Recently, Google published the list of the most searched names in Nigeria. This shows that the change in technology has no effect whatsoever on people’s taste or appeal.
A lot of people will find it surprising to see some names make the first 10 most searched people in Nigeria since 2008:
Number 10: Phyno
The name at number 10 is Phyno and yes some people are going, huh?!!! But he made the list of people most searched for.
Phyno is an indigenous rap artist who was not popular in 2008 despite being featured in Mr Raw’s (formerly known as Niggaraw) ‘Odi Ok’. But people perhaps find interesting his drive to take the Igbo rap into the mainstream making people accept the genre so much so that the likes of Olamide, International star Wale, Davido have had successful collaborations with him. Because of his unique rap style, other non-Igbo rap artist adopt some Igbo slangs in their songs. He was also the ambassador for the Guinness ‘Made of Black’ advert. Perhaps that was enough to pique people’s interest.
Phyno is an indigenous rap artist who was not popular in 2008 despite being featured in Mr Raw’s (formerly known as Niggaraw) ‘Odi Ok’. But people perhaps find interesting his drive to take the Igbo rap into the mainstream making people accept the genre so much so that the likes of Olamide, International star Wale, Davido have had successful collaborations with him. Because of his unique rap style, other non-Igbo rap artist adopt some Igbo slangs in their songs. He was also the ambassador for the Guinness ‘Made of Black’ advert. Perhaps that was enough to pique people’s interest.
Number 9: Nicki Minaj
When Nicki Minaj sauntered into the world of hip-hop, she had one thing on her mind, and it was to claim the throne of the Queen of rap. The rapper has been able to achieve her aim as she now stands as the bestselling female rapper of all times. The overtly provocative who is signed to Lil Wayne’s “Young Money” may not have any number one Billboard hit to her credit but she has been able to dethrone the legendary late Queen of soul, Aretha Franklin as the female artiste with the most Billboard entries.
Despite the airhead persona that many have tagged her with, the Barbie Dreamz crooner is one of the most passionate celebrities concerned about education. Her love for education has made her fund the tuition fees of deserving recipients that she personally selected. However, Nicki Minaj’s rise to fame has not been plagued without its fair share of controversies. From nasty breakups with her exes, Safaree Samuels and Meek Mill to feuds with other female rappers, like Lil Kim, Remy Ma and Cardi B to mention a few. In recent times, Nicki’s claim to “Queen” has been threatened but there is no doubt she still remains one of the best in the hip hop genre.
Number 8: Rihanna
Rihanna. Photo: The Source
Rihanna is one of the most successful musicians in the world as she has continued to rise sinc rising to prominence in 2005.
The Barbadian beauty who earned her first Grammy award with her smash hit song Umbrella which was released in 2007 has gone on to become a household brand. Known for her provocative and sexual overtones in both music and fashion, she is Billboard’s bestselling digital artiste of all times as well as one of the greatest hit makers of all times. Her fashion statements have also endeared her to the hearts of many so it comes as no surprise that she has a fashion icon award. Her Fenty Beauty business is also one of the most talked about celebrity businesses.
The Barbadian beauty who earned her first Grammy award with her smash hit song Umbrella which was released in 2007 has gone on to become a household brand. Known for her provocative and sexual overtones in both music and fashion, she is Billboard’s bestselling digital artiste of all times as well as one of the greatest hit makers of all times. Her fashion statements have also endeared her to the hearts of many so it comes as no surprise that she has a fashion icon award. Her Fenty Beauty business is also one of the most talked about celebrity businesses.
Rihanna has however had her fair share of negative attention. In 2009, she suffered physical assault violence from the hands of ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, been accused of being a member of the illuminati and a drug addict. She was banned from Instagram in 2015 for posing topless and got tongues wagging with her nude dress to the CFDA awards. She irked religious folks when she posted photos of herself on Instagram at an Abu Dhabi mosque.
She is more than just music, fashion and scandals but also a humanitarian who has been honoured by Harvard and she has touched many lives through her Clara Lionel Foundation. She was recently appointed the Ambassador of her country Barbados. As if these are not enough reasons to type R-I-H-A-N-N-A on google search
She is more than just music, fashion and scandals but also a humanitarian who has been honoured by Harvard and she has touched many lives through her Clara Lionel Foundation. She was recently appointed the Ambassador of her country Barbados. As if these are not enough reasons to type R-I-H-A-N-N-A on google search
Number 7: Lionel Messi
Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi takes part in a training session at the team’s base camp in Bronnitsy, near Moscow, Russia, on June 11, 2018, ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament.. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA
The football superstar Messi is certain to make the list. Although he missed out on the nominee list of the World’s best footballer award, the Argentine is still lauded as one of the greatest players of all time (GOAT). Though the Argentine didn’t have a successful World Cup campaign, he has shown he remains a force to reckon with from his performance in the new season with Barcelona. He has hit the ground running in both the La-Liga and the Champions League, scoring spectacular goals, knitting play and making Barcelona formidable. Little wonder, the mention of the name Messi puts fear in the minds of opposing teams.
