• The influence of the Nigerian entertainment industry can not be overemphasized 
• The introduction of popular slang widely used among Nigerians proves it.
• This is a list of 25 popular slangs originated by music celebrities in Nigeria 

The Nigerian music and entertainment industry is arguably one of the most vibrant and its influence on fans and pop culture is dominant. 

Through songs, films, comedy and other means of expressing art, many phrases have found their way into Nigerian culture.

Spearheaded by popular celebrities, some of these phrases have become part of everyday conversations and means of expression. 

These words, more often than not, stand to prove the ‘street credibility’ of Nigerians as they have deeper meanings beyond the surface. It establishes that the media has the power to enforce change, even in individual beliefs and cultures.

In that light, TheRadar examines 25 common slang expressions and phrases popularized by music celebrities in the entertainment industry. 

25 slang expressions popularised by music celebrities into Nigerian pop culture 

1.You go explain tire… no evidence - Burna Boy

The popular phrase originated from Nigerian singer Burna Boy during a live session with his fans on Instagram. The full expression says, If you no make am for this life, no evidence, you go explain tire. 

2. ‘Breakfast - Burna Boy 

This was also popularized by Burna Boy to express ‘heartbreak,’ saying ‘Last, last na everybody go chop breakfast.’ The phrase was lines from his hit song, Last Last in 2022. 

3. E choke - Davido 

This is used to express the abundance of something. People when expressing the slang have their hands around their neck like choking someone. E choke is a popular slang that originated from Nigerian singer, Davido. 

4. Who dey breet? - Davido 

‘Who dey breet’ was a phrase used by Davido. This connotes a boastful or proud exclamation especially when someone feels they are doing beyond what people expected. 

5. Beta rest - Focalistic ft. Davido 

This slang became a popular slang after ‘Ke Star’ remix hit track by South African artiste Davido. It simply means to ‘calm down.’

6. Wa ti ma gbo - Adekunle Gold 

This was coined from Adekunle Gold’s hit track ‘High’ which featured Davido. The Yoruba phrase literally means ‘you would have heard’ and it became a popular trend among fans after the release of the song. 

7. Osha Pra Pra - Tee Blaq 

A young Nigerian artiste released a song which emphasized the word ‘Osha pra pra.’ The Yoruba word that connotes ‘Looking sharp or dope’ became something people got used to in complimenting themselves.

8. Wobe - Olamide 

Olamide popularised the word in 2017 after he dropped his hit song ‘Wo’. It found its way into Nigerian pop culture to be used especially among the youths. 

9. Gobe - Davido 

Davido’s hit song ‘Gobe’ made the phrase meaning ‘trouble’ popular. In place of the word trouble many replace it with gobe. An example of the expression in Pidgin would be; See me, see gobe. 

10. Ma fo - Naira Marley 

This phrase is a spill-off of Naira Marley and Young John’s song of the same title, which was released in 2022. The Yoruba phrase and slang meaning ‘Don’t worry or don't break’ became popular among Nigerians.

11. Kini Big Deal - Naeto C

12. Sneh - Olamide 

13. Noni - Samklef

14. I'm unavailable - Davido 

15. Them go feel it - Davido 

16. Otilo - Poco Lee and Hotkid 

17. God Abeg - Portable 

18. O tun ti zeh - Portable 

19. Tule - Davido 

20. Ko po ke - Rexxie and Mohbad

21. Who you epp - Olamide

22. First of all… introduction - Olamide

23. Bad, baddo, baddest - Falz, Olamide, Davido

24. Wahala wahala wahala - Portable

25. Smellows (smelling fellows) - Olamide

What phrase is missing? 

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 as artistes in their own right, shaping and influencing the movement of authentic and pure art in Afrobeats.