If you thought moving to the United States or the United Kingdom was just about getting a change of scenery, think again. For Nigerian singers, relocation is about the grind, the networking, and the chance to play in arenas and festivals that Lagos studios can only dream of. Ayra Starr, for example, made headlines in 2025 when she confirmed she had officially moved to New York City. She did not just pick New York because of the lights or the hype, she moved there to expand her reach, tap into a new market, and connect with the producers and influencers who run the global music game.
Dotman also took that step in 2025, relocating to the United States. The move was not easy, and he later spoke about the personal cost, the adjustment, the loneliness, and the constant push to prove yourself in a new environment. But he is one of the examples showing that relocation is less about comfort, and more about opportunity.
Then you have the veterans like Tekno and eLDee, who have long established bases in the United States. Their moves are not news anymore, but they still show how building a network abroad over time translates into collaborations, gigs, and strategic partnerships that are almost impossible to secure from Nigeria.
Even the likes of Banky W and Dr Sid took the leap a little earlier, Banky W with his family for stability and study, and Dr Sid for career opportunities in Houston. It is not just about performing, it is about embedding yourself into the right circles that can amplify your career.
Why Artists Are Leaving Home
People might ask why all these stars are leaving Nigeria. Is it the politics, the insecurity, the constant hustle of trying to survive while creating? Well yes, but it is more than that. For many, it is the opportunity to move from local fame to global recognition. It is about being in spaces where collaboration is easier, where global tours are accessible, and where your music can be heard by people who pay for streaming, merch, and concert tickets without excuses.
Mayorkun, for instance, in 2025 publicly expressed his intention to relocate using the popular street slang “I dey reason to japa.” He has not officially moved, but even thinking about it signals the mindset shift among Nigerian artists. They are looking for stability, creative freedom, and exposure that Nigeria cannot always provide consistently.
Even Tems and Asake, while not officially relocating, spend long stretches abroad in Los Angeles, New York, or London. The recording sessions, the shows, the publicity, all happen there, and that creates a network that can be leveraged later for global deals. The distinction between temporary stays and permanent relocation is blurry, but the networking benefits are real.
Networking Is Everything
Now here is the street truth. If you are a Nigerian artist abroad, and you are not networking, you might as well be sitting in a studio in Lagos waiting for a miracle. Being in New York or London does not automatically mean success. It is about who you know, who you meet at studios, music festivals, pop up events, even cafes and open mic nights.
Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage have mastered the art of connecting across continents. They use trips abroad strategically. They go to record labels, meet with managers, attend shows, and make friends with other artists. Those networks lead to collaborations, which lead to streams, which lead to influence. That is the cycle.
Ayra Starr is building her circle through studio visits, networking dinners, and open sessions. Dotman is learning the ropes and establishing connections that might eventually get him a feature with a big American artist, or a festival slot. Tekno, eLDee, and Banky W are living proof that consistent presence in the right ecosystem pays off eventually.
Challenges of Global Networking
It is not all smooth. Moving abroad can be lonely and expensive. Visa issues, tax complications, and cultural adjustments are real. Some artists feel isolated, and struggle to maintain relevance back home. The cost of living in New York, London, or LA can wipe out any immediate gains from streaming or deals.
Then there is the challenge of maintaining authenticity. Nigerian fans want the sounds they grew up with. Western producers want something that sells globally. Balancing these expectations while trying to build a network is tricky. Artists have to be street smart and culturally agile at the same time.
The Payoff: Opportunities That Change Careers
Despite the grind, the payoff is huge. Networking abroad opens doors to record deals, collaborations, festival appearances, and even brand partnerships that are unavailable in Nigeria. It puts artists on a global map, increases streaming revenue, and creates a platform to reach millions who otherwise would never hear your work.
For Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage, networking abroad has led to collaborations with international stars, and exposure on platforms like Coachella or Grammy stages. For Ayra Starr, Dotman, and younger artists, it is the foundation they are building now that will determine the trajectory of their careers in the next five years.
Dual Presence: Staying Connected While Abroad
Not all artists completely abandon home. Many maintain a dual presence. Wizkid, for example, splits time between London, Lagos, and Los Angeles. Tiwa Savage still checks in from London, and engages with the Nigerian media. Tems and Asake may be abroad for work, but their fanbase in Nigeria keeps them relevant.
This dual strategy allows for continued relevance at home while building networks abroad. It is a delicate balance, but it works when done strategically.
Street Lessons for Aspiring Artists
Here is what the streets will teach you. Networking abroad is not optional if you want to break into the global music scene. Being talented is important, but talent alone is not enough. Presence, proximity, and persistence matter. Attend sessions, connect with people, build relationships, even when the immediate payoff is unclear.
Also learn to navigate the bureaucracy. Visa issues, tax obligations, and contracts can make or break your career if ignored. The Nigerian artist abroad has to be savvy, street smart, and patient. It is about planting seeds now, and harvesting later.
Conclusion: Relocation Is Only the Start
Relocation itself is not success. It is access to networks that can transform careers. Nigerian singers who move abroad are investing in relationships with producers, artists, managers, brands, and fans. Davido, Ayra Starr, Dotman, Tekno, eLDee, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Wizkid show us that consistent networking abroad translates into global influence, higher streams, and a sustainable career.
For younger artists thinking about relocation, remember it is not a vacation, it is a grind. It is long hours of connecting, presenting your work, navigating cultural differences, and proving yourself over and over again. But if done right, networking abroad can take a Nigerian singer from Lagos to the world stage, and beyond.
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