#2015InReview: Top 7 Female Artistes of 2015

In a male-dominated Nigerian music industry, a number of female artistes have done well with standout pieces of music, earning themselves reasonable portions of mainstream renown. And this has been really interesting to watch thus far.
In reviewing the top performances from female artistes in 2015 we must start by acknowledging that it has been a fairly odd year in terms of music outputs. The ‘top shots’ were largely missing in action.
Heavyweights like Waje, Omawumi and Tiwa Savage weren’t exactly in the party for the most part of things.
Be that as it may the competition is great for the industry. The paradigm shift is even a greater proof of growth and dynamism in the Nigerian music industry.
Yemi Alade has achieved a lot for herself this year and, even though hers is some laudable feat, many would attribute her success to the shift at the top.
While it is understandable that Omawumi and Tiwa had their babies and so struggled with the attendant issues of attending to the newborns and staying relevant in pop culture, Waje’s absence is a little beyond shocking.
Fingers crossed one hopes 2016 heralds a lot more from the A-list female artistes so that increased consistency can broaden the prospects in the industry in addition to ensuring a sustained dominance of the African music scene (as is the case).
On the other hand, I am all about competition and watching dark horses grab titles. So if the equation changes again in the coming year and we see an introduction of ‘outsiders’ like Toby Grey, Tope Odu, Zaina, Fefe or Saeon in the top 10, all well and good.
After all as they say, competition is good for business as monopoly renders people complacent and satisfied with mediocrity.
That said, below are our top 7 female artistes if the year 2015 in no particular order:
1. Yemi Alade

File photo of singer Yemi Alade.

There isn’t much to say about the Johnny singer. She has been there, done that. And is still doing it. The awards are a testament to her recent success.
2. Cynthia Morgan
She has been outright from the start and there has been no mistaking her abilities. From Don’t Break My Heart and Lead Me On, to Popori and then Jamo in 2014, we knew the industry was in for some surprising introduction into the mix.

File photo of Cynthia Morgan.

And come 2015 Morgan didn’t disappoint. She continued her ‘winning streak’ with German Juice and Come And Do. We can only hope for more from the eccentric dancehall singer.
3. Simi

File photo of singer and songwriter Simi.

The X3M Music singer and songwriter is on a definite path to greatness. Her unique voice, relatable lyrics and originality are her strongest points. She had a super 2015 and it’s been thrilling seeing her lay the groundwork for a new album which she says is in the works.
4. Seyi Shay
Seyi dropped her long-awaited debut album Seyi or Shay in 2015 – a sassy, collected body of work that features 18 tracks (plus 1 bonus cut) and had the entire industry talking for some time.

Singer and songwriter Seyi Shay. Credit: YNaija

She has paid her dues since relocating to Nigeria. From flashes of ace artistry in Irawo to Loving Your Way and No Lele to the point she currently is it is only obvious how much more she has to achieve in her soaring career.
5. Victoria Kimani
Chocolate City started the year on a good note with a shift in management structure and the release of the album The Indestructible Choc Boy Nation which had all the label’s artistes present. But it’s been akin to a grave-silent 2015 from the label’s front men save for Ice Prince Zamani and Ms. Kimani.

File photo of singer Victoria Kimani.

Kimani dropped the fairly big hit song Show in 2014, followed up with a crisp video that got her buzzing acros the media in 2015.
She was on the One Campaign with other A-lists for the song Strong Girl. Then there was Vex with Emma Nyra and Cynthia Morgan as well as Loving You with label mate Ice Prince Zamani. She has potentials. All she really needs to do is focus more on putting out music, quality sounds and less of ‘sexiness’ and she will be good.
6. Chidinma
Musically Chidinma dropped a whole lot in 2015 but seeing as it has been a generally slow year in terms of outputs she still manages a slot in this list.

File photo of singer Chidinma.

From 2012 with Kedike, 2013 saw her flying with Emi Ni Baller and then Oh! Baby (with Flavour) in 2014.
Her output this year was only a little above average (at a time when she had all the time and space in the world to consolidate at the top tier owing to the paradigm shift) which is not exactly impressive.
If No Be God and Lorry put together won’t have gotten her anywhere in a keenly contested year but again it has been a pretty slow year so she makes it into this list.
7. Niyola
The EME singer and songwriter has been impressive in the last one year and she deserves all the accolades.

File photo of singer and songwriter Niyolai.

Her partnership with a functional management looks to be paying off as she has enjoyed relative success with singles Toh Bad, Last Bust Stop and Love To Love You, among others.
Niyola has a sweet, fresh appeal and her rendition is always appealing to the senses. She needs to seal her spot in the top though, she needs to raise her game and achieve the much-needed ascendancy. Hers is long overdue given how long she has been around.
Other Worthy Mentions include;
1. StormRex

File photo of singer and songwriter Stormrex.

2. Ruby Gyang

File photo of singer and songwriter Ruby Gyang.

3. Niniola

File photo of singer and songwriter Niniola.

4. D’ija

File photo of singer D’ija.

D’ija is on the ‘worthy mentions’ list because, though she isn’t exactly a top female artiste yet, she has exhibited potentials of becoming an A-list in the not-too-distant-future.
Niniola has all it takes but she needs to concentrate her efforts some more in the new year.
Ruby Gyang and StormRex are great vocalists lacking the right hands to help manage their crafts so that they make into the top league as they deserve.