MUSIC INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA : THE MUSICIANS, ECONOMIC, UNIFYING, THERAPEUTIC, AND REVOLUTIONARY BENEFITS

By Emmanuel Gandu

HIGHLIGHTS
@ Great Quotes
@ Introduction
@ Economic benefits
@ Unifying
@ Healing/therapeutic
@ Revolutionary benefit of music
@ Davido
@ Wiz Kid
@ Burna Boy
@ Tiwa Savage
@ Kiz Daniel
@ Asake
@ Oxlade
@ Top 10 Nigerian musicians in $ – 2023
@ Top 10 Nigerian musicians in $ – 2024
@ Concluding remarks

GREAT/INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

• “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm to life” – Plato the Greek philosopher (427 – 347 BC)
• “If music be the food of love, play on” – Orsino, the Duke of Illyra expressing his love to Olivia in William Shakespeare’s 1623 Comic play ‘Twelft Night’.
• “The booming sound of guns and flying bullets is music in the ears of warriors in the battle front” – Anonymous.
• “Music is a melody of creativity, and symphony of emotions to achieve harmonies that reverberates beyond human confines and boundaries” – Gandu (2022)
• “Music with all its subtlety has immense power to unite people, spread love and bring peace in the world” – Sanchita Pandey.
• “We are the composers, we are the songs, we are the music…..” “We are thus because something within us responds to the music of the Universe, to the songs which reach towards the Heavens” – Rev. Fr. Julius Y. Kundi (now Bishop of Kafanchan Catholic Diocese)

INTRODUCTION
Music is used across the globe as a vehicle of entertainment and communication to bring peoples, cultures, and societies together.
Behind every era of history are thousands of styles and genres of music that have shaped the world of music into what it is today. To the many cultures, every style or genre of music is unique while also influencing others. While music has been effective in producing change, it also serves as a means of expression.
Interestingly, music holds so much power and influence through a multitude of factors.
Through its words and lyrics a story is told and a message is conveyed. Through the rhythm and tunes of music, an abstract idea is told and shared.

The Nigerian music scene is such an ever growing, ever-expansive, and ever-evolving industry that affords an outlet for creative talents. It is one of the most vibrant, exciting, and rapidly growing in the world.
With a rich history spanning over a century, it has become a symbol of the Nigerian culture and a major contributor to the economy.
From traditional folk music, highlife, juju, fuji, Afrobeat, Samba, Jazz, to the contemporary.
Interestingly, Nigerian music has evolved to AfroPop and hip-hop, R&B, raggae, and other genres with global appeal. Some of these genres are mostly evolution of Afrobeat developed by Fela Anikulapo Kuti from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s where he blended such styles like Fuji, Highlife, American Funk, and Jazz. This has therefore made Nigerian music industry now home to some of the world’s most successful, iconic, and influential artists.

With the arrival of the internet using powerful search engines like Google, access to music has made music a powerful source of entertainment and business.
Courtesy of Google platform, Nigeria is top on the Information World Map – this time for the positive achievement of her citizens in the field of music.
It’s an incontrovertible fact that Nigerian musical artists and Nigerian music are among the world’s most searched on Google.
This no doubt is due to the fact that Nigerian music have a high following, appeal and patronage by internet users spread in nooks and crannies across the world.
Interestingly, this accounts for their good lead worldwide making them to be on the top world ranking.
For once, Nigeria is making news on the world stage for some good, uplifting, positive and cheering reasons.
Founded on September 4, 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, 2 phD students at Standford University California USA, Google is the most powerful search engine. It is pride with high level of Information Technology, data collection, online advertising, cloud computing, technological advantages in the area of artificial intelligence, consumer electronics, e-commerce, and market dominance.
You may also wish to know that Google’s total number of main employees is 179, 582 (2024), thus making this research very seamless.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF MUSIC TO NIGERIA
The Nigerian music industry is a major contributor to youth employment and empowerment. Music doesn’t represent “food for the soul” only but also “food for the pocket”.
It provides jobs/employment for a large percentage of the populace.
The direct beneficiaries include musicians and artists, producers, promoters, managers, distributors, marketers, Disco Jockeys (DJ’s), recording companies, TV and Radio houses, broadcasters, investors, banks and financial houses.

