by Wilfred Okiche

In 2011, a lot of these guys were still getting their hustle on, bidding their time as they waited for their chance in the sun. Fast forward to the end of 2012 and a lot of them are household names while the others made significant strides and are on the verge of a major breakthrough.

We bring you 10 of the revelations of the past year. In no particular order.

 

Davido

Undisputedly the biggest star of 2012, Davido’s career took off early on with the release of his monster single ‘Dami duro.’ He had a couple more hits, made enjoyable videos and got Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote to attend his album launch. More accolades followed and even the good people at the Headies came calling, awarding him the Next rated artiste, complete with a brand new car. Great times indeed.

 

Burna boy

He may like to party but Burna boy enjoyed a terrific run in 2012 that saw him release a couple of hit singles, become a household name, take a tumble on the Headies stage and rebound strongly with performing spots at every major gig in town.

 

Linda Ejiofor

With the double exit of favourites Damilola Adegbite and Matilda Obaseki from the hit tv show ‘Tinsel’, the stage was set for Linda Ejiofor who plays Bimpe on the show to shine. And shine she did. She quickly became an audience favourite and before long, made the giant leap to the big screen with a starring role in Mildred Okwo’s well received ‘The Meeting’

 

Iyanya

What else can we say about the Kukere master? After his mega hit single rescued him from whatever-happened-to status, he undertook a transformation and soon we were discovering new things about him, like how come we didn’t know all along he was the sexiest man alive? Well, thank you Red Sheet magazine.

 

Dammy Krane

2face’s starry eyed protégé had a hit single with ‘My dear’ and spent most of the year leveraging on the success. With Africa’s biggest superstar and lots of goodwill behind him, we look forward to bigger things in the new year.

Phyno

Phyno is definitely one of the brightest young talents to emerge in recent times. A gifted rapper and producer, his 2012 credits include J Martins’ ‘Selah’ and Ill Bliss’ ‘Oga Boss’. He also scored a nomination for best rap performance at the Headies for his ‘Shut down’ single.

 

Black magic

This alternative rapper may not enjoy the A-list status of a Naeto C yet but judging from his already impressive body of work, he is well on his way. His ‘Confam’ single and it’s accompanying video was a blast of fresh air and notices for a follow up single, ‘Repete’ are mostly positive. This is one artiste whose full LP we are anticipating with bated breath.

 

Toke Makinwa

Some folks insist OAP Toke Makinwa has Linda Ikeji to thank for her fame and sudden surge in popularity and they are probably right. Ever since Ms Makinwa took a swipe at Nigeria’s most popular blogger on her Rhythm 93.7 FM show, declaring she wasn’t a suitable role model and Ms Ikeji responded in spectacular style, Toke has not left the public eye. She became a fixture on red carpet events and hosted the MBGN contest.

Seyi Shay

Former member of British pop group, ‘From Above’ which was managed by Matthew Knowles (father of Beyonce) but never quite got off the ground, Seyi Shay packed her bags and returned to Nigeria- Tiwa Savage style- and hasn’t looked back since. Singles like ‘Loving your way’ and ‘Erawo’ have created the right amount of buzz and she is currently the first artiste signed under the newly formed Flytime label. If only those pesky Tiwa savage comparisons would stop.

 

Flytime entertainment

The most important entertainment and events management company currently, Flytime headed by showbiz impresario Cecil Hammond successfully put together high profile concerts like the Davido album launch, 9ice’s album launch, Sound Sultan’s anniversary concert and this year’s Rhythm Unplugged concert. They haven’t always passed with flying colours but with the sleek packaging and inventive ideas they come up with, Flytime is entertainment’s next major empire.

Do you agree? Tell us who we missed out.

 

Wilfred Okiche tweets from@drwill20