Top 10 Nigerian music moments in 2023.
2023 has been a year of significant growth and challenges for Nigerian music, marked by international success, surprising stunts, and thought-provoking statements. Here, we delve into the top 10 moments that defined the Nigerian music scene in 2023.
10. Oladips’ Controversial ‘Death Stunt’ In an unexpected turn of events, rapper Oladips shocked the industry with a staged death announcement. The controversial stunt, aimed at promoting his debut album, Super Hero Adugbo, garnered mixed reactions from the public. Despite attempts to explain the motive behind the stunt, Oladips faced backlash and had to navigate a damaged public image.
9. Burna Boy’s Critique of Afrobeats Burna Boy stirred controversy with his statement on Apple Music, claiming that mainstream Afrobeats lacks substance and is often about nothing. This critique sparked heated discussions within the industry, with many viewing it as a divisive move to promote his upcoming album, ‘I Told Them.’ The incident highlighted Burna Boy’s reputation as a provocateur and raised questions about the industry’s unity.
8. Afrobeats Takes Center Stage at NBA Halftime Show On February 20, the NBA All-Star Game became a platform for Afrobeats to shine. Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema delivered a captivating performance during the halftime show, showcasing the global appeal of Nigerian music. The event marked a significant moment for Afrobeats’ recognition on the international stage.
7. Tiwa Savage’s Dazzling Performance at King Charles III’s Coronation
On May 7, the illustrious coronation ceremony of England’s new monarch, King Charles III, featured a stellar performance by Nigerian sensation Tiwa Savage. Taking the global stage, Tiwa Savage showcased her artistry by performing “Key to the Kingdom,” a track from Beyonce’s 2019 Lion King remake. This moment not only solidified Tiwa Savage’s international superstar status but also underscored the remarkable heights Nigerian music has attained on the global platform.
6. Burna Boy and Wizkid’s Monumental Stadium Concerts
July witnessed a groundbreaking moment for Afrobeats as Burna Boy and Wizkid each hosted sold-out stadium concerts. Burna Boy made history on July 3 by becoming the first African artist to fill a UK stadium, drawing a massive crowd of 60,000 at West Ham football club. Wizkid followed suit on July 29, captivating the audience at Tottenham Hotspur stadium. These stadium spectacles not only celebrated the meteoric rise of Burna Boy and Wizkid but also highlighted the global ascendancy of Afrobeats as a genre.
5. Rema’s Powerful Headies Award Speech in Atlanta, USA
At the 2023 Headies Award ceremony in Atlanta, USA, Rema seized the moment during his acceptance speech for Male Artist of the Year. In a passionate address, Rema called on fellow artists to support local institutions and show respect to Nigerian fans. Emphasizing the unity under the Afrobeats umbrella, Rema’s speech resonated as a powerful response to Burna Boy’s earlier criticism of the genre. This marked Rema as a visionary leader ready to champion Afrobeats and guide the next generation of stars.
4. Rema’s Global Triumph with ‘Calm Down’
In 2023, Rema’s hit single ‘Calm Down’ achieved unparalleled international success. The remix featuring Selena Gomez earned Rema a spot in the Guinness World Records. ‘Calm Down’ soared to an impressive No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, a historic feat for an African artist. The single also secured a No. 3 peak on the UK Singles Chart. Rema’s remarkable achievements continued with an MTV VMA award, and ‘Calm Down’ became the first Afrobeats track to surpass one billion Spotify streams, solidifying Rema’s place on the global music stage.
3. Rema and Asake Shine at The O2 Arena
In 2023, The O2 Arena witnessed the stellar rise of Rema and Asake as they headlined sold-out concerts, each commanding the 20,000-capacity arena. The O2 Arena has long been a symbolic platform for Nigerian artists proclaiming their global presence, and Rema and Asake’s triumphant performances marked them as the next wave of Afrobeats superstars.
2. Tems’ Historic Grammy Win and Afrobeats Dominance
Tems achieved a historic milestone in 2023 by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy. She secured the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her collaboration on Future’s “Wait For U.” This victory not only celebrated Tems’ international success but also highlighted the growing prominence of Nigerian female stars on the global stage. Additionally, the 2024 Grammy nominations showcased Nigeria’s dominance, with four songs nominated in the new Afrobeats Song Performance category, and Burna Boy earning a nomination outside the global categories.
1. Davido’s Groundbreaking ‘Timeless’ Album
The pinnacle of Nigerian music in 2023 was marked by the release of Davido’s monumental fourth album, “Timeless.” Unveiled on March 31, the album achieved instant commercial success, breaking numerous African streaming records within its first week. The year-long rollout, chart-topping singles, international acclaim, headline concerts, and three Grammy nominations solidified “Timeless” as an iconic and unforgettable moment in Nigerian music history.
Special Mention: Remembering Mohbad’s Legacy
On September 12, 2023, the Nigerian music community mourned the untimely loss of Street Hop sensation Mohbad at the age of 27. Despite his imperfections, Mohbad left an indelible mark through two outstanding EPs and numerous hit singles, using his music to connect with listeners on a profound level. His joy, pain, and life were artfully documented in his work, and his passing cast a somber shadow over the industry, reminding us of the impact artists have on their audience.
