Besides Lagos, Five Cities You Can make it as an Artiste

By Choice Arukwe

Every artiste dream is to break into the Lagos market, host shows at popular event areas and gets invited to perform at the Nouveau riche weddings. Undoubtedly, Lagos is a boost for every Nigerian artiste, however, there are quite several cities in Nigeria where artistes can grow, nurture their craft and wait for Lagos to knock at their doors.

Some of these cities have produced top artistes that have won many awards while others have produced artistes that have won peoples respect and heart. Here are the five other cities one can grow as an artiste besides Lagos.

1. Enugu

Enugu, popularly called 042 by the locals, is like the Lagos of South East. The city has produced more artistes than most record labels in the South West. Although relatively quiet in the day, at night, it has its own share of hangout for celebrities and other upcoming artistes who look up to them.

042 has produced singers like Flavour N’abania, “Ijele Africa”.  Flavour started in Adoration ministries of Father Mbaka where he played the piano, drums and the guitar. He nurtured his craft in the city and produced his first album which sold at Alaba market Lagos. He perfectly blends highlife with hip-hop and he owes his fame to 042.

Other Artistes that became famous from the streets of Enugu include Phyno, one of the best indigenous rapper in the country right now, Zoro, a protégé of Phyno, Slow Dog, Desperate chicks and their Dat Nigga raw who has retired from the game.

2. Port-Harcourt

Forget about Port-Harcourt’s oil for a moment and remember the artiste the city has produced for more than a decade. Port- Harcourt has been a blessing to many upcoming Nigeria artistes, and the city has never failed to be a delight.

Timaya (the plantain boy) started in Port-Harcourt singing about the 1999 massacre in his Dem mama single which shot him to the limelight. He infused the environment in his art and wowed people and it was from Port Harcourt city that the story of Papichulo began.

Also, Duncan Mighty has lived all his life in Port-Harcourt, releasing albums that contain 22 tracks with no features. The self-acclaimed Port-Harcourt’s first son shot to fame was a surprise. People wondered how these artistes attracted Lagos attention with their craft, but they put talent first before the location.

3. Abuja

Abuja is among Nigeria’s largest cities and just like Lagos, it wears that distinction like a badge of honour. There are big buildings and businesses, high culture and fashion, sophisticated food and drink and of course pretty women too. Because of the diversity of the city, any artiste can blow here before dreaming of moving to Lagos if that is necessary.

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4. Ibadan

Host a talent show in Ibadan and see men and women surprise you with their amazing talents. The city’s population is its biggest attraction. The natives support talent shows but you must endeavour to make sure your audience connects with your music.

5. Jos

Thanks to M.I, Jesse Jags and Ice Prince for letting the World know that from a concrete a flower can bloom. The Choc boys started in Jos, rapping about the city, the hunger people felt and the urgent need for government to intervene.

Even though the city is populated with people who are more focused on business, Jos stands true to the art. Now the choc boys have Blacbonez, Loose Kaynon others.

There are many more Nigerian cities where artistes can blow but before an artiste can achieve fame, there is always a rule, uniqueness and talent must be present first because fake arts never last.

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