By Jimoh Ajebandele
One of the topmost discourses among Nigerian music enthusiasts, critics, or professionals is the origin of hip-hop in Nigeria. Taking us back to the roots of hip-hop in Nigeria, it can be traced to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when American rap music started gaining popularity among Nigerian youths. Influenced by artists like The Sugar Hill Gang, and with one of their hits, “Rapper’s Delight” (1979), Nigerian musicians began experimenting with the genre, incorporating local elements and themes.
However, hip-hop faced initial challenges in Nigeria, as it was seen as a foreign and unconventional style. Traditional genres like highlife and fuji music were more widely accepted at the time. Despite these obstacles, pioneers like Junior & Pretty, who released the hit song “Monika” in 1991, helped introduce hip-hop to a wider Nigerian audience.
Hip-hop in Nigeria has a rich history, with several pioneering artists laying the foundation for the genre’s growth and development in the country. One of the earliest influences came from the duo Junior & Pretty, who gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their music was a unique fusion of pidgin English, local Nigerian rhythms, and Western hip-hop influences; for example, the 1994 hit, “Bolanle.” This blend resonated with Nigerian audiences, marking the beginning of hip-hop’s presence in the country.
As hip-hop continued to evolve, Ruggedman emerged in the early 2000s as a trailblazer of modern Nigerian rap. Known for his bold and direct style, Ruggedman gained attention with his debut album, “Thy Album Come” in 2004, which helped bring Nigerian hip-hop to mainstream audiences. He wasn’t just a rapper, but also a figure who challenged the status quo, often criticizing the Nigerian music industry and calling for better recognition of hip-hop as a genre.
Another major pioneer in Nigerian hip-hop is Mode 9, recognized for his exceptional lyricism and technical ability. Mode 9’s influence in the early 2000s helped solidify the underground hip-hop scene in Nigeria. His music was revered for its complex wordplay and his devotion to keeping the traditional elements of hip-hop alive, even in a rapidly commercializing industry. His impact on the genre has earned him multiple awards, and he remains a respected figure in Nigerian rap.
The “Jaga Jaga” crooner, Eedris Abdulkareem, and former member of the influential group, The Remedies, also stands out as one of Nigeria’s hip-hop pioneers. After leaving the group, Eedris made a name for himself with his socially and politically charged music. Also, one of his hits, “Mr. Lecturer,” became an anthem in the early 2000s, addressing societal ills such as corruption and the abuse of power in educational institutions. Eedris’s ability to blend activism with music made him a significant figure in Nigerian hip-hop.
In the late 2000s to 2010s, MI was a household name in the Nigerian hip-hop world. The music scene saw the rise of several talented rappers who helped shape the genre in the country, and one of the prominent figures at that moment was MI Abaga. The “Chairman” of Nigerian rap, as he’s fondly referred to, charted paths for himself with his debut album, “Talk About It” in 2008. He introduced a refined lyricism and storytelling style that quickly set him apart. His follow-up album, “MI2: The Movie” (2010), cemented his class in the genre as a gem.
Ice Prince Zamani was a young and promising rap artiste of his age. The veteran rapper gained widespread attention in 2010 with his hit single “Oleku.” The song, featuring Brymo, became an anthem and introduced a new melodic approach to Nigerian rap. With “Everybody Loves Ice Prince,” released in 2011, he further established his place in the Nigerian music scene as a superstar. His style, using catchy hooks combined with sharp bars, made him one of the revered rappers of the era. He set the bar with hits like “Superstar,” “Oleku,” “Juju,” and “Aboki.”
Dagrin was a fearless street king and rap lion, who engraved his name and lyrics on all Nigerians’ hearts. He was known as a pioneer of indigenous rap. He revolutionized the genre by rapping in Yoruba, bringing street slang and culture to the forefront. With his 2009 album “C.E.O.” and the smash hit “Pon Pon Pon,” he captured the raw essence of life in Lagos. Sadly, Dagrin’s promising career was cut short when he passed away in 2010, but his influence has persisted. He is credited with opening the doors for other indigenous rappers and inspiring a movement of streetwise lyricists who rap in their native tongues.
Naeto C was another prominent rapper during this era, known for his polished and relatable lyrics. His debut album “You Know My P” (2008) spawned hits like “Kini Big Deal” and “10 Over 10,” which enjoyed widespread success. Naeto C’s ability to bridge the gap between Afrobeat and hip-hop made him a favorite among fans who appreciated both genres. His unique blend of style, lyricism, and delivery set a standard for commercial rap in Nigeria.