Investment in the Nigerian vibrant music industry have enabled our musicians to develop a vast spectrum of music genres. This is evident in their winnings of prestigious music awards locally and Internationally like Wizkid, Burnaboy, Davido, Kizz Daniel, in the Grammy, Headies, MTV, Nigeria Music Arwards, etc.
Interestingly, these efforts have continued to attract a global movement of music investors into the Nigerian music market.

Findings from music business experts indicates that the Nigerian music industry generated $86 million (3.09 billion Naira in revenue in 2021, making it the largest in Africa.
PwC Global Entertainment had projected that the Nigerian entertainment industry will be one of the fastest growing creative industry in the world. According to this media outfit, the Nigerian music industry has the potential to become the greatest export with a projected annual growth rate of 19.3% from 2018 – 2023.

In another survey by the Disruptive Creative Economy Meeting (DCEM) group’s report 2015 – 2020, the revenue from recorded music in Nigeria was projected to generate $50 million (about 18 billion Naira) by 2020.

According to DCEM report, as internet and Google access becomes more pervasive thereby influencing and increasing the proliferation of service providers, competition in service supply, more bundling/zero rating of entertainment products will ultimately decrease in effective cost of data. This will make subscribers to have more money to spend on entertainment products such as music and video.
This report also highlighted that the Caller Ring Back Tone/Ringtone (CBRT/RT) service and streaming both accounted for between 66% and 85% revenue between 2015 and 2018.

Another research conducted by Statista revealed that the Nigerian music sector’s revenue grew from 26 million US Dollars in 2014 to 34 million in 2018.
This figure according to Statista is expected to grow to 44 million dollars by 2025.
As of 2021, the Nigerian music industry generated over $2billion in revenue per year, making it one of the largest music industry in the world. Further more, this growth is driven by an increase in digital streaming and downloads. The industry also employs thousands of people providing jobs and income across the world.
With over 30 million listeners worldwide, over 550 music producers, over 1000 record labels, and over 60 radio stations operating in Nigeria, the creative music industry surely have good outlets.
Besides, the presence in Nigeria of music streaming services such as Boomplay, itunes, and Sportify have not only made it much easier for artists to reach audiences all over the world, but have provided a platform for the artists to conveniently monetize their music which have ultimately allowed them to keep smiling to the bank.

According to Sportify’s 2024 annual transparency report, ‘Loud & Clear’, the Nigerian music industry was dubbed as the “Streaming Giant” in the making. This feat is the result of unprecedented growth and boom experienced in preceeding years.
Comparatively, the Nigerian music industry reportedly raked in over $2billion (#1.2 trillion) in 2021.
The next biggest export earning for Nigeria was Ships and Boats which generated $1.4 billion in that 2021.
And to futher put this in a global context, the US recorded music revenues that same 2021 were about $9.8 billion. This put Nigeria standing beside USA in terms of music revenue for 2021.
That same 2021, Nigeria’s crude oil exports generated $42.4 billion.

And in their findings, two globally renowned data analytics companies, ‘Stears’ and Statista’ estimated that revenue from streaming alone was expected to reach $45.34 million in 2023 in Nigeria. According to them, this was about 20% of the projected amount for the entire African continent, and places Nigeria ahead of South Africa and Egypt.

