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Top 10 R&B Artists In Nigeria 2023
This article aims to rank Nigerian R&B singers who have been holding it down despite the wave Afrobeats is making globally. I will be taking you through a list of the top 10 R&B artists in Nigeria 2023.
R&B is a music genre that has strong lyrics which are romantic and emotional and which can make listeners feel emotional.
In Nigeria, R&B might not be as big as Afrobeats, but it has its audience too. Below are the Top 10 R&B artists in Nigeria in 2023 that you should know. This list is ranked from bottom to top. Enjoy!
10. Omawumi
Omawumi Megbele, born 13 April 1982 and better known by her stage name Omawumi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. She gained attention as the 2007 runner-up on West African Idols, a reality TV show part of the Idols franchise. She won the Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the Headies in 2009 and 2018 respectively. Omawumi is considered one of the most gifted Nigerian female vocalists of all-time.
9. Waje
Aituaje Iruobe, known professionally as Waje, is a Nigerian RnB singer who first gained recognition after being featured on the remake of P-Square’s “Omoge Mi”. She was also featured on the duo’s 2008 hit track “Do Me”. Waje has released 4 critically acclaimed albums. Her most recent project was the 2022 album titled Waje 2.0, which is an 11-track album that has features from Tiwa Savage, Imi Lawz, Falz, Emmyblaq and Masterkraft.
8. Nonso Amadi
Nonso Amadi, 27, is a self-taught Nigerian singer, songwriter and music producer who embarked on his music career in 2012 while at Covenant University. He released his first EP, “Alone”, in 2015. He is also well known by his hit single “Tonight”. Nonso Amadi took a break from music for 3 years and returned in 2022 with a new single titled Foreigner, which was followed by another single featuring the Canadian Rnb duo Majid Jordan titled Different.
7. Seyi Shay
37-year-old Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, popularly known as Seyi Shay, is a popular Nigerian RnB singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to prominence with the release of her single “Loving Your Way” in 2011. She released her debut album “Seyi or Shay” in 2015. In January 2021, she signed a publishing deal with the French division of Universal Music Publishing Group. She’s remained one of the most relevant Nigerian RnB artists for over a decade.
6. Banky W
Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, was born in the United States on 27 March, 1981 to Nigerian parents. He is a songwriter, music producer, and singer. In 2009, he left the US for Nigeria and established his record label in Lagos by signing artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales , and Wizkid to the label. He released his debut studio album, Back in the Building, in 2005. He’s now a politician, but he still releases songs. Banky W is considered one of the most influential Nigerian R&B Artists ever.
5. Praiz
Praise Adejo, known by his stage name Praiz, is a talented R&B singer who came into the limelight through a televised music competition in 2008. He has performed alongside R&B veteran singers Brandy and Joe (2011 PFWA concert in Lagos) amongst other top shows in Nigeria and the UK. His music style is a blend of soul and R&B. He is currently signed to X3M MUSIC.
4. Ric Hassani
Ric Hassani, whose real name is Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, is a Nigerian R&B singer from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He hit the limelight with his debut single “Hello”. He released one of his best known songs “Gentleman” in 2016. The song earned him several nominations of his career. He was born on 6 January 1989.
3. Johnny Drille
Johnny Drille, born as John Ighodaro, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. He was born on 6 January 1989 in Edo State. He’s signed to Mavin Records. His popular songs include ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Dear Future Wife’, ‘Count On You’, ‘Forever’, ‘Finding Efe’, and ‘Hello My Friend’.
2. Chike
Chike, born on 28 January 1993 as Ezekpeazu Osebuka is an R&B singer, songwriter, and actor from Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria. He became popular for his debut album titled Boo Of The Booless after his exploits on the Nigerian Project Fame West Africa TV reality show in 2015 and for finishing as runner-up in The Voice Nigeria Season 1 TV talent competition. The success of his debut album put him on this list of top Nigerian R&B artistes making waves in the creative industry.
1. Tems
Born Temilade Openiyi on 11 June 1995, Tems is a Nigerian singer who rose to prominence after she featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence”, which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, she released her first EP titled For Broken Ears. In 2021, she featured on “Fountain” off Canadian rapper Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy. In 2022, her vocals from her song “Higher” were sampled by American rapper Future on his single “Wait for U”, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 – Tems, therefore, making history as the first African female singer to reach such milestone. In the same year, she won 2 BET awards in a single night, one being for “Essence” as Best Collaboration and the other being for herself as Best International Act. In 2022, she became the first, and only, Nigerian female singer to win a Grammy award. She’s the most successful Nigerian R&B singer to date.
