Nigeria has a rich and diverse music history that is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural traditions and influences from various parts of the world. Here is a brief overview of Nigerian music history:

1. Pre-Colonial Era: Nigerian music before the arrival of European colonizers was dominated by traditional music styles such as Juju, Apala, Sakara, and Highlife. These styles were performed at cultural and religious events and often featured traditional instruments like the talking drum, shekere, and kalangu.
2. Colonial Era: The introduction of European musical instruments and styles such as the guitar, accordion, and brass bands began to influence Nigerian music during the colonial period. This led to the emergence of new genres such as Jùjú music, which fused traditional rhythms with Western instrumentation.
3. Independence Era: After gaining independence in 1960, Nigerian music continued to evolve with the emergence of new styles like Highlife, Afrobeat, and Fuji. Highlife music, which originated in Ghana, became popular in Nigeria and was characterized by its use of brass instruments and jazz-influenced rhythms.
4. 1970s-1990s: The 1970s saw the rise of Afrobeat, a genre created by Fela Kuti that blended West African rhythms with jazz and funk. Other popular genres during this time included Juju, Apala, and Fuji, which incorporated traditional Nigerian music styles with modern instrumentation.
5. 2000s-Present: Nigerian music has continued to evolve and gain international recognition with the rise of genres such as Afropop, which blends African rhythms with contemporary pop music. Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have gained global popularity and have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian music industry.

In summary, Nigerian music has a rich and diverse history that has been shaped by cultural traditions and influences from various parts of the world. From traditional music styles to modern genres like Afropop, Nigerian music has continued to evolve and gain recognition both locally and internationally.

Here are five Nigerian artists who were gaining popularity and making waves at that time:

1. Omah Lay – Omah Lay is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who gained prominence in 2020 with his debut EP “Get Layd.” He has a unique sound that fuses Afrobeat and R&B, and his music has garnered him a huge following both in Nigeria and abroad.
2. Tems – Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her unique style and soulful voice have earned her a place in the hearts of many music lovers. She gained more recognition after featuring on Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2020.
3. Oxlade – Oxlade is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who rose to prominence with his hit single “Away” in 2019. His unique blend of Afrobeat and R&B has made him a fan favorite, and he has collaborated with several top artists in the industry.
4. Bella Shmurda – Bella Shmurda is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who gained popularity with his hit single “Vision 2020” in 2019. His music blends Afrobeat, pop, and highlife, and he has since released several hit singles and collaborations.
5. CKay – CKay is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has been making waves in the industry since 2017. He is known for his unique blend of Afrobeat, pop, and R&B, and has collaborated with several top artists in the industry.