Albums, artistes to watch out for in 2013

Dbanj

In less than a year since he parted ways with Mo Hits, the Koko Master has emerged one of Nigeria’s Best music heads.His affiliation with Kanye West’s GOOD Music label, Sony Music Africa/DB Records, and a string of hits which include Bachelor, Top of the World and CashFlow, are among the most anticipated in the new year.

Banky W

As the head honcho of E.M.E Records, Banky has had a busy year promoting his artistes and finding time to put out some new body of music. Already, his latest singles, Yes/No and Good Good Loving, have given a foretaste of what is to come and expect when his album drops on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

Wande Coal

This Mavin Records artiste has proven to be one of the best Nigerian male vocalists. His most recent singles,Private Trips, Go Low and Been Long You Saw Me did not disappoint many of his fans. His album, which has been long in coming, is one of the most anticipated in the industry.

Tiwa Savage

She is a triple threat-singer, songwriter and Marvin Records first lady. Savage ruled the year with her looks, hit songs, stage dexterity and endorsements. Since pitching her tents with the Don Jazzy-led Marvin Records, the dark-skinned singer has promised to put out one of the best albums in the New Year with spanking singles IfeWa Gbona, Folarin, Oma Ga from The Solar Plexus Album.

Waje

It is safe to dream big and that is exactly what WAJE is doing. With plans to start a lingerie line in 2013 and record a duet with American super star, Beyonce, the singer admits that 2012 has been a very busy year for her. So far, she has been able to record two tracks that are well received by music fans in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

At present, she is working on a new album and it will be due for release soon. But she does not rule out the possibility of a collaborative effort with a well known foreign artiste in her forthcoming album.

Dammy Krane

This 18-year old crowd pleaser, who has been silently plying his trade with his Afro-Pop-Juju style of music, got his big break earlier in the year when he became the first artiste to be signed on to 2face Idibia’s Hypertek Records. After catching the attention of many with his hit single My Dear, Krane is no doubt in a hurry to hit fame land. His remix of PSY’s award winning song, Gangnam Style, had over 796 thousand views on YouTube in a few days and ensured that he doesn’t go unnoticed by industry watchers.

May D

After a well publicised ‘musical union’ that barely lasted a year, he was dumped by Square Records — Psquare’s label. The messy separation in August did not stop May D from picking his acts together almost immediately. His first step was the establishment of his label, Confam Entertainment, the release of chart topping singles, Use Me and Gat Me High. With an expanding fleet of cars and crisp videos to match, his debut album is one to look forward to.

Blessed with a rich pedigree — his grandfather, Benson Idons, once managed the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti — this one time Rhythm 93.7 FM Port-Harcourt Intern has succeeded in proving that he can get the ladies rocking to his mellow tunes. His smash hit, Like to Party, and accompanying video continue to top music charts across the country and is a breath of fresh air. While he is very popular on Twitter, this PH act is sure on his way to winning the hearts of many in the New Year. Since officially breaking into the music industry in 2010 when he moved back to Nigeria from London, 2012 saw him cross over to the Lagos music scene with his mid-tempo Summer Jams.

Iyanya

Undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most successful reality show products, Iyanya dumped his good boy image this year and settled for a muscular built and tattooed body. This appears to have paid off as his single Kukere has boosted his bank account. With a thriving music career and two controversial actresses, Tonto Dikeh and Yvonne Nelson, ensuring that he is always in the news, the Akwa-Ibom State-born star is not slowing down just yet.

9ice

If street credibility is crucial to keeping an artiste relevant in the Nigerian music scene, then 9ice has got a lot going for him in that regard. Although his position is being threatened by a crop of talented, young acts, the lanky singer still enjoys a large following – what with his rich repertory of Yoruba idioms. As the only Nigerian hip-hop act to have dropped two albums, Versus and Bashorun Gaa, at the same time in 2012, 9ice sure means business. We all await the arrival of CNN and GRA — his next set of albums next year and hope they live up to their billings.