MUSIC AS A UNIFYING FACTOR
For generations, music has shaped cultires and societies around the world. It’s neing used as a vehicle for social change, cohesion, and bringing people, and communities together, helps individuals to impact society.
Said to be a universal language, music can be used as a unifying factor especially in a multi ethnic, multi cultural and multi religious country like Nigeria.
In its various rendition, lyrics, and dance, music speaks to the emotions of people as it encaurages communal life, forgiveness, and preaches peace and unity in a nation that grapples with all types of divisive tendencies of ethnicity, violence, and greed.
The songs of music impacts positively on the people especially as they strive to contribute their quota to nation building.
For example, a Mr. Peter Obi from Anambra state would tap his feet, nod his head and move his body to the scintillating rhytm of Kagoro music from Southern Kaduna, or to Dantala’s music from Plateau State, or to the vocal prowess of Autan Zaki from the Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi axis, etc. No doubt this demonstrates the oneness of Nigeria through music appeal.

According to Dr. Nagaraj Rao Haralder (2024) music is a great unifying and connecting factor even in today’s 21st. Century.
Dr. Nagaraj, a Bengal-based musician in his public lecture presentation demonstrated the unique status of music in nurturing people in traditional music that serves to unify the various nationalities and cultural groups.

In the words of Marcus Whitney (2020) a best selling author, “Music is a glue for society regardless of race, creed, income, and other factors.” As CEO of the National Museum of African – American Music, he pursues the mission of using music as a unifyier to the best of his vision.

MUSIC AS A HEALING THERAPY IN A DISTRESSED NIGERIA
Through music, man’s ability to express himself extends beyond the limits of the spoken language.
The synthesis of vocal and instrumental infusion to achieve harmony and effect can be used to exalt and inspire especially in circumstances of despair and hopelessness.
Music has the potency of healing, curative, remedial, and therapeutic powers on the human brain.
Humans use music to relax, express themselve, come to terms with emotions, and generally improve their well-being. Man has evolved music into a tool for healing and self-expression. Music has the ability to affect the mental, moral, emotional state of the mind. Music raises one’s mood and motivation especially when worried, energises soothes, and motivates when weary. It can encaurage and re-inspire when feeling deflated. It improves physical health as high-tempo music results in better workouts as one recites the lyrics, movement, and dances to the melodies.

Studies done by Daniel J. Levitin, Professor of Psychology at McGill University discovered that music is an important therapy for the distressed human mind.
Prof. Levitin is a bestselling author of “The World in Six Songs”, and “This is your Brain on Music : The Science of a human Obsession”.
No doubt the outcome of Prof. Levitin should become handy to a Nigeria in distress.

For over many decades, and worst in the last 9 years, Nigerians have been subjected to a hell of human living conditions with catastrophic consequences caused by :

• Poor leadership.
• Corruption and misappropriation funds.
• Hunger and abject poverty.
• Religious and tribal wars.
• Killings and destruction of property.
• Boko Haram terrorism.
• Fulani herders terrorism.
• Kidnapping and Banditry.
• Poor living wages.
• Endless strikes and School/University closure.
  Surely, these are factors that drive people to different types of insanity, hence music comes handy as therapeutic interventions.

Music is described as “auditory cheesecake”, and as a piece of cheesecake is savory appetizer to the palettes, so is music to the soul.
In the words of Confucius, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without”.
According to Albert Einstein, “If I were not a Physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music”.

It’s not an overstatement that music is essential to human happiness.
A study done by SONOS found that music is also essential to living a healthier and more productive life.
In the 21st century, music therapy is becoming one of the main sources of treatment for those with mental health issues.
A piece of uplifting music with the right melody at the right time, and for the right person could serve as a healing balm to soothe even the most troubled soul.
Therefore, one can have all the positive, transformative and healing effects through listening to music.

