5 Nigerian Musicians Who Flopped After One Hit

In Nigeria’s music scene, one hit can launch you into stardom overnight. But sustaining that momentum? That’s the real challenge. 

Over the years, the industry has seen artists rise from nowhere with chart-topping songs, only to disappear just as quickly as they came. While some reinvent themselves or quietly transition into other roles in entertainment, others struggle to replicate that initial magic.

Here are some Nigerian musicians who once had the whole country vibing to their sound but couldn’t keep the flame burning.

Slimcase – “Shaku Shaku”

Slimcase, real name Oluwafemi Oladapo, became a street music sensation around 2018 with the viral “Shaku Shaku” wave. His energy, slang-heavy lyrics, and hype-man delivery made him the face of the street-hop movement. From featuring on hits like 

“Shepeteri” to working with the likes of Wizkid and D’banj, Slimcase was everywhere.

But after the “Shaku Shaku” dance craze died down, so did his popularity. His later songs never quite caught on, and it became clear that Slimcase’s rise was tied more to the dance trend than long-term artistry.

Danny Young – “Welcome”

Danny Young made serious waves in the early 2000s with his song “Welcome,” blending Yoruba rap with commercial beats. At the time, the track was fresh, danceable, and very catchy. But even though Danny had the voice and charisma, he never managed to follow up with anything close to that success.

Despite claiming impressive album sales and returning with songs every few years, his name faded from mainstream music circles. Today, he’s remembered more for his early spark than any musical growth afterward.

Blackface – “Hard Life”

Blackface’s place in Nigerian music history is solid, thanks to his role in the legendary Plantashun Boyz group with 2Baba and Faze. However, as a solo artist, the only track that came close to making waves was “Hard Life,” a socially conscious tune with a reggae vibe.

Since then, Blackface has been in the news more for controversies than music, especially his long-standing dispute with 2Baba over song rights. Despite putting out albums and maintaining that he was the true pioneer of certain sounds, the public didn’t buy in. His music didn’t stick, and the fame from his Plantashun Boyz days gradually wore off.

Humblesmith – “Osinachi”

When “Osinachi” dropped in 2015, it felt like a cultural reset. Humblesmith’s voice was powerful, the production was rich, and the remix with Davido gave it even more weight. 

The song touched on faith, hustle, and family, striking a chord with Nigerians at home and abroad.

But lightning didn’t strike twice. Humblesmith released a few singles and even an album, but none of them matched the emotional weight or success of “Osinachi.” He later opened up about struggles with management, royalties, and low motivation, which might explain why we haven’t heard much from him since.

Viktoh – “Skibi Dat”

Viktoh was one of the early signees under Olamide’s YBNL label, and in 2018, “Skibi Dat” got him a bit of attention. Though the song had some airplay, it didn’t quite push him into the big leagues. Still, many thought he had potential.

Sadly, Viktoh’s career never really took off. His later releases didn’t perform well, and he began to fade from the spotlight. 

Even his once-strong link to YBNL didn’t help reignite interest. Today, he’s largely forgotten in the conversation about new-gen Afrobeats stars.