Nigerian artists have been making waves in the global music scene, breaking world records, and gaining international recognition. From Burna Boy to Rema, these talented musicians have showcased the rich diversity of Naija music and captivated audiences with their unique sounds. Here’s a closer look at how Nigerian artists have managed to break world records:
Burna Boy:
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has made a name for himself as one of the most successful Nigerian artists in recent years. His music seamlessly blends afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and other genres, creating a unique sound that resonates with a worldwide audience.
In 2021, Burna Boy made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album category with his album “Twice as Tall,” becoming the first Nigerian artist to receive this prestigious award.
The singer has also achieved remarkable success in terms of streaming, holding the title of the most-streamed Nigerian artist of all time on Apple Music. His music has gained widespread acclaim, with hit tracks like “Ye,” “On The Low,” and “Anybody” topping music charts and garnering millions of streams globally.
Rema:
Rema is a young and talented artist signed to Mavin Records who has quickly risen to prominence in the music industry. At just 20 years old, he has already achieved remarkable feats. One of his notable accomplishments is his entry into the Guinness World Book of Records. His hit single “Calm Down” made history by becoming the first-ever No.1 hit on The Official MENA Chart, and he also became the youngest artist to achieve this feat.
Rema’s unique blend of afrobeats, trap, and pop music has garnered him a dedicated fan base both in Nigeria and globally. His songs, such as “Dumebi,” “Iron Man,” and “Woman,” have gained millions of streams and have been well-received by music enthusiasts worldwide.
Dj Obi:
DJ Obinna Ajuonuma, also known as DJ Obi, reportedly set a new world record in 2016 for the longest set ever played on a turntable. He played for 240 hours over a period of 10 days, breaking the previous record of 200 hours set in 2014 by a Polish DJ named Norbert Selmaj. During his set, Obi was allowed a five-minute break every hour, had to have someone dancing at all times, and could not repeat any song within four hours of playing it. According to Obi, despite having to overcome the stigma attached to partying in Nigeria, people came out to support him, including schools who brought their students.
In 2021, DJ Yin, whose real name is Oyinka Asu-Johnson, reportedly broke the same record by playing for 240 hours.
Nigerian Artists in Guinness World Records:
Nigerian music has made its mark in the Guinness World Records through various achievements by talented artists.
- Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician and activist, holds the record for the most studio album recordings released as a solo artist. His extensive discography and impact on music continue to inspire artists globally.
- Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, a Nigerian dancer, entered the Guinness World Records for the “Longest Dance Party” in 2006, where she and her team danced continuously for 55 hours and 40 minutes.
- Divine Ikubor, commonly known as Rema, made his mark by achieving the first-ever No.1 hit on The Official MENA Chart, as mentioned earlier.
- Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid became the first Afrobeats singer to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to “One Dance” which was the first track to reach one billion streams on Spotify.
- Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album category with his album “Twice as Tall,” becoming the first Nigerian artist to receive this prestigious award.
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Conclusion
Nigerian artists like Burna Boy to Rema, Wizkid, & Dj Obi have broken world records, elevating Nigerian music to new heights. Their unique styles and talent have captivated global audiences, putting Nigerian music on the world stage. From Burna Boy’s Grammy win to Rema’s Guinness World Record, these artists have inspired future generations and cemented Nigeria’s position as a powerhouse in the global music scene.
