Fast-rising Nigeria artists that are nominated for the ‘Next Rated artists of the 2022 15th Headies award Africa

Nigerian artists that are up for the next rated headies award are BNXN (formerly known as Buju), Ayra Starr, Ruger, Lojay, and Zinoleesky.

Nigeria’s highly anticipated music award show, The Headies, has been scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in the United States of America.

This was revealed by the show’s creator, Ayo Animashaun, during The Headies Big Announcement event, which aired via HipTV on Tuesday.

Hosted by actress Nancy Isime, the event would include performances by dancer, Kaffy and singer, Goya Menor.

Notably, the award show, which was usually held in Lagos, will be moved outside the shores of Nigeria for the first time.

The 2022 edition is set to take place at the COBB Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, USA.

It was also announced that the winner of the coveted Next Rated category would be walking away with a brand new Bently SUV.

In this article, we will discuss these young artist that are rated for the 2022 Headies award.

BNXN

Daniel Benson known professionally as BNXN pronounced as Benson and formerly known as Buju or “Bujutoyourears”, is a Nigerian Afro-Fusion singer, songwriter, and record producer.

BNXN(Buju)

He is known for distinct music sound and also featuring on fellow Nigerian artist Ladipoe’s single Feeling.

In 2019 he was nominated for the “Rookie of the Year” category at The Headies 2019.

In 2020 he won the City People Entertainment Awards for revelation of the year.

In 2021 he featured on commercially acclaimed Nigerian top charting single ‘Feeling’ by Ladipoe, and “Bling” by Blaqbonez.

On 27 August 2021, he was featured on the deluxe edition of Wizkid’s Made In Lagos album alongside Canadian singer Justin Bieber.

In 2021 his collaboration with Wizkid on their song “Mood” earned him a number one spot on UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

On 20 December 2021, Wizkid debuts “Made In Lagos (The Deluxe)” short film, starring Buju, and directed by Kuukua Eshun.

Ayra Starr

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe professionally known as Ayra Starr is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and model. Born in Cotonou, Ayra Starr began a fashion career at the age of 16 with Quove Model Management before deciding to pursue music.

Ayra Starr

After covering several songs by popular artists on Instagram, she posted her first original song on her page in December 2019. This brought her to the attention of record executive Don Jazzy and led to her signing to Mavin Records.

In early 2021, Ayra Starr achieved mainstream recognition with her eponymous debut extended play and its hit track “Away”.

The song ‘Away’ spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and went to number 17 on US Billboard Top Thriller Global, paving the way for the release of her first full-length studio album, 19 & Dangerous in August 2021.

Categorized mainly as Afropop and R&B, the album has been met with favorable critical reception. It spawned two top forty hits in Nigeria.

The lead single “Bloody Samaritan” peaked atop the Top 50 chart, becoming the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one position.

Starr debuted on the Pandora Predictions chart, and on 28 August 2021, she ranked number two on Billboard‘s Next Big Sound

Ruger

Michael Adebayo Olayinka professionally known as Ruger is a Nigerian Afrobeat singer and songwriter.

Ruger

Ruger came into lime-light 2021 after he signed a record deal with D’Prince “Jonzing world record” with a publishing and distribution deal with Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, U.K division.

On 4 March 2021, he released his debut EP titled Pandemic.

His song titled “Bounce”, became a major hit song from Pandemic EP, and debuted at number 39 on the Top 50 chart.

In the same year, it debuted at number 20, on the TurnTable End of the Year chart.

On 19 November 2021, he released his second EP, titled The Second Wave, and was led by “Dior” from the EP, which peaked at number 32 on the Top 50 chart, and number 15 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

Zinoleesky

Oniyide Azeez, professionally known as Zinoleesky, is a Nigerian singer and currently signed a record deal with Marlian Music

Zinoleesky was born on November 21, 1995, in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Zinoleesky

He started schooling at Lively Kiddies nursery and primary school Agege Lagos, Nigeria.

After completing elementary school, he proceeded to boys secondary school Agege Lagos Nigeria where is obtained his West African Examination Certificate.

Zinoleesky developed a passion for music at a tender age. In his words, he stated that his love for music became stronger after being followed by Kizz Daniel Net on Instagram. This we’re a result of the rap video he dropped on Instagram.

Zinoleesky turned down Davido’s offer to sign him into Dmw. Naira Marley later signed him into Marlian music in December 2019.

He was signed alongside Mohbad, Cblack, and Fabian Blu. The four artists were brought on stage at the Marlian Fest in Eko Hotel and Suites on December 31st, 2019.

Zinoolesky is among the fast-rising Nigerian artist with a net worth of $400,000 in dollars and 152 million in Naira. Zinoleesky is no doubt a rich kid.

Conclusion

The fact that these four Nigerian artists are rated, does not mean that Other Nigerian artistes are not doing well in the industry.

Originally known as the Hip Hop World Awards, the Headies was established in 2006 to celebrate artists’ outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.