The British music landscape has consistently benefited from cultural diversity, with Nigerian roots being a prominent element in the narratives of numerous acclaimed musicians.
Ranging from hip-hop and grime to soul and Afrobeats, these ten UK-based artists of Nigerian heritage have left an indelible impression both nationally and internationally.
Below is a comprehensive list of artists originating from Nigeria:
1. Skepta
Joseph Junior Adenuga, referred to as Skepta Skepta is a pioneer in the grime music genre. Raised in Tottenham by Nigerian immigrant parents, he gained prominence with hits such as " Shutdown" and " That’s Not Me."
He has received multiple nominations at the Brit Awards and was also bestowed with the honorific title Amuludun of Odo-Aje in Ogun State, Nigeria, acknowledging his significant cultural influence.
He recently collaborated with Nigerian artist Portable on a track called Tony Montana.
2. Tion Wayne
Dennis Junior Odunwo, who goes by the stage name Tion Wayne, hails from North London and works as both a rapper and a DJ. He started receiving recognition around 2010 through his YouTube freestyle videos before dropping his debut mixtape titled "Wayne’s World" in 2014.
He gained recognition from hit tracks such as "Body" featuring Russ Millions, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2023, he traveled to Nigeria for the 'The Timeless Experience' concert by Davido.
3. Dave
Dave, whose full name is David Orobosa Omoreegie, stands out as one of the most highly praised British hip-hop artists with Nigerian roots.
His first studio album, "Psychodrama," released in 2019, claimed the distinguished Mercury Prize title and reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. It also set records with the highest initial week streaming figures for a British hip-hop record. Renowned for his introspective songwriting, Dave frequently tackles issues such as racial discrimination and societal inequality.
He has appeared on tracks with multiple Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and BNXN.
4. Darkoo
Raised as Oluwafisayo Isa, Darkoo is an emerging talent from South London who fuses elements of Afrobeats, dancehall, and British hip-hop into her music. Her breakthrough track "Gangsta," which includes featured vocals from One Acen, gained widespread popularity and reached number one on the UK Afrobeats chart. She has also worked alongside musicians such as Mayorkun, KiDi, and Black Sherif, highlighting her broad international reach.
5. Tinie Tempah
Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, widely recognized as Tinie Tempah, emerged onto the music scene with his 2010 debut album "Disc-OVERY," which soared to the top spot and achieved platinum status.
A recipient of a Brit Award and the creator of Disturbing London, Tinie has made an impact across both music and style. He stands out as one of the most commercially successful British rap artists with Nigerian heritage.
6. Sade Adu
Helen Folasade Adu, widely recognized as Sade, was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and moved to England at the age of four. She gained fame for chart-topping tracks such as "Smooth Operator" and "No Ordinary Love," which showcased her enduring vocal talent. Boasting four Grammy Awards, she continues to be an exceptionally prominent figure among Nigerian-origin musicians in British music lore.
7. Seal
Introduce Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel, widely recognized merely as Seal, who stands out as a British singer-songwriter celebrated for his unique vocal style and emotive love songs. Hailing from London, where he was born into a family of mixed Nigerian and Brazilian heritage, Seal achieved worldwide recognition primarily due to hits like "Kiss from a Rose." Throughout his career, he has been honored with four Grammy Awards and three Brit Awards, along with cultivating an extensive following across the globe.
8. NOT3S
Lukman Olanrewaju Odunaike, who goes by the stage name NOT3S, is a musician blending elements of Nigeria with the UK grime scene. His song "Addison Lee" gained widespread popularity in 2017. Additionally, he has become well-known for tracks such as "Aladdin" and "Palm Wine," along with releasing two mixtapes titled "Take Not3" and "Take Not3 II."
9. Little Simz
Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, also known as Little Simz, is a British rapper and actress recognized for her lyrical prowess and self-reliant stance towards music. She has earned numerous honors for her albums "Grey Area" (2019) and "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" (2021), such as awards from the Ivor Novello and NME ceremonies. Her Nigerian background deeply influences her artistic output.
10. Ms Banks
Thyra Oji, widely recognized as Ms Banks, is a rapper, singer, and composer with a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother. She began composing music when she was just 11 years old. Over her career, she has launched multiple significant works such as "Once Upon a Grind" (2014) and "The Coldest Winter Ever" series—Part I in 2018 followed by Part II in 2019. In addition, her first extended play titled “New Chapter” became available in 2016.
11. Lemar
Lemar Obika, often referred to just as Lemar, is a British vocalist whose birthplace is Tottenham, with roots tracing back to Nigeria through his parents. He achieved widespread recognition following the release of his first studio album titled "Dedicated," which earned him a double-platinum certification. Throughout his career, he has been honored with several accolades acknowledging his musical talent. Among his tracks, "If There’s Any Justice" stands out as particularly beloved among fans.
In his closet, he boasts three MOBO Awards (for Best UK Male and Best Album) along with two Brits Awards for Best Urban Act.
12. Maleek Berry
Maleek Shoyebi, who goes by the professional name Maleek Berry, is a British-Nigerian singer, record producer, and recording artist. Born in South London, UK in 1987, he embarked on his career with these identities.
He has produced numerous hit songs and worked alongside well-known artists such as Wizkid, Ycee, American rapper Wale, Wande Coal, Iyanya, Davido, Runtown, among others.
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