In Nigeria, the mainstream music industry is highly competitive, with thousands of musicians vying for attention, rising to the top of the charts, and becoming the superstars they all aspire to be.
This competitive environment is challenging because an artist could have a big hit well received by music fans but fall short in subsequent attempts to earn that same acceptance. Thus, the term One-hit Wonder has been coined.
Nobody in the music industry wants to be known as a one-hit wonder, but some are, regrettably.
Some artists have had success after success, but others have courted prominence with just one song and vanished into obscurity. And even though they may have released singles following their hits, it wasn’t going to succeed and eclipse their one-off hit.
15 Nigerian one-hit wonders
Bigiano – Shayo
Bigiano made his solo debut with the release of his massive song, Shayo, in 2009. In an interview, the singer explained his absence, claiming that he took a hiatus on purpose to repackage his brand and be able to provide much more for his fans. He claimed that he made the purposeful decision to disappear from view in 2011 because he could not manage the popularity that came with the release of Shayo.
Olu Maintain – Yahooze
Yes! After Yahooze, he released several songs, but they fell short in the fierce competition for attention with other musical creations. After joining Kennis Music, Olu only recorded one song, Yahooze.
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Jodi – Kuchi Kuchi
Singer Jodi released her ballad Kuchi Kuchi, a Zouk song with a baby theme, at the end of 2010. Many music critics characterised the song—which emanates innocence and is incredibly melodic in its delivery and style—as soulful, artistic, and African. After that, nothing was heard from the singer.
TY Bello – Greenland
TY Bello, also a photographer, shot to fame with the release of her 2008 hit, Greenland, broadcast over the waves in Nigeria. Four years later, she also released her album The Future, although Greenland continued to dominate it.
W4 – Kontrol
When W4 released this song in 2010, no one paid attention. At the time, the national fuel crisis was one of the reasons it received so much airplay and became the biggest song in the nation. Although he has recorded additional songs, none of them have the same appeal as Kontrol.
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Jazzman Olofin – Raise D Roof
At the time, this was everyone’s favourite song. With his smash tune Raise D Roof, Jazzman came and jazzed the country, but his other songs couldn’t make his jazz work. His most popular song to this day is still Raise D Roof.
Kelly Hansome – Too Much Money
The song Too Much Money, from Kelly Hansome’s album Too Much Money, has been available for more than seven years. The song had widespread radio play, but Kelly Hansome’s maga seemed insufficient to support him because none of his other singles could make any impression.
Marvelous Benji – New Dance
Marvelous Benji, the reigning Swoor King of the early 2000s, nearly challenged Daddy Showkey for his status as Nigeria’s number 1 dancehall star; after releasing his breakthrough single New Dance.
Unfortunately, that would turn out to be his only major hit.
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Konga – Baby Konga
With his smash hit Baby Konga, Konga appeared and delivered us all a blow, but he vanished from view just as we believed he was ready to take control of the entertainment business.
Mad Melon and Mountain Black – Danfo Driver
Who among us can forget Danfo Driver? For Danfo drivers, that song continues to be a favourite. Sadly, the group that formerly commanded the Galala airways could not keep up with other quickly developing artists.
Soul E – Naija is Blessed
Emmanuel Okose, known by his stage name, Soul E, worked his magic on this song. Many people predicted that Naija is Blessed, the first single from his debut album, would rival 2Baba in popularity. Since then, he has given up music to become a prophet.
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DeeBee – Collabo
Adebayo Durojaiye, popularly known as Collabo Master, debuted his debut album in 2009 but transitioned from a well-known performer to an underground talent after releasing the popular track in 2008.
Maye Hunta – Ekaette
Maye Hunta released a big song titled Ekaette that shot him into the limelight, but he couldn’t keep pace.
Zule Zoo- Kerewa
Kerewa was one of the biggest songs by the duo. However, they split up following the hit.
Djinee – Ego
We will never forget DJinee and his number-one song, Ego, played at most marriage proposals and weddings. Djinee produced additional hits, but his Ego always seemed to come first.
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