By Taiwo Okanlawon
Port Harcourt, a city known for producing some of Nigeria’s biggest music exports—including Burna Boy and Duncan Mighty—continues to be a breeding ground for new and exciting musical talents. In 2024, a fresh wave of artists from the city is making waves and redefining the sound of Nigerian music, blending Afrobeats, highlife, street-hop, and more.
Here are 10 Port Harcourt artistes pushing the boundaries in 2024:
1. POS
One of the most exciting new acts from Port Harcourt, POS has gained national recognition with his hit single Wyn, which debuted on the Spotify Viral Top 50 and took social media by storm. With a unique blend of Afropop, high-energy street vibes, and deep lyricism, POS is establishing himself as a force to watch in the Nigerian music industry.
2. 1da Banton
Known for his ability to fuse Afro-dancehall with contemporary Afrobeats, 1da Banton has been a consistent hitmaker. Following the massive success of “No Wahala”, he continues to push the boundaries with genre-blending sounds and international collaborations. His influence in shaping Port Harcourt’s music scene remains undeniable.
3. Ajebo Hustlers
Ajebo Hustlers have carved out a niche with their conscious lyrics, street-savvy flow, and Afro-fusion sound. The duo remains one of the most influential acts from Port Harcourt, consistently delivering socially aware and sonically rich music. Their 2024 releases further cement their status as one of Nigeria’s most unique musical duos.
4. Dandizzy
Dandizzy is known for his exceptional freestyle skills and sharp lyricism. A pioneer in Port Harcourt’s rap scene, he seamlessly blends hip-hop with Afrobeats, earning him a dedicated following. His ability to connect with fans through raw storytelling and energetic performances continues to push the boundaries of rap music in Nigeria.
5. Kodo Pearl
One of the fastest-rising female artists from Port Harcourt, Kodo Pearl is gaining attention for her soulful voice and deeply emotive music. Her songs explore themes of struggle, love, and resilience, making her one of the most promising acts to emerge from the city in recent years.
6. Siki
Siki embodies the raw and authentic energy of Port Harcourt’s music scene. His ability to fuse street-hop, Afropop, and indigenous rhythms has earned him a reputation as one of the city’s most promising new acts.
7. Young Stunna
Young Stunna is pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and Afrobeats, blending the two genres effortlessly. His sound reflects the evolving musical landscape of Port Harcourt, and he continues to gain traction across streaming platforms.
8. Legendary Suni
Known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt songwriting, Legendary Suni is making a name for himself as one of Port Harcourt’s most talented R&B-influenced artists. His music blends Afrobeats with elements of neo-soul, giving him a distinct sound.
9. Dr Barz
Dr Barz is one of Port Harcourt’s most versatile lyricists, blending hip-hop, spoken word, and Afrobeats. He is known for his storytelling ability and lyrical dexterity, making him a standout voice from the city.
10. Eli Jae
Eli Jae is an experimental artist who merges traditional African rhythms with futuristic sounds. His music is known for its deep messages, making him a unique force in the Port Harcourt music scene.
Port Harcourt continues to produce genre-defining talents who push the limits of Afrobeats, hip-hop, dancehall, and more. These artists are at the forefront of a new musical revolution, shaping the future of Nigerian music on both local and global stages.