Nigerian music, sometimes referred to as Naija music, has produced a new culture of entertainment, excitement, and pleasure as famous dance hall music in those places, from Lagos to Accra, Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, Toronto, Houston, and Atlanta, to name a few. Music fans dance to the rhythm emanating from the sound speakers, which is recognized and praised as Nigerian music, whether they are in a bar, nightclub, lounge, or eatery.

Nigerian pop music culture has been gaining global recognition and acceptance in recent years. From the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat to the catchy hooks of Afropop, Nigerian music has become a cultural force to be reckoned with. Additionally creating waves and garnered media notice for the female performers. Even though Tiwa Savage is a fantastic vocalist in her own right, it’s impossible to disregard her in Whizkid’s iconic, obscene “Soco” music video. We would also like to mention that Yemi Alade, Omawunmi, Waje, Niniola, Temi, Sheyi Shay, and Simi have fantastic musical tastes and vocals that will make you shiver; their lyrics and acts are also very imaginative and unique.

In this article, we will explore the factors behind the growth of Nigerian pop music culture and its impact on the global music industry.

Influence of Afrobeat

Nigerian pop music is heavily influenced by Afrobeat, a genre created by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti in the 1970s. Afrobeat combines African rhythms with jazz and funk influences, and this fusion has created a unique and instantly recognizable sound. This sound has been embraced by artists all over the world, and Nigerian pop music has been able to leverage this popularity to become a major force in the global music industry.

Growth of digital music

The rise of digital music has allowed Nigerian pop music to reach a wider audience than ever before. With the advent of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, Nigerian artists can now reach fans all over the world with just a few clicks. This has led to increased exposure to Nigerian pop music, which has helped it to become a more dominant force in the global music industry.

Social media

Social media has played a significant role in the growth of Nigerian pop music. Artists are now able to build large followings on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, which has allowed them to connect with fans all over the world. This has helped to create a sense of community around Nigerian pop music, which has further fueled its growth.

Cross-cultural collaborations

Nigerian pop music has also benefited from collaborations with artists from other parts of the world. For example, collaborations between Nigerian artists and American hip-hop artists have become increasingly common, and these partnerships have helped to introduce Nigerian pop music to new audiences around the world.

Cultural pride

Finally, the growth of Nigerian pop music can also be attributed to a sense of cultural pride among Nigerians. Nigerian artists are proud to showcase their culture through their music, and this has helped to create a unique sound that is deeply rooted in Nigerian traditions. This sense of cultural pride has also helped to create a sense of community among Nigerian music fans, which has further fueled the growth of the industry.

Overall, the growth of Nigerian pop music can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the influence of Afrobeat, the growth of digital music, social media, cross-cultural collaborations, and a sense of cultural pride. These factors have helped to create a unique sound that is deeply rooted in Nigerian traditions and has made Nigerian pop music a major force in the global music industry.

Final Thoughts

As the Nigerian economy shrank, foreign business interests started to withdraw from the music recording industry, which had previously been predominately controlled by them. Independent record companies that were nimble and effective emerged to fill the void. It turned out to be the ideal moment because the music business was about to experience an extraordinary boom. As Daddy Showkey, the exponent of Ajegunle music appeared with his extremely captivating style of music and pulsating stage shows, the creative impulses in the industry started to flow. Tony Tetuila, Ruggedman, Mike Okri, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, Edress Abdulkareem, Duncan Mighty, Paul Play Dairo, Daddy Fresh, Lt Shot Gun, Mighty Mouse, Baba Fryo, torch-carrying Zaaky Azzay, and others were also present.

Nigerian music will continue to develop as the world changes, helped by globalization and quickly advancing technology. The value chain in the music business will be improved for the general advantage of all practitioners, and new stars will appear on the scene with new variations of the present engaging pop music culture. As they perform a wide range of “Naija” music to their varied audiences, disc jockeys, and radio/television music hosts will play an even more significant part in the music industry.

So we can say that the growing global recognition and acceptance of Nigerian pop music culture is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Nigerian artists. From its roots in traditional African rhythms to its modern fusion of diverse musical styles, Nigerian music has become a cultural force that is shaping the global music industry. As the industry continues to evolve, Nigerian pop music is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the sound of popular music around the world.