Top 10 Musicians From Abia State

Abia State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is renowned for its cultural heritage, industrious people, and, over the years, a blossoming entertainment scene. The state's capital, Umuahia, and its commercial hub, Aba, have produced numerous talented musicians who have made a significant impact both locally and internationally. This blog post shines a spotlight on the top 10 musicians from Abia State, highlighting their contributions to the music industry, their unique sounds, and how they have helped shape the Nigerian and African music scene.

1. J. Martins

Full Name: Martins Okey Justice
Genre: Afropop, Afrobeat
Popular Songs: "Good or Bad," "Oyoyo," "Eva"

J. Martins is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and music producer from Abia State who has had a massive influence on the Afropop and Afrobeat genres. Born in Ohafia, Abia State, he is known for his ability to blend highlife, hip-hop, and Afrobeat rhythms. His breakthrough came with the release of his debut album, Get Serious, in 2008, featuring popular singles like "Oyoyo" and "Good or Bad."

J. Martins' music is notable for its infusion of traditional African sounds with contemporary beats, making him a household name in Nigeria and beyond. His collaboration with Congolese music legend Fally Ipupa on the track "Jupa" is one of his standout achievements, showcasing his cross-border appeal.

2. Flavour N'abania

Full Name: Chinedu Okoli
Genre: Highlife, Afropop
Popular Songs: "Ada Ada," "Nwa Baby," "Golibe"

Although often associated with Enugu State, Flavour N'abania has deep roots in Abia State, specifically from Umuahia. Known for modernizing highlife music, Flavour has become one of Nigeria’s most recognized musicians. His signature sound—a blend of highlife, contemporary Afrobeat, and love-themed lyrics—resonates across Africa.

Flavour's 2010 hit, "Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)," catapulted him to international fame, and since then, he has continued to dominate charts with hits like "Ada Ada" and "Golibe." His smooth vocals and mastery of the Igbo language make him a cultural ambassador for his people and one of the most successful musicians from Abia State.

3. Kelly Hansome

Full Name: Orji Obinna Kingsley
Genre: Afrobeat, Hip-Hop
Popular Songs: "Maga Don Pay," "Like Play Like Play," "True Love"

Kelly Hansome is a versatile artist, producer, and songwriter from Abia State who first rose to fame with his hit single "Maga Don Pay" in 2008. His unique blend of hip-hop, highlife, and Afrobeat has made him a significant figure in the Nigerian music industry. Known for his brash style and controversial lyrics, Kelly Hansome has also made a name for himself as a producer, working with various artists across different genres.

Although his career has had its ups and downs, Kelly Hansome continues to remain relevant, releasing tracks that resonate with fans both in Nigeria and the diaspora.

4. MC Galaxy

Full Name: Innocent Udeme Udofot
Genre: Afrobeat, Afropop
Popular Songs: "Sekem," "Nek Unek," "Ohaa"

Though born in Akwa Ibom, MC Galaxy’s family hails from Abia State, and he proudly represents the state in his music and identity. Known for his infectious dance rhythms, MC Galaxy burst onto the Nigerian music scene with the smash hit "Sekem" in 2014. The song not only became a viral dance craze in Nigeria but also gained international recognition, helping to solidify his status as a major player in the Afropop scene.

MC Galaxy’s music is characterized by its danceable beats, catchy hooks, and an overarching sense of fun, making him a favorite at parties and social gatherings.

5. Mr. Raw

Full Name: Okechukwu Edwards Ukeje
Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
Popular Songs: "Obodo," "Ko Gba Dun," "Hip-Hop Gyration"

Mr. Raw, formerly known as Nigga Raw, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Igbo rap music in Nigeria. Hailing from Abia State, he has been instrumental in popularizing the use of indigenous languages in Nigerian hip-hop, particularly the Igbo language. His debut album, Right & Wrong, released in 2005, featured the hit single "Obodo," which became an anthem across the country.

