By Victoria Ige, Olanike Fagbule and Anifowoshe George
1. 2face– 2face is now a grown up man. at least he now understands the industry more. Backed by a new management team, calculated concepts and renewed public affection. he’s poised to release an international album in the first quarter of 2010.
2. Asa- Bukola Elemide broke loose in December 2007 following the release of her debut album ‘Asa’, and even though she spent most of 2009 outside the shores of Nigeria, her fan base kept increasing by the minute. With a second album still in the works, it looks like the soul bird is here to stay, but the question is, does she have the sustaining power? All that will be unveiled in the approaching months as she releases her second body of work….
3. AMAA- The African Movie Academy Awards was the biggest and probably only movie awards in Nigeria until the Best of Nollywood Awards debuted in December 2009. This year, it is expected that the organisers of AMAA will seat up and set new standards.
4. Ali Baba– The King of Comedy celebrates his 20th year on stage in June 2010, as opposed to reports that he’s quitting Comedy; the stand-up godfather will only redirect…
5. Automobiles- Celebs and entertainers all over the world are measured by different material acquisitions, one of which is the kind of car they drive, the Nigerian Entertainment scene is not different; and already, within the early days of 2010, players like Ayo Animashaun and Banky W have already taken delivery of a BMW X6 and Murano respectively…
6. Blackberry- Will the BB craze reduce or increase in 2010? Will Nokia, the iPhone or Samsung succeed in breaking Blackberry’s domination of Nigeria’s mobile telephone community? 2face,Asa,AMAA,Ali Baba,Automobiles,Blackberry,Ayo Animashaun,Banky W,
7. Cobhams- Producer Cobhams Asuquo sure got a lot of artistes strolling into his studio in 2009, and when you are loved by clients, the media and the music industry as a whole, staggering is out of the way.
8. Channel O- Domination in 2008 and 2009 editions may just mean that the Nigerian music industry is on the right path. There is no other time to re claim our stake as the heavyweights of the African music industry than 2010.
9. Chepho- We didn’t know he produced Artquake’s hit song “Alanta” until he appeared on the scene producing nearly all the song on 9ice’s third album “Tradition”. He’s gone on to single- handily produce Ajayi Brodaz’ upcoming debut album- Street Banking. 2010 looks like the year he will plant and enforce himself as a producer to court.
10. Con.tra.dic.tion- You know her, but you are also not sure you do. If you know Tosyn Bucknor, then you probably have an idea who Con.tra.dic.tion is. Armed with a new single ‘Dreams, it looks like Miss Bucknor is finally ready to give her music persona some attention.
11. Dr SID- These days, we are not even sure if Dr. SID still knows how to spit and hit bars, but what does it matter? Fans are sure loving “Winchi winchi” and rocking to “Something about you”. And as we await the release of his overdue debut album “Turning point” which hits the stands this year, one thing is for sure; now is the time for Sidney Esiri to get that long overdue break.
12. Dagrin- 2009 revelation Dagrin continues on a journey of redefinition in 2010. A few awards nominations will definitely come his way in 2010. But the biggest prize he’ll earn this year is the love fans will shower on his – from campuses to clubs and churches. Dagrin is the man who’ll achieve all the success that has eluded Lord of Ajasa…
13. Don Jazzy- Call him “The hit maker” and you will not be far from hitting the nail on the head. In 2009, he single-handedly produced one of the best albums of the year (M2M), 2010 will see the release of two of this projects (Dr. Sid’s Turning point and D’Prince’s album), fans are waiting from another Mo hits compilation, and just maybe 2010 is when they will be satisfied. And then, will dozens of cameos under his belt, would it be surprising if the young man kicks off his own recording career?
14. Eko Hotel Exhibition Centre – The Royal Albert Hall-type event venue is nearing completion as you read. And, if everything goes as projected, the venue will become an immediate hit with event organisers who for years, had battled with the problem of inadequate venues in the country.
