Top five Nigerian hit songs that will turn 20 years in 2019, include: ‘Mo So Rire, Omode Meta Sere, Shakomo, Yetunde and‘You and I’.
The late 90s was the period when the industry witnessed a paradigm shift that allowed for younger talents with wider pop influences; take the step into becoming a mainstay in the industry.
In 1999, a lot of classic records were unleashed into the music scene, following the success of a group like `The Remedies’ the year before, according to Pulse.ng.
Even though a lot has changed and the music has progressed tremendously in two decades, it is still worthy to celebrate some of the songs that ruled the airwaves and were the biggest hits at the time.
From his “Dairo Music Foundation Project,” Paul Play, the Producer/songwriter/singer and son to the music legend, Late I.K Dairo released the smash single, ‘Mo So Rire’ featuring, Tony Tonero, which was one of the truly national hit songs of the time.
Dairo, who at the point was signed to the leading label, Kennis Music featured on stages across the country, and was even invited to perform at churches, following the success of the single.
He is one of the most impactful artists of the Nigerian pop era.
20 years after, ‘Mo So Rire’ remains a timeless classic.
Tony Tetuila – ‘Omode Meta Sere’;
Following his bitter exit from the revolutionary group, The Remedies, who came to the limelight in 1998 with the hit single, ‘Shakomo,’
Tetuila assembled some of his friends, including Innocent Idibia, a.k.a 2face Idibia, Ahmedu Obiabo, Blackface and members of the group.
Ruff, Rugged n Raw, they delivered what can be called the first mainstream disc song taking shots at his former friend, Eedris Abdulkareem.
Omode Meta Sere was a catchy tune that went around and became the national anthem of its time.
Even though he sadly passed away at the young age of 36, nearly six years ago, the Okokomaiko bred artist, will forever be remembered for his single, ‘Yetunde’.
‘Yetunde’ was the perfect love record for everyone, especially those who bore the name, ‘Yetunde.’
Then, Daddy Showkey – ‘Diana’ ; The Ghetto Soldier who started his career in the mid-90s recorded instant hits like ‘Welcome’ which helped usher in, the new generation of talents from Ajegunle.
But it was in 1999 with the release of ‘Diana’ that he brought younger and wider listeners into his sphere.
The song which remains an evergreen anthem touched on the popular Nigerian story of a couple searching for a child and the pressures that come from the family members.
This easily warmed its way into the hearts of music lovers nationwide and ensured that the record was a massive success.
Plantashun Boiz – ‘You and I’
The Plantashun Boiz positioned itself as Nigeria’s finest RnB group, and one of the songs that led the way to their fame, is the classic love anthem ‘You and I’.
The group comprising of the trio of 2face, Blackface and Chibuzor Oji,a.k.a Faze; delivered a belter of a tune that changed the game.
Though they have gone on to enjoy solo successes, ‘You and I’ continues to bring feelings of nostalgia that reminds us of what they offer together. (NAN)