5 New Naija Music Divas Making Waves

Lately, many talented female artistes are storming the Nigerian music scene daily, and giving the male folks a run for their money. In this special feature, ACADA Magazine throws her searchlight on 5 fresh music divas that are currently rocking the airwaves with various hit tunes and are also favourites at gigs and shows. 

Toby Grey the ‘Gbona’ Diva 

Toby Grey is a Nigerian female artist from Osun State, South West Nigeria who came into spotlight after doing a cover to Kiss Daniel’s hit single ‘Woju’, she called hers ‘Gboju’ a decision which didn’t come through without meeting several criticisms.
The sexy diva and University of Lagos French Language undergraduate, has since looked beyond critics and moved on to release other wonderful singles amongst which ‘Gbalowo e’ “Omoolope’ and ‘Gbona’, the later produced by Fliptyce and the video directed by MEX.
Toby Grey’s ‘Gbona’ single is currently enjoying airplay both on radio and TV, and her songs are influenced by the likes of Asa, Nneka, Leona Lewis and Ciara.

D’ija the Mavin Baby Girl

D’ija born Hadiza Blell to a Sierra-Leonean father and a Nigerian mother is a singer, visual artist, fashion designer and songwriter. She came into spotlight after dropping a single ‘Rock Steady’ in 2009 which was nominated for the Best Urban/R&B Single at the 2009 Canadian radio Music Awards.
The Mavin Records signed artiste who lived her formative years in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Canada and the United States, has some singles like ‘Hold On (Ba Damuwa)’ and ‘How Can We Be Friends’ released in 2012. Then on St. Valentine’s Day in 2014, the Mavin Record boss Don Jazzy announced the inclusion of D’ija to the label.
Dropped an official single ‘Yaro’ under the Mavin, ‘Yaro’ is a song that infuses Sierra Leone Krio and Nigeria Hausa dialects sending the message of a celebration of love and commitment against all odds. Di'Ja also featured on the popular ‘Dorobucci’ by Mavin All Stars; Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince, Korede Bello and Reekado Banks. The single raked well over 12 million downloads since its release in 2014. She featured on ‘Arise’ alongside Don Jazzy and Reekado Banks.
In 2015 she dropped ‘Looku Looku’ and just dropped a fresh tune featuring reggae sensation, Patoranking, on the song’ Falling for You’ She’s got her distinct vocals on point as the song is already enjoying rotations on air.
D’ija’s not just passionate about music but also committed to academics, she holds a double degree in Biology and Psychology.

Simi another Asa in the Making

Christened Simisola Ogunleye, called Simi in the entertainment industry is no longer new to the industry because she started off early at age 10, singing and dancing as a teenager in her church choir. In 2008, she launched a debut album produced by Samklef with tracks like ‘Ara Ile’, ‘Ogaju’, ‘Iya Temi’ and others.
                                                                                                                                                                      In 2013 she signed a production contract with Oscar Music Production, after which they both nurtured and created a fresh and genius direction to her sound, style and music in its entirety. Via this platform, she eventually got signed to X3M Music, the Lagos-based record label which is home to Nigerian R&B sensation Praiz.
After getting signed to X3M Music Simi went on to release ‘Tiff’ and ‘E No Go’ to the public, months later she dropped ‘Jamb Question’; a mid-tempo afro-pop tune where Simi displayed her fantastic vocals on the melodious instrumentals. ‘E No Go Funny’ is a contemporary Pop club joint, infused with local drums and congas.

Simi a graduate Mass Communications of Covenant University was nominated in the Most Promising Acts Category at the 10th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015. She’s presently in a relationship with ‘Orente’ crooner Adekunle Gold. 

Cynthia Morgan the Sexy Diva 

Cynthia Ikponmwenosa Morgan a Nigerian songwriter and singer popularly known by the stage name Cynthia Morgan was born in the early 1990s. She grew around musicians from church choir to a backup singer for her mum’s musical band; she also led her school choir in secondary school. Her music is a fusion of pop, hip hop, dancehall and rap. She was shot into limelight following the release of her singles ‘Don't Break My Heart’ and ‘Lead Me On’, both of which received significant airplay.

Cynthia Morgan started composing at the age of seven. She recorded her debut single which featured General Pype ‘Dutty Stepping’ at the age of sixteen which got several airplay and reviews on local radio stations in Benin. She later moved to Lagos, the entertainment hub of Nigeria in 2008 to pursue a proper music career.
In 2010 she was featured on the Nigeria Entertainment Awards winning track with Jhybo titled ‘Ejo le Fe Ro (Run Dia mouth)’. This song gave her instant recognition and fame nationwide. With a re-brand on her image and sound, she released a single in titled ‘High High High’ and ‘Ojoro’. With the release of these songs, Cynthia Morgan trended worldwide for 10hours and also trended in Nigeria for 48hours on social network site Twitter.
In 2013, Cynthia Morgan signed a recording contract with Northside Entertainment Inc. owned by Jude 'Engees' Okoye, brother to Nigerian pop singers P-Square. Few months later, she released two chart-topping singles ‘Don't Break My Heart’ and ‘Lead Me On’ which got positive reviews from fans; the latter went on to be nominated for Best Reggae/Dancehall Single at The Headies 2014.
With several awards nominations, in 2015, she has dropped singles like ‘German Juice’, ‘Come and Do’ and ‘Simati Niya’ which are currently enjoying airplay as she is working on her debut album. Cynthia Morgan who has worked with the likes of Tha Suspect, Jhybo, Chopstix, Shaydee, Lil Kesh, Illbliss, Chidinma, amongst others is one of the divas making news in the indutry. 

Mz Kiss the Posh Indigenous Rapper

Mz. Kiss is a rapper, singer, songwriter and performer based in Lagos Nigeria. Born Akindele Justina Omowunmi in the early 90, the artistically diverse and engaging femcee hails from Okiti Pupa in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Mz. Kiss started off her music career officially in 2010, when she released her debut song titled ‘You Go Craze’, followed by her ‘Holla At Me’ freestyle. Both songs were independently released and promoted. The songs received positive nods from the media and paved the foundation for her subsequent bangers ‘Figure 8’ and ‘Spatacuz’. The videos for ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Figure 8’ were shot by video director Paul Gambit.

Mz. Kiss caught the eye of Capital Goretti’s top executive Illbliss whom she met during a radio interview at one of the top radio stations in Lagos. He kept an eye open on her consistent growth as a recording artist, and finally made a move to complete her signing to their stable. Her brand New Single ‘Owo Meta is her debut single under the new Capital Goretti imprint, a street rap anthem guaranteed to stir up loads of attention for Mz Kiss.

Mz Kiss who’s influenced by the likes of late Dagrin and other indigenous rappers’ style of rap is indeed a diva to be on the lookout for as she’s focused on a steady rise to the super stardom status.