Forbes recently profiled 15 Africans who are not only making waves in Africa and the world but also rebranding its creative industry. Listed among these creatives are Nigerians musicians Wizkid and Davido. Others on the list include photographer, Lakin Ogunbanwo, fashion designer, Amaka Osakwe of Maki Oh; alongside 11 other notable Africans far and wide.
See what Forbes writer, Declan Eytan wrote about Davido and Wizkid below:
Wizkid
His song Ojuelegba recently got Alicia Keys dancing in an Instagram video the Grammy award-winning artist posted on her account, accompanied by the caption “This song makes me happy”. A few days ago a Kylie Jenner video emerged on Snapchat, which saw the reality TV personality moving her hips to the same. Nigeria’s Wizkid – whose name off-stage is Ayodeji Balogun – is on a roll. Local music industry veterans such as 2Face, D’Banj and P-Square have preceded him when it comes to Nigerian artists collaborating with their foreign counterparts of global acclaim. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old BET and MTV award winner isn’t doing a bad job for himself either, introducing the afrobeats genre to a new demographic. Drake, Akon and Chris Brown are amongst the names the Pepsi ambassador, singer, songwriter and record label founder has worked with, while his international following is increasing by the day.
Davido
At the age of 22, Davido (born as David Adeleke) already stands at the helm of an enviable career. Several hit songs? Check. Lucrative endorsement deals? Check. BET award? Check. MTV award? Multiple. The Lagos-based singer, producer and record label co-founder, is just getting warmed up, while in the meantime he earned his degree in Business Administration. His most recent music video, Fans Mi, features Meek Mill, and brings Davido one step closer to establishing a global fan base.