Modupe-Oreoluwa Oyeyemi Ola (Mo’Cheddah) is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and fashion designer, celebrated as one of the pioneering female voices in Afrobeats. She burst onto the music scene with her debut album Franchise Celebrity in 2010 under Knighthouse Entertainment, featuring the hit single “If You Want Me.” Mo’Cheddah’s energetic style and talent for blending hip-hop with Afrobeats earned her widespread recognition and collaborations with top artistes such as M.I, Sasha, eLDee, and Mode9.
In 2012, Mo’Cheddah left Knighthouse to establish her own label, Cheddah Music, taking full control of her career. Known as “Naija’s Hip-Hop Princess,” she was the first Nigerian artiste featured on MTV Base Brand New, which spotlighted emerging talent across Africa. Beyond music, she is a respected fashion designer and a dedicated philanthropist, advocating for causes like malaria prevention and girls’ empowerment.
With her bold and versatile artistry, Mo’Cheddah has solidified her place as a queen of Afrobeats, contributing to the genre’s global rise and influencing the next generation of female artistes.
Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, is a prominent Nigerian disc jockey, musician, and producer, often referred to as the “Princess of Afrobeats.” As the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola, Cuppy has cultivated a rich musical career rooted in her passion for music, which began in her youth.
DJ Cuppy gained recognition for her energetic live performances, captivating audiences across over 25 countries. In 2014, she released her debut album, House of Cuppy, in major cities including London, New York, and Lagos, showcasing a unique sound classified as “Neo-Afrobeats.”
Her journey also includes notable appearances at prestigious events like the SXSW Festival in the U.S. and a feature on MTV’s Uncommon Sense. In 2015, she was appointed the official DJ for the Oil Barn Charity in Dubai and has been celebrated as a Forbes Woman of Africa. With her diverse talents and influential presence, DJ Cuppy continues to be a driving force in the Afrobeats genre, solidifying her status as one of its queens.
Aituaje Iruobe, known professionally as Waje, is a singer-songwriter and one of the queens of Afrobeats, celebrated for her powerful vocals and remarkable versatility. Waje first gained recognition in 2007 when she featured on P-Square’s hit track “Do Me”, which catapulted her into the African music scene. She followed this with her debut single “Somewhere” in 2008 and solidified her place in the industry with her self-titled debut album W.A.J.E in 2013.
Her exceptional voice has been featured on numerous hit songs, including collaborations with Banky W on “Thief My Kele” and M.I on “One Naira”, earning her widespread recognition across Africa. Waje has also been a judge on The Voice Nigeria since its inaugural season in 2016, further establishing her influence in the music industry.
Beyond music, Waje is a strong advocate for gender equality and mental health awareness. She has also ventured into acting, debuting in the 2014 movie Tunnel. With accolades and performances across Africa, including sharing the stage with global stars like Wyclef Jean, Waje continues to inspire as one of Afrobeats’ most iconic voices.
Omawumi Megbele, known professionally as Omawumi, is a singer, songwriter, and actress who has established herself as one of the queens of Afrobeats. She first gained national attention as the runner-up on West African Idols in 2007. With her powerful voice and unique fusion of Afro-pop, soul, jazz, and pidgin-infused lyrics, Omawumi quickly rose to prominence in the Nigerian music scene.
Her debut single “In The Music” in 2008 was followed by her first album Wonder Woman in 2009, solidifying her as a rising star. In 2013, she released her critically acclaimed album The Lasso of Truth, which became a commercial success. Known for her ability to blend various musical genres, her fourth album In Her Feelings (2019) featured Afro-fusion, jazz, and R&B, while her latest project Love Deep High Life (2021) includes collaborations with notable Nigerian artistes like Phyno, Waje, and Brymo.
Omawumi has graced the stage with international and local stars such as Angélique Kidjo, 2Face Idibia, D’Banj, and P-Square, among others. In addition to her music career, she is also a dedicated activist, lending her voice to causes like gender equality and social justice through campaigns such as “Rise with the Energy of Africa.” Her artistry, activism, and dynamic performances have made her a key figure in Afrobeats and African music as a whole.
