2021 in Review: Ckay, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Other Nigerian Singers Who Made It Big on the International Scene
2021 has been a great year for the Nigerian music industry, as this is perhaps the first time the international scene has recognised music out of the country this much.
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There has never been any doubt that Nigerian superstars are appreciated abroad, but this is the first time fans get the confirmation that their favourites are actually who they think they are.
Source: Instagram
While some of the industry legends did their thing and bagged nominations and awards this year, some upcoming acts also blew the minds of the international community away.
It can only get better from here, but fans are looking forward to an even better 2022 for the Nigerian music industry.
Legit.ng has put together a list of Nigerian musicians, both male and female, who have earned their deserved recognition and awards from the international music scene.
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1. Burna Boy
The Odogwu crooner does not call himself African giant for nothing, Burna was among the artistes who opened the floor of recognition for Nigerians this year.
Burna Boy did not only release a phenomenal album Twice as Tall, but he went on to bag his first-ever Grammy award which automatically put him in the spotlight on the international field of play.
He also won best international act for the third time in a row at the BET awards this year. Burna Boy also made the nomination list for Grammy Awards next year.
2. Wizkid
Wizkid is unarguably the man of the year. The Ginger crooner kickstarted his wins this year with a Grammy award and has gone on to be the face of Nigerian music.
Wizkid's Made in Lagos album was well-received by fans, especially his single with Tems, Essence.
In the twinkle of an eye, Canadian singer, Justin Bieber jumped on a remix and the song became an international anthem.
Essence has broken records as it became gold and platinum certified in the US and won awards outside the country.
Wizkid also made the 64th Grammy Awards' list under the category of the best global music performance and the best global music album.
Like that's not enough, Wizkid concluded his MIL tour in London after three days and he was presented with an artwork for selling out the 20k capacity venue for three days.
3. Tems
Tems is who you would call one of the new kids on the block who is gradually climbing her way to the top.
Wizkid featured the Try Me crooner on his Essence single and that became the turning point for her career.
Wizkid and Tems bagged the best collaboration at the 2021 Soul Train Awards and for every recognition Essence gets, Tems gets to be a part of the commendable history.
Following that, Canadian rapper, Drake also featured Tems on his latest album, Certified Lover Boy. It is worthy of note that Tems is also a Grammy award nominee.
4. Ckay
Tiktok has worked in the favour of a lot of people since the pandemic and one of the new kids on the block, Ckay is proof.
Ckay's single, Love Wantintin took over the video app and from a single challenge, it became a certified hit.
Ckay has received UK Silver Certification Plaque for the song, and it made history in September as the most shazamed song in the world.
5. Tiwa Savage
2021 is a significant year for Tiwa despite the controversies she found herself in this year. Her hit single, Somebody's Son gradually became a household song.
Tiwa featured American superstar, Brandy on the hit single and it instantly became an international jam.
Apart from Nigerian superstars who accepted the song wholeheartedly, international superstar, Nicki Minaj could not get enough of Somebody's Son.
Top American stars, Brandy and Tasha also vibed hard to the song.
6. Femi and Made Kuti
2021 has also been a great year for the father and son duo, Femi and Made Kuti as they made the nomination list for the 64th Grammy Awards next year.
Their album Legacy was nominated for the best global music album. Meanwhile, Femi Kuti's Pa Pa Pa also made the best global performance list.
This current nomination has made it the sixth time that Femi Kuti's name has been listed while it is Made's debut.
Wizkid brings Burna Boy on stage in London
Wizkid officially kicked off the first leg of his Made in Lagos (MIL) concert in the UK on November 28 and his fans have been swept off their feet with surprises.
On the third night, Wizkid threw another surprise on his fans by bringing up self-acclaimed African giant, Burna Boy on stage.
The crowd went wild with excitement and sang along as the singers performed their song, Ginger together.
Source: Legit.ng