15. Eldee- If you have heard Eldee’s “Ota Mi”, and it left an impression on you, then you may just need to wait for the star studded mixtape the head honcho of Trybe records is brewing. Titled “Is it your money”, the mix tape drops in 2010’
16. Etcetera- X3M Music’s Pascal Ejikeme keeps making good music, and turning a blind eye to the path of cheap, popular music.. His second album drops in the first quarter of 2010, and there are indications that the album is politically themed.
17. Femi Kuti- A Grammy award probably awaits Nigerian born Afro beat musician Femi Kuti in 2010. Fingers crossed!
18. Facebook– Aside Yahoo, Facebook is one of the world’s most visited websites. The social networking site is a hit with Nigerians. But with users population soaring and abuse becoming rampant; many are already becoming wary – preferring to now spend time on Twitter where all still appears sane… This is the year to see if Facebook will survive growing competition; the year to see if they’ll resist the urge to start charging users or not…
19. Future Awards- The future awards continues to set the pace while other youth events try to catch up. After different nationwide tours and seminars, the award has now been scheduled for February 7, 2010. It’s the fifth edition, and the anticipation is high; sky high…
20. Femi Returnee Femi Adeyinka came back to the country in 2009 to continue an already promising career. Now signed to Kennis Music, the singer is gradually building a fan base while working his way to the mainstream. His first album will be released in 2010 under the Kennis imprint
21. GT the Guitar man- After what seemed like forever, the young act finally debuted in December 2009, to the delight of fans who had yearned and waited for years. This is the year GT will get the verdict on his debut effort.
22. Galleria- The Galleria acted as a regular meeting point for young Lagos residents in 2009, and in spite of other cinemas springing up, the Galleria remained the number one stop for movie lovers. 2010 will see further expansions, across the rest of Nigeria as well as the rest of the African continent
23. HHWA- Nigeria’s leading urban music awards moved to Abuja in 2009, but those close to the organizers say the awards will return to Lagos in 2010. Already tagged Power, Prestige and Pride, this year’s event is scheduled to hold in the first quarter of the year.
24. International albums: Homeboys have since conquered Africa. Now is the time to penetrate mainstream global audiences. In 2010, expect major international albums from 2face Idibia, Darey, D’Banj and Asa.
25. Ikechukwu: The rapper got into bed with Mo’ Hits last year. And the union is bearing fruit already. Mr Onunaku will attempt to take his game several notches higher this year – with production support from Don Jazzy and the promo machinery of Mo’ Hits. Does it look like it’ll work? Time will tell…
26. I Go Dye: Francis Agodan is gradually becoming a comedian’s comedian. The stand-up act reigned supreme last year; packing audiences from Lagos to London and Los Angeles. 2010 is the year he’ll go wild – dominating his industry with unusual materials and a spontaneity that sets authentic stand-ups apart from pretenders.
27. Ice Prince: You’ve already heard his cut with rapper Ruggedman. Mr Zamani is one of the Choc City boys that’ll grab the limelight this year. And, at a time when pure talent is becoming fashionable again, it’s certain the rapper will get the nod from critics and fans…
28. iPhone: The Blackberry may be the most revolutionary mobile business tool ever invented by man. But Apple’s iPhone is not doing badly as an indispensable business and entertainment tool. Industry insiders say, just like Nokia, Apple is determined to halt Blackberry’s growing dominance this year. Fingers crossed!
29. Jaywon: Kennis music’s favoured act Jaywon has been on a steady rise since he was ‘discovered’ at the Easter Fiesta last year. He has since debuted, with the label working out a structure to gros his fan base and find him some international exposure…
30. JJC: Skillz, as he’s fondly called did not make the move to return home on time. While D’Banj and Don Jazzy and Kween and Weird MC returned home, the rapper-producer hesitated over and over, uncertain if he should make the move. It’s five years after, and, he’s finally succumbing to the lure of homecoming. 2010 is the year Nigerians will decide if they want him or not. The year he’ll decide if he’s staying put in Nigeria; or hurrying back to the UK.
