Is Lagos the only hub for musical talents in Nigeria? While this is true to some extent, other cities have solely participated in grooming superstars.
Artists like Wizkid, World, Korede Bello, Banky W, and Simi have enjoyed the beneficial fame Lagos has brought in their journey to success. Is it the only home for artists who have enjoyed musical breakthroughs?
Today, Naijatastic will disprove the opinion that Lagos City, with the most influential status in the country, isn’t the only place where artists enjoy all-around fame. As we appreciate their international outreach and publicity, let’s remember where their journey began.
Jos
Since Afrobeat is taking Nigeria to a new level, highlight the primary and minor cities that have contributed to its success.
Jos, popularly known as the Plateau State, is a place that bred many Nigerian artists to stardom. J-town has been a solid foundation for artists like MI, 2Baba, PSquare, Cobhams, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, and many others.
Enugu
Enugu was the playground for the Nigerian highlife genre in the 1950s. It continues to serve as the center for Igbo-influenced highlife genre, grooming artists like Flavour N’abania, Phyno, Afropop duo Bracket, and gospel artist Frank Edwards. The same city partly contributed to 2Baba’s career.
2Baba (formerly Lord Elly) did Business Administration and Management at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu. He performed at the university’s halls, including Enugu State University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He left school to focus on his music journey.
Benin City, Edo
Aside from being a city with one of the most influential cultural representations, Benin City is also a home for music in Nigeria. Famous ace producer Sarz was born and bred in the city. Waje also grew up in Benin, following relocation from Ondo State by her parents.
Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, is a full-breed Benin boy. He completed his primary and secondary school education at Ighile Group of Schools. The young boy started putting his talent out for everyone before Dprince spotted him on Instagram.
The Elon Musk Crooner Shallipoppi is also from Benin City, Edo. His music reflects the traditional Edo funk genre.
Port Harcourt
PH City is another home for musical talents in Nigeria. Known for its influential culture, lively music scene, and global recognition, PH, the capital of Rivers State, is behind the success of many artists.
Port Harcourt is home to artists like Mr2Kay, Timaya, Ajebo Hustlers, Omah Lay, Burna Boy, and gospel musician Mercy Chinwo. It is one of the few cities with a Grammy-winning artist.
Owerri
Imo State, located in the East, is a home of origin to many local and international artists. Tobechukwu Victor, also known as Peruzzi, is an indigene of Imo State, even though he started his music career in Lagos. The likes of Humblesmith, Genevieve Nnaji, and Chidinma Ekile also hail from Imo State.
It is good that we know where these superstars come from and where they have lived. Artists like Burna Boy, Omah Lay, Rema, and Shallipoppi boldly represent their origin in their songs. However, even by artists from different regions, Lagos is the city sung about. This is a win for Afrobeat and the Nigerian music industry.