There is no better way to spit this
out, but some very talented Nigerian artistes have been blatantly
underrated and it hurts. Again, it’s may be a little difficult to place,
the reason why their talents and hardwork doesn’t meet with
commensurate recognition and applause. From time to time these group of
artistes have proved their mettle, but alas, e be like say the Nigerian
music industry is sleeping on them. In most cases, they don’t get to bag
major awards, the best they can land are nominations. It looks like
they are just used to complete the count.
They never make it as our best artiste, it’s hard to describe them as
the hottest thing on the music scene at the moment. They rarely headline
big concerts. Being called underrated even becomes an understatement.
Fact is that they are a caldron of
bubbling talent, their talent is never in short supply. These group of
Nigerian artistes have been solid for the most part, achieved plausible
feats, dropped dope material and have come through a number of times.
Yet still we are snoring on them. They are never the ones we get to
hype, we rarely swoon over them. It seems they are always just a step
shy of hitting their jackpots. Therefore, it is only suitable they wear
the tag of the “underrated Nigerian artiste”.
BURNA BOY
Before you tear yourself apart, for the
most part Burna Boy has been very underrated and overlooked. Burna Boy
whose real name is Damini Ogulu is a Nigerian patois spitting dancehall
and pop artiste. Personally, I want to say Burna spits patois better
than ——– you know who am talking about, fill in the gap. Burna has been
very much a sub not the main meal at very serious concerts. It’s only
recently Burna Boy had the chance to headline a concert alone in the UK.
I am very much in doubt that feat would have been achieved back here in
Nigeria his home country. For an artiste of his repertoire, he has not
received much love from the industry in terms of awards. I can’t
remember the last award Burna Boy won based on his individual efforts.
Hope you get my point.
JESSE JAGZ
Jesse is almost phenomenal with
everything he does. Yet he doesn’t get recognized as the best hip-hop
artiste, why? He has only been able to take home lyricist of the year
award from the Headies, nothing major I can remember in recent times.
From time to time ’emperor jagz’ has producing solid materials yet he
gets the snub. He is one rapper who hasn’t joined the singing gang yet.
RUNTOWN
“A prophet is honored everywhere except
in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” The
above biblical quote sums up the case of Runtown. Half the cheers
Runtown gets outside the shores of Nigeria is yet to be accorded him
here at home. Can anyone remember the Enugu born is the first brand
ambassador for Adidas in Africa? His debut album Ghetto University made
him top 5 Most Streamed Artist” in Nigeria, generating over N35 million
turn over on MTN Music Plus. Douglas Agu seems not to get enough respect
in spite of his feats in the music industry in a short span.
SOLIDSTAR
Will you be shocked to know that Solid
Star has just one award, and zero nominations as reflected in his
Wikipedia page? For the record Solid Star has been officially active
from 2010 until now. You will get my point when you think of new comers
like Korede Bello, Adekunle Gold, Reekado Banks and Kiss Daniel having
more recognition than this fine singer. This brother has been dropping
some tight jams over time. It’s unclear why he hasn’t bagged at least
any important nominations since he won an award in 2010. This is the
epitome of being so underrated. ‘Omotena’, ‘Skibo’, ‘Oluchi’ and ‘Wait’
are some of his best offering. What could be the missing link for Solid
Star.
YUNG6IX
Onome Onokohwomo aka Yung6ix self-styled
king of the south is a Nigerian hip-hop practitioner. In a climate were
Nigerian rappers and hip-hop artistes are turning to singing, Yung6ix is
one rapper who I consider is keeping it real as far as rapping goes. It
bugs me when the Warri breed rapper is ranked below colleagues who have
started singing Fuji and Highlife. Dude makes good rap lyrics with
witty play on words, well served punchlines and delivery. Why does the
music industry sleep on him? Unfortunately, rapper Yung6ix has worn the
tag as an underrated rapper for too long. It’s time to take it off. Put
some respek on his name.
EVA ALORDIAH
Eva is Nigeria’s most popular Femcee and
also one of the most underrated females music acts. It’s not easy being a
hip-hop practitioner in Nigeria talk more of being a female rapper.
Most be why she doesn’t hold much attention.
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