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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Imo State
Imo State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, is not only renowned for its rich cultural heritage and economic contributions but also for the vibrant musical talents it has produced. Over the years, Imo State has birthed some of the most influential and talented musicians in Nigeria. These artists span various genres, from highlife and gospel to Afropop, hip-hop, and indigenous rap, contributing immensely to the growth of the Nigerian music industry and spreading the sound of the region far and wide.
In this blog post, we explore the top 10 musicians from Imo State, highlighting their musical achievements, impact, and contributions to the global music scene.
1. Peruzzi (Tobechukwu Victor Okoh)
Genre: Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B
Popular Songs: "Majesty," "Amaka," "Gunshot"
Peruzzi, born Tobechukwu Victor Okoh, is a sensational Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer from Imo State. Signed to Davido's DMW record label, Peruzzi has made waves in the Nigerian music scene with his unique blend of Afrobeats, Afropop, and R&B. His collaboration with Davido on the hit track "Amaka" brought him mainstream success and established him as one of the top songwriters and performers in Nigeria.
Peruzzi’s soulful voice, along with his ability to write heartfelt lyrics, has earned him a loyal fan base. His hit songs like "Majesty" and "Gunshot" showcase his vocal prowess and versatility. As a songwriter, Peruzzi has penned several hit tracks for notable artists, further solidifying his position in the industry.
2. Duncan Mighty (Duncan Wene Mighty Okechukwu)
Genre: Highlife, Afrobeats
Popular Songs: "Obianuju," "Fake Love," "Port Harcourt First Son"
Although often associated with Rivers State due to his musical influence there, Duncan Mighty was born in Obio-Akpor, which connects him to both Rivers and Imo States. A multi-talented singer and producer, Duncan Mighty made his mark in Nigerian music with his deep, traditional highlife sound infused with contemporary Afrobeats.
His songs, like "Obianuju" and "Port Harcourt First Son," reflect his mastery in blending indigenous rhythms with modern sounds. Duncan Mighty’s resurgence into the limelight came when he collaborated with Wizkid on the hit song "Fake Love," which topped charts across Africa. Known for his raw vocals and traditional storytelling, Duncan Mighty has contributed significantly to Nigerian highlife and continues to inspire many younger artists.
3. Waconzy (Obinna Kelvin Anyanwu)
Genre: Afropop, Reggae, Dancehall
Popular Songs: "Celebrate," "I Like It," "Jangolova"
Waconzy, born Obinna Kelvin Anyanwu, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer from Imo State. He gained nationwide fame with his hit song "Celebrate," a fusion of Afropop, reggae, and dancehall. His sound is a unique blend of African rhythms with Western influences, which has allowed him to stand out in the Nigerian music scene.
Waconzy's career has been marked by his versatility as he seamlessly transitions between various musical genres. His follow-up hits, including "I Like It" and "Jangolova," helped solidify his place in the industry. Waconzy's music is known for its celebratory themes and infectious beats, making him one of the top musicians to emerge from Imo State.
4. Chidinma Ekile
Genre: Gospel, Afropop, R&B
Popular Songs: "Kedike," "Fallen in Love," "Jehovah Overdo"
Chidinma Ekile, popularly known as Chidinma, is one of the most iconic female musicians to emerge from Imo State. After winning the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2010, Chidinma became a household name with her breakout hit "Kedike." Her sweet vocals and blend of Afropop with R&B made her an instant favorite in the Nigerian music industry.
In recent years, Chidinma transitioned from secular music to gospel, where she has continued to excel. Her gospel single "Jehovah Overdo" has garnered millions of views and streams, reflecting her ability to succeed across different musical genres. Chidinma’s journey from a pop star to a gospel minister showcases her versatility and commitment to using her voice for both entertainment and spiritual upliftment.
5. Phyno (Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike)
Genre: Indigenous Rap, Afrobeats
Popular Songs: "Fada Fada," "Connect," "So Far So Good"
Although Phyno is often associated with Enugu, his roots extend to Anambra and Imo State. Phyno is one of the most successful indigenous rappers in Nigeria, known for his impeccable use of the Igbo language in his rap. His unique style of combining traditional Igbo sounds with modern rap and Afrobeats has earned him widespread recognition both in Nigeria and internationally.
Phyno’s breakout came with his hit song "Alobam," and he has since released several chart-topping tracks like "Fada Fada" and "Connect." His ability to stay true to his cultural roots while delivering contemporary sounds has made him a beloved figure in the Nigerian music scene. Phyno is a proud ambassador of Igbo culture and has played a pivotal role in popularizing indigenous rap in mainstream Nigerian music.
