Music acts to watch out for in 2015

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.