This article uncovers Nigeria’s biggest stars in the scene, artists like Santi, Odunsi, and Lady Donli.

In the West, alternative music is more often connected with the rough, anti-pop movement that emerged during the early 1990s.

Alternative musicians were categorized by their unconventional and raw approach to music, as well as their dark and distinct anti-establishment aesthetic and controversiality.

Over the years, the term has expanded to mean any sub-genre of an established sound whether in rock, hip-hop, pop, etc.

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Since music DSPs like Spotify have democratized the process of making and sharing music, it has become much easier for norm-breaking musicians to garner an audience for themselves.

One such genre that Initially owes its exposure to the internet is Nigerian “Alté” (stylized from “alternative”) music.

However, the artists belonging to this group differ greatly in style and general acceptance,  it generally combines a variety of genres including, R&B, rap, indie, and dancehall.

Alté invalidates the perception that African music can be boiled down to a single undifferentiated genre title, as it so often is by outsiders.

Alté artists are mainly concerned with both African culture and nostalgia, often drawing on a vintage lo-fi VHS style aesthetic for their music videos.

most artists are accredited with its inception including DRB Lasgidi members Teezee and BOJ, and members of the group, LOS.

However, artists like Santi, Odunsi, and Lady Donli have become synonymous and big with the genre.

Santi

Lagos-based artist Santi is perhaps the most famous member of this movement.

The artist’s sound is derived from an eclectic range of influences including everything from Drake and Lil Wayne to Vampire Weekend.

Santi got his start acting and freestyle rapping before releasing his first mixtape in 2011 entitled Diaries of a Loner. 

Since then, he has released several studio albums and compelling music videos that demonstrate his knack for visual storytelling.

Santi is also known to rap in pidgin-English, as he hopes to make it easier for people of a similar background to make it in the industry.

Odunsi The Engine

Odunsi gets to prominence in 2016 after he released his debut EP Time of Our Lives.

He comes from a challenging background having been kicked out of high school and dropping out of college, although he always found solace in making music.

Odunsi has come to define his sound as afro-fusion, which takes elements from R&B, reggae, EDM, and Soul.

Like his fellow Alté stars, Odunsi was able to find a fanbase by publishing his work on Soundcloud.

Within his music, he talks a lot about feeling like an outsider in the Nigerian music industry; a fact that has made his emergence more difficult, but that also he takes pride in.

Wavy the Creator

This artist is well aware of how much she stands out from the crowd.

From her eccentric, story-driven music to her quirky fashion sense, Wavy the Creator, or “alien” as she often refers to herself as truly marches to the beat of her own drum.

She is quite the renaissance woman having done work in photography, film-making, and fashion design, in addition to music.

Music was actually a late addition to the artist’s long list of talents, as she recorded her first song while working as a personal photographer to another musician.

Her aesthetic consists mostly of afro-futurism and retro references.

This is apparent in the singles “Shaku” (2018) and “Body Deep” (2019), as well as in their accompanying music videos.

Ama Rae

Ghanian singer-songwriter, Ama Rae is known for delving into taboo subjects like sex and gender fluidity within her music.

She has built her image with the help of powerhouse women of the past such as Billie Holliday and Stevie Nicks.

Her genre-bending music has been recognized by Apple music, while in addition, Vogue Magazine lauded her for her distinct fashion sense and signature buzzcut.

She has also received praise for challenging cultural norms, such as featuring drag queens and exotic dancers in her music video for “Like It” (2019).

Lady Donli

Lady Donli’s global upbringing, having lived in Ohio, Ajuba, and London, manifests itself in the range of her musical influences.

She pulls from African-American neo-soul, Fela Kuti’s afro beats, alternative jazz, and many more genres.

She debuted her album Enjoy Your Life in 2019, where all these influences were combined to produce a unique sound.

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She describes the album as being decidedly “Nigerian,” although she strove to set herself apart from the Afropop typically associated with the country.

