20 Fresh Artistes To Watch In 2012

The Nigerian music industry is growing by the day and many young and talented artistes are storming the music scene every day, churning various songs and hits. In this special feature,SHOWBIZHUB unveils 20 music stars that are fast on the rise and that are expected to loom large on the Nigeria music scene in 2012.

They’ve shown a promising career through one or two singles they’ve released or songs some have featured on and are expected to take their game to a higher height in 2012.

Eva – Eva is a rapper, singer, Dancer, model, Makeup artist, writer and songwriter born to Nigerian parents from Delta State. She moved to Lagos as a child and graduated from Bowen University with a degree in Computer science in 2009. She released her first ever studio recording with the help of Tha Suspect early 2009 and titled it 'I dey Play'. The song which was done over the popular 'A Millie' instrumental by Lil Wayne went on to become a fan favorite and received aiplay on radios, gaining for Eva a maximum level of recognition. With the success of that single she went on to record more songs, collaborating with well known successful artists in the business and acquiring a good level of success to her brand.

She released 'the GIGO EP', a mix tape early 2011 to wet the appetite of her numerous fans in anticipation of her debut album in 2012

Brymo – He is one of the most sought after hook and chorus singers in Nigeria. Blessed with a very sonorous voice, he caught the attention of many when he sang the chorus on the hit song, Oleku by Ice Prince. Aside Oleku, Brymo had laid his voice on other hit songs like Attention by 2Shortz, Action File by M.I. and Ma Wo be by Sasha. Currently signed to Chocolate City which houses the likes of M.I., Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince, Brymo recently dropped a smashing hit, Ara which is currently enjoying massive airplay.  

Davido – He is no doubt the rave of the moment as his two hit singles Back When featuring Naeto C and Dami Duro had become party and club anthems. The 19 year old Davido started music production at the age of 13 at Enough Records Studio at Ikota shopping complex. Davido who had his first major break at the Music Meets Runway show is now every show promoter’s choice. He plays the saxophone and keyboard and he is currently a 300 Level student of Babcock University where he is studying Business Administration.

Skales – The Empire Mates Entertainment record label artiste (E.M.E. is co-owned by Banky W and houses Wizkid) is fast rising up the ladder of the Nigerian music scene. He recently dropped his first official singles “Mukulu” and “Keresimesi” with production courtesy of SARZ. The two songs are already enjoying massive airplay and they are no doubt shooting the rap star into a deserving prominence. 

Chidinma – The petite star is no doubt one of the hottest young stars in Nigeria. The video of her first single Jankoliko featuring Sound Sultan peaked at #1 on most of the African music video programmes and she went ahead to featured in many musical concerts across Nigeria. Chidinma, the winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 3 is surely one music act to watch out for in 2012.  

Zeeza – She’s been off the Nigerian showbiz scene for a while, having gone to the UK to further her education and also to horn her movie and music skills. Zeeza Sadiq was the winner of the maiden edition of the Amstel Malta Box Office TV reality show. She made an entry into the Nigerian music scene last year December with her first single Lau Lau produced by Olly Jay. The song is enjoying massive listening and downloads on all major music websites. 

May D – The shine time is here for May D at last. Newly signed to P-Square’s record label, Square Records, May D is one young act who had been in the game for quite a while and trying to break out. He featured on Chop My Money and Do As I As Do alongside Tiwa Savage on the Invasion album of P-Square.

He dropped two singles Soundtrack and Cool Temper late last year and the two songs are enjoying rave review in the media. 

 Young6ix  - This young dude from Warri is extremely talented. His banging new single Oh My Gosh had made him to be quite popular amongst the young chics. Blessed with a handsome face and sonorous voice, Yung6ix appeals to a lot of Young Nigerians (especially Teenagers) and has often been referred to as the Voice of the New Generation.

Jhybo – His style had been likened to that of the late DaGrin but Jhybo is already carving a niche for himself with the release of the two monster hit singles Be Naa Ni and EJo Le Fe Ro (ft. Cynthia Morgan). The success of the two songs has made him to be one of the most sorts after young artiste for collaborations.  Like most artistes, this award winning rap artiste (won The Best Video Award of the year 2011 in the African Entertainment Awards, Malaysia) began his musical career at the tender age of 10 in the church and has not looked back since then.

He has done collaboration works with lots of known (and up & coming) faces in the entertainment industry amongst which include Sunny Neji, Terry tha Rapman, Pherow, Cynthia Morgan, Abib, Abana Dami, Wiski Jay to mention a few. His musical influences include Talib Kwali, Mos Def, Common, Nas, Lil Wayne, Damian Marley, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G, Craig Davids among others.

Praiz – Born Praise Adejo, Praiz an alumni of the MTN Project Fame Academy West Africa Season 1, emerging as second runner-up at the first ever music reality TV show. He had often been described as Nigeria’s answer to John Legend because of his soulful R&B kind of music.

In last year’s edition of the Project Fame competition, Praiz was also a headliner, featuring side by side with the likes of Brandy and Joe and was also on tour with other MTN Project Fame stars on the MTN 10 Cities Tour. He’s having two singles I Love You and Jekalo to his credit so far. 

