The Nigerian Music Register (1990s-2000s)

Written By Kensedeobong Okosun

This playlist embodies and memorializes the works of Nigerian music artistes from the 1990s to 2000s. It engenders nostalgia and rekindles memory. It also provides a road map and orientation on the Nigerian music evolution.

This is an inconclusive list with names culled from memory. It is representational and provides an impression of Nigerian music and its embodiment during this time frame.

Please, note that the song titles, in some cases, are not necessarily a reflection of these timelines.

1990s

  1. Alex Zitto - "Tickle Me" (Reggae Fusion).

  2. Alariwo of Africa - “Yawa Go Gas” (Afro-Pop).

  3. Baba Fryo - "Dem Go Dey Pose" (Afro-Dancehall).

  4. Benita Okojie - "Osemudiame" (Afro-Gospel).

  5. Blackky - "Bang Belly" (Afro- Dancehall).

  6. Chris Hanem. "Siyole" (Freestyle).

  7. Daddy Showkey - "Diana" (Ghetto).

  8. Daniel Wilson - "Mr Ragamuffin" (Afro-Dancehall).

  9. Esse Agesse - "Bendel Girl In Lagos" (Reggae-Pop).

  10. Etiene T. Boy - "Chop I Chop" (Fusion).

  11. Fellyx & Mozzyx - "Free" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

  12. Lagbaja - "Rock Me Gentle" (Afro-Jazz).

  13. Orits Wiliki - "Heart Of Stone". (Afro-Reggae).

  14. Peterside Ottong - "Where Are The Prophets?" (Afro-Reggae).

  15. Plantashun Boiz - "Ememma" (Afro- Hip/Hop).

  16. Remedies - "Sakomo" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

  17. Samsong - "Count Your Blessing" (Afro-Gospel).

  18. Segun Arinze - "Moonlite Dance" (Afro-Pop).

  19. Styl Plus - "Olufunmi" (Afro-RnB).

  20. Sunny Nneji - "Face Me" (Highlife).

  21. Tony One Week - "Gyration" (Fusion).

  22. T.W.O (Tunde & Wunmi Obe) - "The Way" (Afro-Gospel).

    2000s

    1. Anne Inyang - "Akanam Nkwe" (Afro-Gospel).

    2. Asa - "Fire On The Mountain" (Afro-Soul).

    3. Azadus - "Madam" (Afro-Dancehall).

    4. Banky W - "Yes/No" (Afro-R&B).

    5. Cobhams Asuquo - "Ordinary People" (R&B).

    6. D’Banj - "Do You Like D Coko" (Afro Hip-Hop).

    7. Di’Ja - "Awww" (Afro-Pop).

    8. Eedris Abdulkareem - "Jaga Jaga" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

    9. Faze - "Kolomental" (Afro Hip-Hop).

    10. Folake Umosen - "Kosobabire" (Afro-Gospel).

    11. Ikechukwu - "My Name Is Ikechukwu" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

    12. Infinity - "Olori Oko" (Afro-Gospel).

    13. Kefee - "Branama" (Afro-Gospel).

    14. Kenny St Brown - "Ayo" (Afro-Gospel).

    15. Kush - "Let's Live Together" (Afro-Pop).

    16. Lara George - "Through The Years" (Afro-Gospel).

    17. Mad Melon & Mountain Black - "Danfo Driver" (Afro-Reggae).

    18. M.I - "Number One" (Afro-Rap).

    19. Muma Gee- "Kade" (Afro-Pop).

    20. Naeto C - "10 over 10" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

    21. Olu Maintain - "Yahooze" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

    22. Paul I. K. Dairo - "Angel Of My Life" (Afro-Pop).

    23. P Square - "No One Like You" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

    24. Seun Kuti - "Giant of Africa" (Afrobeat).

    25. Sound Sultan - "Motherland" (Freestyle).

    26. Timaya - "Timaya" (Reggae Fusion).

    27. Timi Dakolo - "Great Nation" (Afro-soul).

    28. Tony Tetuila - "E Go Better" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

    29. TY Bello - "Green Land" (Afro-Pop).

    30. Weird MC - "Ijoya" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

    31. 2face Idibia - "African Queen" (Afro-Hip/Hop).

      DISCLAIMER: These songs serve the purpose of entertainment and awareness. Please, support the creators of the music.

Kensedeobong Okosun

Kensedeobong Okosun (M.A Bielefeld University) is a music enthusiast, music researcher, music journalist, vocalist and an author. Her academic article “Sisterhood and Soul Music as expressions of Black Power” is featured in the edited volume, Black Power in Hemispheric Perspective (Raussert & Steinitz, eds, 2022). She has reviewed Dorothea Gail’s Weird American Music (2019). Her article on Nigerian music has also been published on Nigeria’s news daily, The Sun Newsonline.

Kensedeobong’s blog highlights music’s interconnectivity with society and comprises personal music experiences, researched information, concept playlists for multiple themes, etc.

A hard-core 90s R&B fan, she utilises the vehicle of memory, to position long forgotten music of yesteryears on the front-burner.

She is persuaded that music is a core conduit of collective harmony, equanimity, vitality and healing. And as such requires criticality in the filtration process, in order to disseminate meaning. Her blog promotes music equality and diversity.

She resides in Germany.

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The Nigerian Music Register (1970s-1980s)