SLY DUNBAR – REST IN POWER ( MAY 10, 1952 – JANUARY 26, 2026)

Lowell Fillmore popularly known as Sly Dunbar was a drummer extraordinaire and co-founder of the revolutionary Taxi Records label. His collaboration with Robbie Shakespeare led to the formation of Sly & Robbie, which became the greatest rhythm section in reggae history. The duo reshaped the sound of reggae, dub and dancehall, originally from roots to rub-a-dub to the digital era and beyond.

For over four decades, starting from Kingston studios to global stages, Sly & Robbie grooves powered classics for Black Uhuru, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and countless others, helping carry Jamaica’s voice around the world. In short, from the early 1970s through the 1980s and 1990s to the early 2000s if Sly & Robbie play in your song in the studios it was bound to be a hit.

As one half of Sly & Robbie, the Riddim Twins, Sly Dunbar broke boundaries, blending organic drumming with new rhythmic ideas and influencing genres beyond reggae. His work earned multiple Grammy Awards and nominations and wide recognition for elevating reggae music on the world stage.

Sly Dunbar's heartbeat was the heartbeat of Jamaica and the entire reggae world. Though he’s gone, his legacy will live in every beat that carries reggae forward.

Rest in power Sly Dunbar. Jah love always. 

EMEKS MUSIC

Body Motion is Afrobeats Song Emeka Okeke

Emeka Okeke released a single titled "Body Motion" August 25, 2025. The Afrobeats song is making an impact already on the Social Media and some FM Stations in Nigeria.

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AFROBEATS: CULTURAL EXPORT AND GLOBAL INFLUENCE

In the last decade, Afrobeats has transcended borders, transformed global music charts, and redefined the sound of modern pop. What began as a regional genre in West Africa has grown into a cultural export, influencing artists, dancers, fashionistas, and fans around the world. Afrobeats isn't just music anymore, it's a global movement.

Origins and Evolution:

Afrobeats (not to be confused with Afrobeat pioneered by Fela Kuti) is a fusion of sounds rooted in West African music, particularly from Nigeria and Ghana. It blends highlife, juju, fuji, and traditional African rhythms with global genres like hip hop, dancehall, R&B, and electronic music. Its bouncy beats, rich percussion, and catchy melodies make it instantly recognizable—and incredibly infectious.

Early torchbearers like D’banj, P-Square, and 2Baba laid the foundation in the 2000s. Then came the global breakout artists: Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Mr. Eazi who refined the sound and pushed it to international airwaves.

Breaking into the Global Scene:

One of the genre’s most pivotal moments was in 2016 when Drake collaborated with Wizkid on the hit song "One Dance", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced millions of new listeners to the Afrobeats rhythm. Suddenly, Afrobeats became a reference point in studios from Lagos to Los Angeles.

By 2019, Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated album "African Giant” solidified the genre’s global credibility. His follow-up, "Twice as Tall", won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, a landmark moment that placed Afrobeats firmly on the world stage.

Afrobeats and Cultural Identity:

Afrobeats is more than music; it's a bold expression of African identity, pride, and creativity. From its lyrics, often delivered in a mix of English, Pidgin, and local dialects, to its energetic dance styles, fashion aesthetics, and visual storytelling, Afrobeats showcases the richness of African culture unapologetically.

As African youths embrace their heritage through Afrobeats, the genre also challenges outdated stereotypes about Africa, offering a new narrative full of innovation, vibrancy, and global relevance.

Influence on Global Artists and Genres:

Today, Afrobeats has left a noticeable imprint on international music. Major artists like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber have collaborated with Afrobeats stars. Beyoncé’s "The Lion King: The Gift" album featured a heavy lineup of African artists, blending Afrobeats with mainstream pop.

Producers around the world now incorporate Afrobeats drums and rhythms into their work. Dance challenges based on Afrobeats songs dominate platforms like TikTok and Instagram, amplifying its reach with each viral moment.

Fashion, Film, and Beyond:

Afrobeats' cultural influence extends far beyond sound. Its vibrant aesthetic, bold prints, street wear, and traditional accessories have inspired global fashion houses and designers. Afrobeats artists often double as style icons, setting trends on red carpets and music videos alike.

