Words by Sesan Adeniji

The Nigerian music industry is on its best upward trajectory in modern era. Who would have thought that two major artists (Wande Coal and Mayorkun) will have two separate concerts on the same night, same area and each one of them laughing all the way to the bank.

This December, the long list of shows and the amount of money involved is an indication that the industry is now a multi-billion dollar sector but one major factor that’s instrumental to this success seem to have eluded almost everyone. The explosion in this present day hip-hop influenced industry should be credited to the northern region for producing the music talents and the highest numbers of sales figures that created the foundation for the Nigerian music industry to build on.

Music talents – the first set of performers and entertainers that influenced this hip hop-centric generation were those artists that began their music career from the northern region of Kaduna, Jos and Abuja. Aladin, 2face, Eldee, P-Square, PayBack Tyme affiliates like Six Foot Plus, Modenine and Terry Da Rapman. Also on that list is the likes of Jeremiah Gyang, MI and Ice Prince.

Album Sales –According to record sales from all the major dealers in Alaba market like T-Joe Records, the northern region were the highest buyers of Hip-hop records. The albums made by Modenine, MI, 2Shotz, Nigga Raw, P-Square and Mr Kool sold-out in the north. The Northern influence has dictated the narratives in the industry for decades. Arguably, the northern music aficionados were privileged to see foreign music videos and shows before most regions because they had first hand experience of seeing satellite TV before most states in the country. And because they consumed more of those foreign music influences, they were musically inclined ahead of most.

The newest talent ready to take that dominance further is Kamar Tachio also known as KDboy. This singer, rapper, songwriter and producer from Kaduna State, is one heck of a talent. Gifted with abilities to sing in three different Nigerian languages (Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo), with soulful rhythmic vibe amid strings of guitar undertone from north Africa mashed up with urban afro-highlife tempo from the west and eastern region of the country, this lad knows his onions. This protégée of season four of MTN Project Fame, has worked with the likes of Darey, Leriq, Ice Prince, Pucado, Naeto C and DJ Jimmy Jatt.

While with Aristokrat Records, Kamar was credited with a 10-Tracks EP titled “The Audition” released in 2013. Now he’s the poster child of a new record company called All G Entertainment where he has recorded five singles ‘Lamba’, ‘Kowope’, “Life Goes On”, “Chia’ and “Marry Juana’. Kowope and Lamba are his latest singles gaining traction across radio stations. What makes Kamar unique is his love for the music. His understanding of the ins-and outs of creating great songs that transcends commercialism is one of the key reasons why he’s one of the next northern talent listed to dominate the music industry in the coming months.