10 Music stars to watch in 2014

Olamide

No doubt, the Nigerian music industry witnessed a deluge of emerging and already established artistes that sparkled and sizzled throughout 2013. While many artistes were topping music charts nationwide, some were banging in endorsements and rocking major shows round the country. Amazingly, some have been tipped to continue with their dominance, others are expected to hit limelight again despite fumbling in 2013.

  We bring you the exclusive and authentic list of the top 10 music stars that will headline 2014.

 

MI ABAGA

The self styled African Rapper number one has had a quiet few years musically by his huge standards.

Breaking into the scene with his debut album Talk About It and his follow up mixtape Illegal Music, MI Abaga broke all grounds in the Nigerian rap scene.

With his fluency, laid flows and clear lyrics, MI opened new doors for Nigerian rappers as they tried to become commercially successful.

Since his record breaking sophomore, MI 2: The Movie MI has gone quiet over the last three years. Though his relevance still remains intact-his numerous endorsements is a testament- fans have waited patiently for a third album from MI which will somehow seal his invisibility. The incessant postponement of the album which has been entitled Chairman has not gone down well with his fans. It is however one of the most anticipated albums coming out this year.

His collaboration with long time enemy Kelly Hansome, Drake and Kanye, makes it a must look out for in 2014.

 

Wande Coal
After his highly successful debut album, Mushin to Mo’Hits, the Lagos born singer has been off the charts for a while. It has been alleged that he was the biggest victim of the Dbanj star power in their defunct label, with many accusing D Banj of solely wanting Don Jazzy all to himself which affected the career of the whole crew notably Wande Coal. With Dbanj out of the picture, the singer staged a comeback in 2012, with the release of three singles and also the compilation album by the Mavin crew. Having parted ways with Mavin Records, the singer shone with a few singles in 2013 and still has one of the most anticipated forthcoming albums in the Nigerian music industry this 2014.

  

TUFACE IDIBIA

He is regarded as the biggest contemporary music art in Africa and a new album from ‘Tubaba’ is one of the most anticipated projects in the Africa music scene in the New Year.

Having released his last album Away and Beyond in 2012, music buffs expect a new album from the “African Queen” crooner in 2014 after finishing 2013 without a major solo work.

His nuptial which held both in Nigeria and Dubai rather than his music made major headlines across the media.

 

SEYI SHAY

The newly crowned Etisalat Ambassador is gradually on her way to the top echelon of the Nigerian music industry. She was the lead singer of British Pop/R&B girl group, called From Above, which was signed to Sony/Columbia Record Company and Music Entertainment owned by Beyonce’s father, Matthew Knowles before relocating to Nigeria to continue her music career. With her CV boasting of tour appearances with P.Diddy and Beyonce, and song writing for a number of industry heavy weights like Justin Timberlake, Brian Michael Cox and Michelle Williams, the singer/songwriter and producer is poised to release her debut album soon under Flytime Music. After some decent singles like “Irawo’ and “Ur Way” her coming debut album has been tipped to light up 2014.

 

WIZKID

The Empire Mate Entertainment (EME) act has been the revelation of past years since the release of his debut album. Though without a major solo project in recent time, the Pakurumo crooner still shone in his featured projects in 2012 and continued in 2013. He was the stand out star in the EME’s State of Mind album of 2012 and fans and critics alike are looking forward to what 2014 has in store for the young crooner. Songs with international stars like Wale, Game, Akon and Young Jeezy are among projects fans are looking forward to in this New Year.

 

FLAVOUR

He was unarguably the most featured act the past years and that trend is set to continue in the New Year. After a successful 2010 sophomore album which had many hit songs, the Anambra State born artiste in October 2012 released his third album, which had hit tracks like Baby Oku, Shake and Ada Ada. The album was launched alongside his Night Club ‘2nite Club’ in Enugu at Toscana Hotels. Flavour is set to continue with his shine in 2014 when he’s also expected to release another album.

 

DON JAZZY

As the biggest music producer in Nigeria and possibly Africa, Don Jazzy’s bag of talents is full of tricks and surprises. After overseeing the successful debut album of Tiwa Savage and another decent project from Dr Sid, Don Jazzy is expected to still thrill music lovers to some hit songs and beats.

Despite parting ways with Wande Coal, the MTN Ambassador is still expected to contribute to the much anticipated album from ‘Black Diamond’ while collaboration with former partner D’banj tops the New Year expectation list.

Shortage of artistes in his Mavin led Record label has made many to tip him to once again discover a young act who will take over the industry in 2014.  

 

OLAMIDE

He ruled the music scene in 2012 and 2013 and despite two albums in one year; the “Durosoke” rapper is not tired and is expected to also take 2014 by full force.

Hit collaborations and another album are all expected from the Ogun State born rapper.

 

PHYNO

Though there have been a number of Igbo Language lyricists over the years, nobody has however made that genre appealing to the non Igbo listeners like Phyno. Azubuike Chibuzor popularly known as Phyno has found a working formula for himself which has made him one of the rappers to look out for in 2014.

After huge success with his singles “Ghost Mode” and ‘Man of the Year” music lovers are patiently waiting for his debut album in the new year. 

 

DAVIDO

 

With the release of his successful debut album, Omo Baba Olowo (OBO) which had hit singles like “Dami Duro”, “Ekuro” and “Back When”, the singer has refused to wane in his quest to become Nigeria’s biggest Pop star.

With a purported rivalry with fellow young gun Wizkid finally dwindling, the Osun State-born singer has settled into his art and has since continued his dominance of the Nigerian Pop scene. The MTN Ambassador is now set to continue in 2014 as he has been tipped to release his sophomore album in 2014. Considering the success of his debut album in 2012, Davido will sure continue to shine in 2014.

 By STEVE DEDE