• The Nigerian music boasts of numerous artistes who are equally popular for their prowess in songwriting
• These singers compose their songs from scratch and have unique vocals too
• TheRadar compiled 11 artistes, amongst many, popular for their songwriting skill

Nigerian music is competitive, with many artistes rolling out songs consistently yet some have distinguished themselves as exceptional singer-songwriters. 

While some work with songwriters solely in the industry, some are gifted and exceptional in both singing and composing lyrics of their songs. 

These singer-songwriters find it easy to write a song from scratch and deliver songs with quality lyrical content. Most of them are hitmakers who have proven their exceptional pen games in the industry. 

Aside from writing their songs, they have also collaborated with other artistes using their songwriting skills to make an impression on their fans too. 

11 Nigerian singers with exceptional songwriting skills 

TheRadar, in no particular order, highlights 11 Nigerian singer-songwriters known for their exceptional songwriting skills. 

1. Adekunle Gold 

Adekunle Gold is one of the rare talents in Nigerian Afrobeats, who wears the hat of a songwriter and singer seamlessly. With his cover single ‘Sade’ of One Direction’s Story of my Life, he announced his exceptional talent of not just singing but equipped with a strong pen game. So far, this has evolved even better through his songs and albums over the years. Notably, he collaborated with Davido to write the song ‘1 Milli’, a hit song in 

2. Simi

Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko known as Simi started singing as a child in the choir. Years later, she kicked off professionally as a gospel artiste before switching to a secular artiste. Her first hit single ‘Tiff’ garnered accolades for its powerful lyrics. She has continued to maintain her exceptional songwriting skills through her musical journey. She has several singles and six studio albums all sung and written by her. 

3. Burna Boy 

Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, is another singer who has showcased his pen game over the years. The ‘Last Last’ crooner, who sings in a mix of Yoruba, Pidgin English and English never misses an opportunity to use his songwriting skills to pass deep messages to his fans. 

4. Victony 

Victony can best be described as a wordsmith who never runs out of words. It is not just about his use of words but the depth they carry in conveying meaning. If anything, Victony, as a fast-rising Afrobeats artiste, stands out in his pen game aside from his unique vocals. 

5. Fireboy 

Adedamola Adefolahan, known as Damola, released his debut Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, in 2019 and had fans hooked with his exceptional lyrics. The 28-year-old singer signed to YBNL Nations is considered one of the singers whose lyrics showcase profound depth. 

6. Brymo 

Brymo is another artiste with unparalleled songwriting skills. The singer who sings in Yoruba, Pidgin and English languages writes culturally grounded and connotative crafted lyrics. This always leaves listeners with a deep thought about life and many other things he sings about. Brymo is credited with six studio albums with nearly all songs composed and written by him. 

7. Tiwa Savage 

Probably not widely because of her singing superstar status, Tiwa Savage had a reputation as a songwriter in the international scene before her switch to singing. The Afrobeats queen has written songs for many artistes like Babyface, Kat Deluna and Fantasia Barrino. As an Afrobeats female act, her songs have received critical acclaim including the part of her songwriting. 

8. Teni 

With her constant freestyles and impact in the music industry, Teni has distinguished herself as not just a singer but also a songwriter with her unmatched ability to compose songs within a short period. In 2020, she co-wrote Davido’s ‘Like Dat’ and has also written most of her songs.

9. Asa

From the staples of Jailer and Fire on the Mountain, Asa, born Bukola Elemide, is arguably one of the best songwriters to come from Africa. Her lyrics and message depth are unparalleled in terms of quality. Her evergreen songs resonate every time they play.

10. Darey Art Alade 

Though not actively involved in singing in recent times, Darey’s legendary songwriting skills can not be overlooked. Gifted with strong vocals and the ability to compose lyrics, his songs Not the Girl, and Pray for Me remain classics, among many other music projects. He is currently on different music shows like The Voice Nigeria as a judge, helping young singers develop their talents. 

11. Peruzzi 

Nigerian singer, Tochukwu Okoh popularly known as Peruzzi is renowned for his songwriting skills rather than singing. The talented artiste has written many hit songs for musicians, especially in the Afrobeats scene. He wrote ‘Fia’ for Davido in 2017 and also ‘Celia for Tiwa Savage.’ Peruzzi, as a singer and songwriter has proven his worth in the Nigerian music industry. 

7 popular Afrobeats producers who became music superstars 

Earlier, TheRadar reported that Afrobeats' landscape had indeed evolved so much that, beyond working behind the scenes, music producers are now exploring their flair for singing at the forefront of the industry.

Many Afrobeats music producers have emerged to become hitmakers and artistes in their own right, shaping and influencing the Afrobeats movement.