… Nigerian born Certified Information Technological Analyst, Naturalized American is now sought after by show promoters around the world
*Receives 45, 950 votes to defeat 9 other major acts in a keenly contested fiesta
*Other top finalists are WALE, a Nigerian Rapper in New York, JUDENNA-a Nigerian American songster, ROTIMI-a Nigerian born American singer, SKEPTA-a prominent British MC, ERI IFE-a Nigerian UK songwriter/performer; PAUL DAIRO-a famous Nigerian highlife musician in UK, VICTORIA TUNDE, a UK based Nigerian gospel singer
*“This award is historic. It gladdens my heart. I am just so overwhelmed by this amazing package for duly recognising my inborn talent. This tells me that whatsoever we are doing in life, people are watching us all over the world. I give all thanks to God Almighty for this life transforming achievement”-OLALEKAN OLALEYE
*“It was a fierce competition which had the line-up of some of the best Nigerian musicians at home and in the Diaspora from Lagos-New York to London. Brand ranges from the Afrobeat, Highlife to Juju genre of music. Our NSN Award Committee discreetly had votes turned over from hundreds of thousands of Africans for a period of 5 months. The award presentation holds in Lagos State March 2026”-Stephen McMan, Chairman, NSN Award
*BY TEMI ANUOLUWAPO/Entertainment Correspondent NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER INC USA
BEYOND all expectation, a Nigerian reigning Texas music star, Olalekan Olaleye, famously known on stage as ‘ENUOPE’, which translates ‘Heart of Thanksgiving’ in Yoruba language has defeated nine other prominent musicians in a serious competition to determine the winner of the North American 2025 Nigerian Most Outstanding Hip Hop Indigenous Artist of the Year Award.
In continuation of the recently concluded 14th year anniversary of Naija Standard Newspaper which was held 6 months ago in Houston, Texas, the NSN Award Committee sets out to find who was to wear the crown from lined up of highly talented musicians at home in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
At the end only 10 A-List greatly gifted artists came top. This list includes the following music stars:
WALE: a Nigerian Rapper known for introspective lyrics, full name Olubowale Akintimehin, residing in New York
- JIDENNA: A Nigerian American act
- ROTIMI: A Nigerian born American Singer and actor, known for ‘Power’
- ENUOPE: A Nigerian born American Yoruba Hip Hop Musician in Texas
- SKEPTA: A prominent British MC born in London to Nigerian immigrant parents
- NAIRA MARLEY: The Nigerian artist who spent a significant part of his life growing up in South London
- ERI IFE: A Nigerian singer-songwriter and performer currently based in the UK, whose music blends Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and gospel
- PAUL DAIRO: A famous Nigerian highlife Musician known for ‘Mo So Rire’ hit track in London
- VICTORIA TUNDE: A UK-based Nigerian gospel singer known for her albums and hit singles such as “Onise Iyanu”
- PORTABLE: Habeeb Okikiola Badmus (born 12 March 1994), a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper, known for controversies and online buzz
For the records received in all the African count, WALE received 40,000 votes, JIDENNA had 15,000 votes, ROTIMI received 28,800 votes; ENUOPE had 45,950 votes, SKEPTA received 44,900 votes, NAIRA MARLEY had 38, 978 votes, ERI IFE got 43,298 votes; PAUL DAIRO received 36, 200 votes; VICTORIA TUNDE had 45, 860 votes and PORTABLE had 45, 925 votes.
From the above data analysis arising from the NSN AWARD COMMIITTEE, it became clear that ENUOPE had the highest African vote count of 45, 950. His Last Album titled: ‘Undying Dreams’ is still trending on major broadcast stations in the African continent, some parts of Europe.
As a result of this prestigious award won, ENUOPE after the historic award presentation in Lagos State on March 26,2026, he is expected to appear LIVE on LONDON DIASPORA NETWORK TELEVISION, most followed broadcast station followed by millions of Nigerians around the world immediately.
Olaleye in his response said, “This award is historic. It gladdens my heart. I am just so overwhelmed by this amazing package for duly recognising my inborn talent. This tells me that whatsoever we are doing in life, people are watching us all over the world. I give all thanks to God Almighty for this life transforming achievement.”
Meanwhile, Stephen McMan, Chairman, NSN Award remarked: “It was a fierce competition which had the line-up of some of the best Nigerian musicians at home and in the Diaspora from Lagos-New York to London. Brand ranges from the Afrobeat, Highlife to Juju genre of music. Our NSN Award Committee discreetly had votes turned over from hundreds of thousands of Africans for a period of 5 months. The award presentation holds in Lagos State March 2026.”
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