She is also a frequent collaborator with other renowned Alté musicians like Santi and Odunsi.

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There is a new crop of cool cats that are dominating the Nigerian Music scene, these group of people fall under the umbrella of Alte Singers.

What is Alte or Alternative Music? Alternative music is classified as anything that is eclectic, original, or challenging than most popular music.

Or is music by non-conforming creatives who have taken charge of their content, right from lyrical composition to production and even directing their videos. Their freedom of expression is seen not only through music, but through fashion as well.

The term intends to give a platform for artists to break from the norm. It gives space for an artiste’s tendency to be innovative and reinvent genres. It has led to a small group of Nigerian artistes to define themselves as part of a movement called ‘Alté.

The genre since its rise in popularity has seen its fair share of criticism especially from people who prefer the usual ‘lamba‘ and its frontliners.  A lot of listeners don’t seem to understand them in terms of their eccentricity and vibe, what they offer is not regular so it makes them easy preys for criticism.

Although Alte has been around for a while, the use of the term ‘Alte’ can be traced back to 2010, when it was coined by DRB Lasgidi members Teezee and BOJ around the same time Black Magic started gaining prominence for his alternative music. It has also been credited to the members of the group, LOS. Alté was born out of a rebellion against mainstream music.

Sadly, alté artistes aren’t catering to a mass audience yet as many of them began their careers on SoundCloud, which allows performers to have full control of their music and its promotion.  But now they seem to be getting more recognition in the music industry.

In this article, we would be listing some Alte artists you should be listening to;

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DRB

The DRB LasGidi (previously known as “Rap Royals”) Nigerian musical group was formed in 2007 by BOJ, Teezee, and Fresh L.

Seen as the frontliners of Alte in Nigeria, they have released songs that have earned them

In 2012, they released the DJ Caise produced single, ‘Toyin”, which became an instant hit especially among the new wave of young listeners at the time of its release.

BOJ

BOJ is the stage name for Nigerian singer Bolaji Ojudokan, he is one of the founding of the group of Alte sound DRB. 

The singer released a mixtape #BOTM (Boj on the Microphone) in 2013 which showcased his raw talent.

Referred to as the Alte bank of Africa, he has worked with Davido, Reminisce, Show Dem Camp and Olamide, and Tiwa Savage.

The singer is popularly known for his smash hit “‘Awolowo” which features a trio of Ghanaian acts: Kwesi Arthur, Darkovibes, and Joey B. The song also received a Nigerian version that had Falz, Ycee, and Fresh L on it.

Fresh L

Fresh L whose real names is Ladi Ladenegan is a longstanding member of DRB.

The rapper is known for his stunning debut EP, SUNS, and has worked with notables like Davido, Dremo, and others.

Tems

Tems is a Nigerian alt-R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer.

In 2018 she released ‘Mr Rebel’ – a song of her own composition. Then she gained prominence with her smash hit “Try Me”.

In 2020 she was recruited by American singer Khalid to join him with fellow Nigerian Davido on an Afrobeats remix of “Know Your Worth“. That same year she released her debut EP, “For Broken Ears” which was preceded by the lead single, “Damages”.

She was also featured on Wizkid’s “Made In Lagos” on the “Essence” single.

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Odunsi The Engine

Born Bowofoluwa Olufisayo Odunsi, the singer first came onto the scene with his 2016 EP ‘TIME OF OUR LIVES’.

If there’s one thing Odunsi -The Engine- has managed to do, it’s to stay true to himself and his art.

Influenced by EDM, R&B, Reggae, Soul and Afrobeats sounds, Odunsi pulls inspiration from these genres as well as various cultures to define his sound which he categorizes as Afro-Fusion.

His debut album ‘rare’ which dropped back in 2018 features other artists such as Davido, Runtown, Nasty C, Lady Donli, just to mention but a few.

