In 2016, Wizkid achieved international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the global hit, “One Dance”, which reached number one in 15 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In addition to his solo work, Wizkid has collaborated with several other artists and was featured on the hits “Girl” (with Bracket), “Fine Lady” (with Lynxxx), “Sexy Mama” (with Iyanya), “Slow Down” (with R2Bees), “The Matter” (with Maleek Berry), “Pull Over” (with KCee) and “Bad Girl” (with Jesse Jagz). Moreover, he became the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to Drake’s hit song “One Dance”

Burna Boy was born Damini Ogulu in Lagos in 1991. He began making music at just ten years old when a fellow classmate at school gave him a copy of the production software FruityLoops. Armed with these means, he began to create his own beats on an old computer.

After he graduated, he moved to London to attend university, but he dropped out after two years and moved back to Nigeria. In 2010, the 19-year-old Ogulu traveled to Nigeria’s southern coast, where a mutual acquaintance, producer LeriQ, had some studio space. This marked a period when he began to connect to the music of his native country, having spent most of his youth immersed in American acts like DMX.

He delved into the dancehall and reggae music his father listened to and explored the Afro-beat music preferred by his grandfather (who had also been Fela Kuti’s first manager). As a result of his new discoveries, Ogulu created a confluence of genres that would become his signature sound.

With production by LeriQ, Burna Boy created “Like to Party,” which marked his rise to prominence and generated a local buzz along the way. 2013 saw the release of his debut studio album; featuring guest slots from Wizkid, Timaya, 2face, and M.I., L.I.F.E drew favorable reviews from the music press. For his sophomore effort, 2015’s On a Spaceship, Burna parted ways with both his record company and LeriQ, and delivered a record even more diverse than his first. In 2017, he teamed up with producer Juls for the single “Rock Your Body.” A host of singles followed throughout the year, including “GBA,” “Streets of Africa,” “Koni Baje,” and “Sekkle Down,” featuring J Hus. Dropping the Lily Allen-aided single “Heaven’s Gate” in early January 2018, Burna delivered his third album, Outside, later that month. He returned a year later with the single “Killin Dem,” a collaboration with Zlatan. Along with additional singles like “Dangote” and “On the Low,” it was later included on his fourth album, African Giant, which saw release in July 2019.

Burna Boy was born Damini Ogulu in Lagos in 1991. He began making music at just ten years old when a fellow classmate at school gave him a copy of the production software FruityLoops. Armed with these means, he began to create his own beats on an old computer. After he graduated, he moved to London to attend university, but he dropped out after two years and moved back to Nigeria. In 2010, the 19-year-old Ogulu traveled to Nigeria’s southern coast, where a mutual acquaintance, producer LeriQ, had some studio space. This marked a period when he began to connect to the music of his native country, having spent most of his youth immersed in American acts like DMX. He delved into the dancehall and reggae music his father listened to, and explored the Afro-beat music preferred by his grandfather (who had also been Fela Kuti‘s first manager). As a result of his new discoveries, Ogulu created a confluence of genres that would become his signature sound.

With production by LeriQ, Burna Boy created “Like to Party,” which marked his rise to prominence and generated a local buzz along the way. 2013 saw the release of his debut studio album; featuring guest slots from Wizkid, Timaya, 2face, and M.I., L.I.F.E drew favorable reviews from the music press. For his sophomore effort, 2015’s On a Spaceship, Burna parted ways with both his record company and LeriQ, and delivered a record even more diverse than his first. In 2017, he teamed up with producer Juls for the single “Rock Your Body.” A host of singles followed throughout the year, including “GBA,” “Streets of Africa,” “Koni Baje,” and “Sekkle Down,” featuring J Hus. Dropping the Lily Allen-aided single “Heaven’s Gate” in early January 2018, Burna delivered his third album, Outside, later that month. He returned a year later with the single “Killin Dem,” a collaboration with Zlatan. Along with additional singles like “Dangote” and “On the Low,” it was later included on his fourth album, African Giant, which saw release in July 2019.

