We are gradually creeping into the last quarter of 2017 and by and large, we can gladly say this year has been a decent one for Nigerian popular music since more than ever, our sound has risen to monstrous statues of worldwide honors.
Indeed, even as we anticipate what whatever remains of the year holds for Nigerian music, here’s a rundown of the best five most sultry tunes that shook Nigeria in 2017 up until this point. These tunes assumed control over the lanes, conveyed life to each gathering and got consistent twists on the Nigerian wireless transmissions. Albeit some were discharged in 2016, they beyond any doubt rocked 2017.
5. Mr Eazi
Leg over is the lead song on the Accra to Lagos mixtape by Mr Eazi. The harmonious progressions and laid back kicks set the record aside as soon as it dropped.
Even though it was released in December 2016, the song has lived on to become one of the hottest Nigerian songs in 2017.
4. Small Doctor- Penalty
Unlike other new school indigenous artistes, Small doctor is one whose music doesn’t really cater to the mainstream audience as his (urban Fuji) sound and narrative appeals to a core street audience.
Penalty by small doctor, however, crept up on us while we were sleeping through the push and support of his loyal street fans. When lovers of mainstream music caught the wave, it was impossible to ignore the groovy progression of the song.
Penalty was released in December 2016, but it sure still retained its fire throughout the most part of 2017.
3. Davido- Fall
Davido’s second single for the year applies the same formula that birthed his first hit. The same laid back Ghanaian instrumentation but a different hook – Banana Fall on You!
Fall was the stamp of Davido’s position as the most consistent hit maker in 2017 as it was well received by both his fans in Nigeria and in diaspora scoring repeated plays at parties and sitting on top of every Nigerian pop chart.
2. Olamide- Wo
After 2 failed attempts to release a new year hit record, Olamide was finally able to get a dying minute score with “WO”. The Young John produced record swept us off our feet like a hurricane – we didn’t see it coming.
Since it’s release in August, WO by Olamide has been everyone’s madness trigger. The enchanting catch phrase “WO” on an up tempo Nigerian pop instrumental is all we need to keep the party alive.
Davido- If
Released in the first quarter of 2017 and produced by Tekno, IF by Davido is a Duncan Mighty and Lagbaja inspired record that features consistent trumpet fills while also exploring the Ghanaian Highlife Bounce otherwise called the ‘pon pon’ sound.
Immediately the song was released in February, it instantly became a national anthem with both adults and children screaming “30 Billion for the account” in every hook and cranny of the country.
Not only was it a national hit record, it also crossed the borders of the African continent scoring a remix with RnB singer – R Kelly. Over six months have gone and IF still remains everybody’s favorite.