Vector, known for his sharp wordplay and freestyle skills, released his debut album, “State of Surprise” (2010), which included hits like “Kilode,” earning him respect within the Nigerian rap community. Vector’s ability to effortlessly combine lyricism with Afrobeats rhythms allowed him to remain relevant in both hip-hop circles and the broader Nigerian music industry. He has continued to be a dominant force in Nigerian hip-hop, known for his battle rap prowess and technical skill.
Olamide Baddo has been one of the leading hip-hop legends since the inception of his decade. He broke into the Nigerian music scene as a hip-hop artist with albums like “Rapsodi” and “YBNL”. In these albums, Olamide showed the world his rap ingenuity and capped it all with his indigenous language. Showing versatility, and with Afrobeats beginning to become prominent in Nigeria and internationally, Olamide dabbled into Afrobeats. He released songs with Afrobeats rhythms and vibes, like “Melo Melo,” “Bobo,” among others.
To the wildest shock of some people, Wizkid started out as a rapper. In the early days of his career, like most upcoming artists in the industry, he struggled for the limelight with his art. In a video released about twelve years ago on YouTube by TimWestwoodTV, Wizkid is seen showing his rap prowess, later giving shoutouts to big rappers like Skepta, among others. However, he gained his ground with his first hit single, “Holla at Your Boy,” in 2010, which was purely Afrobeats.
Phyno Fino, a popular indigenous rapper who got the attention of the Nigerian populace with his Igbo rap skills with a hit like “Man of the Year,” became an Afrobeats sensation with songs like “Fada Fada,” “Augment,” and “Bia” among others. Phyno gradually transitioned into Afrobeats, blending his unique rap style with the more melodic and rhythmic Afrobeats sound. It becomes more interesting that this astute rapper-turned-Afrobeats singer featured his colleagues on some of these songs, which shows the prominence of the genre.
Reminisce, a rapper known for spitting heavy bars in Yoruba, also made the shift to Afrobeats. While his early work was firmly rooted in hip-hop, Reminisce has adapted to the Afrobeats wave in albums like “El-Hadj” and “Vibes and Insha Allah.” He infuses his hard-hitting rap with the Afrobeats groove, making his sound more accessible to a wider audience while still appealing to his core fan base.
These transitions are driven by the need for wider mainstream success and international recognition, as Afrobeats has grown into a global phenomenon. Nigerian hip-hop artists have shown remarkable adaptability, blending their lyrical talents with the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats to create a unique, modern sound that appeals to fans across genres.
Even with the outturn of hip-hop in the Nigerian music scene, some new generations of rappers are still upholding the baton of the genre, firmly. Zlatan, a vibrant Nigerian rapper, and arguably king of ad-libs in the Nigerian music industry, broke out with his album “ZANKU” in 2019. This audacious hip-hop artiste has stayed in the music scene since then, releasing hits within the genre.
Blaqbonez has also made himself a rap genius and a trailblazer in the Nigerian hip-hop world. His 2021 “Sex over Love” album is a testament that he has come to stay in the industry without much ado. He sets himself apart with how he combines humor and prideful lyrics. He also shows his versatility as an Afrobeats singer, music director, content creator, among others.
Another rising star is Nito-P, who is known for his gritty, raw style and lyrics that reflect life in the streets. His sound has struck a chord with listeners who appreciate authenticity and conscious storytelling. Nito-P represents a new wave of socially aware rappers who use their platform to discuss real issues affecting Nigerian youth, such as unemployment and poverty. In early 2021, Nito-P started flexing his lyrical strength on social media. One of his earliest rap freestyles can be found on his Instagram handle with a white counterpart, Rizvan. He released his debut single, “Rapsody,” in 2021, which was followed by another sensation, “Flying higher” in the same year. Nito-P’s bars, and flows set him up for a pedestal that’s promising beyond his dreams.
Ladipoe, a Mavins Records signee, has emerged as one of the prominent and loyal heirs of hip-hop in Nigeria. Ladipoe is known for his intellectual lyricism and introspective storytelling. His 2021 album, “Providence”, with hit songs like “Running” featuring Fireboy, showcases his rap prowess and ingenuity. Notably, also, is his hit song “Feeling” featuring BNXN (Buju). Ladipoe is, no doubt, a kingman in his rap art.
In conclusion, Nigerian hip-hop has evolved from its early beginnings, blending local influences with Western elements to create a unique sound that resonates both locally and internationally. While some pioneers like Junior & Pretty, Ruggedman, and Mode 9 laid the foundation, modern artists such as Blaqbonez, Nito–P, and Ladipoe continue to push the boundaries of the genre. The ongoing fusion of hip-hop with Afrobeats demonstrates the adaptability and creativity of Nigerian musicians, ensuring the continued relevance and growth of hip-hop in the Nigerian music scene.Shaping the Sound: The State of Nigerian Hip-Hop Since the 2000s
One of the topmost discourses among Nigerian music enthusiasts, critics, or professionals is the origin of hip-hop in Nigeria. Taking us back to the roots of hip-hop in Nigeria, it can be traced to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when American rap music started gaining popularity among Nigerian youths. Influenced by artists like The Sugar Hill Gang, and with one of their hits, “Rapper’s Delight” (1979), Nigerian musicians began experimenting with the genre, incorporating local elements and themes.
