The Headies have unveiled the nominees for the Best Street-Hop Artist category in its 17th edition, and the competition is fierce. This voting category recognizes artists whose music is deeply rooted in street culture, with raw energy, authentic stories, and rhythms that connect directly to everyday Nigerians. The winner of this category will undoubtedly be seen as the king of the streets, and this year’s nominees reflect the pulse of Nigerian urban music.
Nigerian street artists have become cultural icons, creating songs that resonate with the struggles, hustle, and aspirations of the everyday person. Their music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a soundtrack to life, bridging social divides and empowering listeners. From viral dance crazes like Shaku Shaku and Zanku to the latest slang Oblee, these artists influence global trends while also addressing social and political issues. They are, without a doubt, activists and change-makers using their platform to amplify the voices of the people.
Street anthems like Zanku, Able God, Shaku Shaku Era, CASHapp, and KPK have taken over the streets, and 2024 is no different. Songs that speak to the struggles of everyday Nigerians are still dominating airwaves and creating global impact. This year, we have the reigning king of street-hop, Seyi Vibez, vying for the title again, with his hit song “Different Pattern“
Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern, the reigning king of the streets took home the Best Street-Hop Artist award in 2023 for his hit song “Chance (Na Ham)”. Now, he’s back with “Different Pattern”, a record-breaking anthem from his EP Nahamciaga, alongside other popular tracks like “Cana,” “Today,” and “Shazam,” “Different Pattern” catchy hooks, smooth melodies, and Afrobeat-infused beats made it the most streamed Nigerian song on Apple Music in 2024, Produced by Dibs. The track also earned a nomination for Best Recording of the Year at the Headies and also saw Dibs recognized with a nomination for Producer of the Year, underscoring the song’s impact. “Different Pattern” solidified Seyi Vibez’s place as a top contender, and his dominance on the streets remains unshaken.
Ayo Maff’s collaboration with Fireboy DML on “Dealer” shook the streets in 2024, earning them a spot on the nominees list. The infectious rhythm and catchy verses made it one of the most streamed songs of the year. Ayo Maff’s rise to fame since the release of “Dealer” has been remarkable, and with his debut EP Maffian released in August 2024, his influence on the Nigerian music scene has risen, he has collaborated with Blaqbonez, LAX, Lil Kesh, and Bella Shmurda. Dealer was undeniably one of the biggest hits of 2024. It became a favorite on the streets and appeared on nearly every Spotify Wrapped list. Dealer with Fireboy not only topped streaming platforms but also helped Ayo Maff become a household name in Nigerian music. He has referred to Fireboy as his helper, just as he expressed in Louder featuring Blaqbonez and Bella Shmurda, with the lyrics, “Mummy, ṣe you know? Fireboy na my helper. Remember, gratitude, gratitude.” Ayo Maff was also nominated for the Next Rated Award, a reflection of his growing influence in the industry in the year 2024. Given the massive impact Dealer had on the streets in 2024, it’s hard to deny its place as the top contender for this award
Shallipopi Ft. Odumodublvck – “Cast”, has been nominated for the Best Street-Hop Artist and both Shallipopi and Odumodu earned nominations at the Next Rated category. The track has gained widespread attention, becoming a hit on the streets with its infectious beat that has listeners dancing and vibing. However, it has also sparked mixed reactions within the music world. While the song has been widely praised for its catchy rhythm, a particular lyric from Odumodublvck – “If she no f**k, if she no suck, who go pay for her wig and handbag” drew criticism, with many labeling him as misogynistic. Despite the controversy, the song continues to dominate the streets and remains a fan favorite. ‘Cast’ also earned nomination for ‘Best Collaboration’
Mohbad, the late rapper who tragically passed away in September 2023, was posthumously nominated for his EP Blessed. The 8-track project includes standout hits like “Pariwo” featuring Bella Shmurda, “Beast & Peace,” “Blessing,” and “Account Balance” featuring Zlatan Ibile. One of the most notable tracks, “Ask About Me,” became a fan favorite, especially after Mohbad’s passing. The release of the song’s visuals further amplified its impact, complementing the raw energy of the track.
Known for his distinctive blend of street vibes and heartfelt lyrics, Mohbad delivered a powerful message with “Ask About Me.” The song, reflecting themes of struggle, hustle, and success, resonated deeply with fans, capturing the essence of overcoming life’s challenges. It was Mohbad’s first release under his label, Imolenization, after parting ways with Naira Marley’s Marlian Records. His posthumous nomination for Best Street-Hop Artist is a testament to his impact on the streets and his lasting legacy
Lastly, we have “Johnbull” by Zhus. To be honest, not many of us were familiar with this track until the day of the nominations, me included. However, for Johnbull to be nominated alongside such major street hits is a clear indication of its presence on the streets. The song draws on the Nigerian street slang “Johnbull,” often used humorously or ironically to refer to an average Nigerian man. In the track, Zhus positions himself as a “Wahala Pikin,” a term that reflects his rebellious and relentless spirit, contrasting with the passive “Johnbull.”
The lyrics include lines like:“Johnbull my son,I sent you to school,You don’t know how to spell your name,Johnbull my son, I sent you to school,You don’t know how to spell your name.”
This year’s competition is fierce, with artists like Seyi Vibez, Ayo Maff, Shallipopi, and Mohbad all making strong cases for the crown. Whether it’s Seyi Vibez’s dominance with “Different Pattern”, Ayo Maff’s breakout moment with “Dealer”, or Mohbad’s posthumous recognition with “Ask About Me”, each nominee has left an indelible mark on Nigerian street culture in 2024.
As the race for the Best Street-Hop Artist heats up, the streets are watching, and only one will walk away with the title of 2024’s King of Street-Hop.
