For so long Tiwa Savage held sway as Nigeria’s number one female artiste. Not many people would disagree with that.
The only other female artist in the picture at one time, was Yemi Alade. But that didn’t last for long. Of course, Simi, Teni and a couple of others warmed up to the occasion but they never could really bubble over the edge.
Then, Tems and Ayra Starr showed up and the story is never the same. Even Tiwa Savage is nervous and must be working on skates to race free of these two.
Adding to their remarkable growing influence is the recent revelation by global music streaming platform, Spotify, who announced that Ayra Starr and Tems are the most streamed Nigerian artists globally.
Numbers, they say, don’t lie. By Numbers, Tems and Ayra Starr are giving our ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ a run for her money. Tiwa Savage must have been there and done that, and all, these two are catching up fast and may soon have her on the spectators’ stand if “Mummy Jamjam” does not up her game soon enough.
Nonetheless, it would be a hot argument to water down that the trio are not the best Nigeria has to offer, both at home and abroad. And it is not a coincidence that they all have a lot in common. You need what these fantastic ladies have to be extraordinary in the game. First, they are all alluringly beautiful and massively talented.
What have stood them apart and above the reef are a mix of their vocal quality, lyrical depth, sensuality, stagecraft, attitude and more. It is no surprise one bit that they attract international engagements more than any other out of the country because of the allure of these qualities. And by extension, they draw bigger paychecks and performance fees more than others.
Vocal quality
The vocal quality or range of these ladies is awesome. They are the typical nightingale with a soothing and caressing voice that evokes feelings of nostalgia, pleasure and pure bliss. In fact some people have said it is difficult to tell them apart. Only Tems is a bit different with her hoarse edge but all three come through as strong vocalists with an immense range.
Of course, many people would raise Simi in this conversation and they may truly not be off course but Simi isn’t exactly a bundle of tricks on stage or a sensual bolt of electricity as these three when they turn it on.
Lyrical depth
“Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions. Its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries is truly remarkable,” so says Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub- Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu on Wednesday when she announced Tems, Ayra Starr and 28 others as the most streamed artists globally.
Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr and Tems are never short on lyrical content. Their songs are a mixture of “compelling storytelling and innovative sound fusions” which explore relatable themes of love, good times, street vibes and even folklores.
Sensuality
No matter how we look at it, sex sells. In the entertainment space, this is something most people want to see. Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr and Tems are not just naturally beautiful, they ooze some quantum of electricity that leave their audiences in shock of pleasure, gratifying wellbeing and in a trance of affectionate longing.
Stagecraft
None of these three ladies is exactly a Poco Lee on stage. Stagecraft isn’t all about dancing, and most often than not, they have backup dancers to do that for them. But what is unique about the trio is their ability to set alight their endowments to a captivating effect in a most dramatic manner.
Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr take the lead in this regard; their dress sense and style, the sensual rhythmical movements of their body, speak volumes. Tems is also catching up fast, her recent performances are not devoid of some sensual teases and artistry.
[Vanguard]