Entertainment
Showcasing Naija’s Artistes Who Bagged International Music Deals
In the late 80s and 90s, a
revolution was launched in the Nigerian music industry which saw to the emergence of the contemporary music that is being enjoyed now.
In these earlier years, party goers rocked foreign music while Nigerian music was relegated to the illiterates’ listening pleasure. But gone are the days as different genres of Nigerian music are not only exportable now but have attracted foreign investors and collaborations. Music veterans like late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, King Sunng Ade and some other veterans’ music attracted international music deals.
According to a recent report posted in the social media via Naij.com, the following is a list of contemporary Nigerian singers who have bagged international music deals.
Davido
Singer Davido was at the Sony office during the partnership meeting in January, 2016. The Omo Baba Olowo (OBO) crooner signed a record deal with Sony Music Entertainment at it’s headquarters in New York City. The deal makes the Skelewu singer the first African to enter into such deal with the international label. The deal expected Davido to release two albums to be distributed globally by Sony.
Asa
Bukola Elemide popularly known as Asa’s debut album “Fire on the Mountain” released, under Question Mark label in 2007 attracted international attention. The award-winning female singer is currently signed to French independent record label, Naïve Records. Asa also has a music publishing deal with international music. Conglomerate, BMG.
Patoranking
Patoranking is the first Nigerian reggae artiste to sign a music distribution deal with the world’s largest reggae music company Vpal, a sub-division of VP records music group.
Brymo
The alternative music singer who was once signed on to Chocolate City is now signed to Oklahoma based record label and music publishing company, Tate Music Group (TMG). He has since released an 8 track album titled ‘Trance’ under the label which TMG is expected to distribute.
Wizkid
Wizkid scores more international feat as he records more songs with Drake. The Ojuelegba crooner signed an international management deal with Tinnie Tempah’s music management company, Disturbing London in 2012. He inked the deal while he was still with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME).
D’banj
D;banj was launched into the music scene under Mo’ hits record co-owned by him and erstwhile friend Don Jazzy. His first international music deal with G.O.O.D music was one of the reasons the duo of D’banj and Don Jazzy parted ways and ended Mo’ hits record. Though the G.O.O.D deal did not last long, he has an international deal with Mercury Records UK, a sub division of universal music group Uk. He was in 2012 signed on to Sony music.
P square
The singing duo, P square signed a music distribution deal with Universal Music South Africa in May 2012. They were also said to have a deal with international superstar, Akon’s Konvict Muzik in December 2011.
Cobhams
Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo fondly called Cobhams abandoned his law study in University of Lagos to pursue a line many had thought he might not make it in, but he emerged as one of the greatest blessings to Nigerian music industry. Despite his disability Cobhams is a producer and fantastic singer with a great voice and was launched into the mainstream Nigerians music scene by Question Mark record label. He is also signed to Sony ATV (Sony Publishing) London as a songwriter.
Seyi Shay
Seyi Shay signed a deal with a major American record label, Island Universal Records. The label operates as a division of universal music group and is home to diverse and unparalleled family of global and award winning artists.
Burna Boy
Reggae dancehall music act signed a new deal with the largest music corporation in the world, universal music in 2015. He is signed as Exclusive Songwriter Agreement (ESWA) and was signed on to international music publishing company, Universal Music Group South Africa in 2015.
Ice Prince
Chocolate City rapper, Ice Prince entered an exclusive deal with the record powerhouse in March 2014.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’