Nigerian musicians are finding success by teaming up with big international record labels. It’s a popular move among talented artists who want to showcase their music on a global stage. Naijatastic.com is here to keep readers informed on these well-known musicians who are making waves internationally, introducing their unique sounds to audiences around the world.
In recent times, the Nigerian music scene has flourished, with artists gaining global recognition. Major Nigerian music stars are now being snapped up by top international record labels, highlighting the exceptional talent within the Nigerian music industry and bringing Nigerian music to a worldwide audience.
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Here are the top 10 Nigerian musicians with international record:
1. Wizkid
In 2017, Wizkid made a big move by signing a multi-album deal with RCA Records, a part of Sony Music. This came a little while after he left EME Records and set up his own label, Starboy Entertainment.
His partnership with Sony came just after he dropped his third album, “Sounds from the Other Side”. The deal was highly anticipated, especially after the remix of WizKid’s hit song “Ojuelegba” by Drake and Skepta gained worldwide recognition, boosting his fame on an international scale.
2. Burna Boy
Burna Boy was previously under the Nigerian label Aristokrat Records until 2014. He then transitioned to signing with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the US and Warner Music Group internationally in 2017, coinciding with the release of his studio album “Outside” to mark his debut with major labels.
Additionally, he inked a publishing deal with Universal Records in 2018. In 2019, Burna Boy cautioned about the risks associated with entering international deals without adequate guidance to ensure artists are well-informed.
3. Tiwa Savage
She made her debut with an International Label in 2019. The “Malo” vocalist had spent seven years with Mavin Records before transitioning to Motown Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music, where she secured a seven-year publishing and distribution agreement. Following her move to Universal Music, she delighted her fans with releases such as “49-99,” “Attention,” and “Owo mi da.”
4. Patoranking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, known by his stage name Patoranking, is a reggae dancehall artist. Hailing from Ebonyi state, the songwriter began his career with Igberaga Records in 2010.
He later moved to Foston Musik in 2014 before ultimately signing with VP Records, an independent Caribbean-owned record label based in New York, in 2015. VP Records is renowned for releasing music in the same reggae-dancehall genre as Patoranking’s.
5. Davido
Davido is under contract with Sony Music via RCA Records, marking him as the pioneer among Nigerian artists to secure an international deal. He entered this partnership in 2016 before branching out to form his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide, which is home to artists such as Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Dremo, Yonda, and more.
Coinciding with his new venture, Davido released an EP titled “Son of Mercy” in the same year. However, the EP struggled to gain traction in the market, attributed to its departure from his usual sound and music style.
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6. Pheelz
Phillip Kayode Moses, also known as Pheelz, is a talented Nigerian musician who wears many hats—he’s a record producer, songwriter, and singer. He recently made headlines for being signed by a big American label, Warner Records.
This is a huge achievement for the Nigerian musicians, as it opens up doors to international recognition and opportunities. Pheelz’s unique blend of talents has caught the attention of the global music industry, showcasing the richness and diversity of Nigerian music on a worldwide stage.
7. Olamide
Olamide stands out as one of the rare Nigerian artists who have achieved success as both a musician and a record label owner. He founded his record label, YBNL, back in 2012, where he nurtured talents like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, and Fireboy DML.
He signed a joint venture agreement with the international label and distribution company, Empire. This partnership ensures that any artists signed to YBNL can have their music distributed globally, opening up exciting new opportunities for them on the international stage.
8. Brymo
Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi, known by his stage name Brymo, is a versatile artist who excels as a singer, songwriter, and author. Brymo gained popularity after signing a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010, although he later parted ways with the label.
In 2015, he embarked on a new chapter by signing a recording and distribution agreement with Tate Music Group, a US-based music company. His musical style is a captivating fusion of Fuji, R&B, Rock, and Pop genres, showcasing his diverse talent and creativity.
9. Asa
Bukola Elemide, widely known as Asa, is celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most globally recognized musicians. This Nigerian-French singer, songwriter, and recording artist has garnered international acclaim, being affiliated with Paris-based Naïve Records. Additionally, Asa has a partnership with Sony BMG, reflecting the positive reception of her music beyond Nigerian borders.
Despite her music not being tailored specifically for Nigerian audiences, Asa’s second album, “Beautiful Imperfection,” released in 2010 in collaboration with French composer Nicolas Mollard, achieved platinum status in 2011.
10. Seyi Shay
Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, known professionally as Seyi Shay, is a talented British-Nigerian singer and songwriter. Seyi Shay’s musical style is a captivating blend of Afropop and R&B, although she continuously explores other genres that inspire her creativity.
In 2015, Seyi Shay secured a global recording contract with Island Records, a multinational label under the Universal Music Group umbrella. This milestone led to the release of her debut album, “Seyi or Shay.” Since then, she has thrived in the industry, securing numerous endorsement deals and establishing herself as a respected judge on music talent shows.
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Conclusion
The recent increase in Nigerian musicians teaming up with big international record labels shows a huge change in the music scene worldwide. Artists are aiming for more fame and respect on a global scale, and these collaborations are spreading Nigerian culture and traditional music styles all over the world.
With famous artists scoring deals with major record labels abroad, Nigerian music is getting more attention and praise than ever before, proving its strength in the global music scene. As this trend keeps growing, Nigerian musicians have a promising future ahead, with their music reaching far beyond their own borders.