In film and television, soundtracks now feature Afrobeats to infuse authenticity and appeal to global African audiences. Netflix’s growing African content catalogue is also helping to reinforce this cultural synergy.

The Future of Afrobeats:

With Afrobeats festivals springing up in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, and streaming platforms dedicating playlists to the genre, the future is bright. Emerging stars like Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Omah Lay are pushing the sound into exciting new territories, blending alternative styles, introspective lyrics, and experimental production.

Afrobeats is no longer seeking global validation, it’s shaping global taste. What was once considered a niche is now mainstream. And as the world dances to the beat of Africa, Afrobeats reminds us that rhythm, culture, and connection truly know no borders.

Have thoughts on the rise of Afrobeats? Drop your favorite track in the comments and share this article with a fellow music lover!
#Afrobeats #GlobalSound #AfricanMusic #Wizkid #BurnaBoy #Tems #MusicCulture #NaijaToTheWorld

EMEKS MUSIC

  

AFROBEAT REVIVAL AND EVOLUTION INTO AFROBEATS

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional Afrobeat to what is now commonly referred to as "Afrobeats" (with an 's'), a loosely defined umbrella term that covers a fusion of Afrobeat with hip hop, dancehall, R&B, and pop. 

Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Tems have led this modern wave, blending global musical trends with African rhythms and storytelling. While it is less overtly political than Fela's original Afrobeat, modern Afrobeats continues to express cultural identity, social themes, and pride in Nigerian heritage.

Burna Boy is currently the most popular Afrobeats Star

Burna Boy, often regarded as a contemporary heir to Fela’s legacy, has explicitly drawn inspiration from Afrobeat’s political and cultural themes. His Grammy-winning album Twice As Tall and tracks like “Monsters You Made” and “Dangote” reflect a renewed engagement with social commentary, illustrating how elements of traditional Afrobeat still inform the current soundscape.

EMEKS MUSIC

AFROBEAT: THE NIGERIAN MUSICAL IDENTITY

Afrobeat, a dynamic and politically charged genre of music that originated in Nigeria in the late 1960s, has transcended its revolutionary roots to become a defining element of Nigeria’s contemporary musical identity. As a genre that blends traditional Yoruba music, jazz, highlife, funk, and chanted vocals, Afrobeat was pioneered by the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Today, it has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, shaping not only Nigeria’s musical landscape but also influencing international music and affirming Nigeria’s place as a musical powerhouse.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti

Afrobeat emerged during a turbulent period in Nigeria’s history, marked by civil unrest, military coups, and post-independence disillusionment. Fela Kuti, along with drummer Tony Allen, developed the genre as a form of resistance against oppressive regimes and social injustice. With complex rhythms, extended instrumental sections, and provocative lyrics, Afrobeat became a voice for the oppressed and a tool for political activism. Songs like “Zombie,” “Water No Get Enemy,” and “Sorrow, Tears and Blood” encapsulated the struggles of ordinary Nigerians and openly criticized corruption and military rule.

This political legacy of Afrobeat is essential to understanding its role in shaping Nigerian identity. It offered a platform for cultural pride and resilience, helping Nigerians reclaim their voice through indigenous sounds and messages of empowerment.

EMEKS MUSIC

TEMS AND HER 2ND GRAMMY WIN

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, got her 2^nd Grammy at the 67th Grammy Awards. She won the Best African Music Performance category with her song “Love Me JeJe”, beating “Tomorrow” by Yemi Alade, “MMS” by Asake featuring Wizkid, “Sensational” by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and “Higher” by Burna Boy.

Tems has been very consistence in her performance on the Afrobeats music scene. She has now become the first Nigerian to have two Grammys to her name having won her first Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance with Future‘s “Wait For You” featuring Drake at the 65th Grammy Awards.  

In the Grammy Award winning song “Love Me Jeje” Tems actually sampled a line from Seyi Sodimu's 1997 Nigerian classic of the same name. Tems’ song was a great hit that has racked up 125 million listens on Spotify and 21 million views on YouTube.

Back home in Nigeria Tems has received numerous accolades from Nigerians including the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has commended the singer for bringing pride to the country on the global stage for the second time.

Congratulations to Tems for breaking this record!

