Edo Boys Are Killing It On The Afrobeats Scene

Edo Boys have been at the forefront of several Nigeria monumental music achievements from time immemorial. In the past, one could argue that these cult heroes and superstars did not get as many cover stories (which they rightfully deserved). Nevertheless, they have been amongst the most influential music icons on the local scene and held their own amidst the legends that led the way for the global recognition of Nigerian music (Afrobeats).

With every remarkable tale of King Sunny Ade from the West, Dan Maraya Jos from the North, and Osita Osadebe from the East, one could match those with the unbelievable achievements of Edo Boys like Sonny Okosun (the pan-Africanist / Ozzidi king) and the Guitar Boy, Sir Victor Uwaifo (Joromi crooner, the first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria). The era with the captivating story of Shina Peters from the West, Chris Okotie from the Midwest, and Daniel Wilson from the South also had stunning tales of Edo Boys like Felix Liberty and the music genius, The Rainmaker – Majek Fashek.

Today, with every series of colorful exploits by Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Flavour, Edo Boys like Rema do not just follow suit; they go ahead to set new records. In an era where Davido and Ckay’s music continues to set the Western world on fire, Edo Boys like Goya Menor also took the global music industry by storm with his Ameno Amapiano Remix (You Wanna Bambam). In the past, Edo Boys like King Wadada made us sing along to the smash hit Holy Holy. Today, with Johnny Drille and Shallipopi, we haven’t deserted that choir. Can I hear you sing, “Inside that your Evian so, another Evian dey inside. (smiles)

One notable unique feature of the Edo Boys’ prominence in the mainstream is how some of these new artists have remixed their iconic traditional highlife songs to gain traction with screenagers on TikTok and Instagram. Slizzy E‘s “Senior” is a testament to that. Shallipopi’s “Obapluto” also comes to mind despite the song’s ongoing litigation.

Edo boys like Andre Vibez, producer of Rema’s “Calm Down” and Ayra Starr’s “Rush”, and Director ABD, director of Goya Menor’s “Brotherman” video, are also pulling the strings behind the scenes. Honestly, the Edo Boys are killing it on the Afrobeats scene.