amped: ones to watch 2019

Ones To Watch 2019 | amped illustration

The landscape of Nigerian and African music really began to change in 2018, with the revelation of new originals like Odunsi (The Engine). The emergence of the new wave of artists could inspire others to break through without any limit to their approach, creativity and sound.

After much deliberation, we have selected 14 new and upcoming artists for you to get familiar with and expect big things from in 2019 and beyond.

Lady Donli

Sounds Like: A modern and versatile jazzy soul singer.

Why She Is One to Watch: Lady Donli is an expressive and soulful singer. Her last 3 songs 'Poison', 'Games' and 'Classic' have thoroughly showcased her dynamic voice, emotional lyrics and rich modern sound in whole.

Best Songs: 'Poison', 'Classic'. - Iyin

D-Truce

Sounds Like: A Nigerian version of Kid Cudi & Drake. He’s not afraid to sing, but comes very ferocious with his bars.

Why He Is One To Watch: He’s out to tell a story. He has the creative addiction to leave you wowed!

Best Songs: 'Talk To You', 'Commit & Sketchers' (Back Benchers Ep). - I.K

Sir Dauda

Sounds Like: Those baritone & jazz singers that initially broke into the music scene in America and were critically acclaimed by the Jewish who ran record labels at that time.

Why He Is One to Watch: His outing on every single track he has been on has been exceptional.

Best Songs: His guest appearances on every Falz Album material till date, 'How Far', 'Boogie'. - Femi

Brainee

Sounds like: Brainee has a unique sound and style but his closest comparison would be Sinzu with his ability to switch his flow effortlessly. 

Why He Is One to watch: He has skill, style and a level of charisma that’s unavoidable, and he owns every song he’s on. 

Best Song: Gbese. - Uzo

Amaarae

Sounds like: An enchantress with a light husky voice.

Why She Is One To Watch: She popped out in the Ghanaian Scene with her E.P Passionfruit Summers in 2017. Her voice and sexual innuendo lyrics gives goosebumps.

Best Songs: 'Fluid', 'Sundays', Fingers, 'Passionfruit Summers'. - I.K

Blaq Bonez

Sounds Like: An energetic lad who has all the traits that an exciting rapper should have and is unique with his verses & flows.

Why He Is One to Watch: His growth has been quite commendable, and he showcases his hunger for success in getting his rap music heard in a diverse music space like that of Nigeria, while keeping the conversation going.

Best Song: 'Bad Boy Blaq' off his debut album. - Femi

Yinka Bernie

Sounds Like: Wavy, futuristic afrobeat.

Why He Is One to Watch:

He is a talented producer and singer showing some serious unconventionalism.

Best Songs: 'St. Maria', 'Silhouette', 'Mondays', 'Oomph'. - Iyin

Jinmi Abduls

Sounds Like: Adekunle Gold with a sprinkle of Miguel.

Why He Is One To Watch: The pop star has been on the brim of breaking out heavy on the Music scene.His music seems to carry the energy of the city of Lagos. His soulful dialogues and enchanting beats make you know this artist is brimming with talent.

Best Songs: 'Eko', 'One Twice', 'Slowly'. - I.K

WhobeJazzZ

Sounds Like: Erykah Badu, Sade Adu and all the soul singers we love.

Why She Is One To Watch: Remember those Crime Noir flicks where the main character walks into a bar and there’s a damsel serenading you with vocals that are soul searching that’s Jazzz. She beats to the tune of her drum and it beats pretty loud.

Best Songs: 'Owo', 'Large Spender'. - I.K

Barry Jhay

Sounds Like: Someone cut from the same cloth as the legendary Fuji maestro Chief Ayinde Barrister, this kid who is clearly influenced by his Late Dad, is special in his delivery which makes his sound soothing & calming to listen to.

Why He Is One to Watch: He has the same vibrant trait in his songs like that of Dammy Krane, when he first came onto scene with so much hunger to excel in his art.

Best Song: His breakout single 'Aiye'. - Femi

Tyler Riddim

Sounds Like: Burna Boy and Travis Scott.

Why He Is One To Watch: His music sound and style always seems to be evolving! He has the attitude of someone who has nothing to prove because he doesn’t just wow you, He Wowwws you!

Best Songs: '9lives (Eeskay)', 'Sketchers' (D-Truce), 'Come Through'(Swizay). - I.K

Barelyanyhook

Sounds Like: Childish Gambino from his earlier works like Freaks & Geeks, Camp & Because The Internet.

Why He Is One To Watch: From his moniker you will know the boy is all about his bars!!! Double Word plays, intelligent punch lines (you name it). He’s armed with a full ammo of bars and he spits with reckless abandon (He doesn’t seem to run out of bars).

Best Songs: 'Vibrations', 'Clearly', 'Truth ft (Oma Mahmud)', 'Seabassszn'. - I.K

Oxlade

Sounds Like: Easily like Reekado Banks with his solemn coarse voice texture.

Why He Is One to Watch: He stands out by having the vocal attribute that caught the eye of Don Jazzy when he gave RB a record deal five years ago and Oxlade is currently on the lips of various industry Heads & Executives.

Best Song: His guest appearance on 'Mamiwota' by Blaqbonez. - Femi

Moelogo

Sounds Like: John Legend delivering in his indigenous language.

Why He Is One to Watch: His notable song writing credits on his colleagues’ projects last year, indicate traces of a genius song writer that Moelogo is.

Best Song: 'Ireti'. - Femi

Did we leave out some of your favourite new artists? Please let us know in the comments.