10. Teni

To close her stellar 2018, Teni released the smash hit, ‘Uyo Meyo.’ The song resonated with Nigerians at home and abroad. People didn’t totally understand her Ondo accent, but they got the entire gist of the song - gratitude and celebration amidst a stream of emotions. The song won big at Headies 2019.

Then, the ‘summer’ began for her. Her single, ‘Sugar Mummy’ was a necessary risk that was not well-received. ‘Power Rangers’ was a good song that only performed reasonably. But as the year closed out, she released her 6-track EP, Billionaire.

It wasn’t a spectacular listen, but its title track has become one of the most popular songs of second half of 2019. At the 2019 Headies, Teni also won three awards.

9. Wizkid

After a very quiet opening half of 2019, he featured on ‘Low’ by Larry Gaaga. Made In Lagos was planned, but it has still not dropped. Two singles dropped in ‘Joro’ and 'Ghetto Love,’ they did great numbers but their ‘hit’ status is very debatable.

Nonetheless, he is still Wizkid. He still sold out the O2 Arena in the UK. At the event, nearly all Nigerian artists turned up for him. As the year closed out, Wizkid released an EP, Soundman Vol. 1. It’s quality was very questionable, but the EP will serve its purpose.

8. Fireboy

The greatest underdog story in recent Nigerian music. When Olamide announced YBNL Mafia Family album in December 2018, Fireboy was the most unheralded of the bunch. The world was looking at Picazo Rhap, Yomi Blaize and Lyta who have all since moved on from YBNL Nation.

In fact, Limerick had more reps than Fireboy. But then, Fireboy had been putting in the work, He was in a songwriting academy and had been releasing viral videos with Oxlade. His song, ‘Jealous’ became the biggest song from YBNL Mafia Family.

His follow-up singles, ‘What If I Say’ and ‘King’ were mildly successful, but he has since stolen a march on Rema and Joeboy with a well-received, critically acclaimed and successful album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps. The album has produced detty december soundtrack, ‘Scatter’ and looks set to produce more anthems.