10 Musicians and Their Hit Songs
Every artiste has that one song that changes everything — the record that introduces them to a wider audience and gives their career a major push. Here are 10 Nigerian musicians and the songs that gave them their big break.
1. Mayorkun — ‘Eleko’
Mayorkun had made music before, but ‘Eleko’ was the song that introduced him to the mainstream in 2016. Released under Davido Music Worldwide, the hit quickly established him as a new voice to watch.
2. Davido — ‘Dami Duro’
Davido had released ‘Back When’, but ‘Dami Duro’ was the song that really put him in the spotlight. Released in 2011, the energetic hit helped launch his journey to becoming one of Africa’s biggest artistes.
3. Wizkid — ‘Holla At Your Boy’
Wizkid had been making music from a young age, but ‘Holla At Your Boy’ gave him his major breakthrough in 2010. The hit introduced his youthful sound to a much wider Nigerian audience.
4. Burna Boy — ‘Like to Party’
Burna Boy had released music before, but ‘Like to Party’ was the record that put him on the map. Released in 2012, the song introduced the distinctive sound that would later become his trademark.
5. Yemi Alade — ‘Johnny’
Yemi Alade had released songs before, but ‘Johnny’ changed her career. The 2013 hit became a massive African favourite and established her as one of the continent’s leading female artistes.
6. Tiwa Savage — ‘Kele Kele Love’
Tiwa Savage already had experience in music before her Nigerian breakthrough. However, ‘Kele Kele Love’ became one of her first major hits and helped introduce her to a wider Nigerian audience in 2010.
7. Rema — ‘Dumebi’
Rema’s debut EP introduced him to the music scene, but ‘Dumebi’ quickly became the standout hit. Its infectious sound helped establish the young singer and set the stage for his rapid rise.
8. Fireboy DML — ‘Jealous’
Fireboy DML had been making music before his breakthrough, but ‘Jealous’ was the song that made people take notice. Released in 2019, the romantic hit brought him mainstream attention and kick-started his rise.
9. Asake — ‘Mr Money’
Asake had been performing and releasing music before his breakthrough, but ‘Mr Money’ changed his story. The 2020 song showcased his Fuji-inspired street-pop sound and helped put him on the path to stardom.
10. Olamide — ‘Eni Suun’
Olamide had already begun building a name as a Yoruba rapper, but ‘Eni Suun’ helped bring more attention to his style. 
The song showcased his indigenous rap and contributed to his rise as one of Nigeria’s major street-pop figures.
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