10 Naija Artists to Watch out for in 2023

Photo: Ayra Starr/Instagram

By Kinyua Mwangi

Subscribe and Download Exclusive DJ Mixes on MDUNDO

If there is anything 2022 taught the Naija music industry is that new artists will continue to emerge and break out every year and uphold the scene with fierce competition. 

With the New Year already here, the industry is bracing itself for cutthroat competition. We expect these acts to give the rest a run for their money. Continue below for top artists to look out for this 2023. 

• T.I Blaze

Street pop has long been a major player in the Nigerian music industry. This direction was blazed by Olamide and Phyno years ago, and it has since become one of the most successful subgenres. Blaze is ready for bigger things in the street pop lane after finding some success in 2022, and we can't wait to see what he accomplishes next.

• Majeed

Afropop singer and songwriter Ekeh Chiaka Joseph aka Majeed who is signed to Dream Empire Music had a headstart for a successful 2023 last year with a number of music releases. His signature song, "Yawa No Dey End," which served as the lead single for his extended play Bitter Sweet, was also released in 2022.

From all indications, Majeed is on the right path for a blast in 2023. His most recent collaboration with Empire Distribution sets the course for him and 2023 might just be that year for him. 

• Zinoleesky

Unquestionably, Zinoleesky is a valuable voice in Naija’s music industry. He had a wonderful season in 2022 and the promise he has shown with his talent makes it easy to predict that he'll have an even better year in 2023. 

• Mohbad

The disbanded Marlian music artist has generated some news following his dispute with his former record label head Naira Marley. With many people interested in what he will do next and how much he can do without the guidance of his former boss, he is now on the verge of reaching the zenith of his career. He had already shown prospects with the last couple of singles he released and 2023 for him is that year to try and cement a place in the industry and make a valid point of how talented he is. 

• Boy Spyce

Cornered by Don Jazzy and unveiled as a Mavin artist in 2022 following his viral freestyle of Wizkid's Essence, Boy Spyce will be looking to prove his worth this year. With an EP and a number of Mavin collaborations under his belt, he is on the right path to having an explosive 2023. 

• Bryann

Bryann has been in the spotlight since 2019 but he recently attracted additional notice as a result of his involvement in the Big Brother Naija Show. Bryann is unquestionably capable of establishing more relevance in the music industry. Bryann will be looking to capitalize on the extra attention and media coverage he has now to release more music and stamp his name in the Naija music scene.  

• Ayra Starr

The Mavin Records queen has never slowed down since her introduction to the airwaves in January 2021. With a number of hit records like Rush and Bloody Samaritan already in her hits repertoire, 2023 might just be the year for her to break new records and enter new markets globally. 

• Asake

Nobody anticipated that Asake would be such a huge name in 2022. His emergence and success came in such a short period of time, with back-to-back hit records and a smash hit album, everything Asake touched in 2022 turned into gold and 2023 might just be better for the YBNL singer. 

• Tems

Tems accomplished some significant career milestones in 2022. The "Crazy Things" singer was nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Original Score in a Motion Picture. 

Her vocals were sampled by American rapper Future for his Billboard No. 1 song, "Wait For U." Additionally, she was recognised as "Best International Act" at the 2022 BET Awards. Tems gave a grand performance at the Accra Global Citizen Festival in Ghana in 2022. 2023 is already looking like the year for Tems and we can only anticipate.