Famous Nigerien Singers

Safiath is a talented Nigerien artist who has made a name for herself as a singer, rapper, and songwriter. With a career spanning several years, she has captured the hearts of many fans through her music. Safiath's versatile skills allow her to seamlessly blend different genres and styles in her work, showcasing her creativity and passion for music. Through her performances and compositions, she continues to make a significant impact in the music industry, solidifying her reputation as a respected and influential artist.

Zara Moussa, known as ZM, is a Nigerien singer and rapper who gained recognition in 2002 by winning a hip-hop contest in Niamey organized by the French embassy. She became the first female rapper from West Africa to sign a record deal, releasing an album titled Kirari. Her music addresses social and political issues, including women's rights and public health, blending hip-hop with African influences. Moussa performs in French, Zarma, and Hausa, showcasing her diverse talents and unique style in a male-dominated hip-hop scene.

I. K. Dairo was a prominent Nigerian Jùjú musician known for his pioneering contributions to the genre. He rose to fame in the 1950s and became a key figure in popularizing Jùjú music both locally and internationally. Dairo's distinct style blended traditional Yoruba music with modern influences, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences. His career spanned several decades, during which he released numerous albums, performed at major events, and received accolades for his musical talents, solidifying his legacy as a Jùjú music icon.

Fati Mariko is a renowned Nigerien singer who received education in Niamey and Bougouni before transitioning into music. Her career took off with the hit song "Djana-Djana" in 1986, produced with the group Marhaba. Over the past three decades, she has collaborated with male stars and hip-hop groups, showcasing her versatile talent. Mariko's music is influenced by Zarma-Songhay ritual and folk music, and she sings in French, as well as various native languages of Niger. Her noteworthy albums include Issa Haro and Inch Allah.

Bouli Kakasi is a Nigerien singer known for her performances in the zaley genre. She gained popularity for her songs of praise dedicated to Aissa Diori during her time as first lady. Over the years, Kakasi's career declined, leading her to experience extreme poverty. Her professional journey, along with fellow artist Hama Dabgue, is seen as symbolic of the diminishing status of traditional Nigerien music.

Haoua Issa, also known as Haoua Zaley, was a highly successful Nigerien singer who gained fame for her skills in the zaley genre. Despite coming from nobility, she chose to pursue a career as a praise singer, a role typically held by griots. She was able to achieve financial success through her performances and was well-known in Nigerien male society during the 1940s and 1950s. Issa is believed to be the first Nigerien musician to benefit from the country's copyright laws and retired from singing in the 1960s.

Hamsou Garba, a Nigerien singer, emerged as a prominent performer with important political influence, earning a state position at city hall. In addition to her singing career, she worked as a talk radio host and was a founding member of the group Anashua. Her albums, such as Gargadi and Tout est possible, covered traditional themes and political subjects. Garba traveled widely throughout West Africa for performances and remained politically active, supporting the Nigerien Democratic Movement. Her work has been discussed in academic literature, such as in the book Engaging Modernity.