EMEKS MUSIC

 

Quincy Jones: Life and Times of a Musical Legend

Quincy Jones was a composer, arranger, producer, cultural icon and a musical genius whose contributions have shaped the global music industry for over seven decades.  He has worked with some of the greatest artists of all time, from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson. His influence spans jazz, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and film scoring, making him one of the most versatile and accomplished figures in music history.

Quincy Jones was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. His early years were shaped by hardship, including the Great Depression and family struggles. His love for music emerged during his teenage years in Seattle, Washington, where he played the trumpet and developed skills in composition and arranging.

Quincy attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston but left early to tour with jazz great Lionel Hampton. He became a sought-after jazz arranger and worked with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.
However, in the late 1950s, he moved to Paris to study composition under Nadia Boulanger, a mentor to many great composers. He later became the first African American vice president of a major record label, Mercury Records, in 1961.

Quincy was one of the first Black composers to score Hollywood films, including: In the Heat of the Night (1967); The Italian Job (1969); and Roots (TV miniseries, 1977). He pioneered the crossover between jazz and film scoring, influencing later composers in Hollywood.

Quincy collaborated with Michael Jackson in the 1970s – 1980s, an excellent working relationship that lead to the production of three of Michael Jackson’s most iconic albums: Off the Wall (1979), which revolutionized pop music with its blend of R&B, funk, and disco; Thriller (1982), which became the best-selling album of all time, featuring hits like Billie Jean and Beat It; and Bad (1987), which further cemented Michael Jackson’s global superstardom. In short, Quincy’s work with Jackson changed the music industry forever, setting new standards in production, marketing, and music videos.

Not done yet, Quincy Jones delved into humanitarian and cultural mainstream international activities creating enduring impact with the production of “We Are the World” (1985), which became a global anthem for famine relief in Africa. He also founded the Quincy Jones Foundation to support education, global health, and youth empowerment. He went further to advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry and mentored many young musicians.

Quincy Jones passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, November 3, 2024 leaving an indelible mark on the world's music and entertainment industry. He has won 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, making him one of the most awarded artists in history. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The story of Quincy Jones is one of resilience, creativity, and excellence, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists for years to come.

EMEKS MUSIC

ONYEKA ONWENU, MFR (1952 – 2024): LIFE AND TIMES OF NIGERIAN SONGSTRESS AND ELEGANT STALLION

Onyeka Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, a town in Ideato North LGA, Imo State She was born on January 31, 1952 and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She has an impressive career that spans several fields, including music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and politics. She was one of the early highly educated musicians Nigeria has produced. She attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication. She obtained a Masters Degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York. She worked for the United Nations as a tour guide before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in Lagos, Nigeria.

Onyeka Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s blending genres like highlife, pop, and gospel. She was known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, which earned her the nickname “Elegant Stallion” from the Nigerian press. Her music resonates across generations, with iconic songs like “Ekwe”, “You and I”, and “One Love”   Onwenu’s legacy as a singer/songwriter, actress, and social activist continues to inspire and influence Nigerian culture and beyond.

Onyeka Onwenu’s recording career began in 1981 while still with the NTA, releasing the album For the Love of You, a pop album which featured an orchestral cover of Johnny Nash's "Hold Me Tight", produced by Berkley Jones. Her second album was Endless Life, produced by Sonny Okosun, and included another cover – the Everley Brothers' "Walk Right Back". Both records were released under the EMI label. Her first album with Polygram Records, “In The Morning Light”, was released in 1984. Recorded in London, it featured the track "Masterplan" written by her close friend Tyna Onwudiwe.

Onyeka Onwenu had a notable collaboration with King Sunny Ade, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians. Their professional relationship was marked by the release of the hit song “Wait for Me” in 1984, which became a significant success in Nigeria. “Wait for Me” was more than just a song; it was part of a public health campaign aimed at promoting responsible family planning and safe sex.

Onyeka Onwenu made an impact as a newsreader and reporter while she was an employee of NTA. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches” which became the definitive film about corruption in Nigeria, as well as the intractable Niger Delta agitation for resource control and campaign against environmental degradation in the oil rich region of Nigeria

Onyeka Onwenu also excelled as an actress, leaving an indelible mark on Nollywood with roles in films like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Lion Heart.” Her passion for social change led her into politics and activism, where she championed women’s rights and advocated for marginalized groups.

