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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Ogun State
Ogun State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, is not only known for its industrial and educational achievements but also for its rich cultural and artistic heritage. The state has produced some of Nigeria’s most influential musicians who have shaped the soundscape of the country and made significant contributions to both the local and global music scene. From Afrobeat legends to contemporary pop stars, Ogun State is a breeding ground for musical talent.
In this blog post, we explore the top 10 musicians from Ogun State, celebrating their contributions and unique styles, while also looking at the impact they’ve had on the Nigerian music industry.
1. Fela Anikulapo Kuti
One cannot discuss Nigerian music without mentioning Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat and an international icon. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Fela’s influence on music is unmatched. He created Afrobeat by blending highlife, jazz, and traditional African rhythms with political and social commentary, using his music to speak against corruption and oppression in Nigeria.
Fela’s legacy lives on through his expansive discography, including classics like Zombie, Shakara, and Water No Get Enemy. His Kalakuta Republic in Lagos was not only a hub for music but also a symbol of resistance against government oppression. Today, his children and grandchildren continue to uphold the Kuti name in music and activism.
2. Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun)
Ayodeji Balogun, better known as Wizkid, is a global superstar from Shagamu in Ogun State. Wizkid’s rise to fame began in 2010 with the release of his debut single “Holla at Your Boy,” which catapulted him into the limelight. He has since evolved into one of the biggest Afrobeat artists in the world, collaborating with international stars like Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber.
Wizkid’s blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and pop has made him a favorite across the globe, with albums like Superstar, Ayo, and Made in Lagos dominating charts worldwide. His international appeal and influence in the Afrobeat genre make him one of Ogun State’s most successful musical exports.
3. King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1)
Born in Ijebu Ode, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, is a legendary figure in the world of Fuji music. KWAM 1 revolutionized Fuji music, which was previously seen as a local genre, by modernizing it and bringing it to a wider audience. He infused elements of jazz, funk, and juju into Fuji music, creating a unique sound that appeals to both young and old.
His influence on Fuji cannot be overstated, as he has been at the forefront of the genre for decades. With numerous albums like Talazo 84, Ultimate Medley, and State of the Nation, KWAM 1 remains a respected icon in Nigeria’s music industry.
4. Olamide (Olamide Adedeji)
Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo, is one of the most influential hip-hop artists in Nigeria, and he hails from Bariga in Ogun State. Olamide is known for his unique ability to rap in both Yoruba and English, a skill that has endeared him to millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond. He is the founder of the YBNL Nation record label, which has produced several notable artists such as Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, and Adekunle Gold.
Olamide’s albums, such as Rapsodi, YBNL, and Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, are considered some of the best works in contemporary Nigerian hip-hop. His versatility, ability to fuse traditional Yoruba culture with modern hip-hop, and his knack for producing hits make him a top-tier musician from Ogun State.
5. Ebenezer Obey (Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi)
Ebenezer Obey, also from Abeokuta in Ogun State, is another musical giant, but from the juju music genre. Known as “Chief Commander,” Ebenezer Obey was one of the pioneers of juju music in the 1960s and 1970s. His music blends highlife with traditional Yoruba rhythms and Christian themes, creating a unique sound that has resonated with generations of Nigerians.
With iconic albums like Ewo Ohun Oju Ri and Board Members, Ebenezer Obey’s music has stood the test of time. His impact on Nigerian music and his influence on subsequent generations of juju musicians is immeasurable.
6. Adekunle Gold (Adekunle Kosoko)
Adekunle Gold, born Adekunle Kosoko, is another shining star from Ogun State. Known for his smooth blend of Afrobeat, highlife, and pop, Adekunle Gold’s unique sound has earned him widespread acclaim. He first gained recognition with his 2014 hit single “Sade,” a cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life,” and has since evolved into a global artist.
Adekunle Gold’s albums, Gold, About 30, and Catch Me If You Can, showcase his growth as an artist. His storytelling abilities, combined with his velvety vocals, have positioned him as one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary artists.
7. Asa (Bukola Elemide)
Asa, whose real name is Bukola Elemide, is an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter born to Nigerian parents from Ogun State. Known for her soulful voice and thoughtful lyrics, Asa’s music transcends borders. She fuses jazz, pop, and Yoruba folk music to create a unique sound that has won her fans across the globe.
With albums like Asa, Beautiful Imperfection, and Lucid, Asa has become one of Nigeria’s most respected musicians. Her songs, like “Jailer,” “Bibanke,” and “Fire on the Mountain,” are considered classics in Nigerian music.
8. Fireboy DML (Adedamola Adefolahan)
Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, is one of the new generation of artists from Ogun State making waves in the Nigerian music scene. Signed to YBNL Nation, Fireboy gained prominence with the release of his debut album Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps in 2019, which produced hit singles like “Jealous” and “King.”
Fireboy’s smooth blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop has earned him a strong following, and his subsequent album Apollo solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s most promising young artists. With multiple awards and international collaborations under his belt, Fireboy DML is a rising star from Ogun State.
9. Teni (Teniola Apata)
Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, is a multi-talented artist from Ogun State. She burst onto the Nigerian music scene with her hit singles “Fargin” and “Askamaya,” quickly becoming a fan favorite for her playful lyrics and unique voice. Teni’s music is a blend of Afrobeat, highlife, and pop, and her ability to switch between different styles has endeared her to a diverse audience.
Her debut EP Billionaire was a commercial success, with the title track becoming an anthem across Nigeria. Teni’s vibrant personality and her ability to connect with fans through her music make her one of Ogun State’s brightest musical stars.
10. Wande Coal (Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe)
Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe, known by his stage name Wande Coal, is a veteran of Nigeria’s Afro-pop scene, and he hails from Ogun State. Wande Coal first gained recognition as part of the Mo’Hits Records crew, where he released his debut album Mushin 2 Mo’Hits in 2009. The album, which featured hit singles like “Bumper to Bumper” and “You Bad,” was a commercial success and established Wande as a major player in the Nigerian music industry.
Wande Coal’s smooth voice and infectious melodies have made him a favorite in the Afrobeat genre, and he continues to release hit songs that resonate with fans across the world.
Conclusion
Ogun State has produced some of the most iconic and influential musicians in Nigeria’s history. From legends like Fela Kuti and Ebenezer Obey to contemporary stars like Wizkid and Fireboy DML, the state’s contribution to Nigerian and global music is undeniable. These artists have not only shaped the sounds of their respective genres but have also become cultural ambassadors, representing Nigeria on the world stage. Their diverse styles and unique approaches to music continue to inspire new generations of musicians, both in Ogun State and beyond.
