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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Ebonyi State
Ebonyi State, one of the southeastern states of Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage and its people’s tenacity in various fields, including music. Though the state may not be as internationally recognized as some others in Nigeria’s music industry, it has produced talented musicians who have made significant contributions to the growth of Nigerian music. From traditional highlife to modern Afrobeats and gospel, musicians from Ebonyi State have used their talent to promote both their culture and the broader Nigerian sound.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 musicians from Ebonyi State, highlighting their contributions, musical genres, and how they’ve shaped the landscape of Nigerian music.
1. Tekno (Augustine Miles Kelechi)
Genre: Afropop, Afrobeats, R&B
Popular Songs: "Pana," "Jogodo," "Duro"
Tekno, whose full name is Augustine Miles Kelechi, is one of the most popular Nigerian musicians and hails from Ivo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. Tekno is known for his unique ability to blend Afrobeats with other genres such as pop and R&B. His hit single "Pana" brought him international recognition, and since then, he has become one of Nigeria’s most sought-after artists, producing numerous chart-topping hits like "Duro" and "Jogodo."
Tekno’s success extends beyond his own music as he is also a renowned producer. He has worked with major artists like Davido, Wizkid, and others, producing hit songs that have shaped the modern Afrobeats sound. His versatility as both a singer and producer has solidified his position as one of the biggest stars to come out of Ebonyi State.
2. Zoro (Owoh Chimaobi Chrismathner)
Genre: Indigenous Rap, Afrobeats
Popular Songs: "Ogene," "Mbada," "Kulture"
Zoro, also known as Zoro Swagbag, is a fast-rising Nigerian rapper from Ebonyi State. He blends Igbo rap with Afrobeats, creating a sound that resonates with indigenous listeners while appealing to a broader audience. His hit song "Ogene" was a massive success and showcased his ability to merge traditional instruments with modern rap beats.
Zoro’s style of fusing local Igbo sounds with hip-hop has earned him comparisons to other Indigenous rappers like Phyno. His other popular songs, like "Mbada" and "Kulture," have also made him a prominent figure in Nigeria's music scene. Zoro continues to break boundaries with his music, keeping the traditions of Ebonyi alive in modern Nigerian music.
3. Splash (Genevieve Ogbuewu)
Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop
Popular Songs: "Church Agbasa," "Na God," "Ego Uwa"
Genevieve Ogbuewu, known by her stage name Splash, is a talented female rapper from Ebonyi State. She gained fame in the Nigerian music scene with her debut single "Church Agbasa," which showcased her lyrical prowess and ability to rap fluently in Igbo. Splash’s unique style of blending local dialects with modern hip-hop has set her apart from other rappers in Nigeria.
Though the Nigerian rap scene is heavily male-dominated, Splash has consistently proven that she can hold her own. Her music often reflects her cultural background and personal experiences, making her one of the most authentic voices in the industry.
4. Patoranking (Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie)
Genre: Dancehall, Reggae, Afrobeats
Popular Songs: "Alubarika," "Girlie O," "My Woman, My Everything"
While many associate Patoranking with Lagos or other areas, he has strong roots in Ebonyi State, with his father being from the state. Patoranking’s meteoric rise to fame began with his breakout hit "Alubarika," a reggae-infused Afrobeats track that introduced him as a fresh and unique talent. He followed this success with songs like "Girlie O" and "My Woman, My Everything," cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s top musicians.
Patoranking’s music is a fusion of dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeats, which allows him to appeal to a diverse audience. His positive messages about love, social issues, and empowerment resonate deeply with his fans both within Nigeria and abroad.
5. Sinach (Osinachi Kalu)
Genre: Gospel
Popular Songs: "Way Maker," "I Know Who I Am," "Great Are You Lord"
Sinach, born Osinachi Kalu, is an internationally acclaimed gospel artist from Ebonyi State. She is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most influential gospel musicians, known for her powerful worship songs and inspirational lyrics. Her song "Way Maker" became a global hit, covered by various international artists and translated into multiple languages.
