In the early 2000s, a powerful roster of women artists took the scene by storm with their daring sounds, distinctive styles, and hit singles that topped the charts. These queens paved the way, making Nigerian music a force to be reckoned with locally and laying the foundation for its global domination.
Fast forward to today, and the spotlight now shines on a new crop of stars, such as Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tems, Niniola, Teni, Simi, Fave, and others are breaking records and making waves internationally. But before their ascent, the women of the early 2000s were already changing the game. Here’s a look back at some of these iconic trailblazers and what they’re up to today.
Weird MC
Before female rap in Nigeria had a lane, Weird MC was already building the highway. Born Adesola Adesimbo Idowu in the UK and raised partly in Lagos, she made waves in a male-dominated scene with her unapologetic fusion of Yoruba and hip-hop.
When “Ijoya” dropped in 2006, every wedding DJ rejoiced. However, her game-changing influence had begun a decade earlier with her 1996 debut album Simply Weird, featuring the now-classic “Allen Avenue.” That track didn’t just break ground, it came with a self-produced music video, a first for a Nigerian artist.
By 2006, After Da Storm and the Don Jazzy & JJC-produced “Ijoya” cemented her place in history. The song topped MTV Base and earned her a Channel O Music Video Award for Best Special Effects. Her bold, androgynous fashion made a statement — and her signature giant fila became a cultural marker.
She collaborated with giants like Femi Kuti, Lagbaja, 2Baba, and Psquare, and shared stages with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes. Weird MC didn’t just hold it down; she held it up. In a male-dominated space, she turned pressure into power.
Sasha P
Long before “boss babe” became a hashtag, Sasha P, whose real name is Anthonia Yetunde Alabi, was serving power suits and punchlines. Her iconic track “Adara” wasn’t just music; it was motivation.
Known as Nigeria’s “First Lady of Hip-Hop,” Sasha P broke barriers with fiery lyrics, charisma, and bold fashion. Songs like “Adara” and “Emi Le Gan” made her one of the first Nigerian female rappers to gain national recognition.
She has stepped away from the music scene, transitioning into fashion, motivational speaking, and women empowerment initiatives. Fans still hope for a musical return, but Sasha has embraced a quieter, purpose-driven life.
Signed to Eldee’s Trybe Records, she released First Lady in 2006, an album that boldly announced her presence. She became the first Nigerian female artist to perform at the World Music Awards (2008), won Best Female Artist at the MTV Africa Music Awards (2010), and earned multiple nominations across her career.
KSB (Kenny Saint Brown)
In the golden era of the early 2000s Nigerian music, Kenny Saint Brown, widely known as KSB, emerged as a dominant force in gospel music. With infectious energy and unmistakable style, she delivered genre-defining tracks like “African Baby” and “Born in Africa,” blending Afrobeat rhythms with spiritual messages. Her sound was vibrant, urban, and unapologetically African, giving gospel music a fresh, contemporary edge that resonated with youth and churchgoers alike.
KSB wasn’t just a performer; she was a pioneer. As one of the early artists signed under the influential Kennis Music label, she stood shoulder to shoulder with some of Nigeria’s biggest names, bringing gospel music into mainstream conversations. Her vibrant stage presence, bold fashion, and crossover appeal helped shape gospel’s visibility in Nigeria’s pop culture.
Ego Obaro
Known simply as Ego, this soulful songstress first rose to national prominence as a powerful vocalist and longtime collaborator with Lagbaja, Nigeria’s masked Afrobeat legend. Her velvety R&B-meets-Afro-fusion voice featured on timeless tracks like “Konko Below” and “Never Far Away,” earning acclaim for emotional depth and unique sound.
After going solo, she released heartfelt music blending soul, jazz, and African rhythms. Her authenticity and rich, soothing vocals made her beloved in Nigeria’s alternative music scene. Ego carved out a niche defined not by hype but by timeless artistry.
In recent years, Ego Obaro has expanded into acting, bringing the same emotional nuance from music to the screen. She stars in the hit Showmax telenovela ‘Wura‘ where she plays the role of ‘Mama Mide’, showcasing her growing talent beyond the mic.
