These 7 Nigerian Islamic Musicians Should Be on Your Radar – Zikoko
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The Nigerian Islamic music scene has everything from strong lyricism to videos straight out of Nollywood. And these are some of the artists running things.
Nigerian Islamic music, AKA Asalatu, is quite popular in South-West Nigeria, often performed in Yoruba sprinkled with Arabic quotes from the Quran. The genre features autotune-filled danceable tunes with lyrics on everyday themes like spirituality, current affairs, family, self-discovery and marriage.
If you live in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard Asalatu music around you and have jammed to it. So maybe it’s time to finally create your own Jumat playlist.
With over 15 albums released, Saoti has built a huge fan base at home and in the diaspora. Like your typical African dad, he drops proverbial gems to guide you from missteps, yet manages not to be judgmental. Since he came into the scene in 2012, he hasn’t gone a year without feeding his audience. His latest album, Igbeyawo, is loaded with wedding tunes for new couples.
Aminat Ajao walked into fame after releasing her fifth recording album, Obirere (2013). The album title has since stuck to everyone’s lips and is now her nickname. With themes revolving around marital relationships and parenthood, she’s built a sustainable following. And in 2022, her discography of 19 albums became available for streaming on all digital streaming platforms.
Born Bashirat Seyidat Ogunremi, “Iya-N-Ghana” refers to her place of birth — Ghana. She started her career making fuji music as a kid over two decades ago, before veering into what she calls “Zikiri”, an Arabic term meaning “spiritual”, singing soulfully in Arabic and Yoruba.
“Tekunbi” is Yoruba for “born of a leopard”. Often mistaken for a secular artist because of his dyed hair and earrings, Tekunbi approaches his music with a fusion of soul, alternative and afro-pop sounds. In 2020, he released his debut EP, Amal (Hope), after three years on the scene. The moment I heard the single, Badr, I had to listen to the entire seven-song tracklist. It was worth it.
Artist, Awiye Agba, is one of the most exciting asalatu voices you’ll hear in 2023. With a penchant for Nollywood-esque music videos and collaborations with his colleagues, he’s expanded his fanbase and garnered a large following on social media over the last three years. He’s just put out an album, Ileya Special, to celebrate the just concluded Ileya holiday.
Alhaja Aminat has been active in the music scene for almost two decades. A one-time backup singer for veteran artist, Alhaji Odunlami Aiyeloyun, Omotayebi has also become an icon in her own rights. A strong representation of family, Islamic faith and women’s rights in her music, unforgettable stagecraft and iconic albums like Ile Eko and Ota, have cemented Omotayebi as a masterful musician in the local scene.
She’s popularly known as Temi Ni Success, a nickname she’s had since her introduction into the limelight as a 14-year-old, with her debut album of the same name. In her music, you can distinctly hear her vast knowledge of the Islamic religion, making her one of the go-tos for undilated spiritual messages. Her discography boasts several collaborative albums and seven solo albums. To get into her, start with Osu Aponle, her classic.
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