Onyeka Onwenu was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, and in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. She notably kept her personal life private and often refused to disclose private information regarding her ex-husband, a Yoruba Muslim, with whom she bore two children – Tijani Charles and Abraham.

Onyeka Onwenu died on Tuesday July 30 2024 at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Mrs. Stella Okoli.

Rest on Elegant Stallion!

EMEKS MUSIC

Rema Flies Higher: Becomes First African to Win Chinese Music Award

Nigerian music lovers heaved a sigh of relief after the disappointing performance of Nigerian artists nominated for 2024 Grammy Awards.
Nigerian superstar Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first African artist to win a Chinese Music Award.
The singer achieved this feat with his song ‘Calm Down’ which he had remixed with the American superstar Selena Gomez to win the Best Collaboration of the Year at the 2024 Hito Music Award in the Republic of China.

The award which was presented by Hit FM, Taiwan was hosted by DJ Andy. Rema has therefore joined the American and British artists on the list of the few international musicians to have won the Taiwanese award.

I bet you Afrobeats is truly ruling the world! No force can ever stop an idea whose time has come. 

EMEKS MUSIC

AFROBEATS 2024: New, Young and Vibrant Afrobeats Artists to Watch Out For

 1. Raebel

Raebel is a young Nigerian artiste currently creating her own space in the music industry with a fresh sound that is a reflection of alternative R&B, Neo-soul, reggae/dancehall, and a sprinkle of the traditional Nigerian flavor.
Raebel’s 2022 biggest song ‘Miniskirt’ was originally a freestyle she did became a smash hit single after she teamed up with Timbun who produced the song.

2. Llona

Micheal Ajuma Attah, popularly known as Llona, is a young and fast-rising recording artist and songwriter from Kogi State, Nigeria. His music styles revolve around contemporary Afrobeats, R&B, and Dancehall.

3. Qing Madi

Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, popularly known as Qing Madi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and dancer who came to the limelight through her hit single “See Finish.”
Born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Madi is shaping the future of music with her unique genre-bending fusion of Afrobeats, pop, soul, and R&B. The Nigerian artiste is a master of her craft with nearly a decade of experience under her belt, having launched her career at 7 years old.

4. TML Vibez

Timileyin Sulaimon (born 2000) is a talented Nigerian singer and songwriter known by his professional moniker, TML Vibez. He is making significant strides in the Nigerian music industry and has garnered attention for his exceptional talent.

5. Gdzilla

Emerging from the dynamic core of Lagos State, Gdzilla’s musical journey, which blossomed in 2023, is more than a career choice; it’s the realization of a lifelong dream, an impassioned odyssey. His music seamlessly merges traditional Afrobeat rhythms, deeply rooted in Lagos’ cultural tapestry, with a contemporary twist, crafting a compelling soundscape.

6. Ninety

Ninety, whose real name is Alabo Tuonims, emerges at a time when the Afrobeats genre is evolving, with Late Millennials and Gen Z shifting specific themes and styles of traditional genres in music. He really has a lot of potentials to shine in 2024.

7. Smada

Adams Olabode, popularly known as Smada, is a songwriter and an artist with a blend of diversified genres. From Afrobeats to Indie, and to Alternative, and Afro-Pop. He is signed to NATIVE Records in partnership with Def Jam Recordings.

8. Major AJ

Major AJ is one of the most young and vibrant of voices veering into the Nigerian music scene, especially at this time when the industry is tilting towards R&B/Pop monotony.

9. Big Boi Tee

David Azuma, popularly known as Big Boi Tee, also started making music at an early age. The youngster has the ability to make different genres of music. He’s a star to watch out for in 2024.

10. Amexin

Kalu Daniel Onoh known as Amexin is a Nigerian born singer and songwriter that use Afrobeat and folk music to create a unique sound. Amexin signed a record deal in 2022 with Estlon music and publishing deal with Ultra International Music Publishing.

11. Kold AF

Kold AF is an emerging Nigerian Afrofusion artist. Kold AF’s journey into the limelight was meticulously crafted, marked by a transformative artist’s development phase which displayed confidence and self-assuredness in her sound. She will definitely shine in 2024.

