The Nigeria Entertainment Industry – Some Topics You Need To know
The Nigerian entertainment industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Africa, with global recognition in music, film, comedy, and fashion. From the global success of Afrobeats to the widespread influence of Nollywood, Nigeria continues to produce top-tier talents that attract international attention. With a vibrant youth population, technological advancement, and increasing global collaborations, the industry has become a powerful force in shaping culture, creating employment, and driving economic growth.
However, behind the glitz and glamor lie important topics that deserve attention. From intellectual property rights and artist management to funding challenges and digital distribution, there’s more to this industry than just fame. Understanding these elements helps in appreciating the complexities and opportunities within the Nigerian entertainment space. Whether you’re a fan, investor, or aspiring entertainer, gaining insight into these key areas is essential.
What Does Wizkid & Davido Have In Common And Who Has The Largest Global Fanbase?
Wizkid and Davido are two of the biggest names in the Nigerian and African music scene. Both artists rose to fame in the early 2010s and have since dominated charts, sold-out arenas, and collaborated with global stars like Drake, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown. They share several similarities: both are Afrobeats icons, have massive social media followings, own record labels (Starboy Entertainment and DMW, respectively), and have contributed significantly to pushing Nigerian music to the world stage. Their careers are marked by numerous awards, streaming records, and loyal fanbases that span continents.
When it comes to global fanbase size, it’s a close call.
According to guardian.ng, Wizkid often appeals more to international audiences with his smooth sound and collaborations with global pop and R&B acts, particularly in Europe and North America. Davido, on the other hand, has a strong grassroots following across Africa and a solid international presence, especially in the US and Caribbean. While Wizkid may lead in global streaming numbers and international awards, Davido often edges out in sheer online engagement and fan energy. Ultimately, the largest global fanbase depends on the metric used—streams, followers, or cultural influence—but both remain at the top of Africa’s music game.
How Davido Rose To International Standard In Music
Davido’s rise to international stardom is a combination of talent, consistency, strategic collaborations, and deep-rooted passion for music. Born David Adedeji Adeleke, he began his music journey in 2011 with the hit single “Dami Duro,” which instantly made him a household name in Nigeria. Unlike many artists who struggle to maintain relevance, Davido followed up with chart-topping songs and a unique blend of Afrobeats, pop, and high-energy performances that quickly caught the attention of African and diaspora audiences.
According to Punchng, they stated that Davido breakthrough into the global scene came with songs like “Fall” and “If”, which gained massive airplay not only in Africa but in the United States and parts of Europe. “Fall” became one of the longest-charting Nigerian songs on the Billboard charts and even received Gold certifications in the U.S. and Canada. Collaborations with international artists such as Chris Brown (“Blow My Mind”), Nicki Minaj (“Holy Ground”), and Young Thug helped solidify his place in the global market. His strong social media presence, relentless touring, and ability to adapt his sound without losing his African identity have made Davido a standout figure in global music, representing the new wave of African excellence on the world stage.
Top 10 popular Nigerian musicians making waves on the global stage
Below are top 10 Popular Nigerian musicians listed by tribuneonlineng
Burna Boy
Known as the “African Giant,” Burna Boy has become a global icon with Grammy-winning albums like Twice As Tall. His fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall has earned him a strong international fanbase and collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran and J Balvin.
Wizkid
Wizkid is one of Nigeria’s most successful musical exports. His hit “Essence” featuring Tems became a global summer anthem, and he has worked with Beyoncé, Drake, and Justin Bieber, gaining massive international acclaim.
Davido
With his energetic performances and global hits like “Fall” and “If,” Davido remains one of the most recognized African artists worldwide. His collaborations span from Chris Brown to Nicki Minaj.
Tems
Tems has risen rapidly to global stardom, featured on Drake’s “Fountains” and Wizkid’s “Essence.” She won a Grammy for her role in “Wait for U” with Future and Drake, and her unique sound continues to captivate audiences globally.
Rema
Rema’s “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez became a massive global hit, topping charts in Europe and India. His Afro-rave style blends trap, Afrobeats, and pop, making him a standout among Gen Z listeners.
Tiwa Savage
Often referred to as the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage has performed at global stages like Wireless Festival and collaborated with Sam Smith and Brandy, solidifying her international appeal.
Asake
Asake’s street vibe mixed with modern Afrobeats has quickly propelled him to global notice. His debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe broke streaming records and placed him on international music charts.
Fireboy DML
Fireboy’s fusion of R&B and Afropop has earned him a global audience, especially after “Peru” featuring Ed Sheeran became a hit in the UK and the US, further elevating his status.
CKay
CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” became a viral sensation on TikTok and charted across the world, including in the US, UK, and India. His smooth, romantic sound resonates with international fans.
Omah Lay
Omah Lay has carved a niche with his emotional lyrics and smooth melodies. Songs like “Understand” and “Attention” (with Justin Bieber) have helped expand his reach across continents.
Davido’s Net Worth
As of 2025 and according to thenationonlineng and other online sources, Davido’s net worth is estimated to be between $40 million and $100 million, positioning him as one of Africa’s wealthiest and most influential musicians. Forbes recognized him as the richest artist in Africa in 2024, citing a net worth of $100 million . Other sources report his net worth at approximately $40 million .
Davido’s wealth stems from multiple income streams:
- Music Sales and Streaming: His songs have garnered billions of streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
- Concerts and Tours: He consistently sells out venues worldwide, including a notable performance at the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., during his 2023 tour for the Grammy-nominated album Timeless .
- Endorsements: Davido has secured lucrative deals with brands such as MTN, Guinness, Pepsi, Infinix Mobile, Martell Nigeria, and Puma, among others .
- Business Ventures: He owns DMW (Davido Music Worldwide), a successful record label that has signed several prominent Nigerian artists.
- Real Estate and Luxury Assets: Davido owns multiple properties, including a $20 million mansion in Atlanta and a residence in Eko Atlantic. His car collection features luxury vehicles like Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley, and he also owns a private jet .
These ventures, combined with his musical talent and strategic business decisions, have solidified Davido’s status as a leading figure in the global music industry.
