Lojay alongside Nigerian singer Davido were featured on the song “Sensational” by Chris Brown. The song debuted at number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, serving as Davido and Lojay’s first entry on the chart.

7. Tems:

Temilade Openiyi , known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.She was born on 11 June 1995 . She is currently 29 years old.

She rose to prominence after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence”, which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following the release of the remix version with Justin Bieber. The song earned her a Grammy Award nomination. That same year, she was featured on the song “Fountains” by Canadian rapper Drake.

In 2020, Tems released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. Her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place (2021), was released after she signed a record deal with RCA Records . In 2022, Tems’ vocals from her song “Higher” were sampled by Future on his single, “Wait for U”, which led to her being credited as a featured artist alongside Drake on the song. It debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart. The song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Tems covered Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack album in July 2022 and in the same month, her song “Free Mind” from her debut EP debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46 and breaking the female record for longest charting number one song on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. She also co-wrote the song “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

In 2024, Tems released her debut studio album Born in the Wild and further announced a supporting tour.

Throughout her career, Tems has received many accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards.

8. Ckay:

Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani , better known by his stage name Ckay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer signed to Boyfriend Music, Warner Music Africa (formerly known as. Warner Music South Africa) and Atlantic Records. He was born on 16 July 1995 . He is currently 29 years old.

He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group independent label services ADA. His international hit single “Love Nwantiti”, also known as “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ahh)”, was released in 2019 by Chocolate City.

On 29 March 2022, the song debuted at number one, following the launch of the Billboard Afrobeats chart. On 9 May 2022, it became the first-ever African song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify and has since been deemed “the biggest hit in African history”. Asa Asika signed Ckay to The Plug, under management during the early peak of his global career as Ckay’s manager.

9. Asake:

Ahmed Ololade , known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. He was born on 13 January 1995 . He is currently 29 years old . He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name “Asake” is his mother’s name.

In September 2022, his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe was released, breaking the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music at the time. The album debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart and recorded the highest charting Nigerian debut album in the history of the chart. His sophomore album Work of Art was released in June 2023, becoming his second album to debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200.

In 2020, Asake won Break Out Artist of the Year at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards, and was nominated as the Best African Music Act at the 2022 MOBO Awards, which marked his first international award nomination. In addition to that, he received Best New International Act nomination at the 2023 BET Awards, the same year he was listed number 5 on the Rolling Stone Music’s Future 25.

Asake walked home with a brand new car after winning the highly coveted Next Rated category at the 2023 Headies award on September 4, 2023.

In November 2023, Asake received a Grammy Award nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Award for “Amapiano” featuring Olamide.

In January 2024, Asake received a nomination for the 55th NAACP Image Awards for his song “Amapiano”.

Asake drops “Lungu Boy” on Aug 9, 2024, via YBNL/Empire. This explosive album features Wizkid, Travis Scott, and Central Cee.
NATION

Entertainment

How Toke Makinwa’s Pregnancy Unveiling Sparked Social Media Frenzy

Published

2 days ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Nigerian media personality, entrepreneur and actress, Toke Makinwa, sent shockwaves across the internet exactly a week ago after unveiling her pregnancy, a revelation that has since dominated conversations both online and offline.Newspaper-inspired merchandise

For over a decade, Makinwa has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognised media figures. From her early days as a presenter on Rhythm 93.7 FM’s ‘The Morning Drive’, to her widely followed YouTube vlog, Toke Moments, and her best-selling memoir ‘On Becoming’, she has built a reputation for candour, glamour and resilience.Newspaper-inspired merchandise

At 40, she has grown into an entertainment powerhouse, with endorsements, acting roles, and businesses that have cemented her influence across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle spaces.

Over the years, Toke Makinwa’s views on relationships have often sparked debate. Following a high-profile divorce from entrepreneur Maje Ayida in 2017, she became vocal about self-worth, financial independence and rethinking traditional expectations of marriage.

While she once remarked that “marriage is not an achievement,” she later admitted she remained open to remarriage but only on her own terms.

In her exact words, she remarked, “As independent women, do you think that we have glamorised this notion of being independent? Yeah. It’s tough, I won’t lie. Let me break it down. Forget the cameras. At this point in my life, if I have the opportunity to be the second, third, fourth or fifth wife, I will take it.”

This history of outspoken reflections made her pregnancy announcement more striking to fans and critics alike.

The pregnancy unveiling
Ahead of her Instagram unveiling, Tribune Online on Tuesday, August 12, exclusively reported that the actress is pregnant and nears delivery. Digital edition of the newspaper

Following the report, Makinwa took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce what she called “the biggest project of my life.”

Accompanied by radiant photographs of her growing bump, she described the journey as “the highest calling ever,” adding:

“Of all the projects I’ve embarked on in my life, this one trumps it all. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. God truly makes all things beautiful in His time.”

Her heartfelt caption, infused with gratitude and spirituality, immediately struck a chord with millions of followers.

Social media frenzy
The reaction that trailed Toke Makinwa’s unveiling was nothing short of explosive. Within two hours, her Instagram post had attracted over 20,000 comments. By the five-hour mark, the figure had crossed 40,000, as fans, colleagues and celebrities flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages.