However, hip-hop faced initial challenges in Nigeria, as it was seen as a foreign and unconventional style. Traditional genres like highlife and fuji music were more widely accepted at the time. Despite these obstacles, pioneers like Junior & Pretty, who released the hit song “Monika” in 1991, helped introduce hip-hop to a wider Nigerian audience.
Hip-hop in Nigeria has a rich history, with several pioneering artists laying the foundation for the genre’s growth and development in the country. One of the earliest influences came from the duo Junior & Pretty, who gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their music was a unique fusion of pidgin English, local Nigerian rhythms, and Western hip-hop influences; for example, the 1994 hit, “Bolanle.” This blend resonated with Nigerian audiences, marking the beginning of hip-hop’s presence in the country.
As hip-hop continued to evolve, Ruggedman emerged in the early 2000s as a trailblazer of modern Nigerian rap. Known for his bold and direct style, Ruggedman gained attention with his debut album, “Thy Album Come” in 2004, which helped bring Nigerian hip-hop to mainstream audiences. He wasn’t just a rapper, but also a figure who challenged the status quo, often criticizing the Nigerian music industry and calling for better recognition of hip-hop as a genre.
Another major pioneer in Nigerian hip-hop is Mode 9, recognized for his exceptional lyricism and technical ability. Mode 9’s influence in the early 2000s helped solidify the underground hip-hop scene in Nigeria. His music was revered for its complex wordplay and his devotion to keeping the traditional elements of hip-hop alive, even in a rapidly commercializing industry. His impact on the genre has earned him multiple awards, and he remains a respected figure in Nigerian rap.
The “Jaga Jaga” crooner, Eedris Abdulkareem, and former member of the influential group, The Remedies, also stands out as one of Nigeria’s hip-hop pioneers. After leaving the group, Eedris made a name for himself with his socially and politically charged music. Also, one of his hits, “Mr. Lecturer,” became an anthem in the early 2000s, addressing societal ills such as corruption and the abuse of power in educational institutions. Eedris’s ability to blend activism with music made him a significant figure in Nigerian hip-hop.
In the late 2000s to 2010s, MI was a household name in the Nigerian hip-hop world. The music scene saw the rise of several talented rappers who helped shape the genre in the country, and one of the prominent figures at that moment was MI Abaga. The “Chairman” of Nigerian rap, as he’s fondly referred to, charted paths for himself with his debut album, “Talk About It” in 2008. He introduced a refined lyricism and storytelling style that quickly set him apart. His follow-up album, “MI2: The Movie” (2010), cemented his class in the genre as a gem.
Ice Prince Zamani was a young and promising rap artiste of his age. The veteran rapper gained widespread attention in 2010 with his hit single “Oleku.” The song, featuring Brymo, became an anthem and introduced a new melodic approach to Nigerian rap. With “Everybody Loves Ice Prince,” released in 2011, he further established his place in the Nigerian music scene as a superstar. His style, using catchy hooks combined with sharp bars, made him one of the revered rappers of the era. He set the bar with hits like “Superstar,” “Oleku,” “Juju,” and “Aboki.”
Dagrin was a fearless street king and rap lion, who engraved his name and lyrics on all Nigerians’ hearts. He was known as a pioneer of indigenous rap. He revolutionized the genre by rapping in Yoruba, bringing street slang and culture to the forefront. With his 2009 album “C.E.O.” and the smash hit “Pon Pon Pon,” he captured the raw essence of life in Lagos. Sadly, Dagrin’s promising career was cut short when he passed away in 2010, but his influence has persisted. He is credited with opening the doors for other indigenous rappers and inspiring a movement of streetwise lyricists who rap in their native tongues.
Naeto C was another prominent rapper during this era, known for his polished and relatable lyrics. His debut album “You Know My P” (2008) spawned hits like “Kini Big Deal” and “10 Over 10,” which enjoyed widespread success. Naeto C’s ability to bridge the gap between Afrobeat and hip-hop made him a favorite among fans who appreciated both genres. His unique blend of style, lyricism, and delivery set a standard for commercial rap in Nigeria.