12. Noon Dave

Nigerian AfroPop singer-songwriter, Noon Dave is an Alumni of Peter Kings College of Music, who taps his songwriting inspiration from a diverse exposure to different genres, soaking up elements from Pop, R&B, Soul, and, of course, Afrobeats to create his unique sound.

13. Eli Jae

Abuchi Elijah Emedem is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and performing music act, popularly known as Eli Jae. He was raised in the city of Port Harcourt where he first found his love for music; he enjoyed writing and being a backup act for other artists until he decided to start making music of his own. His sound flawlessly merges R&B with Afrobeats and alternative music.

14. Shine TTW

Chukwuma Chinaza Ferdinand, also known as ShineTTW, is a promising Nigerian singer from the southeast part of Nigeria. He had his secondary school education in Anambra, where his knack for singing and beatboxing earned him the tag “class entertainer.” He’s a star to watch in 2024.

15. Yarden

Okereke Blessed Jordan, popularly known as Yarden is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born on August 2, 2000. He is from Abia State but was raised in Lagos State. He comes from a music and entertainment family and possesses a unique sound that features a dark, groovy, and ominous vibe, which is a new and different sound for the world to accept and relate to on an unlimited scale.
The 20-year-old Afrobeats act is currently signed to Etins Record Limited. Watch out for Yarden this year he's full of surprises!

Conclusion

Gen-Zs are fully taking over Afrobeats and they’ll surely take to it to the zenith soon. Watch out this 2024 for the making of superstars from these new, young and vibrant Afrobeats stars.

Afrobeats is surely ruling the world! 

Emeks Music

REMA IS THE BEST AFROBEATS SINGER BY ALL STANDARDS IN 2023

 The Nigerian Afrobeats singer Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, is by all standards the best Afrobeats singer in 2023. He has also broken a four-decade-old record held by the legendary King Sunny Ade, as his album, “Rave & Roses”, emerged the longest-charting African album in the United States of America.

Rave & Roses is ranked 137 on the Billboard 200 after 30 weeks. The Billboard 200 is a record chart ranking the 200 most popular music albums and EPs in the United States. It is rated based on streaming and sales activity.
With its remarkable staying power on the charts, Rema’s album has secured its place in history as the longest-charting album by any African artiste in the United States.
The 23-year-old Afrobeats singer took the industry by storm with his unique blend of Afrobeats and pop and has been a rising star since his debut in 2019. But his sophomore album, “Rave & Roses,” has propelled him to an entirely new level of stardom and accomplishment.
“Rave & Roses” is Rema’s 16-track debut album, released in March 2022.
Rema’s hit song, “Calm Down”, featuring Selena Gomez, also rose to number 6 on the US Billboard chart.

Afrobeats is ruling the world!

EMEKS MUSIC

TEMS WINS HER FIRST GRAMMY AWARD

The Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has won her first Grammy Award. The 2023 Grammy award which was the 65^th edition held on Sunday night February 5 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, United States.

She won the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ category for her role in ‘Wait for U’, the 2022 hit song by Future, featuring Drake.

EMEKS MUSIC

REMA BECOMES ARTISTE WITH THE MOST VIEWED MUSIC VIDEO IN NIGERIA IN 2022

Famous Nigerian musician and rapper, Divine Ikubor, professionally known by his stage name Rema, has become the 2022 Nigerian artiste with the most viewed music video on YouTube.

The 22-years-old singer, beat his senior colleagues, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, Daniel Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe known as Kizz Daniel and others to win the title.
A compiled list released on 30th December by renowned digital eco-system firm, Dataleum and data intelligence, which analysed views from official music videos in 2022, disclosed that Rema’s hit music ‘Calm Down’ video got 313 million views, while the remix featuring Selena Gomez has 204 million views.
Following closely was Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ which garnered over 144 million views, and Kizz Daniel’s ‘Buga’ with 110 million views.
Rema song “Calm Down,” remix, which was influenced by Selena Gomez, is one of the biggest of 2022, surpassing 300 million views on YouTube in just 10 months.

THE 10 BEST AFROPOP SONGS IN NIGERIA FOR 2022

There's no doubt that Nigerian artistes are leading the Afropop music genre in the world.