Number 6: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo wins the 2017 Best Men’s Player. Photo China Daily
The Juventus forward missed out on the Best player in the world gong but he still has his definite appeal. Ronaldo was phenomenal in the UEFA Champions League last season, leading Real Madrid to the title for the third consecutive time before a move to the Serie A. The 34-year old opened his Champions League account in Juve colours in a disappointing way as he was shown a red card in the first half of the game against Valencia. With Messi on the list, it is only fitting the immaculately built player got in too.
Number 5: Davido
Davido
Since the entry of Davido into the Nigerian music industry with his song, Back When, he has continued to remain relevant. Known for dishing out hits back to back, he is easily one of Nigeria’s favourite’s artistes. He has been appraised as one artiste is credited with the bringing into limelight, Tekno, MC Galaxy, Runtown, Diamond Platnumz, Lil Kesh and Humblesmith. This is asides Mayorkun, Peruzzi and Dremo. What is there not to love about Davido? Although he has been lately criticized for being partisan in elections and not respecting the rules of NYSC which does not allow corp members to be partisan. But he has openly chosen family over country amid criticism from some people.
Number 4: Muhammadu Buhari
President Buhari this morning addressed a High-level Meeting on the Fight Against Tuberculosis, at the UN Headquarters in New York. #UNGA #PMBAtUNGA18
Muhammadu Buhari’s involvement in Nigerian governance and then politics for over four decades. He is a retired soldier who delved into politics and ran for election on 3 unsuccessful attempts.
He finally won the 2014 presidential election that saw him being sworn into office in 2015. He had made a lot of promises on completely crushing corruption although Nigeria is delving deeper into that gaping hole. He is known for ‘speaking openly’ about most issues that most people are offended by. One of the most talked about is his reference to his wife belonging to the ‘other room’ and referring to Nigerians as ‘lazy’. The upcoming election in which he has expressed interest is enough to have people searching to see his latest quotes and activity.
He finally won the 2014 presidential election that saw him being sworn into office in 2015. He had made a lot of promises on completely crushing corruption although Nigeria is delving deeper into that gaping hole. He is known for ‘speaking openly’ about most issues that most people are offended by. One of the most talked about is his reference to his wife belonging to the ‘other room’ and referring to Nigerians as ‘lazy’. The upcoming election in which he has expressed interest is enough to have people searching to see his latest quotes and activity.
Number 3: Olamide
Olamide
When it comes to one of the reigning kings of indigenous rap, Baddo sneh easily makes the cut. Bursting into the limelight with Eni Duro, He has continued to churn out hit after hit such as, ‘first of all’, ‘Wo’ which was a killer beam Moti gba no. Olamide has managed to make Nigerians … go down low… with his name on Google search engine. And has proven that he is not an extension of the late rapper, Dagrin. Fame has not been rosy for him as he has been embroiled in a few controversies, accompanied by the love people have to see things they should not see, Olamide’s Wo song and Story for the Gods earned him more clicks despite both being banned by the NBC. However, according to the song, he is indeed the Voice of the street, with him being the perfect representation of what street hustle is like and giving the people crazy dance steps.
Number Two: Wizkid
Wizkid was introduced to Nigerians when he made a cameo appearance on Banky W’s Lagos Party. Since then, he has continued to take a place in our hearts. And Wizkid is not your ordinary artiste. His one dance feature made the Guinness of World records, he walked the runway for Dolce and Gabbana, and has the best-selling African album on iTunes (Ayo. He is also the Most Streamed African on Spotify, & is among the Top 100 Global Artists. His ‘baby daddy’ controversies has also contributed to his popularity.
Number One: Linda Ikeji
Number one on the ‘it’ list is Linda Ikeji. She is a blogger, entrepreneur, writer and model although her success comes mainly from being a blogger. She is not the first blogger, she is undoubtedly the most successful. She is admired in the business circle and has been recognized by Forbes Africa. She was one of 2 Nigerian women whose profile was featured in an edition of Forbes Africa in 2012. She was interviewed by the BBC in 2012 for their Focus on Africa Programme. In 2014, she was Google most searched trend in Nigeria and has taken the position again in 2018.
She was one of the Nigerians to be conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree from Trinity International University in Georgia for her outstanding job in Business and Media in Africa. Although She has been embroiled in one controversy or the other. She has been accused countless times of ‘stealing’ contents and posting on her blog but that has not stopped her blog from being one of the most visited and her name being the most searched for in Nigeria.
She was one of the Nigerians to be conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree from Trinity International University in Georgia for her outstanding job in Business and Media in Africa. Although She has been embroiled in one controversy or the other. She has been accused countless times of ‘stealing’ contents and posting on her blog but that has not stopped her blog from being one of the most visited and her name being the most searched for in Nigeria.
She has also been accused of being a hypocrite because she preached abstinence and made a quick somersault to being pregnant and having a child outside wedlock.
And of course, her lavish lifestyle and her property in Banana island will raise the stiffest of eyebrows and tempt the most disinterested fellow to search her name for a brief minute.
And of course, her lavish lifestyle and her property in Banana island will raise the stiffest of eyebrows and tempt the most disinterested fellow to search her name for a brief minute.