Top 10 Moments That Defined Nigerian Music in 2024

1. Asake Sells Out the O2 Arena… Again!

Asake, the YBNL superstar, lit up the O2 Arena on September 21, 2024, during his Lungu Boy Tour. Selling out the 20,000-capacity venue for the second time in his three-year career, Asake’s performance was a masterclass in entertainment, featuring hits from his Lungu Boy album, unforgettable stage designs, and surprise guest appearances from Wizkid and Stormzy.

2. Nigerian music star Davido married his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland, on June 25, 2024, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. The star-studded event was attended by dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The couple, who have faced both joy and tragedy—losing their son Ifeanyi in 2022 and welcoming twins in 2023—celebrated their union with cultural displays, music, and heartfelt moments. Davido, who confirmed their marriage in March 2023, called the day “the best of his life.”

Fans and well-wishers trended #Chivido2024 across social media, while GAC Motors gifted the couple a 2024 GN8 MPV as a wedding present.

3. Nigerian music star Wizkid lost his mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, on August 18, 2023, in London at the age of 66. The funeral service, held on October 13, 2023, in Lagos, was attended by family, friends, and industry figures.

Wizkid described her passing as the “deepest pain” of his life and revealed he struggled with grief afterward. Honoring her memory, he released his album Morayo in November 2024, with the title meaning “I see joy” in Yoruba, as a tribute to her.

Fans and colleagues continue to support him through this challenging time.

4. Rema’s Explosive Homecoming in Benin City

Rema’s first Nigerian show on August 30, 2024, at Benin City’s Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was nothing short of legendary. With performances of Calm Down and Dumebi, guest appearances from Don Jazzy and Shallipopi, and a surprise N2 million gift to fans, Rema left his mark in unforgettable fashion.

5. Wizkid Teases ‘Morayo’ Release Date

The wait for Wizkid’s sixth album, Morayo, may finally be over. On September 2, 2024, he hinted at an October 1 release, Nigeria’s Independence Day, sparking fan excitement. The album is a tribute to his late mother and promises to be another iconic chapter in Wizkid’s career.

6. The longstanding rivalry between Nigerian music icons Wizkid and Davido has recently intensified, igniting fervent exchanges among their fan bases. The latest dispute began on October 1, 2024, when Davido’s creative director, BlackTycoone, posted on social media: “Tell your Daddy to drop na.” Many interpreted this as a challenge to Wizkid, prompting a series of sharp responses from him on X (formerly Twitter).

Wizkid’s posts were unusually blunt, criticizing various aspects of Davido’s career and personal life. This escalation led to heated debates between their supporters, with both sides exchanging derogatory remarks. Concerns have been raised about the role of fans in exacerbating the feud, as their provocative comments have deepened the divide between the artists.

Adding to the discourse, Wizkid’s father, Chief Munir Balogun, advised his son to ignore provocations from Davido’s fan base, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and avoiding unnecessary distractions.

As tensions continue to rise, there is growing apprehension about the potential consequences of this renewed rivalry on Nigeria’s music industry. Observers urge both artists and their fans to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.

For a visual overview of the recent developments in this feud, you might find the following video insightful:

7. Rema’s Bold Experimentation with HEIS

Rema took risks with his latest album HEIS, blending Afrobeats with rock, R&B, and African sounds. Drawing comparisons to Kanye West’s Yeezus, this genre-defying project is being hailed as a bold step into the future of Afrobeats.

8. Davido’s latest single, “Funds,” featuring Odumodublvck and Chike, blends Afrobeats and Amapiano, released on December 6, 2024. The track samples Brenda Fassie’s “Vul’ Indlela” and explores themes of wealth and street life. Produced by Ucee, the song has been praised for its energetic vibe and is the second single from Davido’s upcoming album, 5ive. The official music video has also received acclaim, reinforcing Davido’s status as a global Afrobeats star.

9. Burna Boy Becomes a Hugo Boss Icon

Burna Boy continues to shine as a cultural trailblazer, starring in Hugo Boss’ latest global campaign alongside Naomi Campbell and David Beckham. His crossover appeal reinforces his role as a global ambassador for African music and style.

10. P-Square: The Final Split

After years of tension, P-Square officially dissolved in 2024. Paul Okoye announced his focus on a solo career, closing the chapter on one of Africa’s most iconic duos. While the news marked the end of an era, it signals new beginnings for Paul and Peter Okoye.

Nigerian Music: The World Is Watching

From groundbreaking collaborations to global recognition, these moments highlight the unstoppable rise of Nigerian music in 2024. The future l

ooks even brighter for this cultural powerhouse!

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