Abuja music scene: Meet musicians that make Abuja thick

The beautiful city of Abuja is no doubt blessed with a plethora of entertainment activi­ties and a good number of entertainment personalities that make them happen. The activities of this industry cannot be complete in whatever form without music and mu­sicians and in this regard, Abuja is richly blessed. Ranging from the old to the younger generation of musicians, Abuja stands out in abundant talents.
In the last 15 years, the music industry in the fledging capital city, steadily grew from one stage to the other, making Abuja a major force in the industry. This has not come without the contributions and sacrifices of some talented individuals. Showbeats, brings you a list of some of these talents:
FUNKIEST MALAM
Ibrahim Baba Ahmed, is one of the earliest hip-hop singers in the Hausa dialect. Funkiest Malam, as he is popularly known, is a celebrated artiste from Adamawa State, but based in Abuja.
He started out as a theatre art practitioner in Adamawa, and later delved into music. This youthful music artiste once said that he felt that the Yola became too small for his music, and in 1999 moved into the FCT and this has enhanced his career prospects in the entertainment industry. His greatest asset is his comical presentation of beautiful lyrics and out­standing stage presence.
Funkiest Malam has performed at several musical big stages especially at political events for Governors and sever­al other high profile personalities in the North who appreci­ate his beautiful combination of music and comedy. His role at the historic musical show Battle of hope, which featured some American music icons like DMX, Ashanti, Jermain Jackson, Evander Hollyfield, amongst others, stands out.
Notable among his numerous tracks is ‘End of Discus­sion’. Funkiest is said to have concluded work on his latest album titled “Bilkisu”, which is due for release before the end the year.
QUEEN JULIETTA
 Queen Julietta aka Queen of Pop, CEO Diamond Music Entertainment CEO. Julietta Magazine performing and recording artiste, song writer, producer, actor, philanthropist and entertain­ment entrepreneur.
Queen Julietta is a Nigerian/Italian pop artist, popularly known internationally in the early 2000s as Queen of Pop Music due to her amazing tunes since her first album was recorded and released in Germany.
She is also the founder of I Rep Diamond Ent. {Talent Hunt Competition}. Also, founder of All Female Event, La­dies Run Things and Next Female Artiste.
She started as an entertainment entrepreneur in Abuja since 1996 and has been running her company, Diamond Music Entertainment since then. She is a former Chairman of PMAN-FCT chapter. Over the years, Julietta’s Diamond Band has been on permanent stand at the exclusive Capital Bar at the Transcorp Hilton Hotels and at some other exclu­sive hangouts within the city.
SIXFOOTPLUS
Alfred Atungu, is another top rapper in this genre of music. Highly talented and mostly under celebrated. This theatre arts gradu­ate of the prestigious University of Nigeria (UNN), is a consumate entertainer.
He took the Nigeria music industry by storm in the early 2000’s with his hit track ‘Anuli’ which received numerous air play in top radio and TV stations across the country. This Benue State-born musician, followed up with several other successful singles like ‘E Don Do Me’ and ‘Abuja Rocks’, all of which received major in­dustry reviews and accolades.
Sixfootplus, has mentored a lot of music actors into greatness. A perfect gentleman and a show stopper, his absence in the music scene for some time is a source of worry for his numerous fans who are hoping he could motivate and re-engineer the Abuja music scene, which is seriously losing the shine to their Lagos coun­terparts.


JEREMIAH GYANG
Jeremiah Gyang is a popular gospel hip-hop musician. He is the pioneer artiste in the now popular Chocolate City Label, before the ad­vent of the ‘three musketeers’ of Ice Prince, MI and Jessy Jagz.
He came up with the hit single ‘Na Ba Ka’ and several other hit tracks with which he invaded the consciousness of his fans. This Jos-brought up ar­tiste has no doubt been silent in the music scene for a very long time, to which recently, an online platform is assisting him make a return.
He had done a special song recently for his wife titled ‘Ladi’s Song’, the wife’s name being Ladi, in celebration of their 5th year anniversary. Analysts conclude the song is so romantic. This is another Abuja based Northern music icon that is at the forefront of promoting the Hausa dialect that fans are eager to hear from.

BABA 2010
Omenuwoma Okson Dovie, also known as Baba 2010, CEO of Dovie Sounds is among the earliest musicians to establish a musical presence in the Federal Capi­tal Territory (FCT). His regular live shows across nite clubs in Abuja became a breeding point for up-and-coming musicians.
Baba 2010 was in the news recently over his copyright infringement case with telecommunica­tion giant, MTN, allegedly for using several of his hit songs as ring tone without his consent.
A former PMAN Chairman in FCT, his role at establishing the local music industry in Abuja and environs cannot be overemphasized.
His debut studio album titled “Twisted” pro­vided several interesting tracks including the ones currently being used by MTN aas signature tune. He recently completed work on his new album title “Tile” and is expected to be releases any time soon.
The history of music and musicians in Abuja will be incomplete without a place for Baba 2010.
MORELL
Musa Akila, popularly called Morell, became popular after he released his single ‘anti-social’, featuring Ol­amide. Born in Bauchi State but an indigine of Borno State.
He raps and sings and has done collaborations with Naeto C, Ruggedman, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Phyno, MI, Vector, with performances alongside international stars, Sean Kingston and Kanye West. A graduate of the University of Maiduguri, some of his recent works include: ‘Aure’ and ‘Ba wani Bugatti’. His hit track in Hausa dialect is GANGA DA GARAYA.
Morell, a graduate of creative art is currently based in Lagos and is one of the artistes to watch in the coming year for afro hip-hop and rap in the indigenous dialect genre.
Morell’s latest work titled Musa is coming is currently one of the highly anticipated works in the industry.