Alternative Music: The new trend of music in Nigeria
Alternative Music: The new trend of music in Nigeria
Article by Oladipo Omobolaji
OS/18C/2875
When it comes to music, Nigerians are pretty straight forward. If it can’t make us dance, then there is a high chance that the song won’t blow. By blow I mean, that radio stations won’t get to play it as much, DJ’s will ignore it and it will just die a slow death from the day you release it. Afrobeat, Highlife, Afropop, AfroJuju, Fuji, the recently added ‘FujinBlues’ and more are genres of music considered mainstream in Nigeria. They are popular and dominate the music scene in the country. They have also been commercialised by the best-known artistes in the country including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Phyno and more.
But in recent times, songs that don’t make one dance but on the contrary make us think, are beginning to gain ground. These songs are usually tagged as Alternative music. 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. The genre is nothing like the mainstream, and is typically regarded as more eclectic, original or challenging as it is seemingly perpetrated by the free-thinkers and the radicals.
Alternative music in Nigeria may appear to be relatively new to Nigeria’s music scene; however, we have had many brilliant unique singers who have added their own influence as they have invested time and talent widening the alternative music popularity. Some of these musicians are working on their debut albums, some second or third albums; while some are prepping EPs or are not exactly sure what they’ve got in the works. What’s constant is these artists occupy important spaces in the alternative dialogue.
Music artistes such as Asa, Brymo, Nneka, Bez and Timi Dakolo began the evolution of alternative music in Nigeria but the popularity of the alternative genre of music in Nigeria can be credited to Adekunle Gold, Simi, Johnny Drille, BOJ, Ajebutter 22, Nonso Amadi, Ric Hasani, Shaydee, Teniola popularly known as Teni makanaki, Odunsi the engine and Fireboy DML.
Article by Oladipo Omobolaji
OS/18C/2875
When it comes to music, Nigerians are pretty straight forward. If it can’t make us dance, then there is a high chance that the song won’t blow. By blow I mean, that radio stations won’t get to play it as much, DJ’s will ignore it and it will just die a slow death from the day you release it. Afrobeat, Highlife, Afropop, AfroJuju, Fuji, the recently added ‘FujinBlues’ and more are genres of music considered mainstream in Nigeria. They are popular and dominate the music scene in the country. They have also been commercialised by the best-known artistes in the country including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Phyno and more.
But in recent times, songs that don’t make one dance but on the contrary make us think, are beginning to gain ground. These songs are usually tagged as Alternative music. 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. The genre is nothing like the mainstream, and is typically regarded as more eclectic, original or challenging as it is seemingly perpetrated by the free-thinkers and the radicals.
Alternative music in Nigeria may appear to be relatively new to Nigeria’s music scene; however, we have had many brilliant unique singers who have added their own influence as they have invested time and talent widening the alternative music popularity. Some of these musicians are working on their debut albums, some second or third albums; while some are prepping EPs or are not exactly sure what they’ve got in the works. What’s constant is these artists occupy important spaces in the alternative dialogue.
Music artistes such as Asa, Brymo, Nneka, Bez and Timi Dakolo began the evolution of alternative music in Nigeria but the popularity of the alternative genre of music in Nigeria can be credited to Adekunle Gold, Simi, Johnny Drille, BOJ, Ajebutter 22, Nonso Amadi, Ric Hasani, Shaydee, Teniola popularly known as Teni makanaki, Odunsi the engine and Fireboy DML.
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