MUSIC AS A VEHICLE FOR RESILIANCE / REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE
Music and songs are known to galvanise positive resistance and revolutionary change in societies across the world for ages now :
√ Black consciousness began with the freed slaves singing songs of freedom while working in their master’s plantations.
Songs like “We shall overcome”, “Swing low, Sweet Chariot”, “I’m black and proud” by James Brown, etc are songs of freedom originating as American slavery hymns.
√ “What’s going on” by Marvin Gaye was his own reaction in addressing the realities and effects of the Vietnam war regarding poverty, crime, drug abuse, and racial misunderstanding in America during the early 1970’s.
√ “Free Nelson Mandela” by the Specials, “Free my people” by Sonny Okosun, and others including Lucky Dube were songs meant to draw world attention to the plight of the Apartheid system in South Africa.
√ In the Caribean music has been an influential tool for the people in their struggles and agitations for freedom.
With more than 700 Islands, 13 nations, and 12 dependent territories, the people of the Caribeans had used their Raggae, Soca, Mambo, Calypso, and Salsa to present their protest songs of redemption, emancipation, and liberation to the world.
Musicians like Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, U Ray, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Yellowman, Toots and the Maytals were among those in the forefront of this musical revolution for freedom. These musicians from the Caribean countries rendered songs addressing the European colonial oppression of their people.
√ “Irhal” by Ramy Essam is a song that urged the then Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to resign. This song became the anthem of the Egyptian Revolution and the Arab Spring Revolution of 2011
√ In Nigeria, protest songs are a common feature in the political journey of the country.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his Africa 70 band is a good testament to effective resistance to the status quo.
Fela’s liberation songs had remained a thorn in the skin of the powers that be. He spoke/sang truth to power, becoming more outspoken against bad governance especially during the endless regimes of the military junta era. His unrepentant duggedness attracted successive military governments to go against him, thereby causing the burning down of his home and shrine and the fatal fracture of his mother’s (Funmilayo) legs that eventually led to her death.

SOME NIGERIAN MUSICIANS
Unarguably, Nigeria boasts of some of the finest, best, and biggest music stars in Africa and indeed the world as the country is known for her vibrant entertainment industry. These Nigerian musicians are not only making musical hits but also raking and accumulating significant wealth from endorsement deals with brands, concerts, smart business decisions, collaborative efforts with the biggest stars, running successful record labels, real estates investments, streaming platforms, and of course, selling their records.
These Nigerian stars include :

DAVIDO
David Adedeji Adeleke goes by the stage name DAVIDO.
Born November 1992 in Atlanta Georgia USA, Davido is a Nigerian whose father, Adedeji Adeleke is a rich Nigerian business man. His mother, Vero Adeleke was a University Lecturer.
Davido abandoned his University degree course in America to pursue a music career. He was much later to be enrolled at Babcock University where he graduated with a music degree in July 2015 after his father sponsored the school to establish a music department for a single – student inaugural class.

Davido has had a successful music career which started from his debut studio album, ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ released in 2012. This album was nominated as best album of the year at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Due to his endearing music prowess, Davido has had collaboration with international music stars like Chris Brown, Lil Baby, Nas, Nicky Minaj, to mention just a few. He had also colaborated with MTN, Guinness, and several other promotion engagements for such brands.
Like many of his production, FEM, one of his early songs gained 1.8 million YouTube views in less than 24 hours of release, making it the fastest growing Nigerian music video to do so at the time.
Davido has won numerous awards including three MTV, AMA, Best African Act. In addition to music, Davido has also appeared in some Nigerian films eg. ‘The Wedding Party 2’.

Davido’s business acumen is undoubtedly one of the best among Nigerian musicians, serving as the CEO of his own record label, ‘Davido Music Worldwide’
His Networth as at 2023 stands at $90 million, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in Nigeria.
His wealth enables him develop a penchant to spend on luxury by purchasing some of the most expensive cars in the world ranging from Rolls Royce, Bentley B, Mercedes G Class 450, Porsche 911 Carrera, a Lamborghini Huracan, and many more.
Davido also owns one of the most expensive private jets in the world, purchased for him by his father.
Davido has luxurious estates across the world including Georgia, Banana Island, Lekki to mention just a few.
A family man, Davido has 4 kids from his wives.

WIZKID
This kid, Ayodele Ibrahim Balogun known professionally as Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.
A prominent personality in the modern day Afrobeats music scene, Wizkid is one of the most commercially successful and influential artists from Nigeria. Because of his expertise in Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, R&B, hip hop and pop, he has acquired names like Lil Prinz, Wizzy, Starboy, Machala, Daddy Yo, Baba Nla, Big Wiz, and Eleniyan.

