Imagine a musical gumbo, a rich stew where Afropop grooves simmer alongside the whispers of R&B. This is the magic of Nigeria’s music scene, a blend with the distinct flavours of each region.
The South-South, a land blessed with natural resources and a deep cultural heritage, adds spice to this sonic delight.
From the raging raver in the form of Rema to the Odogwu of Port Harcourt, Burna Boy, the music therapist that takes your pain away in the form of of Omah Lay, to the beat connoisseurs in Sarz (Edo), Andre Vibez (Edo) and London (Delta). The depth never ceases.
As we look to the future of music in Nigeria, we set our sights on the South-South region, a breeding ground for some of Nigeria’s most exciting and innovative talents.
Here are 7 rising south-south artists poised to make waves:
Kemuel
- Gender: Male
- City: Port Harcourt
- State: Rivers
Kemuel is a young artist rapidly gaining attention for his powerful combination of evocative writing and vocals. Collaborations with established names like SPINALL and Olamide have only amplified the buzz surrounding him, making him an artist to watch out for.
Beyond the impressive collaborations, Kemuel’s true strength lies in his voice. Often described as “soul food,” it possesses a warmth that draws listeners in and keeps them engaged. His songwriting style feels intimate and relatable, like eavesdropping on a heartfelt confession sung directly to a beloved.
With 2 EPs under his belt, Kemuel is shooting for the stars.
Kold AF
- Gender: Female
- Origin: Itsekiri
- State: Delta
Kold AF is a name you should familiarise yourself with this year. She’s been winning hearts one single at a time. Social media has provided a window into Kold’s artistic journey, where fans have witnessed her experimentation with different genres and covers as she hones her songwriting skills.
Kold’s dedication to her craft blooms in her releases. In December 2022, she unveiled her debut project, the Kold Szn dual pack, a glimpse into her developing artistry. A year later, she dropped her critically acclaimed debut EP, Kollide, alongside French producer BGRZ, showcasing her artistic growth. Kold continues to break boundaries with her latest offering, the No Pity dual pack featuring Aema.
Lifesize Teddy
- Gender: Female
- Hometown: Bonny Island
- State: Rivers
In 2023, Mavin Records unveiled their latest artist, Lifesize Teddy. Her self-titled debut EP showcased her versatility as both a rapper and Afro-fusion artist, drawing comparisons to the confidence of Sasha P and the lyrical prowess of Eve.
Now, Lifesize Teddy is taking things up a notch with her sophomore EP, POISN, which injects a potent dose of Afropop into her sound. This project also sees the introduction of her audacious alter ego, ‘poisn’.
She was able to switch between hip-hop, pop, and dancehall. Lifesize Teddy is poised to become a major force in the industry.
Kaestyle
- Gender: Male
- Hometown: Bonny Island
- State: Rivers
It has been often said that Port Harcourt is the heart of Nigerian pop music.
Kaestyle, born Kelvin Ibinabo Oriye, on April 12, 1996, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He is a multitalented singer, songwriter, and music producer. He got signed to the label, KeyQaad in 2021, where he got to drop his first single, Stamina to kick off his career under the imprint.
2024 is proving to be a breakout year for Kaestyle. His innovative blend of highlife and drill in Egberi grabbed attention, and his relatable anthem, My Dealer resonated with listeners struggling in a challenging economy. The song explores the desire for escape through a metaphorical “dealer”.
On June 14, Kaestyle released his latest Another Style EP, which clocks in at 13 minutes and 16 seconds. The project features collaborations with established artists like Omah Lay, M3lon, and 6lack, showcasing his artistic growth and star potential.
Litovibes
- Gender: Male
- Genre: Reggae, Dancehall, Afropop
- State: Edo
While reggae and dancehall dominated Nigerian airwaves from the late 70s to the 90s, the rise of other genres pushed these styles out of the mainstream. However, artists like Litovibes are reigniting the reggae flame for a new generation.
Hailing from Edo State, a region long recognised as a hotbed for reggae in Nigeria, Litovibes is a rising talent fusing dancehall, reggae, and Afropop to stand out.
With a debut EP already under his belt, he’s garnered the attention of reggae legend Patoranking, who features on LitoVibes’ latest single, My Way. This co-sign further solidifies Litovibes’ position as an exciting artist to watch, not only for the reggae community but for the entire Nigerian music scene.
F3line
- Gender: Female
- City: Eket
- State: Akwa Ibom
F3line’s musical journey began at the tender age of 10, when she wrote her first song, sparking a lifelong passion. This R&B artist, now signed to Sony Music West Africa, has recently unveiled her debut EP, Hopeless Romantic.
Her EP is a tale of love and heartbreak with a blend of old-school soul and modern sounds. Each song showcases her strength and range as a singer and songwriter. Love, in all its complexities, serves as the central muse for F3line’s music, making her relatable.
Rukmani
- Gender: Female
- Genre: R&B
- State: Port Harcourt
Scrolling through Instagram in 2023, a voice stopped me in my tracks. It was Rukmani, belting out the line “Ride me around like a bicycle” on her song Getaway Drug. Her sultry vocals were undeniable, leaving no room for subtlety. Intrigued, I Shazam’d the track and dove deeper into her music.
Rukmani’s passion shines through in every note. Tracks like So Fine featuring Jujuboy showcase her ability to convey sensuality without resorting to overt sexualization. Her debut EP, Angel on the Run, is a confident statement, brimming with an adventurous spirit that pushes personal boundaries.
Currently signed to Cocoon for development, Rukmani seems poised for a breakout. Her early releases suggest a bright future, and I can’t wait to see her artistic wings unfurl like a butterfly
