They ruled music scene 2013

Some artistes clearly outshone their colleagues and drew the attention of most music fans in 2013, writes Jayne Augoye

 In 2013, quite a number of artistes made their mark on the music scene. But, a few stood out on account of their ingenuity and enjoyed higher rating than the others.

They include  Wizkid, Ice Prince, Kcee, Flavour, Inyanya, Olamide, Burna Boy and Phyno, among others.

 BURNA BOY

 He made newspaper headlines after reports emerged that he sold the marketing rights to his debut album, ‘Leaving an impact for eternity’ for N10m to popular Alaba music and movie marketer, Uba Pacific.

The album is also said to have made a record sale of 40,000 units on the day of its release.

The singer, who has the backing of his grandfather, Benson Idonije, who was the manager of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was made a Globacom ambassador this year.

Armed with his unique style of music, which is a deviation from the norm, he has proved that sometimes, it pays to resist the band-wagon effect.

With “Like to party” track and video fashioned after Shaba Ranks’ style of music, the singer hit the music scene with a bang.

During 2013 Felabration, the young act performed to a large crowd in his underpants.

The performance will linger in the memories of music fans for many years to come.

KCEE

Kingsley Okonkwo’s decision to part ways with his partner of 12 years, Presh, to pursue a solo music career in May 2011, is proving to be profitable, after all. Fortune and fame have eventually smiled on him, as Limpopo, the eighth single since the breakup, infiltrated the airwaves early in the year.

Despite the fact that many listeners have no idea what Limpopo actually stands for, it remains a hit. He successfully gave music fans what will probably end up being one of the top three songs of 2013 and followed it up with another, Okoso.

Without doubt, the light-skinned artiste is having a great time. He recently bagged a multi-million naira endorsement deal from telecommunications company, MTN, and purchased  a brand new 2013 Range Rover and BMW X6 cars.

 FLAVOUR

Aptly dubbed the ‘Rock Star of Nigerian music’, Flavour enjoyed sold out concerts in the US, Australia and Burkina Faso during the year. He also dropped some hits like Ada Ada, Shake and Chinny Baby. His star-studded Ada Ada video remains a reference point in the Nigerian music industry.

His scintillating, dance steps coupled with the sex appeal which he oozes to the female folk, has made the singer irresistible to many people.

Described as one of the fastest rising musicians in Africa, who remains relatively unsung in Nigeria, he  bagged four awards including the biggest award of the night – ‘Video of the Year, .at the 2013 Nigerian music video awards.

Limpopo master, Kcee, rates him as the richest Nigerian artiste unknown to many.

 IYANYA

Rave of the moment, Iyanya, initially made news headlines due to his failed romance with two popular actresses. Fortunately, Kukere has taken him to the next level.

The singer who considers 2013 his best year ever, sealed mouth-watering endorsement deals with MTN, Zinox Computers and Solo Phones, while his appearance fees also tripled in 2013.

In addition, he recently expanded his fan base after touring the USA and UK during the Spring of 2013. Rumour has it that top promoters and DJs in the States say the artiste’s USA tour has been the most successful by a contemporary Nigerian artiste in the past five years.

 OLAMIDE

He is, no doubt, one of the most sought-after hip-hop artistes in Nigeria. Admired for his consistency, Badoo has succeeded in filling the vacuum created by the death of rap sensation, Dagrin.

The alternative rapper, who has redefined the word ‘Razz’ as the new cool, has been described as the ‘king of the streets’. He recently signed a multimillion naira endorsement deal with the makers of Ciroc ultra premium vodka and Etisalat.

The rapper’s many hit songs include Jale, Street Love, Jesu O kola, Durosoke, Stupid Love, First of All and Ilefo Illuminati.

The 24-year-old star acquired a brand new 2013 Range Rover Sport. He also topped the winners’ list at the 2013 Nigerian Entertainment Awards in New York, US, with three awards.

The wordsmith who is clearly good with metaphors, is a delight to watch anyday, anytime.

 ICE PRINCE

He gained international recognition after beating 2face Idibia to the Best International Act Award at the BET Awards. He recently moved to a bigger apartment in the Ogudu area, after completing a mansion in his hometown, Jos. The buzz around him got louder after he appeared in Yvonne Nelson’s ‘House of Gold’ alongside Ghanaian actor, Majid Michael.

Twenty-six-year-old Ice Prince lives like a true superstar and has generated a lot of buzz and hype for himself. A proud owner of a 2010 model of Bentley GT, a Range Rover SUV, among many others, the Chocolate City Records ‘golden boy’ continues to witness a steady rise since his mega-hit, ‘Oleku’ was released.

His Fire of Zamani album launch concert hosted by former lawmaker and current Chief to the Edo State Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon, was reportedly sold-out.

 
WIZKID

 A string of endorsement deals, including one from MTN, has seen Wizkid make the list of big earning music artistes in Nigeria. At present, he is the highest paid Pepsi Ambassador in Africa and lives in a N140m choice home in Lekki, Lagos.

The talented singer, songwriter and performer has emerged and remained one of Nigeria’s hottest music acts, seven years after he broke into the Nigerian music scene. His talent has taken him to different parts of the world and seen him perform alongside world class artistes such as Chris Brown, Akon, Young Jeezy, and Kardinal Official.

Wizkid’s position on the African music chart was further justified after he made it to the Channel O/Forbes List of Bankable African Artistes.

Mentioned alongside big weights like Don Jazzy, Psquare and D’banj, he was placed ahead of Tuface Idibia on the list.

Early in the year, he threw a free appreciation party for his fans at the New African Shrine.  He has the BET, MTV, Channel O and Ghana Music Awards to his credit. His Jaiye Jaiye video, which features Femi Kuti was a hit in the year under review.

 PHYNO

Azubuike Chibuzo aka Pyhno is said to have stepped into the shoes of foremost Igbo rapper, Mr. Raw, with his unique delivery of rap music. The light skinned, Anambara state born rapper, who has been doing his thing for nine years working with the likes of Timaya, illbliss, M.I, Mr Raw, Bracket and Flavour, raps in his native Igbo language with so much finesse.