31. Jenifa 2: You may not know it yet – but actress-producer Funke Akindele is planning to release a sequel to her hugely successful movie Jenifa in a matter of months. The actress will this year, attempt to establish the character ‘Jenifa’ as a bonafide; and she’ll experiment with brand extensions and merchandising…
32. Jesse Jagz: The immensely talented young man has helped many (including his brother MI) make hit songs. Jagz steps out this year his own man. His label Chocolate City will unleash a set of back-to-back singles and videos; while his album will follow before year end.
33. Kevin Chuwang: He won the big brother bucks in 2009. How will the young man spend 2010? All eyes are on Mr Chuwang this year as he steps out and begins to build his post-BBA career
34. Lami Phillips: Lami gave us one of the more beautiful albums of last year. The fine singer should get more props for her talent this year . And if she gets her promo and image direction right, she just might glide fast into the A-list before we know it!
35. Mike Anayosodo: It wasn’t much of a surprise when fan-favourite Mike was named winner of the second season of Project Fame West Africa last year. The young man has now found fame and lined his pockets with some bucks. With three singles already revealed; and his album project kicking off, Mike is one of those acts the year 2010 is made for. Will he use it well?
36. Mo’Chedda: Fans can’t wait for her to blow. DJs and OAPs are loving her joints; and colleagues are happy the young girl is gradually getting her due. If mainstream stardom was a university, the Knighthouse prized act wrote the entrance exam in 2009. 2010 is the year we’ll see her result. And we have no doubts she’ll emerge in flying colours! Anyone in doubt?
37. Music videos: With directors Gbenga Salu, Sesan, Clarence Peters, DJ T and others stepping on the gas and going on full throttle, there’s no doubt we’ll be in for some visual trips this year. Especially since it appears labels and artistes are now dedicating more resources to videos than audio recordings…
38. MI: Rapper MI knows we can’t wait for his second official body of work. Fans are expecting the hip hop ‘Miracle’ to perform wonders again. Critics are waiting to see if he’ll fail; or come correct again. Those close to the rapper say he’s just ‘having fun’ recording and ‘eager’ to take his game higher and higher…
39. MAMA: MTV’s award for the African continent has survived trying times since debuting in 2008. As it enters its third year, many await the direction the show will take; the city that’ll host it, and if organisers will eventually stop lumping homeboys with foreign acts in same categories…
40. Nothinghill Carnival: Nigerians are addicted to the biggest ‘street party’ in Europe! The August carnival will draw millions this year again; and, with a Nigerian corner now assured, it’s certain more and more Nigerians will join in the fun.
41. Naeto C: The Storm Records’ act was away in Ireland studying for his Masters last year. But he still found time to record and record and record! The rapper’s new project will mature this year; and we expect a full album that’ll feature acts from across the continent…
42. notjustok: notjustok.com became popular last year as the go-to site, if you’re looking for fresh music and videos from Nigeria. Artistes and managers soon discovered the site’s ‘pact’ with fans; and today, most labels will consider premiering a new single on notjustok before considering most mainstream radio stations.
43. Omoni Oboli: She’s been around long before now. But it was in 2009 that Omoni Oboli got her full dose of respect, after back-to-back performances that included a lead in the critically-acclaimed ‘Figurine’. Will she go the full hog this year? Or relax and concentrate on family matters?We’re watching!
44. OD: He’s one of Nigeria’s most gifted rappers. Yet, Just like Terry Tha Rapman, he’s one of the most under-celebrated. Now with X3M music, OD’s is now earning respect and patronage, as he prepares for his second full album.
45. Romances– If you thought you had seen the last of celebrity romances, you could be in for a rude awakening come 2010. The New Year will certainly throw up some surprising matches.