Lady Donli

Lady Donli, is a promising alternative R&B, hip hop, alternative jazz and Afrobeat singer and songwriter.

In 2018, she released her debut album, ‘Enjoy Your Life’ which combines hip hop, jazz and other sounds as well.

Her inspiration comes not only from cultural experiences but also from music legends who dominated charts back in the ’80s and 90’s such as American duo Fugees and the late Brenda Fassie.

Donli has also worked with new-age music acts like Adekunle Gold, Nonso Amadi, Tomi Thomas, M.I Abaga, Mr Eazi, SDC, Davido, Ayuu, Odunsi the Engine, and Tay

Santi

Santi born Osayaba Ize-Iyama gained prominence with his ‘Diaries of a Loner journey’ during his days as an underground rapper which earned him even recognition from Wizkid.

Later he switched to an Alte Guy, got the name Santi and released an impressive music project in 2019 titled “Mandy & The Jungle“.

His self-directed music video for ‘Rapid Fire‘ which also featured Shane Eagle and Ghanaian singer Amaarae, has garnered million-plus views on YouTube. His music is a mashup of reggae and RnB and everything else in between.

Wavy The Creator

Born Jennifer Ejoke, Wavy the Creator is a jack of all trades: filmmaker, fashion designer, photographer, and a recording artist.

She made her start in the creative industry as a photographer, before returning to Lagos and releasing her explosive single H.I.G.H. in 2017.

H.I.G.H (Her In Greater Heights) has propelled her to the international scene where she has been able to share a stage with other artists such as Skepta and Jhus. She is currently signed to British rapper Tinie Tempah’s label, Disturbing London.

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Wizkid went on an unusual rant on Snapchat which sent fans into a frenzy. In one, He wrote, “Looking for these two criminals, Tinie and Dumi… And I know y’all still f*cking each other! with your dick sucking lips!!! I go catch una!! On sight for you p**** ni****! P**** boy, I’m coming for you!”

He also took to his Twitter page to tweet at Tinie Tempah. He wrote, “@tinie yo p**** boy! pray I don’t catch you and Dumi!!!”

Wizkid signed a management deal with Disturbing London, a UK based platform in 2012. But six years down the line, all seemed to be going pear-shaped. A deal built on trust and African brotherhood seem to be up in the air.

Tinie Tempah was born Patrick Okogwu to a British mother and a Nigerian father. In 2010, he released the classic album, Disc-Overy. Three of its biggest songs charted within the top three of the UK top 40 – two of which were No. 1 singles. One of those No. 1 singles also peaked at No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

A little later, Tempah and Wizkid collaborated on a single titled, ‘Mamacita.’ Dumi Odurota is the 37-year-old artist manager, In his career, he has managed rappers, Yxng Bane and Tinie Tempah as well as pop star and vocalist, Jessie J.

Odurota and Tempah refer to themselves as cousins, but they are not actually related. Their families just originate from the same place in South-Eastern Nigeria.

In 2006 and together, they founded an entertainment company, Disturbing London to promote Tempah’s music before it grew into a full-on company. At this time, Nigerian artists, Wavy The Creator and Kida Kudz are listed as part of the company’s artists. Wizkid has now been listed as a former artist.

After Wizkid signed a record deal with RCA Records, he hinted at a change of management in a tweet. Then on Saturday, June 23, 2018, he dragged Disturbing London.

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He wrote, “Don’t do business with Disturbing London kidsssss…. Criminal operation.”

Then on August 15 of the same year, he tweeted that, “Sh*t will get done with or without u…”

A fan then replied that, “Niqq* talking about Disturbing London I know that…”

Wizkid came back and said, “Nah f**k disturbing london and Dumi oburota. Never talking abt dat. dem criminals…”

Nah fuck disturbing london and Dumi oburota. Never talking abt dat. dem criminals. 🦅💯 https://t.co/1zbR2q7QGF

— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) August 15, 2018

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