Mr. Raw’s ability to fuse traditional Igbo sounds with contemporary rap has earned him a loyal fan base, and he is often credited with paving the way for many Igbo rappers who came after him.

6. Kcee

Full Name: Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo
Genre: Afropop, Afrobeat
Popular Songs: "Limpopo," "Pull Over," "Fine Face"

Kcee, one half of the defunct music duo Kcee Presh, is another prominent artist with roots in Abia State. After the duo disbanded, Kcee launched a successful solo career, with his hit single "Limpopo" becoming one of the biggest songs of 2013. Known for his vibrant stage presence and catchy Afropop tunes, Kcee has since established himself as a force in the Nigerian music industry.

Kcee’s music often blends highlife rhythms with contemporary Afropop, and he continues to produce hit songs that resonate with fans across Nigeria and beyond.

7. D’banj

Full Name: Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo
Genre: Afrobeat, Pop
Popular Songs: "Oliver Twist," "Fall in Love," "Tongolo"

Though D'banj’s ethnic origins trace back to Ogun State, his mother is from Abia State, giving him strong familial ties to the region. As one of Africa’s most successful musicians, D'banj has achieved global recognition with hits like "Oliver Twist," which charted in the UK and across Europe. His career began in the early 2000s when he teamed up with producer Don Jazzy to form Mo’Hits Records, a label that revolutionized the Nigerian music industry.

D'banj’s music is characterized by its infectious energy, bold lyrics, and fusion of Afrobeat with pop and dance elements. He remains a cultural icon in Nigeria and continues to influence new generations of musicians.

8. Slizzy E

Full Name: Ehigiator Osayande
Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
Popular Songs: "I Go Shine," "For Real," "U to Flex"

Born in Benin City but raised in Abia State, Slizzy E has emerged as one of the key voices in Nigerian hip-hop, particularly in the southeast region. Known for his rapid-fire delivery and insightful lyrics, Slizzy E has built a reputation as a street-savvy rapper with an authentic sound.

His music often addresses social issues, street life, and the struggles of everyday Nigerians, which has earned him a loyal following among hip-hop fans in Nigeria and the diaspora.

9. Stereoman Ekwe

Full Name: Sunday Osakuni
Genre: Dancehall, Afrobeat
Popular Songs: "Sample Ekwe," "E Dey Pain Me"

Stereoman Ekwe gained fame in the mid-2000s with his hit song "Sample Ekwe," a track that blends Afrobeat with dancehall rhythms. Though born in Delta State, he is widely recognized in Abia due to his strong affiliations with the southeast and his incorporation of Igbo sounds into his music. His unique style, which features the use of traditional instruments like the Ekwe (a traditional Igbo drum), has made him stand out in Nigeria’s diverse music landscape.

Stereoman’s sound celebrates African culture and heritage, making him a prominent figure in the Afrobeat and highlife fusion genre.

10. Cynthia Morgan (Madrina)

Full Name: Cynthia Ikponmwenosa Morgan
Genre: Dancehall, Reggae, Afrobeat
Popular Songs: "German Juice," "Lead Me On," "I'm Taken"

Although born in Benin City, Cynthia Morgan has strong familial ties to Abia State. A versatile artist known for her dancehall and reggae influences, Cynthia Morgan made a big splash in the Nigerian music scene with hits like "German Juice" and "Lead Me On." Her bold persona and edgy style have earned her a place among the leading female artists in Nigeria.

Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, continues to make music and evolve as an artist, representing the strength and resilience of the people of Abia State.

Conclusion

Abia State has produced an array of talented musicians who have made significant contributions to the Nigerian music industry and beyond. From the modern Afropop sounds of Flavour and Kcee to the pioneering hip-hop work of Mr. Raw and the infectious dance rhythms of MC Galaxy, these musicians have left an indelible mark on the music scene. As they continue to grow and evolve, the future of Abia State’s musical exports looks bright, with many more stars destined to emerge from this culturally rich state.