AFROPOP according to Rollingstone Magazine "is a catch-all term casting a wide net over the diverse musical approaches originating and dominating from Africa which has long been a center of the Black diasporic experience, from which so much of pop culture borrows"
Here are the ten most popular Afropop Songs and artistes that ruled the airwaves and streets of Nigeria in 2022:

1. Kizz Daniel’s single “Buga” featuring Tekno is no doubt the most popular song in Nigeria in 2022. There's no home or street across Nigeria that you'll not hear the Buga song, even the Buga dance challenge became very popular in the social media space.

2. “Last Last” by Burna Boy is the 2nd most popular song in 2022. Burna delivers an instant classic Afropop breakup song that will keep us dancing for a long time to come.

3. “Calm Down” by Rema is one of the many standout moments on his debut album, Rave & Roses. With a hypnotic guitar loop and a rhythmic bounce as bedrock, Rema narrates a tale about a romantic connection he has with a girl he first met at a party. The song released on Mavin Records was really another banger!

4. Ayra Starr's hit song "Rush" was well accepted as it ruled the Nigerian airwaves in 2022. Her super and daring fashion sense has added glamour that lifted the young artist to an African superstar status.

5. “Overdose” a Mavin Records all-star’s single produced by Don Jazzy featuring Ayra Starr, Crayon, Ladipoe, Magixx, and Boy Spyce is bright, youthful, and lovelorn, with each artists’ distinct voice shining and melding at once. Amassing over 200 million streams across platforms, the song was a 2022 Nigerian smash hit.

6. Adekunle Gold's "5 Star" made a tremendous impact in the Nigerian airwaves in 2022. After dropping his fourth album, Catch Me If You Can, in February, he toured the U.S. and capped 2022 with a jubilant homecoming show in Lagos on Dec. 18. While onstage in the States, he previewed “5 Star,” which made its way to streaming services in July.

7. On the 7th position is Asake's single “Omo Ope” Arriving at the start of 2022 with this eruptive Olamide-assisted single Asake asserted himself with relatable lyrics and anthemic choruses. The rest as they say is history suffice it to say that the rest of the year would find him dominating with ease, especially after dropping his debut album, Mr. Money With the Vibe.

8. Asake’s song “Joha” became an early fan favorite off the project of his debut album, Mr. Money With the Vibe, armed to the teeth with evocative poetry and memorable melodies. Rollingstone Magazine has observed that "since its release, Asake has continued to collect musical successes including TikTok virality and sold-out shows across the U.K. and U.S. All hail the king of sounds and blues."

9. Lojay's 2021 hit “Monalisa” still dominated the first quarter of 2022. 

10. Aṣa's song “Show Me Off” from her fifth studio album released in 2022 was a great song just like the other hypnotizing tracks in the album, all buoyant drums and sunny guitar. According to Rollingstone Magazine “Show Me Off, is a solo showcase, Aṣa’s heavenly falsetto effortless as she sings with the quiet assurance of someone who knows music is their calling."

 

EMEKS MUSIC

‘BUGA’ BY KIZZ DANIEL HITS 100M VIEWS ON YOUTUBE

 A popular Nigerian music star, Kizz Daniel, real name Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe has thanked his fans for hitting his first 100 million views on YouTube with his hit song, ‘Buga’.

‘Buga’ which was released in May 2022, has caught the attention of both young and the old, and it was listed as the number one song in 2022 google search by Nigerians.

The song ‘Buga’ is undoubtedly one of the most popular songs in Nigeria at the moment and has also become the number one song on Apple Music’s Top 100 Chart in Nigeria.

The song, which featured Tekno, another top-class singer from Nigeria, was one of the top five afrobeat songs in the world, as well as the most shazamed song in the world.

The 28 years old Kizz Daniel had the rare privilege of performing during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Finals. He is a also best known for his singles “Woju” and “Yeba”.

emeksmusic

GBABA EGWU: An Official Video by Emeka Okeke

We are happy to announce the release of Gbaba Egwu official video from the Dance Fever EP by Emeka Okeke.

More action and less talk, watch and give us feedback.

