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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Ondo State
Ondo State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is a region rich in cultural heritage, traditional values, and artistic talent. Known for its contributions to the cultural and economic development of Nigeria, Ondo State has produced many notable individuals across various sectors, including the music industry. From traditional Yoruba music to contemporary Afropop, gospel, and hip-hop, the musicians from Ondo State have made significant impacts on the Nigerian and international music scenes. In this post, we will highlight the top 10 musicians from Ondo State who have become influential figures in the industry.
1. King Sunny Ade (Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye)
Genre: Juju, Highlife
Popular Songs: "Synchro System," "Merciful God," "Ja Funmi"
One of the most iconic figures in Nigerian music, King Sunny Ade is not only a pride of Ondo State but also one of the most influential musicians in Africa. Born in Ondo Town, King Sunny Ade, whose real name is Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, is a pioneer of Juju music, a genre that blends traditional Yoruba rhythms with modern instrumentation, including electric guitars and drums.
King Sunny Ade’s innovative fusion of highlife and juju music earned him international recognition, making him one of the first African musicians to gain widespread success on the global stage. His album Synchro System earned him a Grammy nomination, a rare achievement for an African artist at the time. King Sunny Ade's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, both within and outside Nigeria.
2. Asa (Bukola Elemide)
Genre: Soul, Jazz, R&B
Popular Songs: "Jailer," "Fire on the Mountain," "Be My Man"
Asa is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who hails from Ondo State, even though she spent much of her early life in Lagos. Born Bukola Elemide, Asa's music is a fusion of soul, jazz, R&B, and elements of Nigerian folk music, creating a unique sound that has earned her widespread acclaim across the world. Her debut album, Aṣa, propelled her into the international music scene, with songs like "Jailer" and "Fire on the Mountain" becoming anthems for social consciousness.
Asa's music often addresses social issues, personal struggles, and themes of love and identity. Her powerful voice, deep lyrics, and ability to connect with audiences across different cultures make her one of the most respected artists to come from Ondo State.
3. Teni (Teniola Apata)
Genre: Afropop, Afrobeats
Popular Songs: "Case," "Billionaire," "Uyo Meyo"
Teniola Apata, known by her stage name Teni, is one of the brightest stars in Nigeria’s contemporary Afropop scene. Born to a family with deep roots in Ondo State, Teni rose to fame with her breakout single "Fargin" and quickly became a household name with subsequent hits like "Case" and "Billionaire." Her playful style, unique voice, and relatable lyrics have made her a favorite among fans across the globe.
Teni’s music blends Afrobeats with pop, and she often infuses her songs with humor and motivational messages. Her background as a member of a musically inclined family (her sister is fellow artist Niniola) has contributed to her success. Teni’s hit single "Uyo Meyo," which celebrates personal growth and triumph over challenges, has become an inspirational anthem.
4. Sir Shina Peters
Genre: Afro-Juju, Juju
Popular Songs: "Afro Juju," "Ace," "Shinamania"
Sir Shina Peters is a legendary Juju musician from Ondo State, known for pioneering the Afro-Juju genre, a fusion of traditional Juju music and Afrobeat. Born Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, he gained prominence in the late 1980s with his album Ace (Afro Juju Series 1), which became an instant classic and solidified his status as a major figure in Nigerian music.
Sir Shina Peters’ energetic performances, innovative sound, and infectious rhythms have earned him a lasting legacy in the Nigerian music industry. His fusion of fast-paced drums, guitars, and brass instruments with Yoruba lyrics made him a fan favorite, especially in the 90s, and he continues to influence younger musicians today.
5. Niniola Apata
Genre: Afro-House, Afropop
Popular Songs: "Maradona," "Sicker," "Designer"
Niniola Apata, widely known as Niniola, is another highly successful artist from Ondo State. The older sister of Teni, Niniola’s music is heavily influenced by Afro-House and Afropop. Her debut single "Ibadi" gained her early recognition, but it was her smash hit "Maradona" that catapulted her to international fame.
Niniola’s sound blends traditional African rhythms with house music, giving her a unique edge in the Afropop scene. Her energetic performances, powerful vocals, and innovative music videos have earned her numerous awards and nominations. Niniola is a trailblazer for Afro-House in Nigeria, making her one of the most successful artists from Ondo State.
