Around the world, the music industry is known for being a fast-paced, highly adaptive and progressive aspect of the entertainment sector, and every year, the number of new talents who get inducted into the mainstream market increases. 2021 has been no different. Just six months into the year and we have already had numerous acts who are well on their way to stardom.
As the first half of the year comes to an end, we look to shine a light on three of the young talents that broke into the Nigerian mainstream musical space this year alone.
Ayra Starr
Young, beautiful and immensely talented, Ayra Starr’s rise to fame did not surprise many. Ayra began to showcase her vocal prowess to the world through her social media accounts as far back as 2019. She regularly uploaded videos of her singing both covers of songs and some of the original music she wrote on her Instagram account. Her talent drew the attention of many, and before long, she had amassed an impressive number of followers and fans. In 2020, she secured a record deal from Mavin, and by 2021, she was introduced officially into the industry with the release of her chart-topping self-titled EP Ayra Starr.
In the EP, she demonstrated her vocal and songwriting skills and her ability to explore many Afrobeats subgenres. Ayra utilizes her music to entertain others and also speak out about the problems the younger generation faces.
As one of the few young females in the industry right now, Ayra has proved numerous times that she has all it takes to conquer the male-dominated space and inspire the younger generation as she does so. She is well on her way to becoming the AfroPop princess of this generation.
Lojay
Though he cannot be tagged a newcomer in the industry, Lojay recently became a well-known name after the release of his joint EP, LV N ATTN, with producer Sarz. With vocals that can soothe the most troubled soul and Sarz’s renowned production capabilities, Lojay delivered what has since been dubbed “the Afro-Fusion EP of the Summer“.
Lojay has strived to be as genuine as possible in his music since the beginning of his career, writing songs that may relate to many people’s lives while still paying honour to his background. He revealed that he uses his music to help deal with his anxiety and help focus his thoughts. His most recent success proves that hard work and consistency often pays off.
Ruger
His lead single Bounce off his debut EP Pandemic became one of the most-streamed songs in the first quarter of the year and the success of this track sparked the curiosity of many who wondered just who Ruger was.
Ruger was discovered in 2020 by talent manager and renowned musician D’Prince, who signed him to his record company Jonzing World Records, after helping him improve his sound and properly develop his craft. He came into the limelight when he featured alongside Rema and D’Prince on the label’s single One Shirt. He released his debut EP, Pandemic, shortly after, and the rest, as we know, is history.
2021 began on a good note musically, and as the next half begins, we can only hope that the acts set to break out in the coming months receive even a sliver of the attention these featured acts have.
