In recent years, the world has seen a rise in the popularity of cryptocurrency and digital collectibles, with many celebrities globally launching their own coins or NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
Nigeria has not been left out of this trend, with several celebrities in the entertainment industry launching their own coins or collectibles. In this article, we will explore 5 Nigerian artists, including Davido, who have ventured into this space. These artists are leveraging their influence and fan base to create unique digital assets that represent their brand and legacy. Let’s dive into the list of Nigerian artists who have launched their own coins or collectibles.
5. Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy, the renowned music producer and entrepreneur, has made a significant foray into the digital assets space. In November 2021, he showcased his impressive NFT collection, featuring unique digital art pieces such as a cool cat, mutant ape, afrodroids, and superkongs. This move demonstrated his interest in the rapidly growing NFT market. Furthermore, in March 2022, Don Jazzy was announced as the brand ambassador for Quidax, a cryptocurrency exchange platform.
4. Leriq
Leriq, a prominent Nigerian record producer, has made a significant impact in the digital assets space. In June 2022, he launched African Valuables Collective (AVC), a pioneering NFT-focused company aimed at curating African content for the metaverse. In partnership with Bundle Africa, Luno, and Cent, AVC seeks to showcase African art, music, literature, and more. Leriq has released two notable NFTs under AVC: the “Ghost Diamond” and the “Rough Diamond” in 2022.
3. BNXN
BNXN, formerly known as Buju, has made a significant impact in the NFT space. In January 2022, he launched his NFT project, HeadsByBuju, in collaboration with music video director, Prodigeezy. This innovative project featured 10,001 unique NFTs of his face, offering exclusive benefits to owners. Holders of these NFTs gained access to physical and virtual concerts, merchandise, and a share of the revenue from specific music projects.
2. Teni
Teni, the talented Nigerian singer, has joined the ranks of artists venturing into the digital assets space. In 2023, she launched her own coin, Teddy Universe, in partnership with Quidax. This move marked a significant milestone in the Nigerian music industry’s adoption of cryptocurrency and digital collectibles. At the time of launch, the total supply of her coin stood at 4,000,000,000 TENI, demonstrating the vast potential of this initiative.
1. Davido
Nigerian music sensation, Davido takes the top spot on our list. In November 2021, he made a pioneering move by launching his own coin, $Echoke, on the Binance Smart Chain. This innovative project aimed to provide fans with exclusive access to giveaways, NFTs, festivals, merchandise, and other entertainment benefits. Although the project was short-lived and eventually faded from the spotlight, it marked a significant milestone in the Nigerian music industry’s exploration of cryptocurrency and digital collectibles. Despite the setback, Davido recently launched a meme coin on Twitter, $DAVIDO, although, fans have taken to social media to share their sad experiences with the coin and its crash.
