Last weekend, Canadian rapper, Drake was awarded the artist of the Decade by the Billboard.
That is, he’s the single biggest musical act within the past ten years. At least, the charts and numbers prove that.
This important event has again opened up conversations about who the Nigerian artist of the decade is, across social media and other music spaces.
Some people have argued that other artistes other than Wizkid, Davido and Olamide be considered.
Who then is the Nigerian artist of the decade? Keep in mind that the year we’re looking at is from 2011 — 2020.
That is, an artist must have been active for at least, a majority of that time to be even considered.
Said artist must have influence, must have had hits of course, must be relevant to the culture and must have released some critically acclaimed projects within that period.
Here’s a list of 10 artists that have been shortlisted for the award.
• Wizkid
WizKid came to limelight after his “Superstar” debut became an instant classic in 2011.
Four studio albums later, he’s one of the biggest artists all over Africa. It’s there for all to see.
• Davido
Immediately you hear WizKid, Davido is around the corner.
He alongside WizKid have been like the Messi and Ronaldo of the Nigerian music industry. He’s got the numbers, the fans, the hits, everything.
• Olamide
Olamide has been here for ten years and he’s been very very consistent.
Eight studio albums, hundreds of hits, one joint album with Phyno, one label compilation tape and one EP’s, Olamide is still here and still giving us back-to-back.
• Burna Boy
How Burna Boy went from just a dancehall guy everyone liked to the Afrobeats star everyone has no choice but to like, is unprecedented.
He’s a generational talent. And, his consistency in the industry can only be compared to that of Olamide.
• Tiwa Savage
From Don Jazzy‘s girl, to Jay Z‘s Roc Nation, to the biggest female artist in Africa. What a ride!
If her last album “Celia” proved anything, it’s that she’ll still be here, five, ten years from now. That’s something, if you ask me.
• 2Baba
2Baba has been here for two decades now, and that’s just mad. His consistency is on another level.
Thisis a man still making big hits like “Opo” in this TikTok generation. Maximum respect!
• Timaya
Timaya is the biggest artist from the South, for real. He made hits, made banger albums, made a lot of money too.
And even in 2020, this man is still making albums! Easily one of the contenders for artist of the decade in my opinion.
• Phyno
Igbo rap has existed before Phyno, but Phyno made it cool.
When Phyno was out here doing it, everyone wanted to rap in Igbo. Even Olamide was out here saying “nwanne.” Phyno is a god!
• Simi
Best album, two years in a row. You know why? Simi is simply one of the best singers we have in this industry, that’s why. No brainer.
• D’banj
Let’s be honest, D’banj is the one that started this international wave everyone is currently on right now.
He’s one of the most important figures in African music, and that’s not even up for debate.
So, you decide.
Who’s The Biggest Artist Of The Past Decade?
Drop a comment.
Let’s hear from you all.
Leave a Reply