Omawunmi
Omawunmi Megbele burst onto the Nigerian music scene in the mid-2000s, quickly becoming a standout voice with silky-smooth vocals and a sophisticated blend of R&B, Afrobeat, and soul. Known simply as Omawunmi, she made waves with tracks like “Lagos vs. Berlin” and “In The Music,” showcasing vocal prowess and thoughtful storytelling that resonated widely. Her music carries a timeless quality — blending catchy melodies with rich cultural narratives.
Praised for versatility, Omawunmi moves effortlessly between contemporary pop and classic soul, maintaining a distinctively Nigerian flavor. She’s also recognized for her elegant stage presence and fashion sense, setting trends with grace and class.
Waje
A vocal powerhouse, Waje (Aituaje Iruobe) entered the Nigerian music scene in the late 2000s and quickly established herself as one of the country’s premier voices. Known for her distinctive whistle register and dynamic vocal range, she blends soul, R&B, and Afrobeat influences with ease. Some of her popular hits include “I Wish,” “Kelele,” “True Love,” and “So Inspired,” which showcase her emotional depth and powerful delivery.
Waje has also been featured on major tracks like M.I’s “One Naira,” which became an instant classic, and she has collaborated with top artists such as 2Baba, Flavour, Patoranking, and Phyno. These collaborations highlight her versatility and ability to complement a variety of musical styles.
Beyond her vocal talent, Waje is celebrated for heartfelt songwriting and connecting deeply with her audience on themes of love, resilience, and empowerment.
Mo’Cheddah
Modupe-Oreoluwa Oyeyemi Ola, known as Mo’Cheddah, burst onto the Nigerian scene in the late 2000s with the 2009 promotional single “If You Want Me”, becoming known for her fearless rap style and genre-bending beats mixing hip-hop, Afrobeats, and pop. Tracks like “Destinambri” ft Phyno and “If You Want” showcased her versatility and confidence, earning her a reputation as one of Nigeria’s female rappers. Her bold style extended to fashion, influencing trends with edgy looks.
Today, Mo’Cheddah has reinvented herself as a fashion entrepreneur and mental health advocate. Through her brand MoCheddah.co, she shares bold style content and beauty tutorials that reflect her signature edge. Beyond fashion, she mentors young women, using her journey to raise awareness about mental health, self-worth, and resilience.
Eva Alordiah
Eva Alordiah emerged in the late 2000s around 2008 with her breakout track “I Dey Play,” featuring Tha Suspect. Using Lil Wayne’s instrumental as its foundation, the song gained heavy radio rotation and played a key role in launching her career. She was one of Nigeria’s most skilled and fearless female rappers. Known for razor-sharp lyrics, dynamic flow, and bold fashion, she challenged stereotypes and broke barriers in a male-dominated hip-hop scene. Tracks like “I Dey Play” and “Gbagada Express” showcased her lyrical prowess and unique style. Her mixtapes and performances solidified her as a force to be reckoned with, blending street-smart rap with a confident, unapologetic persona that resonated with fans craving authenticity and empowerment.
Goldie
Signed to the powerhouse Kennis Music label, Goldie was a trailblazer in Nigerian pop during the early 2000s. Goldie, the Nigerian singer, made her music debut in 2009 with the release of her single “Komole”. She stood out for her edgy, experimental Afropop sound and flamboyant, fearless fashion. Hits like “You Know It” featuring Eldee and “Don’t Touch My Body” dominated airwaves, combining catchy hooks with bold visuals that challenged norms. Goldie was more than a singer; she was a performance artist known for theatrical music videos and stage presence that brought a fresh, futuristic vibe to the industry.
Tragically, Goldie passed away in 2013, but her impact remains profound. She is remembered as a daring icon who redefined Nigerian pop, blending glamour, theatrics, and sonic innovation when few dared to experiment so boldly.
While the legends of the 2000s laid the foundation, today’s female stars are breaking international ceilings with bold strides. Artists like Ayra Starr, Tems, Teni, Guchi, GoodGirl LA, Fave, and others aren’t just topping local charts, they’re streaming in the billions, gracing iconic stages, collaborating with global superstars, and racking up prestigious awards.
In 2025, Tems made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, becoming the first Nigerian artist to earn two Grammy wins. This groundbreaking achievement cements her status as a global powerhouse. Meanwhile, her peers continue to elevate Nigerian music, pushing its influence on new heights around the world.
The women of the 2000s helped define a sound and culture that today’s stars are taking worldwide. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, their legacy is permanently woven into Nigeria’s music history.