Maleek Berry is one of the UK’s rising producers. Born in the heart of South London, Berry – real name Maleek Shoyebi – grew up listening to some of the biggest names in R&B from Tevin Campbell, Boyz II Men, Jodeci and of course the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It was at this time, at just the tender age of 14 that he saw young stars break into the American music industry. Although worlds apart from the shores of London this did not deter him, but rather spark his ever growing love of the music industry.

Like most, Berry started off his career in the church, forming a group with two close friends. Managing to get his hands on a little pre-production setup – Fruity Loops – the group began writing, producing and performing their own songs at the ages of 14 and 15, only to disband at 16. However, the experience didn’t leave Berry disillusioned, as he was the brains behind a lot of the group’s records and they all remain very close till this day.

Fast Forward to 2009, Berry spent years working on his craft in between formal education – attaining a Bachelors degree in Computer Science – learning to play the piano by ear, which has played a major part in the maturity of his sound. Even with this big achievement, he knew deep down what his true calling was – music.

Upon meeting IKES, a rapper hailing from North London the two just clicked and began working on records together and would soon become Berry’s long term partner in his musical career. Since then he’s gone on to produce records for some of the hottest UK acts such as S.A.S, Bigz, Scorcher, Jermaine Riley (Formally of FDM) and the list continues to grow as we speak.

Being the creative soul that he is, Maleek Berry wasn’t satisfied with only working on his home turf, but wanted to spread his wings to the Motherland. In the summer of 2011, he flew out to Nigeria for a family holiday but managed to take advantage of this trip and make great connections that would later change his status into an international producer.

Through a good friend and artist Davido, Berry was able to spark relationships with artists such as Wizkid , Naeto C, Wande Coal. He also went on the produce the hit ‘Carolina’ (one of the biggest singles in Nigeria in 2011/2012) by Sauce Kid featuring Davido, which ushered Sauce Kid back into the Nigerian music scene after a brief hiatus and his recent smash hit single “The Matter” Featuring Wizkid. Maleek Berry is currently signed with Wizkid’s Starboy Entertainment and has gone on to produce hits such as “Baby Hello” for Wande Coal, “Finito” for Iyanya and “Ye Play” for UK Afrobeat star Fuse ODG.

Even with all his achievements to date, who knows what the future holds for this young producer. In his own words, he plans to, “Create timeless music that will hopefully last longer than his generation“.

Birth Name: Maleek Shoyebi

Born: August 11

Genre: Afrobeat/ Pop/ R&B/ Hip-Hop Producer

In a short space of time, Davido has developed a huge fan base worldwide and the young fresh talent’s first single “Back When” featuring Naeto C, enjoyed massive media attention and airplay online, on radio and TV. Within no time Davido took us by storm when he released Dami Duro, which has been said to be one of Nigeria’s biggest hits ever. Without a doubt, dami duro has become a leading club song as well as one of radio’s most played songs.

As a versatile artiste, Davido is able to adapt to a variety of beats produced by other producers. However, this is a craft he has succeeded in mastering himself and has produced numerous jams for himself and other artists.

Often asked where his inspiration as a producer comes from, David explains “… I like it when people are happy and when they can dance to my music!”

In January 2016, Davido announced via Twitter that he signed a record deal with Sony BMG.

Birth Name: David Adeleke

Born: Nov 21

Genre: Afropop

Tekno Miles is the youngest member of the Made Men Music Group (Triple MG). He’s often referred to as the “Chris Brown of Nigerian music” due to his talent as a singer and dancer. He’s from a family of 1 sister and 4 brothers from Ebonyi State.

Tekno has been playing the piano from the tender age of 8 when his father enrolled him into a music class, and then went on to learn how to play other instruments like drums and guitar.

He was initially signed under K.Money before signing with Triple MG.

Birth Name: Augustine “Miles” Kelechi

Born: December 17, 1992

Genre: Afrobeat/ Afropop

Career Beginnings
Falz journey into music started from his secondary school days. He took it to another level in 2007, when he strung together a mixtape titled:’ Shakara’. He has been identified as a great talent by music veterans like Eldee, Don Jazzy and M.I.He is known for his trademark witty punch lines, infusion of local dialects, and comedic lines which seem to stand him out.