Reminisce – In 2003, REMINISCE had his 1st professional recording which provided him the opportunity to meet young talents like 9ice, Jahbless & Lord of Ajasa. He recorded an album which was never released due to parental pressure; Reminisce had to take a temporary break from music. In 2008, Reminisce marked his return with his appearance on his old pal (9ice's) Gongo Aso album. He dropped a verse on the track Bachelor’s Life that also featured Six O & XP. 

In 2012, Reminisce came out all strong on the StreetHop anthem Joor Oh Remix by Jahbless featuring other top acts like El Dee, Durella, Ruggedman, etc. He also dropped the monster single Kako Bi Chicken which had been enjoying lots of airplay. 

Minjin – He is the winner of the first Kennis Music organized Centage Star music reality show (along with a brand new Toyota Prado jeep, 2 million naira cash and a 10 million naira record deal). His first single "Turning Me On" is a massive jam and is enjoying massive market acceptance. He can sing, paint, model and also plays the guitar.

Christian – Christian Doherty, a man of many parts (he’s a business man, comedian, and clothier amongst other things) is the 2011 winner of Glo Naija Sings. The Abuja based music star is currently enjoying stardom which the music reality show had bestowed upon him. He smiled home with $100,000, a RAV 4 Toyota jeep and he is now a Glo Ambassador. 

Christian is respected to reenact the magic that made him won the show by dropping hit songs in the year 2012.

Kida Kudz – Well, call him Mr. Swagga you are not far from being right. Kida warmed his way into the heart of many fans and followers of the Peak Talent Hunt Season 2 with his swag and skills and coast home to win the coveted prize of the show. A fan is quoted to have said, “Kida Kudz got the swag, the looks and the lyrics. He is really talented! From the beginning of the show, he showed all the qualities a celeb should have when it comes to music”. 16 years old Kida dropped two singles So Ti Gbo featuring ace producer OJB and “Kosere Ni Moscow” (ft Olamide) in 2011 and he’s expected to keep up the pace in 2012. 

Samclef  - He’s currently one of the most sought after music producers in Nigeria. Samclef showed his other talented side when he dropped the monster single Molowo Noni coming on the heel of his first single Mi O Le Beru featuring Olamide. Samclef is known to have contributed immensely to the success of Wizkid’s debut album, Superstar. His mastery of the art of music production is evident on monster hits like Durella's “My Life” (Enemies), Wizkid's “Tease Me” (Freestyle) and “Don’t Dull”, and not leaving out Vector’s “Kilode” and D'Prince's “Jonzing World”.

He has also worked with names like Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, Durella, Skales, D’Prince (Mo’ Hits), Simisola, J Bryte, Emmsong, O'cube, Jahdiel, Vector, Mudina, to mention a few.

Monica Ogah – Monica is the second female act to win the prestigious MTN Project Fame West Africa music TV reality show Season 4 (Chidinma won the reality show’s Season 3 in 2010). Her rendition of Only Me and her performances in the music academy had proven she’s a bundle of talent and a force to be reckoned with.

Monica beat five others to clinch the winning prize of a mouth watering recording contract, brand new RAV 4 jeep and 2.5 million naira. She’s one of the rising stars to watch out for in 2012 and needs to take advantage of this victory to launch herself into the industry by recording a hit single.

Da‘bart – Currently based in Ibadan but traverses the nooks and cranny of Nigeria, the hip hop and R&B singer profile and status is fast on the rise with the release of his new hit single Molowo Remix which is a favourite of many chics in the South-West zone of Nigeria and the video is quite clean and refreshing.

Da'bart has a wide range of influences, with a particular reference to; Tuface, Akon and Kanye West. He finds this group of people an inspiration to the style of his music.

Munachi –  Ex beauty queen turned rapper, Muna dazzle many when she made her debut on the national scene as a rapper, a career she has been pursuing in Port Harcourt ever before she went in for a beauty contest, and she’s damn a highly talented rapper. Muna collaborated with many hip hop artistes; in 2011 and wrote the lyrics and featured on Waje's hit single So Inspired and also appeared in rapper Suspect's video for I No Send You (Remix - female version).

In 2011, Muna signed an endorsement deal with Unilever as a model for Lux and currently features in commercials for the brand, following in the footsteps of Patti Boulaye and Genevieve Nnaji. 

Olamide –  Currently one of the most visible Nigerian rapper, Olamide has been under the tutelage of the hit maker ID Cabasa before busting loose with the hit song Eni Duro which catapulted him to stardom. He released his debut album Rapsodi in 2011 and his profile has been on the rise. Olamide has performed live on big stages all over Nigeria and he is most definitely a street favorite. It is safe to say, the streets love him and he loves them back. His music is gaining serious mass appeal and his rap style is being enjoyed by many.

“Olamide is here, just like the first day of the year.” This is how this young talent introduces himself in his hit track “Eni duro” and without a doubt, just like the first day of the year he is going to beseen for a very long time.

Dencia – She’s one of the hottest new singing sensations to hit Naija and one of the most interesting acts to watch over the past year. Dencia has captured the attention of a lot of people for much more than her music and has kept herself in the news since she emerged a few months ago.  From public fights to leaked videos to challenges to her origin, Dencia has somehow managed to overcome those and recently dropped a new single, “Beri Beri”.