Friday, December 31, 2010

NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY:2011 AND THE GREAT EXPECTATIONS





Few hours ago,I highlighted the major events that shaped Nigeria ’s music industry in 2010. Now I present you with the names, events and issues that are set to dominate the industry in 2011. The year will throw up lots of surprises and witness lots of changes. The predictions are by no means conclusive as there will be surprises and developments that many of us will not see coming. The list you are about to read will nevertheless equip you with the major acts, events and issues to watch out for in the industry in 2011.







D’Banj- The Mo’Hits signed-on act is definitely one of the major acts to watch out for in 2011. Having postponed the release of his fourth album from 2010 to 2011, the artiste will no doubt retain his position as one of the most sought after artistes after the release of the album. Already, singles released from the album, Endowed and Scapegoat recorded a significant success in 2010.



Soforte- The company that introduced the first automotive distribution system in the music industry is introducing new structures in the distribution system in Nigeria . Aside being the first company to introduce barcode which is used to track CDs, the company is introducing home delivery music distribution system and other new innovations.



9ice/Ruggedman- The music industry is yet to see the end of the lyrical battle between Ruggedman and 9ice. 9ice was the first to record a diss song against Ruggedman titled ‘Talk Am Listening’ including a video which is yet to be released. He postponed the release of his new album from December 10, 2010 to March 2011. However, Ruggedman’s reply titled ‘A Word is Enough for 9ice’ which is the ninth track of his new album is currently on so many people’s playlists. By the time 9ice and his Alapomeji boys launch a counterattack on Ruggedman in 2011, the controversy will surely become fresh all over.



COSON/MCSN- We are yet to see the end of the misunderstanding between the two copyright collection bodies, COSON and MSCN. Their 2011 battle might even get messier if necessary actions are not taken on time now that the new DG of NCC has allegedly pledged his support for COSON.



Whizkid- The EME young act enjoyed serious hype and attention in the last quarter of the year 2010 with the hit single, Holla At Your Boy. We believe the best part of the act will be seen in 2011 when he releases his debut album.



Livebeats- The longest running music programme in Nigeria might finally go on 24 hours broadcast come 2011 on one of the popular Cable TVs in the country. Having used the best part of 2010 making consultations and gathering materials, the station is expected to launch its 24 hours programme christened Livebeats Non-stop.











D’Prince- D’Prince happened to be one of the most underrated artistes from Mo’Hits Records before he dropped his first set of singles which include the popular hit, Omo Oba. People’s perception about him changed afterwards. With his latest single, Give it To Me, his album has surely become one of the most anticipated albums of 2011.



Julius Agwu- One of Nigeria’s most versatile comedians - Julius Agwu - is having a new mission in 2011. Having released two albums in the past, his new album, D’ Genius which was released on December 19, 2010 will give him more voice as an artiste. 2Face Idibia , MI and Jesse Jags were featured on the album.



Ice Prince- The Chocolate City signed-on act is tipped as one of the biggest things to happen in 2011. Having found his way to the top with the release of his latest single, Oleku, the rapper is expected to release more hits in 2011 as the expectations for his debut album is gathering momentum.



MI- Having released one of the best rap albums in 2010, the year 2011 promises to be a busy year for the versatile rapper. Some of the songs on his new album will rule the airwave in 2011.



Waje- She is no doubt one of the most talented divas in Nigeria and can withstand any international act vocally - but she is under-celebrated. We expect 2011 to be a fruitful year for the singer after dropping a long overdue album.



Soundcity- The urbane music station has no doubt created a huge platform for so many Nigerian artistes to air their videos. Having done exceedingly well in 2010 in music programming, the year 2011 will position the station as one of best music stations in Africa .



Sammie Okposo- The leading gospel artiste released his new album on December 3, 2010. He is expected to begin a worldwide tour in 2011 which will take him to countries like South-Africa , England , America and Ghana .



KOGA Studios- KOGA Studios is a 4-in-1 entertainment centre that contains a live recording studio, audio studio and lounge, among others. It will give serious competition to Ulitima Studios and its ilk in 2011



Patrick Elis- Patrick Elis is one of the emerging video directors in the music industry. With the quality of videos he churned in 2010, Patrick may emerge as one of the most sought after video directors in Nigeria if he remains focused.



P-Square- It has become customary for the twin brothers to drop a new album every two years. Since their last album was released in 2009, their new album will definitely be one of the albums to watch out for in 2011.



2Face Idibia- The multi-award winning artiste was ahead of his game throughout the year 2010. With the recording of fresh materials by the artiste, 2011 might still be the year of 2Face.



Femi- The Kennis Music signed-on act was once tipped as the next big thing to happen to R&B music in Nigeria . His well anticipated album failed to drop in 2010. The release of his debut album in 2011 will avail him the opportunity to swim or sink on his own.



Chindima- Much is expected from the winner of MTN Project Fame Season 3. Having won the competition in 2010 to the admiration of all, her fans across the country are expecting her to live up to their expectations.



Mo’Cheeda- The year 2010 has been good for this young sexy diva after the release of her album, Celebrity Franchise. Having won awards as recognition of her talent, the year 2011 will surely bring cash rewards for the fast rising act.



Mike Anyasodo- The MTN Project Fame Season 2 winner is yet to make any lasting impression in the music industry and many have attributed this to the fact that he is yet to release an album. 2011 might turn out to be a remarkable year for the artiste if his album lives up to the standards expected of him.



Neato C- His single, 10/10, was one of the popular hits of 2010. Many expected his album to drop but it failed to hit the stores. With his tantalising single, Created, Naeto C’s album is definitely one of the most anticipated albums of 2011.



Beat FM- The music station, in just over a year, has captured the hearts of many youths in Lagos State with its strictly urban youth culture. With the station’s constant improvement, many radio stations might lose their addicted listeners to Beat FM in the new year.



Timi Dakolo- Now backed by a new management team, the whole world is waiting for the arrival of Mr Dakolo. He hasn’t been able to achieve any breakthrough in his career since he emerged the winner of West Africa Idol in 2007. With all the preparations this year, 2011 might just be his year.



Etcetera- Despite his talents and mature lyrics, Nigerians are yet to key in into the kind of music he plays. All fingers are crossed for a dramatic change in the career of the X3M Music act in 2011.



Terry G-The ‘self-styled’ act is not through yet. With the recording of new works and backed by a new management, Terry G will be introducing new styles to his kind of music in 2011.

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