Across the history of Nigerian music, female stars have held their own by delivering hit records that capture the depth of their talent.

These songs reflect the evolution of Nigerian music and showcase the superstar status of these women whose work has formed a spine for the female arm of the industry.

From Headies Record of the Year win to the Grammy award, Nigerian female stars have left a mark in the music industry.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, here are 10 iconic songs by Nigerian female stars.

1. Tiwa Savage – ‘Kele Kele Love’

Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian music royalty whose talent and drive have created a spine for the women’s end of the industry.

In 2011, her break-out single ‘Kele Kele Love’ showcased the depth of her talent and dared the Nigerian conservatism as it announced her as a sex symbol.

2. Yemi Alade – ‘Johnny’

Yemi Alade rubs shoulders with the biggest acts in African music and when an inquest is taken into how it all began, it leads straight to her breakout hit single ‘Johnny’. 

The song was an instant smash hit that captivated listeners, rocketed her to fame, and attained classic status. 

Simi – ‘Joromi’

Simi has for a decade dazzled listeners with her captivating vocals. In 2018, she made history by winning the Headies Record of the Year Prize for her highlife-fusing hit single ‘Joromi’.

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

4. Jodie – ‘Kuchi Kuchi’

Jodie delivered an unlikely smash hit record with her song ‘Kuchi Kuchi’ which tells the story of the emotional connection between mother and child.

The song which thrived for its reliability and sonic appeal has now achieved classical status.

5. Mo’Cheddah – ‘Ko Ma Roll’

This single rocketed Mo’Cheddah to fame thereby making her one of the hottest new acts on the continent.

The single contributed to the popularity of female acts and is still fondly looked upon. 

6. Niyola – ‘Toh Bad’

This love record dominated TV and Radio stations for a long time while also launching Niyola into mainstream fame.

The song is a classic love song and one of the most popular hits from a Nigerian female act. 

7. Omawumi – ‘If You Ask Me’ 

This single did not only thrill listeners, but it also passed a key message on different forms of abuse women are exposed to in society.

This song is popular amongst listeners of all ages and is a classic record in Afrobeats. 

Tems – ‘Love Me Jeje’

Tems made history with her reimagination of the Seyi Sodumi classic record ‘Love Me Jeje’.

The love tune takes on a new dimension as Tems adds her warm melodies and colourful writing to the song.

‘Love Me Jeje’ enjoyed instant success and it won her the award for the Best African Song Performance at the 67th Grammys.

Cynthia Morgan – ‘German Juice’

Cynthia Morgan‘s entry into the industry brought much-needed diversity as she dazzled listeners with her Dancehall style.

She left an indelible mark in the female arm of Afrobeats with her hit singles among which ‘German Juice’ ranks high. 

9. Waje feat Muna– ‘So Inspired’ 

When two talented women combined to create a special anthem that speaks to the strength of females, the result became an enduring hit. 

Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has reacted to President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the governor of Rivers State and declare a state of emergency in the state.

The rapper addressed the situation on X on March 18, 2025, stressing that the decision was unconstitutional.

Rivers State, there is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor. A governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment. Also, is Rivers state at war? Is there “actual breakdown of public order”? Is there a threat to the existence of the federation?

Rivers State, there is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor. A Governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment.

Also, is Rivers state at war? Is there “actual breakdown of public order”? Is there a threat to the existence of the… pic.twitter.com/Ckux5fCz4v

— Bop Daddy (@falzthebahdguy) March 18, 2025

He also cited the constitution, listing the conditions in which a state of emergency is to be declared

The President shall have power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when – (a) the Federation is at war; (b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war; (c) there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security.

He also responded to an X user who asked, “Can the president suspend the governor of a state?” saying, “Simple answer is NO.”

Simple answer is NO https://t.co/DVQrCHQse1

— Bop Daddy (@falzthebahdguy) March 18, 2025

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, Tinubu announced the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He then declared a state of emergency in the state following the prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the state.

Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu stated that the decision was necessary to restore order and prevent further escalation of the crisis.

“We cannot afford to let political instability threaten the peace and governance of Rivers State,” he declared.

ALSO READ: State of Emergency: Tinubu appoints Vice Admiral Ibas as interim governor in Rivers State

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy, Tems, Lojay, and Davido were all nominated for the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Davido and Lojay were nominated for Best R&B Song for their contribution to Chris Brown‘s ‘Sensational’. Also nominated in the category is South African star Tyla for her smash hit ‘Water’.

Grammy winners Burna Boy and Tems were nominated in the World Artist of the Year category. The Nigerian superstars were edged out by Tyla who led the African contingent with three nominations.

The award ceremony was held Monday, March 17 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

See the full winners list below.

Artist of the Year

Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

“Beautiful Things”- Benson Boone

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

Best Collaboration

“Die With a Smile”– Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars

Producer of the Year

Julian Bunetta

Songwriter of the Year

Amy Allen

Pop Song of the Year

“Espresso”– Sabrina Carpenter

Pop Artist of the Year

Sabrina Carpenter

Best New Artist (Pop)

Teddy Swims

Country Song of the Year

“I Had Some Help”– Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen

Country Artist of the Year

Jelly Roll

Best New Artist (Country)

Shaboozey

Hip-Hop Song of the Year

“Not Like Us”– Kendrick Lamar

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year

GloRilla

Best New Artist (Hip-Hop)

BossMan Dlow

R&B Song of the Year

“Made for Me”– Muni Long

R&B Artist of the Year

SZA

Best New Artist (R&B)

4Batz

Alternative Song of the Year

“Too Sweet”- Hozier

Alternative Artist of the Year

Green Day

Best New Artist (Alt and Rock)

Fontaines D.C.

Rock Song of the Year

“A Symptom of Being Human” – Shinedown

Rock Artist of the Year

Shinedown

Dance Song of the Year

“360” – Charli xcx

Dance Artist of the Year

David Guetta

Latin Pop / Urban Song of the Year

“Perro Negro”– Bad Bunny featuring FEID

Latin Pop / Urban Artist of the Year

FEID

Best New Artist (Latin Pop / Urban)

Kapo

Regional Mexican Song of the Year

“Alch Si” – Grupo Frontera and Carin León

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year

Peso Pluma

Best New Artist (Regional Mexican)

Xavi

K-pop Artist of the Year

ATEEZ

K-pop Song of the Year

“Who”- Jimin

Best New Artist (K-pop)

ILLIT

World Artist of the Year

Tyla

Favorite Soundtrack

Wicked

Favorite Broadway Debut

Rachel Zegler – Romeo + Julie

Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge

“GGUM”- Yeonjun (TXT)

Favorite Surprise Guest

Taylor Swift bringing out Travis Kelce

Favorite Tour Tradition

Taylor Swift – Surprise songs

Best Lyrics

“Fortnight” – Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone

Best Music Video

“Fortnight”- Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone

Favorite Tour Style

Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour

Favorite Tour Photographer

Alfredo Flores – Sabrina Carpenter

Favorite On Screen

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) (Taylor Swift)

Album of the Year

Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish

Pop Album of the Year

The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift

Alternative Album of the Year

Clancy – twenty one pilots

Rock Album of the Year

From Zero – Linkin Park

Country Album of the Year

F-1 Trillion – Post Malone

Dance Album of the Year

brat – Charli xcx

K-Pop Album of the Year

Ate – Stray Kids

Hip-hop Album of the Year

We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin

R&B Album of the Year

Coming Home – Usher

Latin Pop/Urban Album of the Year

Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran – Shakira

Regional Mexican Album of the Year

Éxodo – Peso Pluma

Tour of the Century

Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour

Icon Award

Mariah Carey

Innovator Award

Lady Gaga

Label of the Year

Republic Records

Landmark Award

Nelly

Breakthrough Award

Gracie Abrams