At the time of writing this and barely 10 days after the unveiling, Toke’s Instagram post has 75,000 comments and continues to generate 75,000 reactions from fans and critics. Many hailed her story as inspirational, particularly as she is experiencing motherhood at 40, a milestone that challenged cultural expectations about timing and family.

Popular celebrities such as Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Iyabo Ojo, Adesua Etomi and others publicly celebrated the news, while fans reposted her images with beautiful captions describing her as a “beacon of hope” and a “symbol of divine timing.”

‘Unknown husband’ question
Yet, the wave of celebrations quickly gave way to speculations. Toke did not disclose the identity of the father, prompting thousands of curious and sometimes intrusive questions across social platforms.

Comments about who the “baby daddy” dominated the conversation for days. Controversial social media personality, Uche Maduagwu, weighed in with a question, somewhat rhetorical: “Toke, who gives you belle? Na married man or single, let’s know abeg.”

Another Instagram user, @halibut, commented: “Where is your husband? For you all you girls saying you can’t settle for less, can you see Toke Makinwa? She don settle for less, she no fit show her husband, maybe na gateman give her belle.” @Afroblog001 also wrote: “Thought you said you no need man for your life or na woman sperm did the job?”

The absence of clarity also gave rise to conspiracy theories. Some online users suggested she may have used a surrogate, pointing to the lack of earlier bare-belly photos. @shemstrends commented: “Why do I feel artificial and lowkey a surrogate, but however I’m feeling, congratulations to her.” Similarly, @the.halfcast wrote: “The Toke we all know will definitely want to show us the naked body of her tummy.”

The speculation gained traction until she eventually shut it down herself by posting a striking image of her bare bump.

As if that wasn’t enough, the announcement also attracted moral criticism.

Commentators questioned her decision to frame the pregnancy in spiritual terms while being unmarried, igniting heated discussions on the intersection of faith, motherhood, and societal expectations.

Popular social commentator Solomon Buchi wrote: “As a Jesus girl or Christian, we need to be very careful how we mix God with our personal decisions, decisions we have decided to pursue, whether they are Godly or not. Now I am not saying there is anything ungodly or not about having a child but you are having a child outside of wedlock, you are not married, and so there is just no need bringing God into that. There is no need spiritualizing it. Honestly you can give your testimony without implicating God’s word and His standard. Just say that you wanted to be a mother and now you are about to be a mother, or you are a mother already. There is no need to infuse God into it because, according to God’s standard, the only right way to be a parent is in the premise of marriage.”

Anothe Instagram user, @iamkennethudeh, also commented: “God’s standard is a good man and good woman to bear and raise children and live happily. Don’t normalise this abnormally for our young men and women, child without a father and you are even posting.”

While some viewed such remarks as judgmental, others felt they echoed long-standing cultural beliefs about marriage and parenting.

Throughout all the noise, Toke Makinwa has maintained her silence on the identity of her unborn child’s father, focusing instead on celebrating what she describes as a new and fulfilling season in her life

Beyond the Gossip

Beyond the frenzy, Makinwa’s announcement resonated because it spoke to broader themes: women defining family on their own terms, the intersection of faith and timing, and the pressure society places on female celebrities.

For many, her story reinforces that motherhood and fulfilment can come at any stage, irrespective of age or marital status.

As one fan wrote in a widely shared comment: “Toke’s journey is proof that delay is not denial.”

Entertainment

Music Earnings Couldn’t Have Sponsored My Wedding To Otedola’s Daughter – Mr Eazi

Published

2 days ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi has insinuated that his music earnings alone couldn’t have covered the expenses of his wedding to actress Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.

The ‘Leg Over’ crooner stated this while reacting to an X user who claimed that he was trying to recoup his wedding expenses by releasing his new single, ‘Cassanova.’

Reacting, Mr Easy said, “U think sey music go fit pay for that wedding my G? lol”.

However, another X user stated that Mr Eazi’s earnings from 2018 could have sponsored the wedding.

Responding, the singer explained that he had a successful hit-run in 2017-2018, but it was his most financially challenging year in the past decade.

“You got a point tho, but 2017-18 is the brokest I’ve been in the last 9 years! But all the music I put out then enter like mad sha im really thankful,” he wrote.

DAILY POST reported that Mr Eazi and Temi held their wedding in a private Iceland ceremony recently.

The couple got engaged in April 2022 in London, England.

Mr Eazi has previously revealed that he met Temi through her elder sister, DJ Cuppy, who was his friend.

Entertainment

Toughest Prison Is Home Without Peace’ – Naira Marley Gives Relationship Advice

Published

2 days ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

Controversial Nigerian singer and rapper, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has shared relationship advice for singles.

The Marlian boss urged single people to be very mindful of who they choose to date or marry, stressing that the toughest prison is a home without peace.

On his X handle, he wrote, “Be careful who you date and marry, the toughest prison is a home without peace.”

Naira Marley has kept his private life from the media. Despite revealing that he has twin daughters, Aishat and Simiat, the identity of their mother has remained a secret.

In April this year, popular Instagram model and TikToker, Sandra Benede, claimed that she is the mother of Naira Marley’s twins but later denied her claims.

Recall that Naira Marley and Sandra Benede sparked relationship rumours in 2022, after she wished him a happy birthday with a cozy video of them in bed.

The couple appeared to have since separated as they stopped hanging out and posting each other.