Nigerian Music Nigeria – Entertainers To Watch Out For In 2010

Source:  Compass News, Jan 2, 2010

It is obvious that 2010 will be an exciting one in the entertainment industry because its practitioners; musicians, actors, comedians, directors, producers, and the rest are stepping up their game.

Veritable proof of this is found in the accolades that the efforts of the entertainers are now gathering locally and internationally. Musicians and Nollywood stars alike now win awards outside Nigeria easily while their movies and music are sought after within and outside the country.

In 2009, Nollywood attained another level while making films like The Figurine, Silent Scandals, Through The Glass, and many others. In its own case, the music industry did Nigeria proud with the songs and music videos of Darey, D’Banj, Wande Coal and many others. Now in 2010, watch out as the Nigerian entertainment industry explodes, especially if Femi Kuti finally wins the elusive Grammy award. OSEYIZA OOGBODO and HAZEEZ BALOGUN bring to you a list of those expected to shape the entertainment industry in 2010.

Wande Coal vs Dagrin
It is very hard to choose between these two. Who will be the hottest in 2010? At present, Wande Coal is hotter because of the backbone afforded him by his record label, Mo’Hits. However, Dagrin proves that he is destined for music greatness with the release of his album, CEO, in 2009. Since the album’s release, it has been selling massively with the reciprocal effect that Dagrin is now getting paid-for shows, unlike before when he was offering his services for free. It will therefore be a titanic battle between him and Wande Coal for the title of the hottest musician in 2010, a title which is currently held by Wande Coal.

Genevieve
She has been in the game for a long time, yet she continues to be relevant. Without seeming to make much effort, she lands the best roles that further entrench her diva status. For her, success in 2010 is a certainty as her fame has spread to Nollywood.

Mercy Johnson
She finally came of age in Nollywood midway into 2009. In the process, she became as-talked-about as her esteemed colleagues, Genevieve and Omotola. It is therefore certain that 2010 will be a big year for her as she is now the darling of movie lovers.

Mercy Aigbe
She is one girl who is yet to claim the full glory of the limelight her efforts deserve. In fact, fate has played a cruel trick on Mercy because at the point she was becoming the topmost actress in Nollywood, Funke Akindele came out with Jenifa and robbed her of the spotlight. 2010 should be the year Mercy will blow big-time.

9ice
Abolore Akande nearly did not make this list as his album, The tradition, failed to satisfy all expectations and yearnings. Well, that is to be expected. His Gongo Aso album was such a big hit, that everyone thinks 9ice is a magician.

However, 9ice’s album is steadily gaining popularity amongst his ardent followers. Maybe the album should not be called a write-off so early. With Asa and Id Cabassa on the album, let see if it will pick up.

Banky W
He titled his second album, The W Experience, and what an experience it is turning out to be. The album is selling so fast that Alaba marketers are smiling to the bank.

Without doubt, a smash hit album leads to several shows, so you can be sure then that Banky W will be in your faces big-time in 2010.

Cartiair
His style of rapping is similar to that of Lil Wayne, the American rapper, yet he infuses his flows with African rhythm and flows.

His debut album, ‘More than just rap music’, was dropped in December and in less than four weeks has sold close to 100,000 copies. When you now throw in the fact that he is a swagger promoter (remember swagger is the in-thing), a solid management in Magic record, and lyrics that are street-wise, Cartiair may be unstoppable in 2010.

Essence
Everyone agrees that Essence can sing. Just as everyone agrees that her singing ability coupled with the respected Kennis Music as her promoter hasn’t gotten her to the top of the music industry.
Her latest single, Kalangolo, is however hinting that Essence still could win hearts. She is expected to be so much on top of her game in 2010.

Omo Jesu
His case is that of slow and steady wins the race. Every year, his profile keeps growing with more and more corporate events to his name.

Truly talented, the self-styled Bishop of Comedy is likely to ensure his 2010 moves will make him as highly rated as his A-list colleagues, Ali Baba, Basket Mouth and others.

Femi Kuti
This man still has some tricks up his sleeves. He had been silent, musically in the country for a while, and his bang bang bang, hit still remains his most popular song in Nigeria to date. The last time he was heard of was in Olu Maintain’s album where he featured alongside the hip hop artiste.

Outside the country, Femi has continued to make waves. He also has featured with top foreign artistes. His climax last year is a Grammy nomination. That indeed is a big deal.

The award itself will hold this year, and Femi will definitely make a lot of buzz if he wins it or not. A Grammy appearance is no joke.

Also, his album which was nominated for the award will be released for Nigerian consuption this year. So indeed Femi should be in the spotlight in 2010.

Terry G
Like him or hate him, Terry G’s presence is huge on the music scene. His music is an influence to other artistes. Call him a trend setter.

He has an uncanny ability to make the beats that win hearts. You can say he says nonsense in his songs, he will tell you that nonsense is what the people want to hear. Terry will surely leave a big mark in 2010. His track, Free Madness, has already sprung him to stardom. He should make waves in 2010.

Aremu Afolayan
Yes, his growth can be directly linked to the popularity of his brother, Kunle Afolayan and his legendary father, Ade Love, yet Aremu’s acting talent cannot be brushed aside. More of a new comer, Aremu in 2009 made his face a household one, while differentiating his acting style from that of his brother.

Though he had been enmeshed in controversies where he was referred to as a ‘gigolo’, Aremu remains a focused actor. He is expected to continue to rise in rank in 2010.

Nigerian Music Nigeria 9ice, Banky W, Cartiair, Dagrin, Essence, Femi Kuti, Terry G, Wande Coal