2012 was a very competitive year for Music Artistes in Nigeria. Some left some record labels for other bigger labels. Some stayed in Nigeria. Some traveled out. Some couldn’t keep up with the pace of the industry (We won’t mention names). Entertainment Express came up with a list of 13 music stars to watch in 2013 and we agree with it to a reasonable extent. Join Steve Dede as we move on the journey together and let us know your opinion.

D Banj
Since his controversial split with former partner and producer, the GOOD music star has continued to soar higher like an Eagle, although his Christmas show, Koko Concert was a huge flop. With his collaboration deal with G.O.O.D Music, the emergence of his own record label Dbanj Records and the Pan-African distribution deal with Sony Music Entertainment, the Ogun State born entertainer has clearly moved on. Doubts however still persist over his ability to churn out hits without Don Jazzy as there have been mixed reactions to the songs he has released so far. With the release of his newest album without Don Jazzy, 2013 may be the year he’ll silence his critics.

Wizkid
The Empire Mate Entertainment (EME) act has been the revelation of the past years since the release of his debut album. Though without a major solo project, the Pakurumo crooner still shone in his featured projects in 2012. He was the stand out star in the EME’s Empire States of Mind album of 2012 and fans and critics alike are looking forward to what 2013 has in store for the young crooner. Songs with international stars like Wale, Game, Akon and Young Jeezy are among projects fans are looking forward to in this New Year.

Banky W
After mentoring and overseeing the emergence of the biggest Nigerian star in recent years Wizkid; Banky W has somehow lost his place in the heart of Nigerian music lovers. He has since staged a comeback with few collaborations, his part in the EME compilation album and finally two new singles of his highly anticipated album The R&B. With the positive reviews that trailed the new singles, the EME boss has been tipped to have a great comeback this New Year.

Flavour
He was unarguably the most featured act last year and that trend is set to continue in the New Year. After a successful 2010 sophomore album which had many hit songs, the Anambra State born artiste in October 2012 released his third album which had hit tracks like Baby Oku, Shake and Ada Ada. The album was launched alongside his Night Club ‘2nite Club’ in Enugu at Toscana Hotels. Flavour is set to continue with his shine in the New Year, with other collaboration projects with both local and foreign stars.

Waje
Despite not having an album to her name since her emergence in the music industry, the Edo State singer has managed to become a household name in Nigeria. Since featuring in the hit single by P Square entitled Do Me, the I Wish crooner has featured in some other hit songs like One Naira with MI, Thief My Kele with Banky W and most recently Number One with DJ Caise. Her solo efforts has also been successful which has made music buffs anticipate for her debut album which she revealed will be entitled W.A.J.E (Words Aren’t Just Enough).

May D
After his sudden dismissal from Square Records, many didn’t expect the Gat me High singer’s continuous rise in the Nigerian music industry. The Ekiti State singer has however moved on to form his own record label, called Confam Entertainment, where he is currently working on his much anticipated debut album following the successes of his singles like Sound Track, Ile Ijo, and Gat Me High.

Seyi Shay
She was the lead singer of British Pop/R&B girl group, called From Above which was signed to Sony/Columbia Record Company and Music Entertainment owned by Beyonce’s father, Matthew Knowles before relocating to Nigeria to continue her music career. With her CV boasting of tour appearances with P.Diddy and Beyonce, and song writing for a number of industry heavy weights like Justin Timberlake, Brian Micheal Cox and Michelle Williams, the singer/songwriter and producer is poised to release her debut album soon under Flytime Music. Working with producers like Jay Sleek, Del B and Cobhams Asuquo, the album has been tipped to light up 2013 following her successful singles like Loving your Way, No Lele and Irawo.

Iyanya
He had unarguably the biggest song of 2012 and rocked the major shows of last year. The best however is yet to come from the Cross River State born singer as he plans to release his sophomore album, his first since hitting stardom. In 2012, he also released singles like Your Waist and Flavour from his up and coming album which is still successful.

Dammy Krane
He had the biggest year of his career in 2012 when he became the first artiste to be signed by Tuface Idibia on his Hypertek Record label and has since continued his high rise with his new single My Dear and recently Ligali featuring Fuji Music star Pasuma. He along with Burna Boy also won the Rookie of the year album at the 2012 edition of the Headies. He has been billed to release his debut album this year and with Tuface as his label boss and the likely executive producer of the album, nothing but the best is expected from the young entertainer.

Yemi Alade
Since becoming a household name with the release of her smash single Ghen Ghen Love, rising Pop star and singing sensation Yemi Alade is not resting on her oars and has been tipped to rock 2013. With her debut album under work, the Effyzzie Records act has also shone in collaborations with Dipps, Tipsy and AQ.

Tiwa Savage
She disappointed many music buffs with her failure to drop her eagerly anticipated debut album which she is set to finally drop in the New Year. The Pepsi ambassador started off the year by joining forces with Don Jazzy in his new record label-Mavin Records along with the Mo’Hits vestige after the departure of Dbanj. With singles like Ife wa Gbona and Folarin, she has continued to lay claims to the Queen of Nigeria R&B tag many have attached to her.

Wande Coal
After his highly successful debut album, Mushin to Mo’Hits, the Lagos born singer has been off the charts for a while. It has been alleged that he was the biggest victim of the Dbanj star power in their defunct label with many accusing D Banj of solely wanting Don Jazzy all to himself which affected the career of the whole crew notably Wande Coal. With Dbanj out of the picture, the singer staged a comeback in 2012, with the release of three singles and also the compilation album by the Mavin crew. With plans to release his highly anticipated album, 2013 may actually be the year for Wande Coal to fulfill his potentials.

Burna Boy
The Rivers State born artiste had a massive year which saw his hit single Like to Party lighting up clubs and parties. Winning the Rookie of the year award in the 2012 edition of The Headies, the Aristokrat Record act is now out to silence his doubters with the release of his debut album and second solo project following the mixed reactions that trailed his mixtape Burn Identity.

http://naijapose.com/13-nigerian-music-stars-to-watch-in-2013/