Nigeria’s music industry has been making waves worldwide, with musicians achieving incredible milestones and earning international acclaim. Let’s explore the dominant personalities behind this musical movement and why they are considered the King and Queen of Music in Nigeria.
Burna Boy: The African Giant & King of Music in Nigeria
Known as the “African Giant,” Burna Boy has played a pivotal role in bringing Afrobeat to the global stage. His Grammy-nominated 2019 album, African Giant, set the foundation for his continued success.
In 2021, Burna Boy made history by winning the Grammy for Best Global Music Album with his fifth studio album, Twice as Tall. His influence expanded when he became the first African performer at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show by Pepsi in 2023.
Additionally, he made history by selling out a stadium performance at Citi Field in New York, a first for a Nigerian artist. Burna Boy’s consistent contributions have earned him multiple Grammy nominations, making him the most nominated Nigerian musician in Grammy history.
With 11 Grammy nominations over six consecutive years (2020-2025), he became the first African artist to achieve this remarkable feat. His hit song Higher was also nominated in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards, reinforcing his legacy as a pioneer of African music globally.
Albums like African Giant, Twice as Tall, and Love, Damini have amassed billions of streams on Spotify and Apple Music, cementing Burna Boy’s dominance on international streaming platforms.
His seventh studio album, I Told Them, released on August 25, 2023, was a massive success. It debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, making Burna Boy the first African artist to achieve this milestone. The album also produced multiple UK charting singles, including:
- Sittin’ on Top of the World (36)
- Big 7 (53)
- Cheat on Me (19)
- City Boys (14)
Further solidifying his global appeal, Burna Boy collaborated with Coldplay, Tini, Elyanna, and Little Simz in March 2025 on the song We Pray, which reached No. 1 on the LOS40 chart.
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Tems: The Soaring Songstress & Queen of Music Nigeria
Tems has quickly risen to prominence due to her distinctive style and powerful voice, captivating audiences worldwide. Her chart-topping collaboration with Wizkid on Essence earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance.
In 2024, she released her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, which received critical acclaim and achieved global chart success. Among her standout achievements is winning a Grammy for Best African Music Performance, making her the first Nigerian female artist to win multiple Grammys.
Tems led the 67th Grammy Awards with three nominations in different categories:
- Best Global Music Album – Born in the Wild
- Best African Music Performance – Love Me Jeje
- Best R&B Song – Burning
These nominations brought her total Grammy nods to eight, highlighting the international impact of Nigerian music.
Why Burna Boy & Tems Are the King & Queen of Music in Nigeria
Burna Boy and Tems hold the titles of King & Queen of Music in Nigeria based on their Grammy wins, global influence, record-breaking performances, streaming numbers, and industry impact. Their ability to elevate Nigerian music on the world stage sets them apart from their peers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the King and Queen of Music in Nigeria
Q1: Who is considered the king of music in Nigeria?
A1: Burna Boy is often regarded as the king of Nigerian music due to his international success, including multiple Grammy nominations and a Best Global Music Album win.
Q2: Who is the queen of music in Nigeria?
A2: Tems has emerged as the queen of Nigerian music, achieving significant milestones such as winning a Grammy Award and gaining international recognition for her unique sound.
Q3: What genre of music is Burna Boy known for?
A3: Burna Boy is renowned for his Afrobeat style, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds to create a unique musical experience.
Q4: What are some of Tems’ notable achievements?
A4: Tems has won a Grammy Award, collaborated with international artists like Wizkid and Drake, and had her music top various global charts.
Q5: How has Nigerian music impacted the global scene?
A5: Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeat, has significantly influenced the global music industry, with artists like Burna Boy and Tems leading the charge and gaining international acclaim.
Q6: Which Nigerian artist won the Grammy Award in 2025?
A6: For the first time, a Nigerian artist has won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance. Tems clinched the award in a category dominated by Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy and Asake.
