Nigeria boasts of original rich, and vibrant music genres such as Afrobeat, Highlife, Afropop, AfroJuju, Fuji, and many more. They are most popular among artistes such as Wizkid, Olamide, Yemi Alade, and other artistes who have taken these genres across the Nigerian shores.
However, “Alternative” music is a music genre on the rise and is more prevalent among budding singers with a smooth and calming flow.
It is usually performed by people who consider themselves as underdogs of the societies, the free thinkers. The sound itself is foreign to a large number of Nigerians. Some describe it as ‘weird,’ ‘unusual,’ and even ‘monotonous.’ Regardless of these opinions, some musicians have ventured into solely making Alte music.
Another thing you will love about Alte is the style that comes with it. The distinct fashion sense that comes with Alte is usually baggy, comfortable, and trendy clothes. The piercings and dyed hair also adds flavour to the genre.
Musicians like Skepta, J Hus, and others have been featured in Alte songs and also experimented with it.
The unique music genre is fastly gaining popularity in Nigeria and we can’t wait for it to fully blossom. In no particular order, below are the rising Alte musicians in Nigeria.
1. Santi
The 26-year-old is known to be one of the pioneers of Alte music. His hit song, Rapid Fire, featuring Shane Eagle and singer, Amaarae, has garnered over a million views on YouTube. He also infuses a bit of reggae and RnB in his sounds.
2. Odunsi The Engine
This is one artiste that has remained true to his sound. In an industry where Afrobeats is the highlight of popular songs, Odunsi infuses a little bit of Dancehall, RnB, EDM, and reggae in his sound.
His debut album, which skyrocketed his career dropped in 2018 and featured artistes like Davido, Runtown, Nasty C and Lady Donli.
3. Lady Donli
This promising singer is a law graduate but chooses to pursue her passion, which is music. Her songs are inspired by music prodigies who dominated the 80s and 90s, such as Beenda Fassie.
She recently released her debut album, Enjoy Your Life. Lady Donli, also infuses cultural experiences , Jazz, hiphop and other sounds into her music to make it unique.
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4. Tems
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi became a house-hold name after she released Try Me. In 2020, she released her first body of work, a 7-track EP titled For Broken Years.
5. DRB Lasgidi
DRB Lasgidi is an Alte boy band that was formed in 2007 with BOJ (Bolaji Ojudokan), Fresh L (Ladi Ladenegan), and TeeZee (Teni Zaccheaues JR). They gained prominence after they released their hit single Toyin. The trio have also released their individual songs such as Awolowo by Boj, SUNS by Fresh L, and Like to party by TeeZee. This is one band you should listen to.
BY ENIOLA OLANIYI