The birth of Nigerian hype men
You might consider that guy who comes out on stage screeching “
The hype man acts as an on stage support representative for a performing act. Rappers usually employ the services of this individual, but in recent times, we’ve seen pop acts adopt this service as well.
The hype man plays the role of prepping the crowd by getting them fired up before the rapper comes on stage. They ensure the crowd gets excited and the room is energized and this in turn boosts the confidence and performance levels of the artistes. In some instances, he may even back up the artiste by playing ad lib master, echoing their words and interjecting as the main act performs. This is done to draw attention to specific lines of the artist and in some cases to help them catch their breath.
This concept of using hype man to back up rappers on stage and even on soundtracks began as far back as the 80s with the development of the hip-hop industry in the United States of America.
Flavor Flav was one of the earliest popular hype men. The American rapper backed hip-hop group Public Enemy. Several popular hype men in the U.S hip-hop industry include P. Diddy who used to hype for the late Notorious B.I.G, Fatman Scoop (who hyped for various artists including Missy Elliot) and Swizz Beatz (who hyped for Ruff Ryders and T.I). Even Jay Z started his career as a hype man.
Over the years, we’ve seen the emergence of hype men in the Nigerian music industry.
Special Ed
Special Ed was probably one of the first hype men to come out with of the development Nigerian contemporary pop and afrobeat music. Before the split of Mo’Hits records, the hype man also known as King Special was affiliated with the now defunct crew.
Currently he plays hype man for pop royalty Davido. Special Ed is also an artiste and according to his social media profiles, he’s the head of corporate sponsorship for the ‘Aye’ crooners HKN imprint.
Do2tun
Radio presenter Do2tun started his hype career playing hype man in popular clubs in Lagos following this he played hype man at massive concerts like the Star Music Trek series. He also acts as a party starter for YBNL Nation rapper Olamide.
Ehiz
MTV Base Africa VJ Ehiz plays hype man to several artists. He sometimes collaborates with Jimmie.
Jimmie
Jimmie is one you can’t help but notice he comes out with a deep voice roaring from his lanky figure. He is known for his signature opening line “Are you readddddyyy”. You rarely see D’banj at performances without Jimmie warming up the stage for him.
A.O
Rapper AO also doubles as a hype man for fellow rapper Vector.
The next time you see that guy standing next to your favourite act yelling and asking you to scream, not get annoyed, he’s only doing his job.
Here Is The List Of Top 10 Hype Men In Nigeria 2017 [Photos]
Call it hype, call it gyrating, some people even call it gingering, the bottom line is that club, show, concert, event of yours is not complete without someone to keep the crowds energy level 100%.Some hype men are versatile and do other stuff like; hosting events, organising dj battles, Mc’s at rap battles, video jockey etc.But, primarily the main objective of a hype man is to prepare the audiences energy level and keep it high through out a performance or event.Meet the TOP 11 HYPE MEN IN NIGERIASpecial Mention to Panda ! Rave Lavida Club Benin City . Boss Hypeman For Inspiration ! hypemen.com.ng register login post your details and hype demos !
10. EMPEROR KC
Emperor Kc is the man behind the microphone in Club Joker. Chobby looking fresh young man knows hows to keep the crowds enery 24/7. He also runs jobs for
A list celebrities anytime they are within for an event or concert.
9. SENSEI UCHE
Fondly called ”party animal” sensei uche is an OAP with City FM, hype man and all round entertainer.
Uchechukwu Daniel Agbai didn’t stumble into the world of entertainment by mere chance, his journey is one he carefully created for himself through dedication and hard work. Sensei Uche has hosted some of the year’s biggest gigs.
8. LORD EL
Lord El is another name we must reckon with, The hercueles got the vibe, fire and energy. Started as an MC for events and battles, then paved way for himself in the hype business Lord El has worked with alot of arts and you can’t just have a dull moment with the hercueles.
7. A.O
Rapper AO also doubles as a hype man for fellow rapper Vector. The next time you see that guy standing next to your favourite act yelling and asking you to scream, do not get annoyed, he’s only doing his job.
6. HYPE MAN JERRY
Hypeman Jerry is a Nigerian Artistry Hypeman, backup rapper/ singer, Model, event creativity and promoter of International/ Nigerian Songs (popularly known as Naija), Dancehall, Hip-hop/Rap, Afro, Raggaton, House, Mash, Electro and Techno.
He is famed for his on-stage rough, raw and loud voice. Indeed he is the undisputed voice and energy of the club in the tradition of American super stars (Fatman Scoop and Lil Jon) his role models.
It’s never a dull moment as HYPEMAN JERRY livens up the club in his own way of charisma and swag, giving the party audience an unforgettable experience every time.
He still considers himself an up-coming artist (RECOGNIZED BUT NOT YET FAMOUS), one who ardently desires to collaborate with other Nigerian/ International artists, both on-stage and in recording studios. Apart from Hype, Jerry is also a performing artiste.
5. SLIMSHADY
SlimShady aka your girlfriends favourite tall slim boyfriend. Slim came into lime light in the entertainment industry after winning the Amestel Malta All Time Show in 2012.
He then became an household name in the dance / choreography industry. From hosting red carpet events and online tv shows He ventured into hyping after working with Pepenazi on stage, he collaborates with Do2dtun most times also well known for the SlimShady Invasion Brand and has worked with a whole lot of arts including
the DMW.
Its always an electrifying moment when SLIMSHADY hypes or introduces artist/celebrities during events. Before Artists performs, he connects both Artist and her fans to a CLIMAX PARTY JAM-UP FEELING and energy, putting smiles on the faces of the both sides.
4. EHIZ
MTV Base presenter Ehizogie Okoeguale has been a crowd favourite from his days as a contestant for the MTV Base VJ search. Ehis three years after breaking into the Nigerian entertainment scene has become a household name. From hosting red carpet events and tv shows, Ehiz plays hype man to several artists. He sometimes collaborates with Jimmie.
From hosting tv shows, radio show, award shows, music gigs and red carpet events these super talented hype men have shown that they have what it takes to rule the Nigerian entertainment industry.
3. JIMMIE
Former Beat FM sports presenter Jimmie Akinsola is one who stands out from the crowd. The tall lanky dude has the charisma of a thousand stars.
Former host of Industry night and D’banjs’ official hype man Jimmie has risen from the bottom of the ladder to become one of the most sought after hype men in the Nigerian music industry.
2. SPECIAL ED
Spesh The super-sized bearded hype man, Davidos official hype man Special Ed.Edward Chukwuma Ijah is one who is not new to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
He first came into the limelight during the first ever MTV Base VJ Search where he was a losing finalist, then he teamed up with Mo Hits as their official hype man, after the break-up he worked with D’Banj. Spesh has worked with alot of artiste since then.
1. DO2DTUN
Call him D to the O to the T to the 2UN, Do2dtun is arguably the king of Hype in Nigeria. The host of the Midday Show on Cool FM. Cool FM OAP Do2dtun Kayode is one hype man Who has Paved Way for His Self in the Nigerian music industry.
Do2dtun has carved his own niche with his style and ability to engage the crowd especially when he is busy with Olamide and Pepenazi or dropping skits on albums, Do2dtun does it all brilliantly.