6. Acharaman (Christian Obiora)
Genre: Indigenous Rap, Hip-Hop
Popular Songs: "Proudly Igbo," "Atachikota," "Ekele"
Acharaman, born Christian Obiora, is a rising star in Nigeria’s indigenous rap scene and proudly represents Imo State. Known for his lyrical prowess and deep connection to the Igbo language, Acharaman has made a name for himself with songs that celebrate his culture and heritage. His single "Proudly Igbo" became an anthem for Igbo pride and resonated deeply with his fans.
Acharaman’s rap style is characterized by its fusion of traditional Igbo sounds with modern hip-hop beats. His songs often address social issues, success, and identity, making him a relatable voice for many young Nigerians. Acharaman is quickly emerging as one of the most talented rappers from Imo State, and his music continues to inspire a new generation of indigenous artists.
7. 2Shotz (William Orioha)
Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop
Popular Songs: "Delicious," "Make Dem Talk," "Carry Am Go"
2Shotz, whose real name is William Orioha, is a Nigerian hip-hop artist and one of the pioneers of Nigerian rap music. He was born in Surulere, Lagos but hails from Imo State. 2Shotz came into the spotlight in the early 2000s, and his debut album, Pirated Copy, was critically acclaimed. His hit singles, including "Delicious" and "Carry Am Go," cemented his place as one of Nigeria’s top rappers during the early days of Nigerian hip-hop.
Known for his smooth delivery and clever punchlines, 2Shotz was one of the artists who helped lay the foundation for Nigerian hip-hop, creating a path for future generations. Although he has since taken a step back from the music industry, his contributions remain significant, and he is fondly remembered as one of Imo State’s finest musical exports.
8. Xbusta (Golden Chinedu Okafor)
Genre: Hip-Hop, Afropop
Popular Songs: "Ogologo," "Brown Skin," "Somebody Crush"
Xbusta, born Golden Chinedu Okafor, is a talented hip-hop and Afropop artist from Imo State. Known for his sharp lyrical skills and unique style, Xbusta has been making waves in the Nigerian music scene with his catchy songs and energetic performances. His hit single "Ogologo" introduced him to a wider audience, and he has since released other popular tracks like "Brown Skin" and "Somebody Crush."
Xbusta’s ability to seamlessly switch between rapping and singing, combined with his youthful energy, makes him one of the most exciting artists from Imo State. He has collaborated with notable artists and is fast gaining a reputation as one of the new voices in Nigerian music.
9. MC Loph (Nwaozo Obiajulu)
Genre: Highlife
Popular Songs: "Osondi Owendi," "Ebelebe"
MC Loph, born Nwaozo Obiajulu, was a popular highlife musician from Imo State. He gained widespread fame with his modern rendition of the classic highlife song "Osondi Owendi," which became an instant hit and earned him a place in the hearts of highlife lovers across Nigeria. His version of the song paid tribute to the original by Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, while adding a modern twist that made it appealing to younger audiences.
Unfortunately, MC Loph’s life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2011. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to highlife music in Nigeria are fondly remembered, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans of the genre.
10. Cynthia Morgan (Madrina)
Genre: Dancehall, Reggae, Afropop
Popular Songs: "German Juice," "Simatiniya," "Lead Me On"
Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, is a dynamic dancehall and reggae artist with roots in Imo State. She burst onto the music scene with her energetic performances and hit singles like "German Juice" and "Simatiniya," which became party anthems across Nigeria. Cynthia Morgan’s ability to blend dancehall with Afropop made her one of the most sought-after female artists in the industry.
Although she faced some challenges in her career, Cynthia Morgan remains a talented musician, and her influence on the Nigerian music scene, particularly in the dancehall genre, is undeniable. Her powerful vocals and bold stage presence continue to resonate with fans, making her one of the top musicians from Imo State.
Conclusion
Imo State has produced a wealth of musical talent, spanning multiple genres and generations. From the indigenous rap of Phyno and Acharaman to the soulful gospel of Chidinma and the dancehall energy of Cynthia Morgan, these musicians have not only made a mark on the Nigerian music scene but have also showcased the rich cultural heritage of Imo State. Their diverse contributions continue to influence the ever-evolving sound of Nigerian music, and their legacies will undoubtedly inspire future generations of artists from the region.