Vector, known for his sharp wordplay and freestyle skills, released his debut album, “State of Surprise” (2010), which included hits like “Kilode,” earning him respect within the Nigerian rap community. Vector’s ability to effortlessly combine lyricism with Afrobeats rhythms allowed him to remain relevant in both hip-hop circles and the broader Nigerian music industry. He has continued to be a dominant force in Nigerian hip-hop, known for his battle rap prowess and technical skill.
Olamide Baddo has been one of the leading hip-hop legends since the inception of his decade. He broke into the Nigerian music scene as a hip-hop artist with albums like “Rapsodi” and “YBNL”. In these albums, Olamide showed the world his rap ingenuity and capped it all with his indigenous language. Showing versatility, and with Afrobeats beginning to become prominent in Nigeria and internationally, Olamide dabbled into Afrobeats. He released songs with Afrobeats rhythms and vibes, like “Melo Melo,” “Bobo,” among others.
To the wildest shock of some people, Wizkid started out as a rapper. In the early days of his career, like most upcoming artists in the industry, he struggled for the limelight with his art. In a video released about twelve years ago on YouTube by TimWestwoodTV, Wizkid is seen showing his rap prowess, later giving shoutouts to big rappers like Skepta, among others. However, he gained his ground with his first hit single, “Holla at Your Boy,” in 2010, which was purely Afrobeats.
Phyno Fino, a popular indigenous rapper who got the attention of the Nigerian populace with his Igbo rap skills with a hit like “Man of the Year,” became an Afrobeats sensation with songs like “Fada Fada,” “Augment,” and “Bia” among others. Phyno gradually transitioned into Afrobeats, blending his unique rap style with the more melodic and rhythmic Afrobeats sound. It becomes more interesting that this astute rapper-turned-Afrobeats singer featured his colleagues on some of these songs, which shows the prominence of the genre.
Reminisce, a rapper known for spitting heavy bars in Yoruba, also made the shift to Afrobeats. While his early work was firmly rooted in hip-hop, Reminisce has adapted to the Afrobeats wave in albums like “El-Hadj” and “Vibes and Insha Allah.” He infuses his hard-hitting rap with the Afrobeats groove, making his sound more accessible to a wider audience while still appealing to his core fan base.
These transitions are driven by the need for wider mainstream success and international recognition, as Afrobeats has grown into a global phenomenon. Nigerian hip-hop artists have shown remarkable adaptability, blending their lyrical talents with the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats to create a unique, modern sound that appeals to fans across genres.
Even with the outturn of hip-hop in the Nigerian music scene, some new generations of rappers are still upholding the baton of the genre, firmly. Zlatan, a vibrant Nigerian rapper, and arguably king of ad-libs in the Nigerian music industry, broke out with his album “ZANKU” in 2019. This audacious hip-hop artiste has stayed in the music scene since then, releasing hits within the genre.
Blaqbonez has also made himself a rap genius and a trailblazer in the Nigerian hip-hop world. His 2021 “Sex over Love” album is a testament that he has come to stay in the industry without much ado. He sets himself apart with how he combines humor and prideful lyrics. He also shows his versatility as an Afrobeats singer, music director, content creator, among others.
Another rising star is Nito-P, who is known for his gritty, raw style and lyrics that reflect life in the streets. His sound has struck a chord with listeners who appreciate authenticity and conscious storytelling. Nito-P represents a new wave of socially aware rappers who use their platform to discuss real issues affecting Nigerian youth, such as unemployment and poverty. In early 2021, Nito-P started flexing his lyrical strength on social media. One of his earliest rap freestyles can be found on his Instagram handle with a white counterpart, Rizvan. He released his debut single, “Rapsody,” in 2021, which was followed by another sensation, “Flying higher” in the same year. Nito-P’s bars, and flows set him up for a pedestal that’s promising beyond his dreams.
Ladipoe, a Mavins Records signee, has emerged as one of the prominent and loyal heirs of hip-hop in Nigeria. Ladipoe is known for his intellectual lyricism and introspective storytelling. His 2021 album, “Providence”, with hit songs like “Running” featuring Fireboy, showcases his rap prowess and ingenuity. Notably, also, is his hit song “Feeling” featuring BNXN (Buju). Ladipoe is, no doubt, a kingman in his rap art.
In conclusion, Nigerian hip-hop has evolved from its early beginnings, blending local influences with Western elements to create a unique sound that resonates both locally and internationally. While some pioneers like Junior & Pretty, Ruggedman, and Mode 9 laid the foundation, modern artists such as Blaqbonez, Nito–P, and Ladipoe continue to push the boundaries of the genre. The ongoing fusion of hip-hop with Afrobeats demonstrates the adaptability and creativity of Nigerian musicians, ensuring the continued relevance and growth of hip-hop in the Nigerian music scene.