Seven Nigerian Indie Artists You Need to Discover in 2023
Checkout these great up and coming music artists to add to your playlist.

In a world where record labels controlled the ins and outs of music, it was nearly impossible for indie artists to make it. The arrival of the internet and social media has changed that. It's still an uphill battle, but indie artists now stand a better chance of breaking through. Some indie artists, like Show Dem Camp, have started to reap the rewards of their hard work. Others, like the ones on this list, are still waiting for their big break.

These musical gems are still undiscovered by the wider Nigerian fanbase, but they're making good music already. This is a list of my seven favorite Nigerian indie artists you've never heard of but absolutely should check out.

Seven Undiscovered Artists

If you've heard any of these names before, you must be quite the explorer. These artists are not popular or even signed, but they're making good music. And good music is everything if you ask me. Meet my top seven undiscovered Nigerian indie artists…

Warsheep

There's a general narrative that upbeat songs do not have lyrics as deep as the more solemn songs. Warsheep smashes that narrative to bits. He'll have your head bobbing to sumptuous beats while engaging your brain with his deep lyrics. He started his career in 2018 with the release of Wilting Rose. Since then his growth has been slow but steady, in tandem with his motto.

One speaker at a time.

His creative production, clever lyrics, and soulful voice place him firmly on this list of artists you should check out this year. You can enjoy some Warsheep for yourself in this video for his song called Time.

Apartment VII

Upbeat instrumentals, deep lyrics, and soothing poetry are always on the cards when Apartment VII takes the stage. If you haven't heard of this band before, you need to check them out. Like Warsheep, they launched their music career with a single in 2018, still students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. They've gone on to release two albums and feature on the Music Business Academy for Africa Fuel and Flames album.

If you enjoy good afro vibes with an alternative touch, Apartment VII is worth checking out. This lyric video of their song, Toast, off the Fuel and Flames album, is one of my favorites.

Tissann

Since his first solo single on Spotify came out in 2020, Tissann has been one of my favorite rappers. He's a Christian rapper who likes to dabble in other subjects like love and personal growth. I mostly enjoy his smooth flow, clever wordplay, and relatable lyrics. He's also known for the infectious energy he brings to the stage whenever he performs. I've been listening to Tissann for a couple of years now, and he sounds like the real deal.

He's quite underground at the moment, making his music from the Northern city of Kaduna, but Tissann deserves more than a glance. You should take a look at his music. Listen to him talk about fighting for his relationship in this song called Work It.

Ryt Path

When Tissann announced he and some other Christian artists would be banding together in 2021, I was excited. More than a year later, I haven't been disappointed one bit. This Christian music group boasts a wide array of talents with different styles and genres. It's hard not to think about the more established 116 crew when listening to Ryt Path.

Every Christian music enthusiast needs to give these talents a listen. If you like rap, check them out. If you'd rather hear singing, check them out. Whether you prefer solemn or upbeat music, they have something for you. What I'm trying to say is to check Ryt Path out. To get a full range of their music, here's their EP from 2022 called A Collision of Hearts.

Taffy Ghazali

On the subject of versatility, Taffy Ghazali is that guy. This young rapper comes from the Yoruba state of Oyo, but was raised in the Northern city of Jos, Plateau State. He proves his multiple roots by rapping in both Yoruba and Hausa, alongside English of course. He only released two singles before joining Apartment VII on the MBA for Africa talent contest. His stellar showing could be the spark his career needs to take off.

Taffy Ghazali is one rapper you should look out for in 2023. He might be the next big thing in Nigerian hip-hop. You can have a taste of his smooth flow in this Hausa rap song called The Arewa in Me.

Ekemini Jane

The music industry in Nigeria is heavily dominated by males, but some women are fighting the good fight. Ekemini Jane is one of them. Also a finalist in the MBA for Africa talent contest in 2022, I particularly enjoy her tender voice and soft lyrics. She made some covers for popular songs but never released any music of her own. Our first taste of her own music came in the MBA for Africa contest, and what an impressive start it was.

She doesn't have a massive catalog of songs for you, but Ekemini Jane is one to look out for this year. She's started strong, and I hope she continues to grow. Here's a sample of her with this song off Fuel and Flames called Wanna Be Home.

Adam Srae

Our fourth and final MBA for Africa talent contest finalist on this list is Adam Srae. If you like cool romantic songs, he could be the one. He started his music career in 2021 with an album right off the bat. One year later, he was in the MBA for Africa talent contest, and he did well for himself.

He might not have as many songs to his name as Warsheep, but you can enjoy his album. After a good showing at the talent contest, it's safe to expect bigger things from the young artist. I especially like this song called Sad Boys Need Love, where he talks about how his friends would rather sleep around than settle down.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy exploring and finding new music like me, this list is for you. These artists are young and talented, but still undiscovered by the general public. They are the hidden gems of Nigerian music. As the year begins, let's hope 2023 holds big things for them.