Game Changers: Orezi, Wande Coal, Phyno, D’banj Among 10 Nigerian Artistes to Look Out for in 2014

Just as Sean Tizzle, a rave of the moment, was discovered in 2013, the year 2014 is expected to deliver new surprises. Though the new artistes that would rock the scene are pretty much unknown, a number of established artistes are expected to up their game in the coming months. We look at 10 artistes who are expected to make impact in the money-spinning music industry. Orezi He prides himself as ‘Dat Gehn Gehn Guy’. Orezi narrowly missed out of the ‘Best Reggae/Dancehall’ music category at the 2013 Headies Awards with his hit single, Rihanna. Orezi hopes to raise the bar this year and has his eyes set on being an A-list act. He is working on an album with plans to release it before the end of the first quarter.

As fans keep asking for more, the new financial backing he would get from the Fatgbems Oil-owned Sprisal Records might just be what he needs. Phyno The rapper who missed the ‘Next Rated’ award category at the Headies to Sean Tizzle will seek to hold his ground in the competitive music industry and probably give his fans an album to whet their appetite. And who knows, Phyno might also get one or two endorsement deals in the process.

Seyi Shay The beautiful singer who parted ways with FlyTyme promotions last year before penning a deal with Etisalat, is one artiste to look out for in 2014. Her impressive debut single, Irawo and a remix of same featuring Vector, already laid the foundation for her. Whether she can sustain the tempo and release hit singles while wrestling the likes of Tiwa Savage, Omawumi and Waje reamins the big question.

D’banj 2014 is his official tenth year in the music industry, the Koko Master will be celebrating his decade-old career with his first album since severing business ties with Don Jazzy. Fans and critics alike can’t wait for this album. It is anticipated that the success of his impending album will go a long way in shaping his music future. As it is, D’banj has given fans something good to listen to with the release of a video Bother You, which is also a soundtrack to the movie, Half of a Yellow Sun – an adaptation from Chimamanda Adichie’s novel.

Another sign that 2014 would be an interesting year for Eja Nla, as D’banj is popularly called nowadays, is the recent deal he got as a Glo Ambassador. Dammy Krane Krane had a relatively good outing in 2013. The fuji-pop singer and Tuface’s protege will look to solidifying his arrival in the music industry with powerful singles that would rev up his career. Dammy who isn’t a newcomer sure knows his strength, which is fuji pop. If he decides to build on this or not will determine how far he would go in 2014.

Skales The EME soldier must make the year 2014 count for him as he has been on the sidelines for so long. With Wizkid getting closer to his exit at EME, Skales now has the opportunity to be the main star at the label. With his new single, Very Soon, were he addressed critics who wonder why he has hit the limelight, Skales seems ready to step to the plate and shine in 2014.

Teckno Formally based in Abuja before teaming up with Iyanya’s MMMG, Teckno already did well for himself with the song ‘Holiday’ featuring Davido. With a new label and more funds and exposure to create better productions, there is hope for Teckno and if he remains cool headed, his game might just be beginning.

Tuface Regarded as the King of African pop, Tuface might have a lot more on his hands in 2014. With his fifth album billed for this year, the Idoma-born artiste has Dammy Krane and legend, Sir Victor Olaiya’s career to cater for on his label. Tuface will, without a doubt, become more visible in 2014.

Pato Ranking Relatively unknown Pato Ranking emerged on the scene in 2013 and blessed us with the Reggae song, ‘Albubarika’ featuring label boss, Timaya. The Ijora, Lagos-raised artiste has been picked by music pundits as one of the acts that would change the face of the industry in 2014, for better. With Timaya’s rejuvenated Dem Mama Records, one hopes Pato Ranking can use it as a stepping stone up the music ladder in 2014. Wande Coal The Black Diamond himself is already kicking off the year on a very good note with an endorsement deal with Glo and appearing in all major advert billboards across Lagos metropolis. Wande Coal already has the launchpad to release his long-awaited sophomore album and he can’t afford to fail as he hopes to revive his appeal in the hearts of his fans.    

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This article was first published on 20th February 2014

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