*Why the fans love them
By NK Emezie
Nigerian’s top female musicians have carved a niche for themselves in delivering their craft in the entertainment industry. They are beautiful, classy, and creative. Despite the gender inequality which still exists in Nigeria’s music industry, female musicians have managed to break through on the music scene in Nigeria and are known in many parts of the world. Three of the artistes on this list have earned Grammy nominations with one of them snapping the Grammy gong for an international collaboration. This is how far Nigerian female singers have come.
Tiwa Savage
Her first hit single ‘Kele Kele Love’ made its way into Nigerians hearts and music charts. Tiwa holds a degree in Music from Berkley College of Music and in 2006; she featured on the UK platform X-factor where she advanced to the final 24. Fans love her for her vocal prowess. Tiwa has lent her sonorous voice to music legends like Mary J Blige, George Michael and Chaka Khan just to mention a few. Unlike other acts who struggle after leaving their record labels, Tiwa has continues to soar despite peacefully parting ways with the Don Jazzy-led, Marvin Records. Some of her major hit songs like ‘Somebody’s Son’ with Brandy ‘Eminado’ ‘Wanted’ ‘Koroba’ and ‘Stamina’.
Tiwa is highly sought after for collaborations by younger artistes resulting in hits like, ‘Whose Your Guy’ with Spyro and ‘Toma Toma’ with Ruga.
Tems: Temilade Openiyi better known as Tems has often been described as a breath of fresh air. Her unique voice and style of music has seen her gain international recognition in a short while. Her music often blends elements of soul, R&B, and Afrobeat, and she has collaborated with artists like Drake, J-Cole, Future and Wizkid. Tems’ debut album, ‘Born In The Wild’ has enjoyed critical and commercial success. Her single from the album, ‘Love Me Jeje’ was nominated for a Grammy. Tems like Simi is one of the few female singers who are also sound engineers. was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2025:
Best African Music Performance: For her song “Love Me JeJe”
Best Global Music Album: For her debut album Born In The Wild
Best R&B Song: For her song “Burning”
Tems’ nominations made her the most nominated Nigerian artist in the 67th Grammy Awards, and the second Nigerian with the most nominations in a single year. She also became the first African artist to be nominated in the R&B category.
Tems won a Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her collaboration on “Wait For U” with Future and Drake.
The 67th Grammy Awards will take place on February 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Yemi Alade: Known for her energetic stage presence and infectious dance moves, Yemi Alade is a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry. Her music is characterized by its upbeat tempo and Afropop sound, and she has achieved widespread popularity both in Nigeria and internationally. Yemi received a Grammy nomination in 2024 for her song “Tomorrow” in the category of Best African Music Performance:
Alade’s “Tomorrow” is a bright amapiano song with lyrics in English and Nigerian Pidgin. The song was produced by Yasso and features choral vocals. Alade described the song as a tribute to those who dream of a better future.
Alade was emotional when she received the news of her nomination, saying, “I felt seen, it’s a good time to be alive”. She also said, “I almost thought this moment might never come”.
Other nominees for Best African Music Performance in 2024 included: “MMS” by Asakemusic & Wizkid, “Sensational” by Chris Brown Featuring Davido & Lojay Music, “Higher” by Burna Boy, and “Love Me JeJe” by Tems
Ayra Starr: A young and talented singer and songwriter, Ayra Starr has taken the Nigerian music scene by storm with her bold and confident style. Her music is characterized by its Afropop sound and catchy melodies, and she has quickly become a fan favorite. Signed to the famous Mavin Records, Ayra has a slew of hit singles, including ‘Rush’, ‘Commas’ and ‘Bloody Samaritan’. Ayra Starr was nominated for a Grammy in 2024 for Best African Music Performance for her song “Rush”:
Ayra Starr was the youngest nominee in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
“Rush” became a worldwide hit and charted in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Switzerland. The song’s anthemic tone and synths are reminiscent of early 2010s electro-pop.
Ayra Starr is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was born in Benin to Nigerian parents. She moved to Lagos to pursue music after a brief stint in modeling.
Simi: Born Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye, but known on stage as Simi, this singer and sound engineer is a versatile singer and songwriter who has gained a loyal following for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics. Her music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and social issues, and she has collaborated with various Nigerian artists, including Adekunle Gold, whom she is married to. Simi is also known for her feminist views. Her song ‘Woman’ is an ode to the strength of African women. Simi has millions of fans who point to her hits like, ‘Duduke’, ‘Joromi’, and ‘Love Don’t Care’.
Niniola Apata
Popularly known as Niniola, she is a singer and songwriter who got people taking notice of her after emerging third runner-up on the sixth edition of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut single ‘Ibadi’. The song was well received among thousands of fans. Niniola is well known and loved for her electrifying display of stage presence and vocal power. She cites Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Madonna, Beyonce as her musical influences.
Teni Apata
Teniola Apata simply known as Teni ranks high in the Afrobeats scene. Teni is multi-talented. She is a good songwriter, a rapper, and drummer. Often humorous online, Teni is unique not only with her fashion, but her approach to music. Her hit songs, ‘Billionaire’, ‘Case’ and ‘Uyo Meyo’ are quick to come to mind. Teni and Niniola are sisters.
Asa
Born Bukola Elemide, she is the pop and jazz singer, professionally known as Asa. She began singing at a young age right inside her home. Asa drew inspiration from her father’s collection of records of soul classics and Nigerian music. With the release of her first single ‘Eya Adaba’, the petit singer got people looking at her a second time. The song got Asa charting on radio stations across Europe, Asia and Africa. She went on to win prestigious awards around the globe. Asa has remained relevant despite the rise of new female acts.
Worthy of mention: Worthy of mention are upcoming acts like Fave. Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere (born 13 March 2000), known professionally as Fave, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and recording artist. Fave has hits such as her collaboration with Davido, ‘Kante’, ‘Beautifully’ and ‘Baby Riddim’. Fave read Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Also worthy of mention is rave act, Oluwafisayo Isa (born 19 September 2001), known by her stage name Darkoo, is a British-Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter. She came to prominence following the release of her single “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. Her hit single ‘Favourite Girl’ was a fan favourite for Nigeria’s ‘Detty December for the 2024 Yuletide season.
Many would agree that Afro Pop singer, Guchi deserves much more accolades than she receives. Ugochi Lydia Onuoha, known professionally as Guchi, has a good voice which have earned her hits like ‘Benzema’ and ‘I Swear’ Ft Yemi Alade.
Another young female singer making waves is Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, professionally known as Qing Madi, She gained widespread recognition after her 2022 single “See Finish” and its 2023 follow-up, “Ole” Ft Bnxn Benson.
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