When hip hop began to spread across the globe in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Nigeria quickly carved its own space within the movement. What started as an underground sound in the streets of Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt has grown into a dominant force in Nigerian popular culture. Today, Afro hip hop and rap enjoy mainstream success, but the journey would not have been possible without the early pioneers who laid the foundation.
One of the first names that comes to mind is Junior and Pretty, the duo who stormed the music scene in the early 1990s with witty rap delivered in pidgin English. Their humorous storytelling made hip hop relatable to everyday Nigerians and earned them a loyal following. Songs like “Monica” became classics that showed rap could thrive in local dialects.
Another strong influence was Plantashun Boiz, made up of 2Baba (then 2Face Idibia), Blackface and Faze. While the group leaned heavily on R&B, their integration of rap and contemporary hip hop sounds pushed the genre into wider acceptance in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They bridged the gap between underground hip hop and commercial appeal.
The Trybesmen, founded by Eldee the Don, were also instrumental. Known as one of the first proper Nigerian hip hop collectives, they fused Western rap with Nigerian slang and rhythms, producing hits like “Shake Bodi.” Their style and confidence opened doors for younger rappers who followed.
No mention of Nigerian hip hop would be complete without Ruggedman. Emerging in the early 2000s, he shook the industry with hard-hitting lyrics and unapologetic criticism of mediocrity in the music scene. Ruggedman’s boldness and lyrical dexterity established him as one of the true forefathers of hardcore rap in Nigeria.
The likes of Mode 9, widely regarded as Nigeria’s rap godfather, further cemented the genre’s credibility. His mastery of lyricism, punchlines and battle rap culture set the standard for many aspiring rappers, even if his style was more underground than commercial. Alongside him, artistes like Eedris Abdulkareem of the Remedies gave Nigerian hip hop a rebellious edge with socially conscious tracks such as “Jaga Jaga.”
These pioneers may not have enjoyed the streaming numbers and global recognition today’s stars receive, but they built the foundation upon which artistes like Olamide, M.I Abaga, Phyno, Falz and others stand. From introducing pidgin rap to infusing local languages and addressing social issues, they shaped Nigerian hip hop into a unique sound that reflects the country’s identity.
Looking back, the efforts of these trailblazers were more than music. They created a cultural movement, one that gave Nigerian youths a voice and a rhythm that still echoes loudly today.