The street hop scene in the Nigerian soundscape is a vibrant community, housing exceptionally talented acts. Distinctions primarily revolve around background, target audience, message, mode of delivery, and persona. Originating from hoods and low-income backgrounds, these artists experience firsthand the harsh realities of life from an early age. This solid background significantly influences their music, resonating deeply with the streets. Their music is rooted in everyday life on the streets, encompassing the grind towards success, prayers (stylized Afro Adura), rough realities of life, and a strong correlation and relatability to the streets due to their lyrics being the undiluted representation of the average Nigerian individual.
In this dynamic music community, certain names stand out prominently. These artists have, at one time or another, defined the sounds emanating from the community, with hits that continue to be anthems encapsulating the essence of the streets. From the plethora of acts, we have handpicked some notable names we believe have etched their names into the hall of fame of Nigerian Street Hop.
Olamide
Aside from being the biggest African rapper, Olamide has held this esteemed position for quite some time, with numerous evidence to support his claim. Additionally, he is the undisputed king of the Nigerian Street Hop scene, leaving an indelible impact on the streets like no other act for well over a decade of his active career.
Singles such as “Shakiti Bobo,” “Wo,” and “Who You Epp” have defined the street sound, while his albums during the prime of his career, including “Rapsode” and “Eyan Mayweather,” were staples at the time of their reign. In fashion, Olamide has significantly influenced streetwear culture with trends like Timberlands, skinny sagged jeans, back pocket handkerchiefs, and flipped polo collars. He has also played a vital role in dance culture with hits like “Bobo” and others.
Today, Olamide continues to sit comfortably on his throne, delivering seasonal hits and introducing big stars to the industry. He has the knack for turning budding artists into overnight sensations, with names like Zlatan, Naira Marley, Portable, Ycee, Bella Shmurda, and others owing a part of their success to Olamide.
Naira Marley
Asides recent controversies, Naira Marley’s imprint on the Street Hop scene remains indelible. His career kickstarted in the UK, where he spent his formative years, before transitioning to Nigeria with the Olamide assisted “Issa Goal” in 2017. This marked the genesis of his ascendancy, solidifying his presence with a devoted following the “Marlians” gang.
In the pinnacle year of 2019, Naira Marley unleashed an unprecedented wave of hits including “Pxta,” “LOL EP,” “Am I A Yahoo Boy,” “Opotoyi,” “Why,” and “Mafo,” among others. This prolific streak, akin to Asake’s remarkable 2022 run, firmly entrenched in Afrobeats history. .
Beyond his musical conquests, Naira Marley hosted a monumental concert in Lagos, nearly overwhelmed by the colossal crowd, affirming his stature as the street’s leader. Additionally, he revolutionized dance culture with tracks like “Tesumole” and “Soapy.” Under his label’s banner, rising stars like Zinoleesky and Mohbad emerged, further amplifying Naira Marley’s influence.
Seyi Vibez
Loseyi, as he is sometimes fondly called, has firmly established his presence in the Nigerian street scene since his debut in 2019. Initially, he operated as a respected but under-the-radar street hop act until 2020 when he experienced a significant breakthrough with “God Sent.” This paved the way for his biggest breakout hit, “Chance (Na Ham),” which still remains a street staple.
Throughout his career, Seyi Vibez has consistently delivered hits, showcasing his immense creativity and versatility. From Amapiano to Fuji, Apala, and various other genres, his impact on street music has been profound. Whether it’s street anthems, feel-good tracks, Afro Adura, or dance tunes, Seyi Vibez’s stacked discography covers every facet of the culture. His talent and dedication were further recognized when he won the award for Best Street Hop Act at the Headies in 2023.
Bella Shmurda
From his debut, what set him apart were two distinct features: his unique voice and flow. These characteristics have successfully carved out a niche for him in the industry. He gained significant traction in 2019 with an Olamide feature on his earlier release, “Vision 2020.” The vibe, lyrics, and thematic focus of the song set a clear career path for him as a street act.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has delivered numerous street anthems such as “Dangbana Orisha,” “Cash App,” and “Rush.” These songs have solidified his position as a dominant force in the street music scene.
Portable
No list of influential street artists would be complete without Portable. He epitomizes the essence of street culture and remains authentic to his origins. Portable catapulted to fame following his hit single “Zazoo Zeh” featuring Olamide and Poco Lee. Despite initial perceptions of him as a one-hit wonder, Portable has defied expectations, staying relevant in the music scene. Notably, he collaborated with UK rapper Skepta, resulting in one of the biggest songs of 2024.
While Portable’s discography may not rival that of others on this list in terms of depth, his portrayal and embodiment of street culture make him an indispensable inclusion.
Mohbad
In compilations like this are ways we can immortalise the street legend Mohbad in the etches of time and appreciate his works. Diring his time, he was a street hits machine delivering hits like no other and churning out anthems that have been the image of street eaque music in their primes.
Songs like Feel Good, KPK, Ponmo, Ask About Me, Dido Lobo Balen Ziagar caused a shify in the industry when they dropped shaking up the scene and defining sounds.
Zlatan Ibile
Trailing not too far behind Olamide in terms of respected Street Hop acts in Nigeria is Zlatan Ibile, ticking every box in accordance with the respect accorded to Olamide. In 2017, Olamide gave Zlatan Ibile his first platform with a collaboration titled “Your Body” before he landed a record deal and released hits like “Able God” and his solo hit “ZANKU.”
With “ZANKU,” Zlatan’s position at the pinnacle of street acts was solidified. From the song itself to the dance routine and the slangs it birthed, ZANKU represented a cultural reset, causing a seismic shift in the street soundscape. Zlatan remains highly relevant today, established as a young veteran consistently delivering hits and providing platforms for younger acts.
