Top 10 Musicians From Delta State

Delta State, located in the oil-rich South-South region of Nigeria, has long been a cultural hub, known for its diversity and vibrant arts scene. This diversity extends to the music industry, where Delta State has produced some of Nigeria’s most influential and talented musicians. These artists have significantly contributed to the growth of Afrobeats, gospel, highlife, and other music genres, making Delta State an essential part of the Nigerian music ecosystem.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 musicians from Delta State, delving into their careers, achievements, and the impact they've had on Nigerian and global music.

1. Olu Maintain (Olumide Edwards Adegbolu)

Olu Maintain, whose full name is Olumide Edwards Adegbolu, hails from Itsekiri in Delta State and gained fame in the early 2000s as part of the music group Maintain. However, it was his solo career that solidified his place in Nigerian music history. His 2007 hit single, "Yahooze," became an instant sensation, sweeping across Nigeria and beyond, and earning him international recognition.

"Yahooze" was a cultural phenomenon, capturing the essence of the evolving Nigerian pop music scene. Olu Maintain's ability to fuse traditional Afrobeat with modern pop and hip-hop elements made him a significant figure in the Afrobeats movement, and he remains a well-respected artist in the industry.

2. Oritse Femi (Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele)

Oritse Femi is a popular Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, born in Ajegunle, Lagos, but originally from Warri, Delta State. Oritse Femi rose to prominence with his hit track "Double Wahala," a tribute to the late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. The song, which was released in 2014, became one of the biggest hits of the year, earning him numerous awards and cementing his place in the Nigerian music industry.

Known for his unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and pop, Oritse Femi has consistently released chart-topping hits and collaborated with top artists such as D’banj and Davido. His music often touches on social issues, making him not just a commercial artist but a voice for the people.

3. Erigga (Erhiga Agarivbie)

Born Erhiga Agarivbie and hailing from Warri, Delta State, Erigga, also known as Paperboi, is one of the leading voices in Nigerian hip-hop. Known for his street-savvy lyrics, Erigga’s music resonates with the struggles and aspirations of everyday Nigerians, especially those from the Niger Delta region. His use of Pidgin English and Warri slang has given his music a unique flavor, setting him apart from other artists in the genre.

Erigga’s debut album, A Trip to the South, released in 2017, featured hits like "Motivation" and "Industry Nite." His music often highlights issues like poverty, corruption, and the Nigerian hustle, making him a socially conscious rapper with a growing fanbase.

4. Daddy Showkey (John Odafe Asiemo)

Daddy Showkey, born John Odafe Asiemo, is one of the pioneers of the Galala music and dance style that originated from the streets of Ajegunle, a suburb in Lagos. Although he grew up in Lagos, Daddy Showkey is of Urhobo descent from Delta State. His music career took off in the late 1990s with the release of hits like "Dyna" and "Fire Fire," which became anthems across Nigeria.

Daddy Showkey's music is heavily influenced by reggae and dancehall, and he is known for his energetic performances and catchy tunes. He has won numerous awards over his career and remains a legend in Nigerian music, especially in the reggae and dancehall genres.

5. Yung6ix (Onome Onokohwomo)

Yung6ix, born Onome Onokohwomo, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and performer from Warri, Delta State. Yung6ix gained attention in the Nigerian music industry with his remix of Ice Prince’s hit song "Oleku," which showcased his lyrical prowess and rap skills. Since then, he has become one of the top hip-hop artists in Nigeria, known for his witty lyrics and energetic performances.

His debut album, 6 O’Clock, was released in 2014 and featured collaborations with some of Nigeria’s biggest artists, including Phyno, Ice Prince, and Yemi Alade. Yung6ix’s ability to merge Afrobeat rhythms with hip-hop has earned him a loyal following and made him a significant figure in the Nigerian rap scene.

6. SolidStar (Joshua Iniyezo)

SolidStar, born Joshua Iniyezo, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter from Aviara, Delta State. He rose to fame with his 2010 hit single "One in a Million," featuring 2Baba (formerly 2face Idibia). The song was a huge success, catapulting SolidStar into the limelight and earning him a place among Nigeria’s top Afrobeat artists.

SolidStar’s music is a blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and R&B, and he is known for his smooth vocals and catchy hooks. Over the years, he has released several successful singles and albums, collaborating with artists such as Timaya, Tiwa Savage, and Patoranking. SolidStar’s consistency in delivering quality music has made him a household name in the Nigerian music industry.

7. Sammy Okposo

Sammy Okposo is a gospel artist, music producer, and songwriter from Delta State. He is one of Nigeria’s most respected gospel musicians, known for his powerful voice and soul-stirring performances. Sammy Okposo has been a prominent figure in the Nigerian gospel scene for over two decades, with numerous hit songs and albums to his name.

His debut album, Unconditional Love, was released in 2000 and featured the hit song "Welu Welu," which became a massive success and earned him international recognition. Since then, Sammy has won several awards, including the Kora Awards and Africa Gospel Music Awards. His music has inspired millions of people, and he continues to be a major influence in the gospel music industry.

8. Omawumi Megbele

Omawumi, born Omawumi Megbele, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress from Warri, Delta State. She gained national attention as the runner-up on the 2007 edition of the reality TV show West African Idols. Since then, Omawumi has become one of Nigeria’s leading female vocalists, known for her powerful voice and emotive performances.

Her debut album, Wonderwoman (2009), featured hits like "In the Music" and "Today na Today," which showcased her ability to blend Afrobeat with soul, reggae, and pop. Omawumi’s music often addresses social issues, love, and empowerment, making her an influential figure in the Nigerian music scene. She has won several awards, including the Headies, and continues to be a dominant force in the industry.

9. Harrysong (Harrison Tare Okiri)

Harrysong, born Harrison Tare Okiri, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist from Warri, Delta State. He initially started his career as a gospel singer but gained mainstream success with his hit song "Better Pikin" in 2013. Harrysong’s ability to write and perform catchy Afro-pop tunes has made him one of Nigeria’s most successful and versatile artists.

In addition to his solo career, Harrysong is also a talented songwriter who has written songs for some of Nigeria’s biggest artists, including Kcee and D’banj. His music often features a blend of Afrobeat, highlife, and pop, and he has won several awards for his contributions to the Nigerian music industry.

10. Nneka Egbuna

Nneka Egbuna, known simply as Nneka, is a Nigerian-German singer, songwriter, and actress born to a Nigerian father from Anioma in Delta State. Nneka’s music is a fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop, and soul, and her powerful lyrics often address social and political issues such as poverty, war, and corruption.

Nneka gained international recognition with her 2005 album Victim of Truth, which was critically acclaimed and compared to Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Her subsequent albums, including No Longer at Ease (2008) and Soul is Heavy (2011), further solidified her status as an international star. Nneka’s music has earned her several awards and nominations, and she continues to be a prominent voice in both the Nigerian and global music scenes.

Conclusion

Delta State has produced some of the most talented and influential musicians in Nigeria, spanning various genres such as Afrobeat, gospel, reggae, and hip-hop. These top 10 musicians from Delta State have not only achieved national success but have also made significant contributions to the global music industry. Their unique sounds, cultural pride, and artistic innovation continue to inspire future generations of musicians, cementing Delta State's place as a vital contributor to Nigerian music.