Nigeria is blessed with an array of talent in the music department, some of which asides their vocals slay with musical instruments such as the guitar, drums and piano.
Asides producers who also work with musical instruments, this list focuses on Nigerian performing artistes who work ‘magic’ on musical instruments which has become more of second nature for them.
In no particular order, check them out:
Fiokee
The recording guitarist has played behind the likes of Adekunle Gold, Simi, Flavour and Tekno. Fiokee who recently floated his label Fiokee records broke out from the Diamonds music group that participated and won the music reality TV show Star Quest, in 2008. The talented act has performed guitar covers of artistes’ songs such as Kiss Daniel's 'Woju' and Tekno’s ‘Duro’.
Aramide
The Headies 2015 Best female vocalist plays the guitar so adorably as you would testify to in her video for ‘Iwo nikan’ her award-winning love song.
Cobhams Asuquo
Safe to say that this man’s lack of physical sight has been a blessing in disguise. With such ears for good sound, he always seems to pull it off on any song he produces with the piano and guitar in the mix – two instruments asides his vocals that makes him a maestro. The gifted act has produced numerous award-winning songs for the likes of Banky W , Asa and Timi Dakolo, while also bagging Best Recording Award for his own song ‘Ordinary People’ at the Headies 2014.
Asa
The soul singer plays the trumpet and guitar, which she’s used in songs of hers like ‘Eyo’, and ‘Fire on the mountain’, complementing her unique smooth vocals.
Nneka
The German-Nigerian singer rocks the guitar so good and owns it in her performances as well as the drums. The Hip hop/soul R&B and Afrobeat artist has that special kind of voice you will find no place else, with the guitar complementing her vocal dexterity.
Sound Sultan
The Naija ninja himself does it so well with the guitar. Driving his music home on the strings rather so effortlessly, Sultan makes it look easy with the music putting out blending great with the string instrument as seen in his popular hits such as ‘Ajo dabi ile’ to his most recent joint ‘Hello baale’.
GT da guitarman
As he aptly puts in his stage name, the former Storm records act’s guitar playing skills is second to none, with his performance in his love number ‘Truly’ coming readily to mind amongst a host of his other guitar assisted songs.
Bez
Amazing act, Bez Idakula born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria is an alternative rock, jazz, soul R&B artist signed to Cobhams Audio Music Productions, who asides his vocal strength plays the piano, percussion and guitar. This is evident in his 2011 album ‘Super Sun’.
Ara
Recognized as the first female talking drummer in Nigeria, Ara is an outstanding musician who has successfully carved a niche for herself. The singer honed her skills from a very tender age through family escapes to traditional, cultural and religious festivals where she picked interest in the talking drum instrument. She has performed for the likes of the Queen of England, Olusegun Obasanjo amongst other prominent personalities. Watch her collaboration with 2baba in ‘Olomi’.
Praiz
The rich and famous superstar works magic on the piano in addition to his super vocals. The X3M music act and award winning singer’s genius fingers can be seen on display in some of his songs like ‘A woman’s need’, ‘Rich and famous’ and ‘I love you’ .