Apple Music Celebrates Nigerian Independence With Oshe Naija Campaign

Apple Music is celebrating Nigeria’s Independence Day with a month-long campaign across the service.

Oshe Naija (meaning ‘Thanks Nigeria’ in Yoruba), honours Nigeria’s rich musical history, and pays tribute to the mammoth impact that Nigerian Artists and Creatives are having around the world. 

Oshe Naija features some of the country’s biggest producers and songwriters.

Producers like KDDO (Kiddominant), who produced Davido’s US Gold-certified “Fall”, duo Legendury Beatz, of Wizkid’s “Essence” fame, and Kel-P who was behind Burna Boy’s “On The Low” from his grammy nominated album African Giant, will all be spotlighted for putting Nigeria’s new generation on the musical map.  

The Oshe Naija collection on Apple Music will feature 16 exclusively curated playlists by KDDO (Kiddominant), Legendury Beatz, Kel-P, Spinall, Rexxie, London, Shizzi, Sarz, P.Priime, Tempoe, E Kelly, Speroachbeatzz, Killertunes, Pheelz, Spax and Young John.

It will also house Artist Essentials, Top Albums, Essential Albums, Naija Video Hits, Naija Risers, and Africa Now Radio hosted by LootLove on Apple Music 1.

There will also be a genre spotlight on Afrobeats, Alte, Street Music, Hip Hop, Afro-fusion and Gospel, as well as a focus on indie labels like DMW, Mavin Records, Starboy, Chocolate City, YBNL Nation and LoveWorld Records.

“This generation of African artists are doing amazingly well. We are the flag bearers of the continent and it’s very important that the world focuses on us as talent because we are the ones waving the flag,” said KDDO (Kiddominant).

“Reminiscing from the 2000’s, the sounds, the styles, the variation of artists and most importantly the widespread use of our songs have been growing exponentially the best way possible and we are just getting started. Coming from where Afrobeats originated and where we have all taken it so far, to me that’s levels!,” Kel-P said.

“These are some of my favorite records that have contributed and are contributing immensely to the spread of Afrobeats around the world. Afrobeats to the world!,” Spinall said.

“These sounds have helped shape the perception of Afrobeats all over the world, and laid the foundation for what we now know as Afrobeats, the global sound,” Rexxie said.

“I chose these particular songs for my Apple Music playlist because they’ve not just inspired me as a producer but also helped pave a way for the globalisation of Nigerian music and the younger generation of musicians like me. Also there are a lot of new and exciting talents coming up so I’ve selected a few artists that I think will be the next to break through in Nigeria and beyond,” London said.

“Not only are these songs for my Apple Music playlist massive hits but they became the blueprint and defining sounds that helped shape and grow the Afrobeats genre and culture as it continues to go mainstream and gain worldwide appeal,” Shizzi said.

“My Apple Music playlist includes some songs in my opinion that shaped what Afrobeats is today. Really excited for the future of this genre,” Sarz said.

“These masterpieces for my Apple Music playlist, changed the game for me and put Afrobeats on the global map,” P-Priime said.

“These songs for my Apple Music playlist represent significant times in Afrobeats as a genre and Nigerian music as a whole. It bridged the gap and has solidified our people in global entertainment decisions and conversations. It’s our time!,” Tempoe said.

“This Apple Music playlist is a reflection of my personality and music taste. A touch of R&B and Afro-soul, mostly mid-tempo records. Nigerian Musicians Have an edge with catchy tunes, lyrics & infectious vibes. We also have the best Producers in the continent. Afrobeats is here to stay. Naija to the world,” E Kelly said.

“I chose the tracks for my Apple Music playlist because I feel they are endless and timeless – the melodies, lyrics and style are forever!,” Speroachbeatzz said.

“I chose these songs for my Apple Music playlist because the creators and musicians behind these records have done so much for the exportation of African arts and music in a few years. They’ve done more for the arts and the country’s image than our governments ever could,” Killertunes said.

“I chose these songs for my Apple Music playlist, to celebrate Nigeria with because they stem from the past and present. Capturing Afrobeats monumentally, everything that makes it more refined and expensive. They show how far we’ve come sonically, as African musicians, and how much we’ve achieved as a people. These songs make me proud to be Nigerian,” Pheelz said.

“Most of these songs for my Apple Music playlist are responsible for the range you hear in Afrobeats today!,” Spax said.

“These songs I have chosen for my Apple Music playlist are personal favourites from what I believe to be the new sound of Nigeria. And thus, the perfect collection to celebrate Nigeria with this year!,” Young Jonn said.

As part of the celebration, Apple Music has released the top Nigerian artists and songs on the platform since its launch over 6 years ago.

Most Streamed Nigerian Artists in Nigeria

1. Burna Boy

2. Wizkid

3. Davido

4. Olamide

5. Fireboy DML

6. Omah Lay

7. Naira Marley

8. Joeboy

9. Kizz Daniel

10. Bella Shmurda

Most Streamed Nigerian Songs in Nigeria

1. Omah Lay – “Bad Influence”

2. Wizkid feat. Burna Boy – “Ginger”

3. Olamide feat. Omah Lay – “Infinity”

4. Wizkid feat. Tems – “Essence”

5. Ruger – “Bounce”

6. Davido feat. Mayorkun – “The Best”

7.Burna Boy – “Way Too Big”

8. Bella Shmurda, Zlatan & Lincoln – “Cash App”

9. Burna Boy – “23”

10. Davido – “FEM”

In addition to this, Shazam has also released the Most Shazamed Nigerian artists and songs of all-time. Davido takes the top artist spot while “Big Thug Boys” by AV has been named as the most Shazamed song.

All-Time Most Shazamed Nigerian artists in Nigeria

1. Davido

2. Wizkid

3. Burna Boy

4. Olamide

5. Omah Lay

6. Fireboy DML

7. Kizz Daniel

8. Naira Marley

9. Mayorkun

10. Bella Shmurda

All-Time Most Shazamed Nigerian tracks in Nigeria

1. “Big Thug Boys” – AV

2. “Bounce” – Ruger

3. “Feeling” – LADIPOE & Buju

4. “Cash App” – Bella Shmurda, Zlatan & Lincoln

5. “Bad Influence” – Omah Lay

6. “Mad” – Sarz & WurlD

7. “Medicine” – Jaywillz

8. “Infinity” – Olamide Feat. Omah Lay

9. “In My Maserati” – Olakira

10. “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” Rexxie & MohBad.

Apple loves music. With iPod and iTunes, Apple revolutionized the music experience by putting a thousand songs in your pocket.

Today, Apple Music takes this to the ultimate with over 75 million songs, thousands of playlists, and daily selections from the world’s best music experts, including all of the artists and hosts broadcasting daily across its Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country global live streams.

Since 2015, Apple Music has welcomed tens of millions of subscribers in 167 countries.

Streaming seamlessly to iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, Apple Watch, iPod touch, CarPlay, popular smart TVs, smart speakers, Android and Windows devices, and online at music.apple.com, Apple Music is the most complete music experience on the planet.

Apple Music offers a free 3-month trial with no commitment and is ad-free.