With the release of his single ‘High Class’ produced by Studio Magic, Falz is gearing up for rap domination.
Falz took up Rap as a hobby towards the end of his secondary school education. Growing up listening to the likes of Nigerian legends Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Trybesmen, Plantashun Boiz, he gradually unraveled his talent in music.

He continued to release hit singles like ‘Wazup Guy’ (2011), ‘High Class'(2013) and ‘Currency’ (2013) before officially releasing his debut studio album titled ‘Wazup Guy’ in May 2014. The album features the likes of Olamide, Yemi Alade, Dr. Sid and many more.
Falz’ trademark style has been described as a fusion of witty lines and comedic tones on indigenous Nigerian sounds thus setting him in a lane of his own.

During an Interview ….. Falz was asked about his views on The Nigeria Music Industry and the level of competition he is experiencing.. this was his reply;
“I believe what you have to do in a scene such as this is to be unique. And I think my music is very unique. The infusion of comic lyrics, which people can easily relate with, with a lot of old school jam and contemporary hip-hop is what makes my brand of music very unique. It is very different from what any other artiste out there does”.

Recognition and Releases

In 2016, Falz won “Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series” at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for his role as Segun in Funke Akindele’s TV series Jenifa’s Diary. In June of 2016, Falz was voted the winner of the “Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act” category at the 2016 BET Awards. On October 27, 2016, Falz collaborated with Simi to release Chemistry, a 7-track EP solely produced by Sess. The EP was released after he had previously worked with Simi on two singles titled “Jamb Question” and “Soldier”.

Awards And Nominations

Scream Awards 2014 (Best New Act). Also, he was nominated for the 10th edition in the Best New Act Category for the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015

Endorsement
Fast rising singer, rapper and comedian, Falz The Bahd Guy signed an endorsement Car sales site Cheki, he went ahead to pen yet another deal with WebMAllNG. as an official brand ambassador of the online shopping store for clothes, footwear, electronics, mobile phones, laptops, books, toys. On February 2015 he signed a deal with online Fashion retailer, Jay Osibe.

Birth Name: Folarin Falana
Born: October 27, 1990

Genre: Afro Hip-Hop/Rap

Kiss Daniel was born Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe in Ogun state, Nigeria. He hails from Abeokuta North local government area. He graduated from federal university of agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2013, with a degree in the Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology (Water Engineering). While in university, he decided to pursue music as a career alongside his studies

Kiss Daniel showed an interest in music from an early age and was encouraged by his father. He started his music career professionally 2013 after his tertiary education when he came across G-Worldwide Entertainment CEO, Emperor Geezy. After being signed to G-Worldwide entertainment, he released his first official single “Shoye” which was produced by Beatburx on May 1, 2014, along with a music video was directed by MEX. Daniel released his second single “Woju”, produced by Dj Coublon on September 1, 2014. The video for Woju, released by Adasa Cookey, was shot in Lagos, Nigeria. The song spent eleven weeks on the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten, including six weeks at the number one spot.

Daniel then recorded and released a remix of “Woju” featuring Tiwa Savage and Davido. “Woju” and its remix peaked at Number 1 and Number 2 respectively on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10, the first time that an original song and its remix would peak at the first and second positions on the chart. A cover of the song performed by 2face Idibia appeared online.

In May 2015, Daniel released a third follow up single “Laye” on his birthday, along with a video two weeks later which was shot in different locations in the eastern part of Africa and was directed by AJE FILMS.

Birth Name: Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe

Born: May 1, 1994

Genre: Afropop

Yemi Eberechi Alade was born on March 13, 1989 in Abia State, Nigeria. Her father James Alade is of Yoruba origin while her mother Helen Uzoma is of Igbo origin resulting in her being referred to as “Yoruba-Igbo girl”. Alade is the fifth out of the seven children in her family. Her sister is the famous Jessica Ejiofor, known as Stelea. She attended St Saviour British Primary School, then went on to Victory Grammar School, Lagos, before obtaining a degree in Geography at the University of Lagos.

