From 2008 to 2026: Where Are They Now?
The journey of Afrobeats artists from 2008 to 2026, recording their climbs, collapses, comebacks, label conflicts, mental health challenges, and the dark underbelly of Nigeria’s music industry. What started as a revolutionary movement has become a multi-billion dollar worldwide phenomenon, but at what cost?
D’BANJ (The Koko Master)
- Peak Era: 2008-2013
- Status 2025-2026: Still Active.Released 7th album ‘The Entertainer: D’Sequel’ in 2024 honoring 20 years in music
- What Happened: Split with Don Jazzy in 2012 after Mo’Hits Records folded. Founded DB Records. G.O.O.D Music deal (2011-2016) didn’t deliver expected returns.
- Why Not Current: ‘Oliver Twist’ was his last huge global smash. Industry moved on to younger acts.
- What He’s Doing Now: Runs CREAM platform for artist development. Signed Nasboi and Berri Tiga as ambassadors (2024).
WANDE COAL
- Peak Era: 2009-2013
- Status 2025-2026: Moderately Active – Has 3 gigs scheduled, published new collaborations with Kel-P
- What Happened: Left Mavin in 2013, Black Diamond Entertainment.
- What He’s Doing Now: Independent artist under Black Diamond Entertainment. Releases singles periodically (‘So Mi So’, ‘Again’).
DR SID (Sidney Esiri)
- Peak Era: 2010-2014
- Status 2025-2026: Relocated to USA – Working in gaming sector in Houston, Texas
- What Happened: Remained faithful to Mavin following Mo’Hits split. Released ‘Siduction’ album (2013). Last album didn’t obtain expected response.
- Why Not Current: Deliberately left music for new ventures.
- What He’s Doing Now: Working in game sector creating Nigerian gaming ecosystem.
9ICE (Abolore Akande)
- Peak Era: 2008-2010
- Status 2025-2026: Still Active – Released ‘Outrageous Dream’ EP in 2025
- What Happened: ‘Gongo Aso’ (2008) made him an international sensation. Multiple albums later but never reached same heights.
- Why Not Current: Personal scandals harmed brand. Indigenous Yoruba rap style became rare as Afrobeats evolved.
- What He’s Doing Now: Runs Alapomeji Records. Releases music regularly emphasizing on Yoruba culture preservation.
- Dark Side: Industry politics marginalized him.
THE BIG THREE
WIZKID (Ayodeji Balogun)
- Peak Era: 2011-Present
- Status 2025-2026: ACTIVE – Released ‘Morayo’ album (2024), Apple Music’s most-streamed album 2025 in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Evolution: Started with EME (2009-2014), became independent with Starboy Entertainment. ‘Essence’ featuring Tems became first Nigerian single to chart on Billboard Hot 100, reached #9.
- Current Position: #2 in Research 8020’s 2025 rankings. Part of ‘Big Three’ alongside Burna Boy and Davido. Collaborates with Drake, Beyoncé internationally. ‘Joro’ has 291 million views.
- Dark Side: Industry pressure and expectations tremendous.
DAVIDO (David Adeleke)
- Peak Era: 2011-Present
- Status 2025-2026: ACTIVE – Released ‘5IVE’ album (March 2025), #2 on Apple Music 2025 list
- Evolution: Founded DMW (Davido Music Worldwide). Multiple international collaborations. Headlined AFCON 2025 kick-off concert in Rabat.
- Current Position: Part of ‘Big Three’. 113 million first quarter 2025 streams.
- Dark Side: Pressure from a privileged family background generates expectations.
BURNA BOY (Damini Ogulu)
- Peak Era: 2013 – Present
- Status 2025-2026: ACTIVE – Released ‘No Sign of Weakness’ (July 2025)
- Evolution: Grammy winner (twice). First African musician to headline Stade de France (80,000+ attendees). 171 million streams Q1 2025.
- Current Position: #1 in Research 8020’s 2025 rankings. ‘On the Low’ has 405+ million YouTube views. Rejected ‘Afrobeats’ label.
- Dark Side: Publicly apologized for earlier remarks. Arrogance and ego constantly criticized.
TEKNO (Augustine Miles Kelechi)
- Peak Era: 2015-2018
- Status 2025-2026: Active – Ranked #7 in Research 8020’s 2025 list, ‘Pana’ has 218 million views
- What Happened: Series of hits 2015-2017 then health issues affected output.
- Current Position: Still relevant, releases periodically. Maintains high production quality. • Dark Side: Acid reflux problem damaged vocal chords briefly, took two-year sabbatical for therapy. Career never really recovered to a similar high.
TIWA SAVAGE
- Peak Era: 2013-2019
- Status 2025-2026: Active – launched ‘Mega Money’ (December 2024)
- Evolution: Mavin Records First Lady (2012-2019). Signed to Universal Music Group (2019). Collaborations with Beyoncé, Sam Smith.
- Current Position: Top female artist but faced by newer generation (Ayra Starr, Tems). Still performs abroad.
- The Dark Side: Industry sexism and ageism.
Other artist like Fido, Naira Marley, Korede bello, Dija, Nas also have experience a lot while trying to keep up with trends, but is it really worth it?
