Music acts to watch out for in
2015
The year 2014 was a revolutionary year
for the music industry. A good number of pretenders went off the music radar
while new comers used the year to stamp their authorities. Quite a number of
A-class artistes will need to do more to retain their positions. Temidayo
Badmus takes a look at the industry ahead of 2015. According to him,
the likes of Davido, Wizkid and Olamide will have to be wary of Yemi Alade,
Patoranking and Small doctor. Also, the fear of Oyama Azeez’s threat should be
the beginning of wisdom for the duo of Pasuma and Osupa in the Fuji music
genre.
Patoranking
The Headies 2014 Next Rated winner is currently on
top of his game. The former rat poison seller knocked on the door of stardom in
2014 and currently, he has attained the status of a celeb in the music
industry. Patoranking’s Girlie O hit single is still rocking airwaves and 2015
promises to be a bigger year for the Headies winner. He will definitely be a
big brand in 2015.
Wizkid
With his 2014 album, Ayo, Wizkid remains a
formidable figure in the industry. His over five years of domineering hits
after hits is not likely to quench in 2015. As evident in Ayo, Wizkid has
number years ahead of him. Although, he may still be far from the legendary
Tuface Idibia, Wizkid surely is miles ahead of his contemporaries. His new
status as a Chief Executive Officer at Starboy Entertainment is not likely to
deter his performance.
Yemi Alade
Another female revolution that rocked 2014 is Yemi
Alade. She came in with a lot of energy which characterized the Pop genre. Her
hit single, Jonny, made 2014 memorable for music lovers. Yemi from all
indication has all it takes to rule the industry and 2015 present all the
opportunities needed to excel.
Small Doctor
This Agege based artiste has redefined the current
AfroPop. Coming from street academy, Small Doctor who is an important member of
Pasuma led Oganla music clan. He represents the youth wing of the highly
influential music clan. Small Doctor’s emergence in the late 2013 and huge
success in the just concluded year prompts his inclusion in this list.
Stakeholders in the music industry are beginning to take this act serious
following his tour of Malaysia and Dubai late 2014. Observers have attributed
Small Doctor’s success to his past relationship with Fuji artistes. A critical
look into his brand of music will reveal a rhythmic Fuji kind of music laced on
Pop sound and random percussion which is typical of the local Fuji music. Small
Doctor has a brief history of playing a notable music instrument very popular
with both Fuji and Juju known as cord. History has it that, he played
with two notable Fuji artistes namely: Oyama Azeez and Nurudeen Performer, both
in Agege area of Lagos. In 2015, the fear of Small Doctor is the beginning of
wisdom for artistes like: Wizkid, Davido and Olamide. Remember ‘he
kills mosquito very well’.
Olamide
With his understanding of the street, Olamide may
stay long in his hiphop gospel. The smart Ijebu boy has completely
commercialized local hiphop. His followers are increasing by the day.
Mavin Crew
The other half of the defunct Mo’Hits crew seems to
have put the earlier merger behind them. Blessed with the legendary talents of
Don Jazzy, it is not sure if anyone understands African music than Don Jazzy.
Over the years, from his days as Associate Director at Mo’Hits, Don Jazzy has
always portrayed his massive understanding of African rhythm. He transferred
this into his personal project, Mavin and with the presence of one of the best
vocalists on the continent of Africa in Tiwa Savage; Mavin Crew will continue
to soar higher. The Mavin Crew dazzled in 2014 with Dorobucci and the
listening public can expect something bigger in 2015.
Oyama Azeez
For over a decade now, the Fuji music industry has
been dominated by the duo of Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Saheed Osupa. The duo
despite being in their late 40s and mid 40s respectively continues to represent
the Fuji genre. Their massive dominance has relegated most Upcoming Fuji
musicians to the background. However, the emergence of Oyama Azeez has somehow
changed the trend. The former Corporate Pictures artiste based in Isolo, Lagos
has dropped two hit albums between 2013 and 2014. He entered this year with the
release of the video of his monster hit album, Kickoff. His popularity
continues to soar on the street especially among the area boys. He caused a
major controversy last year when he claimed ownership of real fuji in his 2014
album, titled, ‘REAL FUJI’. The battle between Oyama Azeez and the two
prominent Fuji stars, Pasuma and Osupa is one to watch out for in 2015.
Orezi
The SHOKI master has finally dropped his background
role behind Davido. If he can sustain the tempo from the success of 2014, he
will be a major player in 2015. The decisions and steps taken by his management
team to get him to where he is today is not enough to retain the top spot.
Flavour
Another artiste who is rooted in African rhythm is
Flavour. He has shown that, his performances in the earlier songs are no fluke.
Flavour’s Highlife percussion is taking him across Africa.
MC Galaxy
Nobody expected anything from this little known MC.
He came from the background to be one of the few surprises of 2014. With his
Sekem being carried over into 2015, he will be one those to watch.