CHRIS AJILO THE NIGERIAN HIGHLIFE MUSIC VETERAN (1930 -2021)

 The Nigerian veteran highlife musician and producer, Christopher Ajilore, popularly known as Chris Ajilo who died recently was renowned for his hit tune ‘Eko Ogba Gbere’.

Chris Ajilo born in Osun State in 1930 was a very dedicated and highly disciplined artiste. He was such an outstanding musician who maintained a sense of integrity and professionalism throughout his career. He was dedicated to his craft as a musician and for encouraged the younger ones. He focused on recording and delivering good music for posterity. 
 
                     

Chris Ajilo was the man who led the Independence Band at the Federal Palace Hotel in 1960. He was the people’s saxophonist, a music teacher by calling, artiste and a repertoire manager with a difference, a producer of numerous hit songs and numerous hit artistes and the quintessential copyright man.

He was for many years a producer at Polygram Records now Premier Music. He produced several artistes including Osita Osadebe’s popular song, ‘Osondi Owendi’ among others. Chris Ajilo’s best known songs include ‘Eko O Gba Gbere’, ‘Ariwo’, ‘Orilonise’, ‘Only You’, ‘Tetede’, ‘Ojo Nlo’, and ‘Emi Mimo’.

                               
He is considered one of the last of the generation — including the likes of Victor Olaiya and Bobby Benson — who formed the Nigerian Union of Musicians, the first guild for musicians.

EMEKA OKEKE RELEASES A NEW EP DANCE FEVER ON 25TH JANUARY 2022

It is time to dance, and Dance Fever EP by Emeka Okeke is produced to make you dance. The album opens with “Gbaba Egwu” an Afro-Highlife Boogie that will make you get on your feet and dance.

This is followed by “Is This You” an Afrobeat Song with scintillating Saxophone embellishments and super electric guitar licks.

The 3rd track “Higher Higher” is a high tempo Afro-Gospel dancehall song, while the last track “So Nsogbukwa” is an Afro-Highlife song with a gospel undertone that was earlier released as a Single.

Enjoy the groove and give us feedback.

Download @ www.emeksmusic.com or other online music platforms.

LIFE AND TIMES OF ROBBIE SHAKESPEARE (1953 - 2021)

Robbie Shakespeare, full name Robert Warren Dale Shakespeare was born in Kingston, Jamaica on 27th September 1953. He grew up to become a great bass player and one half of the legendary drum and bass production duo popularly known as Sly and Robbie. They became one of the most influential rhythm sections and production duo in the history of reggae music and with their independent production company and label Taxi Records, they worked with artists such as U Roy, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Black Uhuru and many more.

Their success and recognition led to them working outside of the reggae genre with artists such as Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Cindy Lauper and Grace Jones.
Robbie will be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential bass players in the world of reggae music.

Robbie Shakespeare died on 8th December 2021 following kidney surgery in Florida at the age of 68.
Rest on Robbie, your legacy lives on. Rest in power!

VICTOR UWAIFO THE NIGERIAN HIGHLIFE MAESTRO & GUITAR VIRTUOSO (1941-2021)

Highlife Maestro and Professor of Visual Arts, University of Benin, Sir Victor Efosa Uwaifo was born on 1st March 1941 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria and obtained his secondary school education at the Western Boys' High School Benin and St. Gregory's College, Lagos, from 1957 to 1961.

He began playing guitar when he was 12 years old and grew up playing the instrument with dexterity and displayed kinetic dancing steps in his heydays. Some of Uwaifo’s albums ‘Joromi’ and ‘Mammy Water’ released in the early 60s, were instant hits and have remained evergreen. He was the winner of the first gold disc in Africa (Joromi) released in 1965 and seven other gold discs in Guitar boy, Arabade, Ekassa series and Akwete music. He recorded under the name Victor Uwaifo and His TItibitis.

Victor Uwaifo was also a writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor, University lecturer, and the first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria, having been appointed by the administration of former governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion in Edo State 2001–2003. The music legend has travelled to many countries including the United States, Russia, Japan, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, France, Hungary, Rome, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic, Spain, and Canada.

Sir Victor Uwaifo died at 80 after a brief illness in Benin City, Nigeria on 28^th August 2021. His legacies live on.