46. Ruggedman– Ruggedman was sort of quiet in the outgoing year preferring to concentrate on his September 20th clothing line. But he’s already started this year with an active media presence and singles sampling – all steps leading to the release of his last album due later this year
47. Sasha– The first lady of Storm Records and Nigeria’s most consistent female rapper releases her second album “Sasha Speaks’’ in 2010
48. SMVA– Nigeria’s biggest music video awards suffered a few hitches last year. But we’re not giving up on them. 2010 is the year the award organisers will reclaim their position and show us why falling is not a bad thing – as far as you get up again…
49. Soul Muzik– So we wondered who was behind the world class videos Darey Art Alade spurned out in 2009. It was not until long before Soul Muzik surfaced, won an award at the NMVA , signed two new acts (Password and Adora) and executed the highly commendable ‘Most Un.DAREY.Ted show’. 2010 is the year we’ll hear materials from the new signees; the year Darey’s international album will drop.
50. Star Mega Jam– This year, Nigeria’s most enduring annual concert series enters its 11th year.
51. Smooth FM– The new radio station is gradually worming its way into the heart of radio listeners. And as 2010 nears, listeners are waiting on what the radio station has in store.
52. Terry Tha Rapman– Having stayed in the shadows of stardom, he gradually began creeping into limelight late in 2008. The release of his mix tape will sure give rap enthusiasts something to talk about in 2010.
53. Terry G– Relatively unknown musician/talented producer caught us all wrapped around his fingers since he found his way into the music industry, with every song that had his imprint dominating dance floors. He doesn’t seem to be in a mood to soft-pedal. even as we enter 2010.
54. Timi Dakolo– For years, his career failed to kick-off, despite winning the first ever Idols west Africa in 2007. But with three new singles, a fresh video, and pending album release, it looks like 2010 could be his year.
55. Timaya– One artiste we all love to hate to love again. 2009 was a controversial year for the millionaire musician. Hopefully, he’ll clean up his act and reputation in 2010 or probably continue what he started in 2009…?
56. Thisday music festival– The Lavish and popular concert series keep springing up surprises by bringing even the most reluctant international acts to Nigeria. What will the guys at Leaders and Company be up to this year?
57. Toolz– The returnee OAP is fast becoming one of the most popular voices on radio; as far as Lagos is concerned. Fans are getting increasingly addicted to her belt on radio; and even though she’s been kicked off the shortlist for the Future awards, we expect Miss Oniru to increase her grip on the radio community in 2010…
58: Truspot: With a firm grip on what’s happening in Nigeria’s growing music industry, and a structure that combines literature, audio and videos, Truspot has grown over the years to become one of the leading providers of music and related content for those enthusiastic about Nigerian music. They launched a Blackberry mobile application early 2010, and revamped the site in preparation for what’s to come this year…
59. Twitter– In 2010, just maybe celebrities around the world and millions of regular peeps will still be clutching laptops, iPhones, blackberry and other internet devices to connect to fans and friends through micro-blogging site twitter.
60. UEFA champions league– Football fans around the world are already counting the days to May 2010 when the biggest competition in club football will be coming up at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
61. Veda Laptops– Stylish, sleek and innovative are some of the few words to describe this wonderful piece of technology. It left us wowed last year; and as 2010 is here, the Nigerian made gadget sits prominently on top of our must have list.
62. Waje– The talented songstress decided to unveil herself in 2009; joining Omawumi to merge sexiness and talent – and we love her for that! We love her voice even more. Music fans are eagerly anticipating to have more of her in the coming year.
63. Wizkid– The young, promising talent signed to Banky W’s EME records has shown promise; so much promise! Let’s hope he fulfils them in 2010.
64. Weird MC– The veteran hip hop act was really quiet in 2009, but we hear her album “Broken Silence” is finally ready to hit the stands in 2010… A Broken silence it will indeed be…
65. World cup 2010– Visas to South Africa are already in high demand. Who wouldn’t want to witness the 1st world cup on African soil? See you in SA?
4 comments
Wonderfull compilation of events and people to watch out for in 2010.
I thought Mr. President will be mentioned….lol. What about Tosin Martins? Is he not up to something this year?
Come on No iconic character for 2010 is on the list just the so called entertainment Moguls.. This list sucks..my opinion
Didn’t see Omawunmi on this list. Wonder why? Fink she is one to look out for too you know. Grts
Thats is true. No Omawumi. Hell no, which kain list be that? Did you not see her debut album? Abeg edit this jagajaga list.