Wizkid began recording music at the age of 11, and released a collaborative album with a group of church friends in 2009.
In 2014, he went on to release his second studio album, ‘Ayo’ with the hit song ‘Jaiye Jaiye’ featuring Femi Kuti. This launched him further more to the limelight by becoming the first Nigerian to have over one million followers on Twitter. By that 2014 Wizkid had collaborated with world renown musicians including Barbadian singer Rihanna.
By 2016, Wizkid had achieved much international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the hit single ‘One Dance’ which reached number – one on the US Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in 14 additional countries.
This song broke multiple records, making Wizkid the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records.
By 2019, he was featured on Beyonce’s project ‘The Lion King : The Gift’ on the single ‘Brown Skin Girl’ which reached number – one on the World Digital Song Sales Chart, and won him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.
In 2020 Wizkid released his fourth album ‘Made in Lagos’, which received commercial acclaim and success, reaching number – one on the Billboard World Album Chart. The album includes the single ‘Essence’ featuring Tems, which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached the top ten following a remix released by Justin Bieber.

Wizkid, therefore became the youngest Nigerian musician to be a superstar, the title he holds to this day.
He is on record to have featured and collaborated with more musicians than any Nigerian musician.

WIZKID’S MUSICAL AWARDS
Wizkid awards and nominations knows no bounds.
His contributions to the Nigerian and world music industry have earned him several accolades including

• Grammy Award for Best Music Video
• He is the most awarded African artist at the BET Awards (4)
• American Music Awards (2)
• MTV Music Awards (1)
• Soul Train Awards (3)
• Billboard Awards (3)
• iHeartRadio Music Awards (2)
• MOBO Awards (6)
• Recipient of the ASCAP plague
• Guinness World Records (2)
• Cited as One of the top 100 most influential Africans by ‘African Magazine’ in 2019
• The most awarded artist in ‘The Headies’
• Nominated in the ‘Best Global Music Album’ in the 64th Grammy Awards.
• Nominated in the ‘Best Global Music Performance’ in 64th Grammy Awards.
• 2021 winner of the ‘Artist of the year Africa’ awards by Apple Music Awards.

WIZKID’S NETWORTH
As at 2023, Wizkid’s Networth stood at an impressive $70 million, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest musicians.
In terms of ranking, he remains consistently among the top both in popularity and earnings.

BURNA BOY
The flame continues to burn bright, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
He is more than just a musician – he is a symbol of cultural pride, an ambassador and influencer of global proportion.
From a hopeful artist in Nigeria to a globally recognized icon with a Networth of $45 million (2023), his journey encapsulates the essence of perseverance and passion.

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, he goes by the stage name Burna Boy. He spent his early years in Nigeria, absorbing the cultural richness that would later influence his music.
With a fusion of reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats, Burna Boy crafted his own brand of music “burning” the world like wildfire, producing musical albums like ‘Outside’, ‘African Giant’, ‘Twice as Tall’ – his Grammy – winning album.

A singer, songwriter and producer, Burna Boy had publicly performed severally on stage including at Lawlands, Biddinghuizen, and in Netherlands on 21st August, 2022.
Others include :
@ BET Awards at Microsoft Theatre on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles California USA.
@ Performed at London Stadium on June 3rd 2023.
@ Performed Live prior to the UEFA Championship league final match between Manchester United FC and FC Internazionale at Ataturk Olympics Stadium Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2023.

Burna Boy’s impact is also felt in his humanitarian efforts through various agencies.
His efforts in the fight against SARS, Advocacy for justice and equality. His ‘REACH NG’ initiative launched in response to the COVID – 19 Pandemic delivered food and other essentials to families in need throughout Nigeria.
This philanthropic commitments further illustrates Burna Boy’s dedication to uplifting his community through his music and money to influence society for meaningful change.

