Adele, Davido, Drake, Falz… biggest entertainers of 2015

Even though the title of this article says biggest entertainers of 2015 it’s from a Nigerian perspective, and heads up, there are only musical artistes on this list.

Let’s face reality no one can really put their finger on any particular actor that has had a bigger year than most of their colleagues. Again when you compare the top actors and musicians these days, the musicians get more attention. That’s an opinionated fact which also goes for the rest of this list. So, don’t get too worked up if your favourite artiste isn’t included.

You can go ahead and make your own list, but don’t waste your time, I got this.

FALZ THE BAHD GUY

He’s Nigeria’s first and biggest Instagram celebrity and arguably the biggest break out star of the year. Nigerians can’t get enough of the hysterically funny Instagram videos of his alter ego ‘Broda Taju’ which turned out to be a marketing master stroke that has launched his music and acting career.

It all began with the hilarious Ello Bae video skit and social media competition at the beginning of the year. And the rapper/comedian/actor has not looked back since, following up with more comedic skits to promote new releases and eventually his sophomore album titled ‘Stories That Touch’, launched in November.

With his uncanny performances in his assumed Yoruba-English accent, many still find it hard to believe that Falz (real name Folarin Falana) is actually a well-spoken and well educated lawyer from a family of renowned legal pedigree led by his father Femi Falana.

WIZKID

Wizkid’s last album Ayo was released in September 2014, which we have enjoyed well into 2015. Even though he has not had much luck with awards in his career which didn’t change in 2015, as he lost out again in MTV’s best male category to Davido, his music has transcended geographical boundaries in 2015 as much as any artiste could hope for.

The most prominent of which is his ‘Ojuelegba’ collaboration with Drake, one of the most successful international rappers of 2015.

It sort of got a Kardashian seal of approval with a Kylie hip gyration post on Instagram and multiple Grammy award winner Alicia Keys also showed her appreciation for the legendary beatz/Wizkid Afrobeat magic through a social media post of herself dancing to the song.

DAVIDO

Davido could have been the biggest entertainer of the year if his sophomore album had been released on schedule but now it looks like we are not going to be getting it until sometime in 2016.

The album was originally scheduled for release a few days after his graduation from Babcock University but it has been pushed back several times, probably because Davido is not satisfied with what he is going to be pushing out to the public.

Nevertheless, he registered as one of 2015’s biggest acts with popular international collaborations on the African continent (The Sound featuring Uhuru and DJ Buckz)) and across the pond as well (Fans Mi featuring Meek Mill).

He also retained MTV’s best male artiste award, which he won in 2014.

DON JAZZY

From a production point of view, Don Jazzy has to take the cake as one of the most prolific and significant producers of the year.

He is unarguably the single biggest factor in the success of the young Mavin crew. Don’t get it twisted, they are definitely a talented bunch but no one can’t deny the influence of the master producer’s signature touch that more or less makes everything he endorses a hit

He’s had some competition from other talented producers, such as such as pheelz the man behind Olamide’s fifth studio album and Maleek Berry for Wande Coal’s wanted album, among others.

But Don Jazzy clearly has the advantage by a mile and then some. Being a bigger personality than the rest, and even with all things being equal, he has produced many more of this year’s biggest hits.

Then talk about his big endorsement deal with Johnnie Walker to cap a great journey in 2015.

OLAMIDE

He seems to be Nigeria’s most hardworking and prolific artiste with staggering six albums in the last four years. Rapsodi (2011), YBNL (2012), Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013), Street OT (2014), 2 kings with Phyno (2015), and now Eyan Mayweather.

For the rapping rascal, 2015 has been the year of “Shakiti Bobo”, “Lagos boys” and “Melo Melo” all included in his latest release.

SEYI SHAY

2015 has definitely been a good year for the UK returnee. She recently released her album titled: ‘Seyi or Shay’, which was unveiled ceremoniously at the Eko Hotel and Suites, with memorable live stage performances.

She was also nominated for MTV’s best female artist category but lost out to Yemi Alade. However, after losing out, Seyi Shay finished the year stronger with catchy jingles from her latest album, followed by high grade visuals for songs Crazy, Right Now.

It was also a year of big deals for the singer when she signed a marketing deal with the UK’s Island records, and also an endorsement deal with Pepsi, which means she is going to be closing this year’s account on a very happy note.

 DRAKE

Drake had a year that was one of the biggest of his entire career. The American rapper has had all sorts of success and social media buzz surrounding his work and personal life.

Starting in February, he snuck in the release of his mixtape album, ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late’, which debuted at billboards number one spot and set new streaming records on Spotify (17.3 million times in its first week).

It sold 624,000 copies in its first week and is the first record of the year to go platinum.

He also near ended fellow rapper Meek Mill’s career with his back-to-back titled track.

Drake got everyone talking when he entered a relationship with tennis champion Serena Williams, and went viral with hotline bling video.

ADELE

Twenty-seven-year old British singer, Adele successfully owned 2015 with the release of her new album 25 at the tail-end of the year. The album and single releases has since broken numerous sales and streaming records, becoming the fastest selling album of all time and single Hello becoming the second fastest video to hit a million views on YouTube which happened in just five days.

Adele has had such a big influence on the music industry that other big name artistes had to push back the release of their albums to avoid competing with her.

With millions in sales of physical CD’s as well as online, Adele defied the age of the internet