Yemi Alade made her debut in a girl group named Noty Spices in 2005. Her musical discovery began after she won the Peak Talent Show in 2009. She later released her first single “Fimisile” under the Jus’ Kiddin’ label.

In 2012, she signed to music label Effyzzie Music Group and released her single “Ghen Ghen Love”.

In July of 2013, Alade released the emotive video for her romantic afro-R&B “Bamboo”, produced by Fliptyce. “Bamboo” went on to be a moderate hit and a massive love and wedding anthem. In the last quarter of 2013, she broke records when her most recent hit single, “Johnny”, produced by Selebobo, was leaked on the internet. The dance number received major critical acclaim and became an instant smash hit, topping and dominating countless music charts across the globe. It been listed as one of the best songs of 2013 despite the fact it was released towards the end of the year without a video. Alade has featured on the covers of a number of magazines and has performed around the world, sharing the stage and songs with Mary J. Blige, Shina Peters, M.I, Wizkid, Becca, May D, Waje and Yemi Sax, headlined the Super Diva’s Nite at the 2013 Calabar Festival, and also was called upon to open the 2013 edition of the televised Headies Awards ceremony (popularly referred to as the “Nigerian Grammys”) with an electrifying performance.

In 2014, Alade was featured on Yung6ix’s album on the critically acclaimed track “Lights” and also on the remix of the smash hit “Sebiwo” by Beninese afropop star Lace. Alade teamed up with award-winning cinematographer Clarence Peters to create movie-like visuals for her international smash hit “Johnny”. The music video for “Johnny” was released in March 2014 to critical acclaim and now has more than 16 million views on VeVo/YouTube. “Johnny” became an international smash hit as the single dominated the top of music charts and became an anthem in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, The United Kingdom and more.

Yemi Alade joined M.I. Waje, Timi Dakolo and Burna Boy on the UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 theme song for the Port Harcourt World Book Capital, a project urging the new generation to read and stay in school. Shortly after that Alade released a new single entitled “Tangerine”, featuring Selebobo; the critically acclaimed track charted across Africa. She also appeared on Falz’ debut album as a guest artist.

She released her debut album, King of Queens, on 2 October 2014 and had a tour to go with it.

Birth Name: Yemi Eberechi Alade

Born: March 13 1989

Genre: Afro Pop

Teni attended Apata Memorial High School. She has a degree in Business Administration from American InterContinental University.

Teni is the younger sister of popular Nigerian singer Niniola.

Teni was previously signed to Magic Fingers Records but then signed to Osadolor Nate Asemota Dr. Dolor Entertainment in 2017. She has also worked with Shizzi.

The Up Next program is created by Apple to support rising artistes. Each month ‘Up Next’ selects a rising artist for which Apple Music uses all its resources to give their music visibility to new audiences. This will include an introductory documentary shot on the artiste, an audio EP from a live session which will include an interview and live performance on Beats 1 and an appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden which Apple Music partnered with.

Speaking about the collaboration in his Beats 1 interview with Julie Adenuga, the ‘Ye’ singer who seems to be climbing new heights every now and then; from Coachella to BET, expressed his excitement to be a part of the Up Next campaign as he said;

“I’m super excited to be part of the Apple Music Up Next campaign, … Apple continuously comes up with new initiatives to support artists globally and push the African culture. It’s an honor to be a part of this and with my African Giant album coming out soon, the timing is perfect.”

From the snippet of the documentary, the singer was seen talking about the birth of his relationship with music;

“My granddad was a DJ in Lagos; all the records would come to him first … I would find myself being inspired by things that I’ve heard as a kid: Nigerian music or African music, some French music or some Jamaican music. When it’s time for music to be made, it’s almost like my ancestors just come into me and then it’s them.”

Speaking about Burna’s collaboration with Apple Music, Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden said

“Burna Boy has built his brand his way and has been on fire all over Africa and the UK … He does things his way and Apple Music is honored to be able to connect with Burna Boy on this moment and help make the name even more well known!”

The exclusive documentary with Apple Music will be dropping on the 16th of July after which his new album, African Giant, which is presently on Pre-order will drop on the 26th of July.