9 Irish Artistes With Nigerian Roots

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The music scene in Ireland has always been a diverse and eclectic mix of different genres and styles. In recent years, however, there has been a growing influence of Nigerian music and culture on the Irish music scene. Many Irish-Nigerian artists have emerged, and they are making waves in the music industry with their unique blend of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and R&B. Here are 9 Irish acts with Nigerian roots that you should know.

JyellowL

JyellowL is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who was born in Nigeria and raised in Ireland. His music is a blend of Irish and Nigerian influences, with socially conscious lyrics and infectious beats. JyellowL’s music has been described as “intellectual rap” and has gained a large following in both Ireland and Nigeria.

JyellowL’s music is characterized by his distinctive flow, powerful lyrics, and socially conscious themes. He draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, including hip-hop, jazz, soul, and spoken word poetry.

JyellowL first gained attention with his debut single, “Cold in the Summer,” which was released in 2017. The song received critical acclaim and was followed by a string of successful singles, including “Ozone (Which was featured in FIFA 20),” “Mademoiselle,” and “Tek Time.”

In addition to his music career, JyellowL is also a trained lawyer, having graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in law.

Rejjie Snow

Rejjie Snow is a rapper and producer from Dublin with Nigerian heritage. His music is a mix of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music.

Reggie Snow started his music career in 2013 with the release of his debut EP, “Rejovich.” The EP received critical acclaim and helped him gain popularity in the music industry. He has since released several other projects, including his debut studio album, “Dear Annie,” in 2018.

Reggie Snow’s music style is a blend of hip-hop, rap, and jazz. His lyrics are often introspective and explore themes of identity, race, and mental health. He has cited artists such as MF DOOM, Mos Def, and Andre 3000 as some of his main influences.

In addition to his music career, Reggie Snow has also worked as a model and has collaborated with brands such as H&M and Coach.

Reggie Snow continues to be an influential figure in the Irish music scene and has gained a following around the world.

Tolü Makay

Tolü Makay is a Nigerian-Irish singer, songwriter, and activist. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Makay grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and started singing at the age of five. She has since gone on to become a rising star in the music industry, known for her soulful voice and socially conscious lyrics.

Makay’s music is a fusion of African and Irish influences, and she often incorporates elements of jazz and neo-soul into her sound. Her lyrics tackle issues such as race, identity, and social justice, reflecting her own experiences as a Nigerian-Irish woman.

In 2020, Makay released her debut EP, “Being.” The project features seven tracks that explore themes of self-discovery and empowerment. The EP received critical acclaim and helped to establish Makay as a promising new artist in the Irish music scene.

In addition to her music career, Makay is also a passionate activist. She has spoken out about issues such as racism, police brutality, and gender inequality, and has been involved in various social justice initiatives in Ireland and beyond.

Overall, Tolü Makay is a talented musician and a powerful voice for change. Her music and activism have made a significant impact in Ireland and beyond, and she is sure to continue to make waves in the years to come.

Offica

Offica is an Irish rapper, singer, and songwriter born in Lagos, Nigeria in 2000. At the age of six, his family moved to Drogheda, Ireland, where he currently lives. Offica gained attention with his viral single, “Naruto Drillings,” which was released in 2019.

Offica’s music is known for blending drill, trap, and grime sounds with his unique vocal style and accent. He often raps about his experiences growing up in Ireland. Offica is also a member of “A92”, an Irish drill collective based in Drogheda. Named after the postal code of Drogheda town.

In addition to his music, Offica is also known for his distinctive fashion sense and style, often incorporating streetwear and high-end designer brands into his wardrobe.

Since his debut, Offica has released several singles and has collaborated with other Irish artists, including Kojaque, Nealo, and others. He has also performed at several music festivals in Ireland and the UK, including Electric Picnic and Longitude.

Offica’s music and style have garnered him a growing fanbase in Ireland and beyond, and he is considered one of the rising stars of the Irish music scene.

Plantain Papi

Plantain Papi is a vocalist, music producer and mix-engineer hailing from North Dublin. Debuting his career in 2017 with the release of Bailiff, Plantain has been making waves in Ireland by consistently releasing music as well as performing at shows all over the country, most notably opening for Burna Boy at the 3 Arena in Dublin as well as performing on the main stage at the 2022 edition of Longitude.

Sello

Sello is an Irish-Nigerian rapper based in Dublin, Ireland. Sello, real name Michael Afam, recently signed a major deal with Warner Music Ireland, and the UK’s Atlantic Records, as part of their joint venture with Irish label Trust It Entertainment.

He is known for fusing Gaelic (traditional Irish language) into his music, with certain sections of the island referring to him as the face of “Gaelic Drill”. Sello released his first full length project in 2022 titled SELLOTAPE, a project which has been well received on the island of Ireland

Tidah (formerly known as UNQ)

Tidah, formerly known as UNQ Music, is another singer based in the Republic of Ireland. Relatively new on the scene having come out in 2020. Her Nigerian roots often create a space of unpredictability in her music.

She has a talent of dancing alongside her unique vocal tone. She grew up on ’90s R&B, soul and jazz before making moves into her solo stride musically. Tidah, real name, Simone Adinga is the eldest of five children.

Caleb Kunle

Caleb Kunle was born in Nigeria before migrating to Laois in Ireland, Caleb Kunle came on the radar with the release of his 2017 EP Eden. Three years later, he followed up Eden with his sophomore project, the ambient Rose Hertz, which earned him major acclaim.

Caleb’s style of music fuses soul, jazz and folk.

A92 Dbo

Dbo, real name Lloyd Olalere, is a member of A92 (same crew as Offica) the drill collective based in Drogheda. Dbo is known for his deep voice (similar to Ghost of SDC) and his hard hitting bars and punchlines.

Dbo broke out with the crew in 2020 and hasn’t looked back ever since.

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