We assembled a list of
Nigerian contemporary artist some years back on this blog, which saw some bit
of criticism and thumbs up. We are back on this one for 2014, but this is far
more than just Nigerian contemporary artists but those that have taken the step
a bit further. Here is an updated list
of Nigerian rock bands , they’ve all been doing pretty well, written great and
better songs with lyrical depth than those in “Niaja Jamz &
Dancehall”(Wonder if that’s even a genre in music), graced lots of stages and
their songs have seen quite unfortunately, minimal airplay. We hope that radio
stations will give them a run for their hardwork with more airplay and
acknowledgement. Here are they:
FOOTPRINT5
Ever since the release of
their E.P. of two songs, “Need” and the awesome cover of Hillsongs United
“Mighty to Save”, the five man band, Footprint5 have been a really wonderful
and great band every Nigerian rock fan should raise the rock sign for. The
House on the Rock, Benin rockers has been touring virtually every HOTR branch
church but they are yet to climb a stage in Enugu branch – which I hope they do
soon. Though, their vocals may not seem to be there yet in live performances,
as we’ve gathered from a very reliable source and a good friend from their
visit in Port Harcourt but their guitar skills is jaw dropping. They are
currently working on their Album to be released later this year
www.facebook.com/footprintfive.rock
ONE LAST AUTOGRAPH
There is one thought that
should keep the Nigerian rock fan overwhelmed and enthusiastic, which is the
beautiful names these rock bands pick for themselves. Little is known about
this band but provided it’s a rock band and they are Nigerians. What the heck?
They are ours and deserve a place here. It is also exciting to know that these
guys are working on a single which has been completed as at the time of writing
this and will be released soon.
www.twitter.com/1lastautograph
ZAINAB SULE
The self proclaimed queen
of Nigerian soft rock. Yeah you heard that right and it’s a well deserved
title. Rocking all the way from the capital city, Abuja she has been in the
game for as long as say 20.........and…”I don forget o” but hey! She is as
great in personality as her music is. She has toured and played in lots of
concert both local and foreign and has some wonderful guitar playing tricks
under her fingers.
www.twitter.com/zainabsule
THE RISING RAIN
After their #LoveRocks2014
Valentine concert, they’ve been so much anticipation about their second E.P.
which was announced even before the concert. We’ve anticipated to an extent, we
individually “decipated” are they boiling or cooking stone in the studio? Na
waoh!! Well we recently confirmed that the E.P. titled #TheNewBeginning is
ready and we will be teased soon with a release of a rehearsal cover version of
Uncharted by Sara Bareilles before the real thing hits us. We just can’t wait
as they are the only full setup band out there in Nigeria, that’s a Christian
but not a Gospel band. (Meaning – Their members are all Christians but their
songs are not gospel songs like that of Hillsong, Footprint5, Newsboys etc) We
had to add that for those who can’t differentiate between the two.
www.purevolme.com/therisingrain
VIVEEYAN
She is a singer,
songwriter and a 400 level law student of the University of Ibadan. She does
(types reluctantly)…RnB, Pop, (types enthusiastically) country, alternative and
rock music. Jack of all trade you’d say but atleast “Naija Jams” is not
included. She recently did a cover of “Let Her Go” by Passenger and “Dark Horse” by
Katy Perry. Her vocal texture can make a stoned-hearted dude fall in love
again. Go check her out.
CLAY
If the guys are not
careful in this business, they will be thrown off the cliff by these ladies.
This is another lady her vocal texture and diction can keep you stuck to your
music device. She is more of a pop rock artist – a Katy Perry kind of artist.
It may seem like a cliché but they sound similar even as she claims to be more
punk than pop. She has played in lots of concerts already and she is a joy to
watch.
PHRANCE
This gospel rocker hit the
Nigerian rock scene with his single “Ocho”, though not his first release but
Ocho went mad on social media for weeks and attracted to him even more fans. The
South-South born rock is another dude with great songwriting skills who is working
really hard to get to the top.
THREASTONE
If you think you are a
Nigerian and claim to be a rock fan and you don’t know these guys, my brother,
you are a learner. They are the only band to have released a full album, signed
to a major record label(Loopy Music), and won lots of awards to complement
their hardwork. We came across them some
time ago at RCCG, their performance was electrifying. These gospel rocking
artists paved the way for our generation of rockers after ROOFTOP MC.
Currently working on their
second album, which we think is their reason for not been socializing much with
their fans on social media (which is not a reasonable excuse anyway), we hope
to see more and better of these top rocking dudes.
IYKE ONKA
Oga boss, where have you
been since o? After he released his first album, signed to a foreign based
record label, we have not heard from the record producer, song writer, and
multi – instrumentalist for a while now.
Did he go AWOL? We don’t know. We hope that whatever has kept him in whatever/
wherever he is, better be good or should let him go, because we need him and
his soul-lifting songs.
XTSAMURAI
This rocker has released
about 3 great songs and has graced many stages with his magical fingers in
Nigeria. He has worked and shared same stage with the likes of Florocka, Ese
Peters, Threadstone, etc. He has an upcoming concert on the 27th of
September, 2014 with other rockers in lagos. We hope we’ve picked out tickets.
Of all his songs, his greatest is the Shine in my light featuring Florocka. Give
it a listen.
RICHEEE RAWK
Richard Juwah aka Richee
Rawk is a former founding member of the now defunct Nigerian rock band,
Blacsmith. He released an E.P. titled “demigod of Rock”. He will be performing
his song “Tribute to an African lady” in the upcoming rock concert with
XTsamurai.
PEACE DOUGLAS
Peace Ufuoma Douglas, a
native of Delta State is a hard rocker and has released two singles the second
being the politically inclined “Stop Corruption” which talks about politicians
and their corruption. We hope to see more of her in the future though as little
is known about her or seen.
FLOROCKA
From his name alone, we
should know what a hard rocking dude he should be. A gospel rocker and
presumable one the very best there is. The multi – instrumentalist, singer,
Songwriter and record producer is a sure joy to watch sing or play. His power
inspiring songs always, will take you deep into worship.
NATHMAC:
Nathmac is an alternative rock artiste,that started in lagos
nigeria in 2010,he has performed with fellow rock artistes like
clay,threadstones,footprint5,and other fantstic nigerian rock artiste.He is set
to release his acoustic EP, titled DIARY OF A WANDERER.
