The Nigerian music business continues to grow as our musicians earn international recognition for their own musical skills.
HowNG is here to tell its readers about great musicians who have landed one or more international deals, spreading the tentacles of culture and ethnic rhythms.
1. Patoranking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking, first signed with Igberaga Records in 2010.
In 2014, he moved to Foston Musik and then to VP Records, a New York City independent label founded by Caribbean people. The label is well-known for releasing reggae-dancehall songs in the Patoranking style.
His most recent album, ‘World Best,’ was released by VP Records.
2. Pheelz
Pheelz is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who began his career as a record producer with Olamide’s YBNL.
He has collaborated with a number of artists, including Davido, Usher, Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Teni, Tiwa Savage, and Olamide himself.
Following the success of his hit single ‘Finesse,’ he inked a deal with Warner Records in 2022.
3. Seyi Shay
Seyi Shay is a British-Nigerian singer-songwriter. Her aural ability to mix Afropop and R&B in her tracks sets her apart.
After signing a global recording contract with Island Record, a multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group, she released her debut album, Seyi or Shay, in 2015.
Since then, the diva has stayed relevant in the music industry. She was a talent show judge for the well-known Nigerian Idol talent quest and received several sponsorship deals.
4. Tiwa Savage
The Kele Kele Love breakout artist signed a writing and distribution deal with Universal Music’s Motown Records subsidiary after seven years with Mavin Records.
On May 2, 2019, Universal Music Group revealed that Tiwa Savage had signed a seven-year publishing and distribution deal with them.
After signing with Universal Music, she released “49-99,” followed by “Attention,” and “Owo mi da.”
5. Asa
Bukola Elemide, better known by his stage name Asa, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prominent performers.
The Nigerian-French artist, songwriter, and performer is being mentored globally and has signed with Paris-based Nave Records.
Asa is a Sony BMG recording artist as well. Asa’s contract allows her cutting-edge sound to span borders.
Her album Beautiful Imperfection, which she recorded with French artist Nicolas Mollard in 2010, was certified platinum in 2011.
V, her most recent album, was released on February 25, 2022. Top Nigerian talents such as Grammy winner Wizkid, Nigerian highlife group The Cavemen, and Ghanaian artist Amaarae make appearances on the 10-track studio album.
6. Brymo
Brymo is a Nigerian singer and composer born Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi.
His initial record contract was with Chocolate City in 2010, but he left in 2015 to secure a new recording and distribution agreement with Tate Music Group, a US-based music company. He combines Fuji, R&B, Rock, and Pop.
7. Olamide
Olamide is one of Nigeria’s most successful record label proprietors. Olamide created YBNL in 2012, nurturing musicians such as Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, and Fireboy DML.
He recently signed a deal with Empire, a big international record label and distributor. All YBNL artists will profit from global circulation of their music as a result of this collaboration.
8. Wizkid
Wizkid signed a multi-album deal with Sony Music’s RCA Record label in 2017. After quitting EME Records and launching Starboy Entertainment, he eventually inked this deal.
Following the release of a remix of WizKid’s 2015 breakthrough single “Ojuelegba” by American rap superstars Drake and Skepta, which became a global sensation and gave the singer international renown, the contract was finalized amid much expectation.
Following his contract with Sony Records, his third studio album, “Sounds from the Other Side,” was released not long after.
9. Burna Boy
Burna Boy was originally signed to Nigeria’s Aristokrat Records, but left in 2014. Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the US and Warner Music Group worldwide in 2017.
In addition, he released his studio album “Outside” in 2017 to honor his major-label debut. He also signed a publishing deal with Universal Records in 2018.
10. Davido
Davido got signed to Sony Music via RCA Records in 2016. He made history by becoming the first Nigerian musician to sign an international record contract.
He has now expanded into the music industry by founding his record company, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), and mentoring a couple of the country’s budding stars.