From stardom to silence; the lost voices of Nigeria’s music industry
Over the years, the Nigerian music industry has produced countless artists, many of whom have left a lasting impact with classic hits and memorable street anthems. However, some beloved voices have faded into the background, leaving fans curious about their whereabouts. In this feature, Weekend Trust highlights the lost voices of the Nigerian music scene, celebrating the artists who once defined an era but are now less visible. From Afrobeat pioneers to R&B sensations, these musicians shaped the industry in significant ways.,
Tony Tetuila
Tony Tetuila, born Anthony Olanrewaju Awotoye, is a Nigerian Afrobeat and Afropop artist who rose to fame as part of the legendary music group, The Remedies. Alongside Eedris Abdulkareem and Eddy Montana, Tetuila helped pave Nigeria’s contemporary music scene in the late 1990s. The Remedies pioneered the mix of African rhythms and hip-hop, leading the way for modern Nigerian music. Tetuila went solo in the early 2000s, becoming a household name with his 2001 hit “My Car,” which humorously narrated a real-life incident involving a damaged car. Songs like “Omode Meta” helped establish his reputation as an Afropop pioneer.
After releasing a string of hits in the early 2000s, fans stopped hearing from the Two Women singer. However, Tony Tetuila contested as an All Progressives Congress candidate in 2014 for a seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly and lost. In 2023, he announced a remix of his popular song “My Car” featuring African giant, Burna Boy.
Faze
Chibuzor Oji aka Faze, is a Nigerian artist who rose to fame as a member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, alongside 2Baba (formerly 2Face) and Blackface. The group became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s due to their unique blend of R&B, reggae, and Afrobeat. Faze later pursued a solo career, releasing hits like “Faze Alone” and “Kolomental,” which earned him a large fan base.
Known for his smooth singing voice, Faze was a key player in shaping Nigeria’s modern musicscene. However, in recent years, Faze has stepped away from making new music and has been less active in the industry.
Weird MC
Weird MC rose to prominence in the 1990s with songs like “Allen Avenue” and secured her reputation with the 2006 hit track “Ijoya,” which was produced by Don Jazzy and JJC. Her lively performances and distinct style, which blends English, Yoruba, and rap, set her apart in a male-dominated sector.
Despite her success, Weird MC is now regarded as one of Nigerian music’s lost voices, as she no longer produces songs. Her decision to move away from the spotlight has left many wondering what her career could have been like if she had kept going. Although she no longer releases new songs, her contributions to Nigerian music, particularly the promotion of rap and hip-hop, are important to note.
Lagbaja
Lagbaja gained popularity in the 1990s with his fusion of African rhythms and jazz, creating a unique sound that appealed to many. His signature mask, which he wore to symbolise the “common man,” became his iconic look. Lagbaja’s music often carried strong social and political messages, addressing issues like corruption, inequality, and injustice in Nigeria. While Lagbaja was once a dominant voice in the Nigerian music scene, he has since faded from the spotlight and no longer makes music. His absence is felt by many fans who miss the powerful messages and energy the songs brought to the industry. However, despite his hiatus from the industry, Lagbaja recently appeared on Fireboy’s new album titled; ‘Back n Forth’.
Darey Art Alade
Darey Art Alade is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and media personality who made his mark in the Nigerian music industry with his smooth R&B style and soulful voice. He gained fame in the early 2000s after participating in the reality show Project Fame West Africa. Darey released hit songs like “Not the Girl” and “Carry Dey Go,” which showcased his vocal talent and made him a household name.
Despite his earlier success, Darey stepped back from making music, and fans rarely hear new songs from him. He now focuses more on other ventures, including being a media personality, event host, and businessman.
Nigga Raw
Nigga Raw, also referred to as Mr. Raw, was a pioneer of Igbo rap in Nigeria. His real name is Okechukwu Edwards Ukeje, and he grew to prominence in the early 2000s due to his distinct rap style in both Igbo and English. Nigga Raw’s debut album, Right & Wrong, released in 2005, was a huge success, with songs including “Obodo” and “Hip Hop Gyration.” Although Mr. Raw had a good run in the industry, he gradually slipped from prominence. Over time, he released fewer tracks and eventually ceased making music. His disappearance created a hole in Nigerian rap, particularly among fans of indigenous rap. Today, he is considered one of the lost voices in the Nigerian music industry.
Sasha P
Anthonia Yetunde Alabi popularly known as Sasha P is one of Nigeria’s pioneering female rappers. She rose to fame in the early 2000s, becoming known for her strong voice in a male-dominated genre. Sasha P was part of the Trybe Records family and released hit tracks like “Adara” and “Only One” that earned her recognition across Africa.
Sasha P inspired many female artists who came after her. In 2010, she won the Best Female Artist award at the MTV Africa Music Awards. However, her presence in the music world faded with time, and she gradually pulled away from the spotlight. She no longer records music and has switched towards fashion and other passions.
Kelly Hansome
Kelly Hansome is well-known for his contributions to the Nigerian music scene in the late 2000s. He rose to prominence with hits such as Maga Don Pay and Like Play like Play, which were popular among fans due to its striking sounds. His sound combined Afrobeat, highlife, and hip-hop, making him a popular musician during that time. Regardless of his early popularity, Kelly Hansome’s music career eventually faded. He had various disagreements with his former label, Kennis Music, which contributed to his retirement from mainstream music. Over time, his once-dominant voice in the Nigerian music industry disappeared and today, Kelly Hansome is no longer active in music.
African China
African China was known for his politically charged music that speaks to the difficulties of the common people. He started his music career at a young age and totally committed to it in 1996. His music incorporates reggae and dancehall, and he frequently uses Pidgin English to communicate it. One of his most renowned works is the album, Crisis, which earned him multiple accolades for its forceful reflection on societal issues. Having mainly retired from music in recent years, African China is now recognised as one of the Nigerian music industry’s lost voices. He has shifted his focus to other endeavours, such as running a beauty salon in Lagos.
Olu Maintain
Olu Maintain rose to prominence in 2007 with his hit song “Yahooze,” which focused on Nigerian youth’s internet culture and lifestyle. Olu Maintain has released several popular songs and collaborated with a variety of singers over the years. However, in recent years, he has been less visible in the music industry, with fewer new songs than previously in his career. Olu Maintain has a dedicated fan base and occasionally performs, even if he is not as active as he once was.