6. Yinka Ayefele
Genre: Gospel, Juju, Tungba
Popular Songs: "Funmilayo," "Bitter Experience," "Aspiration"
Yinka Ayefele is a gospel singer, radio presenter, and music producer from Ipoti-Ekiti, Ondo State. Ayefele became a household name in Nigeria after surviving a car accident in 1997 that left him wheelchair-bound but led him to pursue a successful career in gospel music. His debut album, Bitter Experience, was a huge success, and he has since released multiple hit gospel albums, blending Juju and Tungba rhythms with spiritual messages.
Ayefele’s music is popular among Christian audiences, and his inspirational story of triumph over adversity resonates with many. His mix of praise, worship, and danceable beats has made him a respected figure in Nigerian gospel music.
7. Wale Akintimehin (W4)
Genre: Afropop, Dancehall
Popular Songs: "Kontrol," "Se Na Like This"
Wale Akintimehin, popularly known by his stage name W4, is an Afropop and dancehall artist from Ondo State. Known for his signature sound that blends dancehall rhythms with Afrobeats, W4 gained prominence with his hit single "Kontrol," which became a club favorite across Nigeria.
W4’s high-energy performances, catchy hooks, and unique voice have made him a notable figure in the Afropop scene. While he has taken a step back from the spotlight in recent years, his contributions to Nigerian music, particularly in the dancehall and Afropop genres, have left a lasting mark.
8. Adekunle Gold (Adekunle Kosoko)
Genre: Afropop, Highlife, Contemporary Pop
Popular Songs: "Orente," "Pick Up," "Something Different"
Born Adekunle Kosoko, Adekunle Gold is a talented singer-songwriter and graphic artist from Ondo State. Known for his unique blend of highlife and contemporary Afropop, Adekunle Gold first gained national attention with his hit single "Sade," a highlife love song that resonated with many Nigerian music lovers.
Adekunle Gold’s distinct sound, often described as a fusion of urban highlife and pop, is characterized by his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. His subsequent hits like "Orente," "Pick Up," and "Something Different" have cemented his place as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and successful artists. With his continuous evolution as an artist, Adekunle Gold remains one of the top musical talents from Ondo State.
9. Small Doctor (Temitope Adekunle)
Genre: Street Pop, Afrobeats
Popular Songs: "Penalty," "Mosquito Killer," "This Year"
Small Doctor, born Temitope Adekunle, is a street-pop sensation from Ondo State. Known for his energetic, danceable music, Small Doctor became a breakout star with his hit single "Penalty," which became a national anthem and earned him multiple awards.
Small Doctor’s music is deeply rooted in street pop, a sub-genre of Afrobeats that speaks to the experiences of everyday Nigerians. His relatable lyrics, infectious beats, and charismatic stage presence have made him a favorite in the Nigerian music industry, especially among young people.
10. Beautiful Nubia (Segun Akinlolu)
Genre: Folk, Traditional Yoruba Music
Popular Songs: "Seven Lives," "Owuro L’Ojo," "What a Feeling"
Segun Akinlolu, better known by his stage name Beautiful Nubia, is a folk and traditional Yoruba musician from Ondo State. His music is deeply influenced by African folklore, Yoruba proverbs, and themes of social justice. Beautiful Nubia’s songs often address societal issues such as corruption, inequality, and the need for peace and unity.
With a career spanning over two decades, Beautiful Nubia has carved out a niche for himself with his unique sound and socially conscious lyrics. His album Owuro L’Ojo is widely regarded as a classic in Nigerian folk music, and he continues to inspire with his message-driven songs.
Conclusion
Ondo State has produced a diverse array of musical talents across multiple genres, from the iconic King Sunny Ade in Juju music to contemporary stars like Teni and Adekunle Gold in Afropop. Each of these artists has left a unique imprint on the Nigerian music industry, contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds and styles that define the nation’s musical heritage. These musicians from Ondo State have not only brought fame to their home state but have also played significant roles in shaping the future of Nigerian music.
