In the vast realm of music and melodies, certain artists possess more extraordinary talent than others. These extraordinary individuals have an uncanny ability to leave an indelible mark on popular culture, and their talent shines brighter than the rest, as well as their style of captivating audiences with their exceptional talent and unbridled passion.

Today, we embark on a thrilling expedition to uncover some of these wave-makers in the music industry who have their roots in Edo State. Brace yourself as we unveil the five hottest artists flying the flag of Edo State, whose creativity and charisma have propelled them to the zenith of musical brilliance. Join us as we explore the sounds and sensations that make these artists trendsetters in their own right.

Below is a list of our picks for the week:

1. Rema

Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, is one the most versatile and multi-talented artists from Edo State. Rema owns one of the most streamed songs currently in Africa, ‘Calm Down remix’, which reached No.3 on the America Billboard Hot 100 and certified platinum in various regions.

Rema rose to fame in 2018 through the hit single ‘Dumbebi’. He is signed to Mavins Record, Jonzing World Record, and Virgin Music.

Born and raised in Ekehuan, Benin City, Rema has an album and multiple EPs (Extended Plays) to his name.

The 23-year-old, who got the attention of Jonzing Record boss D’prince through his wonderful and melodious cover of ‘Gucci Gang’ instrumental, is currently trending with the miraculous track ‘Calm Down remix’, with Selena Gomez blessing the song with her angelic voice. The song is currently at No. 3 on the America Billboard Hot 100, the first in Africa to get there.

2. Santan Dave

David Omoregie, professionally known as Santan Dave, is an English rapper and songwriter who came to limelight with the single ‘Thiago Silver’.

The 25-year-old was born and raised in Angell town, Brixton, but hails from Edo State. He is signed to Warner Chappell, Neighborhood, and has certified two albums and singles to his name, one of which has picked #1 on numerous UK billboard charts. Dave has been nominated 16 times for different awards and won eight out of them.

Earlier this month, he released the song ‘Sprinter’ which featured famous UK rapper Central C and followed up with their collaborative EP ‘Split Decision’ a few days after. Sprinter hit #1 on the UK singles chart, giving Dave his third number-one singles on chart.

3. Johnny Drille

Benin City, Edo State-born John Ighodaro recently became the talk of the moment after dropping the super melodious singles ‘Believe Me’ and ‘Are you my friend’. Both songs trended on TikTok for weeks.

Johnny Drille, as he is professionally known, is a renowned singer, songwriter, record producer, and one of the best Alternative Rock artists to come out of Edo State.

The 32-year-old, whom some fans claim that he used to live in a street called St. Saviour, off Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City, is signed to Mavins Record, a record label filled with amazing talents. He has an album to his name with singles as well. Drille has worked with numerous artists in the music industry like Ninola, Don Jazzy, and so on.

4. Cruel Santino

Dubai-Lagos-based talented sensational singer, songwriter, rapper, video director, and filmmaker, Osayada Andrew Ize-Iyamu, professionally called Cruel Santino, was born and raised in Ikeja, Lagos State, but with Edo roots.

The 31-year-old, who is signed to Interscope Record, after Warner Chappelle Music, and Monster Boy, started uploading songs on SoundCloud way in back 2011.

He was featured on “Late Night Show”, where he played the role of the main character in 2020.

Santino, who recently bagged a feature from the BIgkala himself Odumodublvck, a sensational rapper alongside Bella Shurmurda on the track ‘Dog eat Dog II’, blessed the song with his outstanding verse which caught the attention of listeners and topped the music chart on his first week of release. The song, a remix of ‘Dog Eat Dog I’ by Odumodublvck, is currently at #87 on Audiomack Top Songs Chart in Nigeria.

5. Harry Carter

Edo-born, Lagos-based rapper, singer, and songwriter Harrison Ogedegbe, better known as Harry Carter, is the founder of the record label Harry Carter Music.

Born and raised in Upper Sokponba, Benin City, Edo State, he is a graduate of Biology Education from the University of Benin.

Carter, who is also into art designing, has two albums to his name – ‘Carterlyst’ and ‘Carterstrophy’ – as well as some singles. He recently dropped a song titled ‘Carry me go’.