Female acts in Nigerian hip-hop face numerous obstacles and hurdles due to the unique challenges of the Nigerian music scene. Firstly, while the hip-hop scene is vibrant, it’s not as commercially successful in Nigeria, except for recent boosts like the emergence of the Abuja music scene championed by ODUMODUBLVCK. Additionally, the music industry in Nigeria, like many others globally, is predominantly male-dominated. The hip-hop scene, in particular, has a significant gender disparity, with female artists facing discrimination and sexism. They are often viewed as inferior to their male counterparts and are frequently sexualized.
For instance, when asked to name top hip-hop acts, female names are rarely mentioned, highlighting the lack of recognition for women in the genre. However, despite these challenges, weare highlighting old school and new school female hip-hop acts who have persevered against all odds in this unfavorable industry, carving out their place in the genre’s history. These resilient artists deserve recognition for their contributions and resilience in navigating a challenging landscape.
Weird MC
Beginning with the legends of Nigeria’s hip-hop history, Weird MC stands as one of its pioneers. Prior to her notable presence in Nigeria, she had established herself in the UK. However, in 1996, she made a significant return to Nigeria, where she continued to carve out her illustrious career. In 1997, she released her debut album, “Simply Weird,” which is often regarded (though not entirely accurately) as the first full-length Nigerian hip-hop album.
Throughout her career, Weird MC has crafted numerous hits, including the iconic “Allen Avenue” and arguably her most renowned work, “Ijoya,” a track that has secured its place in the Nigerian Hall of Fame. Her contributions to the genre have not gone unnoticed, as she has been honored with numerous awards, including recognition from prestigious platforms such as The Headies, AMEN Awards (where she notably received the inaugural Best Hip-Hop Project award), Channel O, among others.
Eva Alordiah
Her journey into music began as a precious gift from her mother, who introduced her to the art at a tender age. It was through these early influences that she found her passion and delved deeply into the world of music. Over time, Eva Alordiah emerged as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian Hip-hop.
Her contribution to the music scene is undeniable, marked by a solid discography that stands as a testament to her talent and dedication. With albums like “1960,” two impactful EPs, and a memorable mixtape, Eva has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape.
However, despite her success, Eva’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She bravely opened up about her struggles with depression, shedding light on the often unseen battles faced by artists behind the spotlight. Financial instability added another layer of difficulty, amplifying the pressures of maintaining her position in the industry. Despite these hardships, Eva Alordiah has persevered. She has emerged from her struggles stronger and more resilient than ever. Recently, she surprised her fans by premiering new music, marking her return to the spotlight after nearly three years.
Sasha P
Often addressed by her moniker, the “First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop,” the crown of her name perfectly encapsulates her achievements in the era of Nigerian music she dominated and her impact on the Hip Hop community. Debuting in the early 2000s under eLDee’s Trybe Records banner, she reigned supreme in a star-studded era, releasing two highly successful albums and numerous hit singles.
Sasha has amassed nominations for numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally. Notably, she clinched the “Best Female Artist” award at the 2009 Women in Entertainment Awards in the UK for her debut single “Adara.” Additionally, she received dual nominations for the SoundCity Video Music Awards in 2009, being recognized for both “Best Female Video” and “Best Cinematography” for her song “Only One.” Her achievements extend beyond mere accolades; she holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian female artist to perform at the 20th anniversary of the World Music Awards in October 2008. Furthermore, she made history as the first Nigerian female artist to win the “Best Female Award” at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA).
Mo’cheddah
Mo’cheddah rose to fame as a child star, gaining popularity during her teenage years. However, her early introduction to fame had its downsides. She tragically became orphaned at the age of 14 and faced the challenge of becoming pregnant at 16, making her road rocky and challenging as a young woman.
Despite these formidable obstacles, she demonstrated remarkable perseverance and went on to have an illustrious career. Although her discography may not be extensive, with just one album and a handful of singles, Mo’cheddah made a significant impact on the industry having the opportunity to collaborate with several industry giants during her time in the scene.
Her talent and contributions were also recognized with accolades such as the MTV Africa Awards and Channel O Awards.
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Her career path faced the incredibly tough decision of whether to pursue music after attaining two degrees as a lawyer in both the UK and US, and practicing law. She ultimately chose the latter path, following her passion for music over continuing her legal career, a decision that has clearly paid off for the young star.
She has since forged an illustrious career as one of the foremost women in hip-hop, stacking up a discography with back-to-back hits. Her strong-point is that she possesses a rare combination of talent and versatility that is hard to find elsewhere in the industry.
Brazy
Listening to Brazy Bih, as she’s sometimes known, is truly an experience. Her rap style is different, fun, and free-spirited. As a biochemistry student rapping in English, Yoruba, French, and Zhōngwén (Mandarin Chinese), Brazy adds a unique depth to her discography. For her, abandoning her school degree was a no-brainer, as she largely views it as a scam.
With her distinct musical style, personality, and fashion sense, Brazy has established herself as one of the most exciting acts in the Nigerian music scene, despite being mainly based in London. Her ability to seamlessly blend different languages and cultures in her music sets her apart, making her a standout artist in the industry.
Shalom Dubas
Raised between the US and Nigeria, she notably influenced her artistry and style of music. Since debuting in 2016, she has gradually built up a depth of works in her discography. It wasn’t until around 2020 that she actively introduced herself to the Nigerian music scene, embracing her roots and collaborating with various Nigerian acts.Most notably, she delivered one of the best verses on her collaboration with SDC on their 2021 album, “Clone Wars 5: The Algorithm.”
She excels with elite wordplay, storytelling, and a highly skilled MC skillset, showcasing her versatility and talent as an artist. Having the ability to seamlessly transition roles as a singer and rapper.
Rebelwav
Rebel is one of the young female artists holding her own in the vibrant Abuja music scene, and her major strength, which will propel her in her musical journey, is consistency. Since starting her career in 2014, she has remained active for a decade in the industry.
With two albums and three EPs under her belt, she has firmly established herself as a luminary in the bustling Abuja scene. Rebelwav envisions herself as the Nigerian 2Pac, greatly influenced by his thuggish yet soulful gospel. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to stay true to her musical vision despite challenges along the way are admirable qualities that have contributed to her success.
Moyoswrld
Moyo, like the other female luminaries highlighted, brought a fresh style to the music scene. Dubbing her style “Afro Rage,” she skillfully blends elements of hip-hop, Afro fusion, Alte, and punk to create her unique sound. Influencing her music is her role as an elite creative; she is not only a graphics designer but also a video director who collaborates closely with Brigade Studios. This multidimensional approach is evident in both her audio and visual presentations, reflecting a cohesive and impactful artistic vision. Moyo’s ability to fuse different genres and her keen eye for visuals contribute to her standout presence in the music industry.
Layzee Ella
The young prodigy launched her career during the COVID-19 pandemic around 2020/2021 by creating covers of popular songs, which garnered her a respectable following across the internet. Since then, she has transitioned into having a successful career, releasing a handful of hit singles, collaborations, and EPs. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Layzee’s talent and determination have propelled her to establish herself as a noteworthy artist in the music industry.
