So, you’ve decided to become a Nigerian artist? You have the voice of an angel (or at least you think so), and you’re ready to take over the music industry. But there’s just one problem—nobody knows you. Your music is still chilling on your phone, and your only fans are your friends who are tired of hyping you for free.
Don’t worry, my dear upcoming superstar, I’ve got you. This is “How to Blow as an Upcoming Artist in Nigeria: Guide 101.” Follow these steps, and who knows? You might just become the next Wizkid or Burna Boy.
Step 1: Develop a Signature Style (Aka, Be Different!)
First things first, you need a unique sound. Afrobeats is already crowded—so what makes you special? Do you rap in your village dialect? Can you sing like Celine Dion but with Yoruba adlibs? Can you freestyle about eba and still make it sound deep? Whatever it is, find your thing and OWN IT.
Pro tip: If all else fails, just mumble something over a banging beat. Nigerians don’t always care about lyrics. Give us vibes, and we move!
Step 2: Get a Funny or Controversial Name
You can’t be using your government name like Chibuzor Eze and expect to blow. You need a name that stands out—something that will make people pause and say, “Ah! Who be this one?”
For inspiration, look at the greats: Portable, Small Doctor, Fireboy, Asake (who blew by turning his own name into a brand). If your name is Peter, maybe rebrand to PizzleBoi or Lil P-Swag. If all else fails, add “money,” “vibes,” or “Baba” to your name. Works like magic!
Step 3: Feature a Trending Artist (Even if You Can’t Afford Them)
Now, I know you don’t have money to pay Davido or Olamide for a verse, but that’s not a problem. Just go on Instagram Live and beg for a feature! Nigerians love a good underdog story. Who knows? If your tears are convincing enough, one of these big artists might just give you a free verse out of pity.
Alternative method: If they ignore you, photoshop a screenshot of their DM saying, “Send the beat” and post it online. Fake it till you make it!
Step 4: Go Viral by Any Means Necessary
In this country, talent alone won’t take you far—you need clout. And what’s the fastest way to get clout? SCANDAL!
- Start online beef. Diss a bigger artist out of nowhere. Drop a freestyle calling out Burna Boy and say you’re better than him. Trust me, Nigerians love gbas gbos.
- Do something wild. Maybe dye your hair rainbow colors, wear boxers to an award show, or claim that your ancestors wrote the first Afrobeats song.
- Pretend you have a rich girlfriend/boyfriend. Nigerians love love. Just post pictures of you and a random fine person and say, “My babe just bought me a Benz.” Even if it’s not true, bloggers will pick it up.
Step 5: Drop a Song with No Promotion and Pray for a Miracle
Now that you have attention, it’s time to drop a banger. But listen, don’t stress too much about promotion—just post the song link on your WhatsApp status and wait. If after two days it’s not trending, post a motivational quote like:
“Sometimes, greatness takes time. Even Davido’s first song did not blow immediately.”
This will make people feel guilty and stream your song out of pity.
Step 6: Use TikTok to Your Advantage
Forget radio stations—TikTok is your real savior. Just find a way to make your song trend. If your music is not sweet enough, create a weird dance challenge. Even if the dance doesn’t match the beat, as long as it’s funny, Nigerians will join.
Example: If your song is about heartbreak, start a challenge where people dance with tears in their eyes. The more dramatic, the better.
Step 7: If Everything Fails, Join a Record Label (Or Claim You’re Signed)
Now, if after all these steps you still haven’t blown, maybe it’s time to look for a record label. But be careful—some labels will sign you today and abandon you tomorrow. If you can’t get a real record deal, just lie.
Post a random contract and caption it: “Finally, dreams come true! I just signed a major deal with Universal Music!!!”Even if it’s fake, blogs will post it, and boom—people will start taking you seriously!
At the end of the day, blowing as an upcoming artist in Nigeria is a mix of talent, packaging, and plenty of clout-chasing. If one strategy doesn’t work, try another. Keep posting, keep disturbing celebrities in their DMs, and most importantly, never stop believing in yourself.
Because one day, just one day, you might wake up to see your song trending—and just like that, you don blow!
Good luck, future superstar! Don’t forget me when you make it!