The 12 Biggest Artistes of 2013

D'banj, 2face, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Olamide and Psquare
smiled to the banks all year, dominating the industry with
viral works and their personal lives.

2013 was a very big year for Nigerian music and quite a
number of artistes lived up to expectation. We're talking sold-
out shows, monster singles, European tours and endorsement
deals. NET presents the 12 biggest artistes of 2013.

1. Wizkid
After battling his label EME for a few months and setting up
his StarBoy Entertainment, Wizkid quieted label exit
rumours and released a number of chart-topping singles. He
bagged a multi-million Naira endorsement deal
with MTN and performed in Europe and several African
countries.

2. Davido
O.B.O cemented his position as an A-list act covering the gap
between him and friendly rival Wizkid. Extending his
endorsement deal with MTN, the 21-year-old went on a 13-
country European tour, performed in 5 African countries and
dropped two of the biggest singles of 2013.

3. Psquare
No album release this year, but Psquare dominated with two
powerful singles 'Alingo' and 'Personally'. The twins went on
a US tour and visited quite a number of African countries.
They also made big news as they both proposed to their baby
mamas with Peter tying the knot in November.

4. Tiwa Savage
Definitely the biggest female artiste in Nigeria in the last three
years, Ms Savage released her hugely anticipated debut 'Once
Upon a Time', extended her Pepsi endorsement deal, picked
up a MOBO nomination and got married to her
manager Tunji 'Tee-Billz' Balogun.

5. D'banj
Banga Lee with his newly setup DB Records/DKM
Media continued his reign as king this year – releasing the
label's first LP, bagging endorsement deals with Bank of
Industry and re-kindling his romance with GLO.

6. Iyanya
The Pop singer released his highly commercial and successful
second album 'Iyanya VS Desire', embarked on a very
successful US tour, returned and bagged an endorsement deal
with MTN, Solo Phones, Zinox Computers. He was named
artiste of the year at the 2013 Headies, amongst many other
decorations this year.

7. Olamide
If all Olamide gained in 2012 was fame, in 2013 he added
money and the power of influence to it. The Yoruba-lingo
rapper broke into the commercial market with a few power
singles and later dropped his third album 'Baddest Guy Ever
Liveth'. He grabbed an Etisalat endorsement deal, dozens of
awards – including three from The Headies. Add to that, the
viral Gunman pose.

8. Flavour
Mr N'abania also went on a US tour as he continued to
dominate the Highlife music genre in Nigeria and elsewhere.
He increased his frontiers in South Africa and also bagged an
endorsement deal with GLO.

9. KCEE
2013 saw KCEE perform at almost every event we attended.
He has cemented his place in the A-list zone with hit singles
'Limpopo' and 'Pullover' feat Wizkid. He signed a multi-
million Naira deal with MTN and then released his debut solo
album 'Take Over'.

10. Femi Kuti
Getting his fourth Grammy Awards nomination is enough for
Afrobeat great Femi Kuti to be listed here. But we'll still tell
you that 'Shoki Shoki' finally warmed up to mainstream
media, performing at quite a number of upscale events
including 'Night of the Masters' and 'Music Meets Runway'.

11. Ice Prince
It was a fantastic year for Ice Prince, following his successful
2012 run. Dropping new singles, performing in several
African countries, releasing his second album ' Fire of
Zamani' and bagging a telecoms deal withEtisalat are what
made him the hottest rapper in 2013.

12. 2face Idibia
No new music this year but we couldn't help but keep a tab
on 2face Idibia, thanks to his N100m grand wedding. The
artiste kept it smoking hot, going on a '2face Campus Tour'
and signing on for the Star Trek concert tour. Idibia made a
power move few weeks back when he announced his
rebranded label Hypertek Digital, with the legendary Victor
Uwaifo as one of his signings.

Culled from NET