TIWA SAVAGE
Born in 1980 in Isale Oko, Lagos State, Tiwatope Savage who’s current Networth (2023) stands at $15 million is a British – Nigerian female musician and songwriter.
When Tiwa was 11 years old her family relocated to London, there she completed her Secondary school education. While attending secondary school, Tiwa was a trombone player for her school’s orchestra band.

Tiwa Savage started her music career as a backup singer for British singer George Michael and Mary J. Blige at the age of 16.
She also did backup for Chaka Khan, Kelly Clarkson, Andre Bocelli, M.S Dynamite, and Emma Bunton.
After her participation in the UK edition of ‘The X Factor’, and graduated from Berkeley College of Music, Tiwa Savage signed a publishing deal with Sonny / ATV Music in 2009.

According to music journalist Emmanuel David of Deluxepreneur, Tiwa holds a University degree in Accounting from the University of Kent, and later a degree in professional Music in 2007.
Tiwa had worked at The Royal Bank of Scotland.
She moved back to Nigeria where she signed with Don Jazzy record label – Mavin Records in 2012, and since then had become a global star.

As a songwriter, Tiwa had written for several musicians including Babyface, Kat Deluna, Fantasia, Monica, and Mya.
Tiwa’s collaboration with Fantasia on the song, ‘Collard Greens & Cornbread’ earned Fantasia a Grammy nomination in 2010.
Tiwa wrote Jaicko’s ‘Oh Yeah’, featuring legendary rapper Snoop Dogg, and Deluna’s ‘Push Push’ featuring singer Akon.
Tiwa also performed background vocals on Whitney Houston’s album ‘I look on to you’ (2009)

Married to Tunji Balogun (Tee Billz) in 2013, the marriage blessed with a child in 2015 hit the rocks in 2018 due to irreconciliable differences arising from accusations and counter claims of infidelity, abandonment, drug addiction, financial recklessness, etc.
Tiwa Savage has 4 albums to her credit :

• Once Upon a Time (2013)
• R.E.D (2015)
• Sugar Cane (2017)
• Celia (2020)
• Water and Gari (2021)
  A versatile singer and songwriter, Tiwa Savage sings in English and Yoruba.
  She has worked with great Nigerian artists including Don Jazzy, Spellz, Dr. Sid, Emtee, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Di’Ja, D’Prince, Wizkid, Iceberg, Slim, Olamide, Davido, Zlatan.
  Tiwa Savage’s contributions to the Nigerian Music industry have earned her several achievements both at home and abroad.
  She has been involved in youth empowerment and breast cancer awareness/screening projects, and has raised funds to build schools in Nigeria.

TIWA SAVAGE’S AWARDS
In 2018 Tiwa won the ‘Best African Act’ at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, making her to become the first Woman to win the category.
Her awards include the following :

• 2011 ‘Most Promising Act’ by Dynamix All Youths Awards.
• 2011’Most Stylish Female Artist’ by FAB Magazine Awards.
• 2011 ‘Best R&B Soul Song’ by Afrotainment Museke Online Music Awards.
• 2011 ‘Female Musician of the year’ by City People Entertainment Awards.
• 2014 ‘Musician of the year’ (Female) by City People Entertainment Awards.
• 2012 ‘Most Gifted R&B Music Video of the year’ by Channel O Music Video Awards.
• 2014 ‘Most Gifted Female’ – Eminado (featuring Don Jazzy) by Channel O Music Video Awards.
• 2012 ‘Best Vocal Performance (female) by Headies Awards.
• 2014 ‘Best Reggae / Dancehall Single’ by Headies Awards.
• 2018 ‘Best Collaboration’ – Ma Lo (featuring Wizkid) by Headies Awards.
• 2012 ‘Best Highlife’ (Ife Wa Gbona) by Nigerian music video Awards.
• 2014 ‘Best Female’ by MTV Afrca Music Awards.
• 2014 ‘Best Female West Africa’ by Africa Musik Magazine Awards.
• 2014 ‘Best Pop/R&B Artist of the year’ by Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
• 2014 ‘Female Artist of the year’ by Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
• 2015 ‘Best Collaboration song’ Patoranking featuring Tiwa Savage by Coson Song Awards.
• 2017 ‘Best Female West Africa’ by AFRIMA.
• 2018 ‘Best Female West Africa’ by AFRIMA
• 2019 ‘Best Female West Africa’ by AFRIMA.
• 2018 ‘Best African Act’ by MTV Europe àà
  Music Awards.
• 2020 ‘African Video of the year’ – (49 – 99) by Sound City MVP Awards.
• 2023 – Tiwa Savage performed at the Coronation of Prince Charles as King of England.

