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Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria - Celebrities - Nairaland

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Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Racoon(op): 9:52am On Apr 15, 2025
The UK music industry is regarded as one of the biggest in the world, and with the global acclaim it is renowned for, it is not surprising to know that a significant number of talented and successful musicians who thrive in this space are of Nigerian ancestry. These artists are hugely followed and celebrated, solidifying top spots on charts.

With their unique styles and sounds, they continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of musicians, both in the UK and around the world.

This article highlights ten popular UK artists who are of Nigerian descent, either by half parent, birth, or naturalisation.

1. Dave The renowned musician, songwriter, and record producer is one of the most recognised British rappers of Black origin. The musician, originally known as David Orobosa Omoregie, won the Mercury Prize in 2019 for his album ‘Psychodrama’, which received critical acclaim.

The debut album, Psychodrama, was met with widespread critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, having the biggest first-week streams for a UK rap album. Dave’s music is mostly centred on racism and social injustice.

2. Miss Banks Miss Banks is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother. Born Thyra Oji in Southeast London, Ms Banks began writing music at age 11.

She has released three mixtapes recently, which include ‘Once Upon a Grind (2014), The Coldest Winter Ever (2018), and ‘The Coldest Winter Ever Part II (2019). Her debut EP, New Chapter, was released in 2016.


3. Skepta The Tottenham-born singer, Joseph Junior Adenuga, is one of the most successful UK musicians originally from Nigeria. Skepta, as he is popularly called, is a British grime MC, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He gained popularity with his grime music and is known for hit songs like ‘Shutdown’ and ‘That’s Not Me’.

Skepta has been nominated for three Brit Awards, including the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist. As a key figure in the grime scene, his influence on contemporary British popular culture saw him appear on Debrett’s 2017 list of the most influential people in the UK.

Further noting his Nigerian ancestry, in 2018, he was installed as a chief in his family’s ancestral Nigerian hometown in Ogun State, receiving the chieftaincy title of the Amuludun of Odo-Aje.

4. Little Simz Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, better known by her stage name Little Simz, is a British rapper of Nigerian heritage.

She rose to prominence with the independent release of her first three albums, namely, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons (2015), Stillness in Wonderland (2016) and Grey Area (2019), the latter of which was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and won the awards for Best Album at both the Ivor Novello Awards and the NME Awards.

5. Darkoo Oluwafisayo Isa, popularly known as Darkoo, is known for her unique sound, which blends elements of Afrobeats and dancehall.Although Darkoo was born and raised in South London, she is of Nigerian descent.

She gained recognition for her 2019 song “Gangsta”, featuring One Acen, which peaked at number 22 on the Official Singles Chart and peaked at number one on the UK Afrobeats Chart of 2020 and went viral on TikTok. She has worked with musicians like Mayorkun and Ghanaian musicians Black Sherif and KiDi.

6. NOT3S; NOT3S, born Lukman Olanrewaju Odunaike, is a British-Nigerian hip-hop artist and actor who has been interested in performing since he was a child.

He is inspired by both the local underground grime scene and his Nigerian heritage. NOT3S released his debut single, ‘Naughty, in 2017, and his breakthrough single, ‘Addison Lee’, was released later that year. Other singles include ‘Aladdin’, ‘Palm Wine’, and ‘To the Max’. He has released two mixtapes to date, ‘Take Not3’ and ‘Take Not3 II’.

7. Tinie Tempah Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, better known by his stage name, Tinie Tempah, is a British rapper and television presenter. He has been signed to Parlophone Records since 2009, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group. Tinie Tempah created his own entertainment company, Disturbing London, in 2006, along with his cousin Dumi Oburota.

After releasing several mixtapes, he released his debut album, Disc-Overy, in October 2010. The album charted at number one and was certified Platinum the next year. In February 2011, he won two Brit Awards for Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single.

8. Tion Wayne; Tion Wayne, born Dennis Junior Odunwo, is a British rapper, songwriter, and DJ.

Born in Edmonton, North London, Tion Wayne gained prominence in the music scene in 2010 after dropping a handful of videos on YouTube. By 2014, he had released his first mixtape, titled Wayne’s World.


9. Sade Adu; The renowned and legendary Sade Adu is a UK singer who was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and was brought up in England from the age of four.

The 66-year-old, Helen Folasade Adu, gained popularity in the 1980s with her self-named band, which produced hits like “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love”.


She has won four Grammy Awards, including one for Best New Artist in 1986, making her the first Nigerian artist to win a Grammy.

10. Seal; Seal, whose real name is Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel, is a UK singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is the recipient of three Brit Awards, four Grammy Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award.

