Ghoste Magazine recently dropped a list of 8 talented Nigerian acts who upped their games last year and will most definitely be consistent this 2016.
The list include Mavin acts, Korede Bello and Reekado Banks as well as Adekunle Gold and Lil Kesh of YBNL while Simi is the only female singer who made the cut.
Others are Falz, Skales and Yung6ix.
Meet the Ghoste 8…
ADEKUNLE GOLD
Adekunle Gold has to be the biggest discovery in the Nigerian music industry for 2015. He snuck up on us with his audacious sound on ‘Sade’ and by the time he dropped ‘Orente’, he had us hooked. The YBNL act, recently dropped his 3rd single, ‘Pick Up’ and we are expecting a debut album in 2016 and an unplugged show.
FALZ
We love Falz, who doesn’t? Falz easily became one of the most sought after MCs in 2015 with songs like ‘Karishika’, ‘Clap’, ‘Celebrity Girlfriend’ and more off his sophomore album, ‘Stories That Touch’. The album has been mentioned as one of the best albums, released by a Nigerian artist in 2015 and we expect to see it bag nominations and awards this year. Popularly known for his funny yet dope lyrics, Falz earned the respect and love from fans and other music enthusiasts all through 2015, including notable endorsement deals.
KOREDE BELLO
This young Mavin superstar blew us away with a song that we daresay was the most viral tune of 2015, ‘Godwin’. He bagged enviable endorsements deals in 2015 and numerous accolades including the award for the Best Pop Single and nominations at the AFRIMMA and KORA awards to mention a few. The leader of the Bellovers clan, is already having a great 2016 as his most recent single ‘Romantic’ featuring Tiwa Savage is already being referred to as one of the biggest tunes of 2016.
LIL KESH
‘…every song was a hit, back to back…’ Lil’Kesh was such a thrill in 2015, with strong follow-ups to his monster hit ‘Shoki’, he dominated the airwaves and streets with catchy lyrics and beats. The YBNL MC had a great year, stayed off controversies, bagged notable nominations and performed at some of the biggest events around Nigeria. Ghoste anticipates more hit records and a debut album from Lil’Kesh in 2016.
REEKADO BANKS
Crowned ‘Next Rated’ at the 2015 Headies, Reekado Banks blazed a hot trail of 4 singles and over 5 hit collaborations in 2015, a very impressive record for a new artist. In 2015, he bagged an enviable ambassadorial role with a Nigerian telecoms company. Loved by Reek Addicts all over and with his 1st single of the year, ‘Oluwa Ni’ already climbing up charts, it is safe to say that Reekado Banks will be on our playlists all year
SIMI
If you haven’t heard Simi sing, where have you been? From her Restless EP, to her 1st official single ‘Tiff’ to her most prominent single, ‘Jamb Question’ and her most recent offering ‘Open & Close’, Simi has shown great prowess as a songwriter, vocalist and performer. In 2015, she was definitely the breakthrough female artist and in 2016, we expect more great music and maybe an album.
SKALES
One can arguably agree that Skales was the man of the year in 2015. Rising from a failed label contract, to owning one of the biggest hit songs in Africa, ‘Shake Body’ and a successful debut album release, Skales keeps proving why he deserves the ‘Man of the Year’ title. With over 5 singles and music videos ruling the airwaves to date, big music collaborations, performances in different countries and nominations at some of the most prestigious awards, a sophomore album in view, Skales is definitely one to look out for in 2016.
YUNG6IX
Yung 6ix went quiet for a bit but in 2015, he came back all grown up, with a trail of hot singles and collaborations, including ‘Blessings ft Oritsefemi’ and ‘For Example ft Stonebwoy’. We are excited about the consistency with his recent releases and his new brand direction. It is safe to expect hits from the South South MC, a sophomore album, nominations and maybe endorsements too.