The Nigerian entertainment business has grown and will continue to grow domestically and internationally.
In this post, we’ll look at Nigerian hip-hop stars building a name for themselves abroad.
Most people are unaware that many Nigerian artists build a name for themselves abroad while leading quiet lives.
Here are some Nigerian hip hop stars that are making a name for themselves abroad:
Jidenna
Jidenna Mobisson, a Nigerian-American rapper known as Jidenna, is the epitome of a style icon. His ingenuity does not stop in the studio; it is also evident in his fashion sense. The singer/rapper, known for singles such as Classic Man, Bambi, Boomerang, and others, has won four Soul Train Music Awards; the most recent he received in 2015. He co-founded the rap group Black Spadez in high school. He began producing, arranging, and creating songs at this point. He received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University. Jidenna is well-known for his elegant style, coordinating colors, and wearing African designs, particularly in suits. Jidenna is not only a musician, but he has also been in television shows such as Luke Cage and Insecure. Although his fashion sense is well-known, he didn’t start wearing it until his father died in 2010. The artist established his distinctive style while attending university and learning about the power of clothes from his psychology professor. He is a founder member of Fear and Fancy, a social club comprised of entrepreneurs, activists, educators, scientists, and artists that host soirees, dinner parties, and protests. He is also quite proud of his Nigerian heritage.
Jidenna was born in Nigeria on May 4, 1985, and lived there until he was six years old when he went back to the United States, where he still resides.
Wale
Olubowale Akintimehin was born in Washington, DC, on September 21, 1984. He is better known by his stage name, Wale (Folarin). Wale received football scholarships to Robert Morris University and Virginia State University before transferring to Bowie State University in the United States. Due to academic issues, he later dropped out. He got a Grammy nomination for his song Lotus Flower Bomb and a BET Hip Hop award, a Nigeria Entertainment Award, and a Soul Train Music award. The rapper, known for tracks like Bad, Matrimony, Ambition, and others, is a significant wrestling enthusiast. He even made references to it in some of his songs. He also has five studio albums and has written songs with Lady Gaga, Gucci Mane, Jazmine Sullivan, Kid Cudi, and other hitmakers.
Wale’s remarks are not limited to the studio, where he also writes and produces. His fashion statement is also intriguing. Unlike many other rappers of his caliber, Wale does not adorn himself with flashy jewelry. He takes pride in his prudence and frugality. His simplicity is sophisticated and ageless, making him incredibly appealing to the eye. Surprisingly, he also offers his clothes, such as tee-shirts and face hats.
Wale is not married, but he does have a three-year-old daughter named Zyla.
Nneka
Nneka has spent most of her professional singing career in Europe, which explains why she is more popular worldwide than on the continent, particularly in Nigeria. Nneka was born and raised around the Delta region and moved to Germany at 19 to study. Nas has praised her, and Damian Marley won a MOBO for Best African Act in 2009 and appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman. Rita Ora and Chase & Status have both sampled and remixed her work. Nneka is now on tour to promote her new album, My Fairy Tales. She has recently played in events in Italy, Belgium, and Germany.
Yung6ix
Yung6ix is another Nigerian musician that has left the country. Yung6ix presently resides in the United States.
Tekno
Tekno, a Nigerian singer, also left the country quite some time ago. Tekno joked about his decision in an Instagram video, saying:
You’re well aware that I left Nigeria when it was renamed the United Arab Republic, and I’m not a member of UAR or a supporter of it. I’m a Nigerian, and I’ll only return when the country is renamed Nigeria, but I’m based in the United States for the time being.
Niyola
Niyola, a Nigerian singer, is the final artist on our list. In an interview with Chude, the Toh Bad crooner disclosed that she left Nigeria a long time ago. Niyola spoke of her desire to leave Nigeria for Los Angeles, California, in America:
I moved to Los Angeles primarily because I was sick of being here; I’m not going to lie, I was sick of being here. I had the impression that there was a ceiling above my head. I can’t seem to go past this point. How do you grow in a location when you haven’t even discovered a fourth of yourself, but everything is too much? How can I find the best version of myself if I can’t even be the best version of myself right now? I felt the yearning to get out into the broad air and fly free. That is why I left.