Born in Paddington, London, to Nigerian and Brazilian parents. He gained popularity with his song “Kiss from a Rose”, which won him several awards. Seal has won a plethora of awards throughout his career, including 3 BRIT awards and 4 Grammys. He served as a coach on The Voice Australia in 2012, 2013, and 2017.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/meet-10-popular-uk-artists-originally-from-nigeria/

Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Racoon(op):
Apart from Sade Adu and Seal, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by CodeTemplarr: 10:17am On Apr 15, 2025
What about portable and osupa?
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by GanagiBitrus:
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by inoki247:
Lol almost all the UK rap artist always sounds alike Dem Stormzy, Dave, Skepta even Central Cee na jus small e use dey different.. .
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by donproject2(m): 10:43am On Apr 15, 2025
Ggxhj
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by dododawa1: 10:44am On Apr 15, 2025
2pac shakiru


originated from



southwest



NIGERIA.
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Nwaokunkpara: 10:45am On Apr 15, 2025
What about Arrdee
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by omoredia: 10:45am On Apr 15, 2025
Make una dey deceive urselves
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by wazobeer: 10:45am On Apr 15, 2025
Racoon:
Apart from Sade Adu, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
Ancient man... 😁
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Nobody: 10:45am On Apr 15, 2025
I only know sade(sweetest taboo)and tinie tempah and seal
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Pristine664:
Even before clicking the link, I already knew the list will be dominated by Yoruba descendants. 😂

If Grammy was a Nigerian award, some persons would have accused them of nepotism in favour of the Yorubas and marginalisation of the Igbos.

If Forbes was a Nigerian or even African organization, some persons would have accused them of nepotism in favour of Yorubas and marginalisation of the Igbos..... And many more


My advice: For your own peace of mind, stop seeing Yorubas as your competitors because they are blessed differently.
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Smartcitizen: 10:47am On Apr 15, 2025
What about Chinwetel Ejiofor?
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Ewedegubbler: 10:48am On Apr 15, 2025
Tinnie tempah that year
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by geechy: 10:49am On Apr 15, 2025
Nothing ona wan tell me. Lucky Daye has Nigerian root.
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Bar1941(m): 10:49am On Apr 15, 2025
Racoon:
Apart from Sade Adu, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
How will you know them when Tinubu’s related news is the only thing you search for on internet.
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by ogelekpomgam(m): 10:49am On Apr 15, 2025
What about Akpi na agba agba.. angry angry
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by DonAbba: 10:50am On Apr 15, 2025
Yoruba amaka
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Ikem11(m): 10:50am On Apr 15, 2025
Racoon:
Apart from Sade Adu, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
You don't know seal? You must be kidding me
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by 7upnigeria: 10:51am On Apr 15, 2025
CodeTemplarr:
What about portable and osupa?
☹☹☹😒
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by geechy: 10:51am On Apr 15, 2025
Racoon:
Apart from Sade Adu, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
I was expecting names like DJ cuppy, Sasha P.. grin
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Hemanwel(m): 10:51am On Apr 15, 2025
The OP is here giving us a list of 10 British musicians of Nigerian ancestry, when Daddy Showkey is about to feature Beyonce in his upcoming single.

Dey play my guy!
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by Bhella5(m): 10:51am On Apr 15, 2025
Racoon:
Apart from Sade Adu, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
Seal? You are definitely a genz grin
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by galadee(m): 10:52am On Apr 15, 2025
Na only Sade Adu & Seal be popular
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by babzo(m): 10:52am On Apr 15, 2025
Racoon:
Apart from Sade Adu, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
You don't know Seal?? Haaaaa..One of the top 50 Greatest singers of all time? As in the whole world? Same level as Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson?

Haaaa Ogaaa!
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by uuzba(m): 10:54am On Apr 15, 2025
Racoon:
Apart from Sade Adu, I don't know these other artists. Keep shining and winning guys.
You don't know Seal?
Seal that sang Kiss from A Rose used for Batman movie?
You no watch the movie be that na.
Do you even know Batman?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yivLt9cTaio?si=5gbz2yHzUtXRX7W3

This other one is my personal best.
Crazy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fc67yQsPqQ?si=TJKM2k_O7MFznC36
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by naijapikin2(m): 10:54am On Apr 15, 2025
These ones dodged the bullet

In a way..

Kudos to them doing nigeria proud.

Tribal jingoists will soon take over this thread in

1.

2.

3.

Here they come.

Yoruba and igbo warlords.
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by IvarTheBoneless: 10:55am On Apr 15, 2025
Always Yorubas.

I was shocked one day when an elderly ibo man told me point-blank that his tribe will do anything to become 2nd Class Yoruba

Even take tribal marks. shocked shocked

Pristine664:
Even before clicking the link, I already knew the list will be dominated by Yorubas descendants. 😂

If Grammy was a Nigerian award, some persons would have accused them of nepotism in favour of the Yorubas and marginalisation of the Igbos.

If Forbes was a Nigerian or even African organization, some persons would have accused them of nepotism in favour of Yorubas and marginalisation of the Igbos..... And many more


My advice: For your own peace of mind, stop seeing Yorubas as your competitors because they are blessed differently.

Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by lomprico(m): 10:55am On Apr 15, 2025
dododawa1:
2pac shakiru


originated from



southwest



NIGERIA.
Tupac na akwa ibom man . grin
Re: Meet 10 Popular UK Artists Originally From Nigeria by IvarTheBoneless: 10:55am On Apr 15, 2025
Okay nah
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