Sinach’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, as she regularly performs at international events and churches around the world. Her deep spirituality, powerful voice, and ability to connect with her audience make her a significant figure in gospel music both in Nigeria and globally.
6. Niniola (Niniola Apata)
Genre: Afrobeats, House, Afro-House
Popular Songs: "Maradona," "Sicker," "Addicted"
Though she was born in Lagos, Niniola Apata has ties to Ebonyi State through her extended family. She is a versatile artist who has gained fame for her unique fusion of Afrobeats with house music. Her song "Maradona" propelled her into the limelight, and she has continued to deliver hits like "Sicker" and "Addicted."
Niniola’s style is distinct in the Nigerian music scene, as she draws heavy influence from house music—a genre that isn’t mainstream in Nigeria. Her ability to blend this international sound with local Afrobeats has made her a trailblazer and a standout artist from Ebonyi State.
7. Umu Obiligbo (Akunwafor and Okpuozor Obiligbo)
Genre: Highlife
Popular Songs: "Culture," "Onyebuchi," "Oga Police"
Umu Obiligbo, a duo made up of brothers Akunwafor and Okpuozor Obiligbo, hails from the southeastern region of Nigeria, with strong ancestral roots in Ebonyi State. Known for their modern highlife music, they have revitalized the genre and made it appealing to younger audiences. Their songs often focus on traditional values, success, and the preservation of the Igbo culture.
The duo gained national attention with their collaboration on the song "Culture" featuring Flavour and Phyno, which became an instant hit. Umu Obiligbo’s music bridges the gap between traditional highlife and modern Nigerian music, making them significant cultural ambassadors.
8. Kel (Kelechi Ohia)
Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop
Popular Songs: "Wa Wa Alright," "Too Fine," "Love"
Kel, born Kelechi Ohia, is a pioneering female rapper in Nigeria’s music industry with roots in Ebonyi State. She burst onto the scene with her hit single "Wa Wa Alright," which introduced her as a dynamic force in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene. Kel’s ability to rap effortlessly in English and Pidgin set her apart from other artists at the time.
Though she took a break from music, Kel remains one of the early trailblazers for women in Nigerian hip-hop. Her contributions paved the way for other female artists, and she is still revered for her lyrical skills and impact on the industry.
9. TJ Wonder (Ogbonna Timothy Johnson)
Genre: Afropop, Highlife
Popular Songs: "Ogbonnaya," "Amarachi," "Blessed"
TJ Wonder, whose full name is Ogbonna Timothy Johnson, is an emerging star from Ebonyi State known for his unique blend of Afropop and highlife music. He has a growing fan base thanks to his hit songs like "Ogbonnaya" and "Amarachi," which celebrate traditional Igbo values and modern Afrobeat rhythms.
TJ Wonder’s music speaks to the heart of Ebonyi’s culture, and his songs often celebrate the beauty of the land and its people. As he continues to rise, TJ Wonder is poised to become one of the next big names to emerge from the state.
10. Ada Ehi (Ada Ogochukwu Ehi)
Genre: Gospel
Popular Songs: "Only You Jesus," "I Testify," "Congratulations"
Ada Ehi, one of Nigeria's most prominent gospel artists, has roots in Ebonyi State. Known for her powerful worship songs and charismatic stage presence, Ada Ehi’s music has touched millions across the globe. Her breakout hit "Only You Jesus" solidified her place as a gospel music icon, and she continues to release inspiring and spiritually uplifting songs like "I Testify" and "Congratulations."
Ada Ehi's music is widely celebrated in both the local and international gospel communities, and she is a prominent figure in the Christian music scene.
Conclusion
Ebonyi State may not always be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about Nigerian music, but the talents emerging from this region are undeniable. From Tekno’s international Afropop fame to Sinach and Ada Ehi’s powerful gospel ministries, Ebonyi has produced musicians who have made an indelible impact on Nigerian and global music. These artists reflect the cultural richness and versatility of Ebonyi State, representing a wide array of genres and styles that contribute to the vibrancy of Nigerian music.