KIZ DANIEL
To merit mention, Kizz Daniel’s ‘Buga’ hits its first 100 million views on YouTube by 11th December 2022.
Aside from that, Buga music is breaking records as it defies language barrier and music genre.
In addition, the Buga vibes has become an anthem as both young and old, rich and poor, leaders and followers, the clergy, religious, and the laity are not left out in deriving fun from this ‘Buga craze’.
Hardly any successful ceremony is conducted without the DJ thrilling the invited guests with doses of Buga.
It is reported that even kidnappers/gunmen use Buga music to celebrate their victories while sharing the spoils amongst themselves.
Born on May 1994, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe (Kizz Daniel) is a successful singer and songwriter. He is best known for his singles ‘Woju’ and ‘Yeba’. He went by the stage name ‘Kiss’ which he changed to ‘Kizz’ in 2018. Has been in active music since 2014.

ASAKE
Born on January 1995, Ahmed Ololade is a Nigerian singer and songwriter,
He is popularly known with Asake as his stage name and has been active in music since 2018. His stage name of Asake is a tribute to his mother Who’s first name is Asake.
Some of his songs include Sungba (2022), Bandana (2022).

OXLADE
Born on April 1997, Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulraham who’s stage name is Oxlade is a singer and songwriter signed to Tronic music, Epic Records in France, and Fuenlabrada Records in the UK. He rose to prominence with the release of the song ‘Away’ which appeared on Rolling Stones 50 best songs of 2020. Some of his songs include ‘Ku Lo Sa'(2022), Ojuju (2021), and Oxygene (2020).
He was named the first Pandora Africa’s Next Artist in July 2022.

TOP TEN (10) NIGERIAN MUSICIANS ($) 2023

1. Davido – $90 million
2. Wizkid – $70 million
3. Don Jazzy – $55 million
4. Burna Boy – $40 million
5. Timaya – $35 million
6. D’banj – $30 million
7. 2 Face Idibia – $27 million
8. Flavor – $23 million
9. Olamide – $21 million
10. Phyno – $20 million

TOP 10 NIGERIAN MUSICIANS $ – 2024

1. Wizkid – $70 million
2. Davido – $60 million
3. Burna Boy – $50 million
4. Don Jazzy – $45 million
5. Olamide – $40 million
6. Tiwa Savage – $35 million
7. Phyno – $28 million
8. 2Baba – $25 million
9. Timaya – $23 million
10. Rema – $20 million

CONCLUDING REMARKS
Nigerian music drive and vibes is positively “ravaging” the world music skyline like wildfire, so much such that Nigerian musicians are the most sought after in the world.
In the words of a one time Minister of Infomation and Culture Alhaji Lai Muhammed “The Davidos and Wizkids of this world have really shown the world that Nigeria is a hub of the music and creative industry.”
The impact is to the extent where such influence is expected to make foreign and local investors who had abandoned Nigeria bring back their investment.
In the light of this, the government should look for more ways to support the music industry in form of funding, direct investment in record labels, credit/loan facility, and allied businesses. This will go a long way towards more global and foreign investment in Nigeria.
If this happens the combination of the political gains with the high music industry revenue will revitalize the Nigerian economy towards the provission of jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerian youths.
It therefore remains to be seen whether the Nigerian government will cease this lucrative opportunity by enhancing the creativity in the music industry or allow such benefits to pass us by.
Time shall tell.

Peace 🙏
25/1/2025