Britain today is a multi-diverse society, with people from different parts of the world making up the populace. This has also extended to its music industry. Many singers in the UK are originally from different parts of the world.
This article highlights 8 musicians who have made it in the UK music industry and can trace their origin back to Nigeria, the home of Afrobeats.
1. Skepta
Skepta, born Joseph Junior Adenuga in Tottenham, UK, to Nigerian parents is a successful musician known for his grime music and hits like “Shutdown” and “That’s Not Me”. He has collaborated with global artists like Drake and A$AP Rocky. His sister, Julie Adenuga, is a famous British broadcaster and radio host.
2. Dave
Dave, a rapper and singer originally known as David Orobosa Omoregie, was born in Brixton. In 2019, he won the Mercury Prize for his album “Psychodrama,” which was highly acclaimed by critics. Although he is known for addressing important societal issues in his music, Dave also has some upbeat songs like “Location” featuring Nigerian musician Burna Boy and has collaborated with BNXN.
3. Tinie Tempah
Born Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu in London, Tinie Tempah is a rapper and singer who has won multiple awards, including the MOBO and BRIT Awards. He is best known for his hit songs “Pass Out” and “Written in the Stars.” He created his entertainment company Disturbing London in 2006, along with his cousin Dumi Oburota.
4. Darkoo
Oluwafisayo Isa, known by her stage name Darkoo, is a Nigerian-born British rapper and singer. She was born and raised in South London to parents. Following her viral single “Gangsta” in 2019, Darkoo has remained in the mainstream and has collaborated with Mayorkun, Black Sherif and Kidi.
5. Seal
Born Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel born in Paddington, London to Nigerian and Brazilian parents. Seal is a British singer born in Paddington, London. He gained fame with his hit song “Kiss from a Rose” and won several awards, including three BRIT Awards and four Grammys.
6. Ms Banks
Ms Banks is a Southeast London-born rapper of Nigerian and Ugandan descent. She gained recognition for her mixtapes and singles, known for her unique flow and impactful lyrics. Ms Banks has a huge social media following and shares entertaining content. She collaborated with Naira Marley, Simi, and Stormzy.
7. Not3s
Not3s, whose real name is Lukman Odunaike, was born in Hackney, London. The 24-year-old musician became famous for his hit single “Addison Lee” and has released several successful tracks. He has also collaborated with other Nigerian musicians such as Tiwa Savage and Maleek Berry.
8. Tion Wayne
Tion Wayne, whose real name is Dennis Junior Odunwo, is a rapper who rose to fame with his hit track “Keisha & Becky”. He has subsequently released several successful songs and has collaborated with Stormzy, a UK rapper of Ghanaian descent, as well as Nigerian musician Davido.
