Away from the usual applause that greets our more popular genres of music (i.e. afrobeat, pop and even fuji), the Nigerian alternative sound has slowly begun forging a path for itself in recent times.
Nneka was the pacesetter, Asa has attained legendary status; Brymo is still Brymo, distinct as ever and Bez is in a class of his own. These are just a few of the alternative superstars we have presently.
However, there are a few other acts who are also aiming for superstar status. (I see you Temi Dollface and Bemyoda) If they would reach the heights attained by the names mentioned above depends on a couple of factors. (I’ll be listing them in a follow up article to this).
The tag ‘alternative’ as regards the Nigerian sound is a source of debate from music lovers and critics alike. Some are of the opinion that any genre outside the more popular sounds mentioned above are to be considered alternative while others feel songs that are distinct in their use of live instruments should be considered as alternative songs.
Urban dictionary defines ‘alternative music as a vast music genre that can be similar to pop music, or completely different.’
I call the artistes mentioned in this list alternative not because of their individual genres, but alternative because they bring something different to the table.
That said, here are 11 Nigerian alternative acts you should look out for in no particular order.
1) Yela
A banker by day and musician the rest of the time, Yela describes himself as an afrocentric R&B artiste. He released his debut EP Gidi + the Undertow early this year and hasn’t looked back since. Songs that stand out on the EP for me are ‘Boxes’, ‘Dance Wiv Me’ and ‘Johni Walka’.
2) Kaline
I remember seeing a video of Kaline playing the keyboard and I was so blown away that I had to go find out more about her. I didn’t even know she was Nigerian!
Apparently, she is a singer-songwriter and pianist who has a B. Music in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music. Talk about talent. Anyway, listen to her single ‘Tell you of my love’ to understand my thoughts about her. Meanwhile anyone notice the Solange Knowles-type vibe she has?
3) Ayo Awosika
If you haven’t heard any of Ayo Awosika’s music, I forgive you. I admit to being a stalker of this woman and her music ever since I heard of her last year.
A singer – songwriter, music director and music teacher based in New York, she recently released her debut album We Best Not Wait. Ayo’s performance at the Lagos Jazz Series back in 2014 still stands out for me.
4) Falana
The energy Falana exudes when she performs is simply out of this world. And when she plays the box drum? Fire! Please anytime you hear she is putting together her pop up concert series, make sure you attend. Watch her ingenious cover of Fela’s ‘Lady’ HERE.
5) Ranti
In the first 10 seconds of me watching Ranti’s ‘Iwe Kiko’ video, I remember thinking ‘Great! Here’s another Asa wannabe; but immediately the EDM type vibe kicked in, that thought went out of the window!
Ranti’s new school folk singer style is working for her so far. ‘Iwo Kiko’ was just the beginning. Her second single ‘Bamiwo’ is even better.
6) Lindsey Abudei
My ‘romance’ with Lindsey Abudei started when I downloaded her EP Brown some time in 2014. Since then, I still play it regularly. It rarely happens but I LOVED every song on that EP.
Now Lindsey has released a full length album And the Bass Is Queen; best believe this album is fire. In fact, it is yet to get a negative review from critics since its release. Well done Lindsey, well done.
7) Johnny Drille
If you think Mr Drille sounds like Owl City, you are forgiven until I heard him speak pidgin in his hit single ‘Wait For Me’. This Project Fame alumnus has continued to soar since then. I can’t wait for him to release an EP or album.
8) Mosa
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