Nigerian Alté Musicians: A Playlist

Blessing Borode
Dec 16, 2019
1 min read

Updated: Mar 26

Afrobeats continues to stir global attention with stars like Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy who have become a dominating force in the UK and across the world. However, amongst all this are a group of artists who are shaping their own movement in the Alté/Alternative Afrobeats scene. Alté is the fusion of Afrobeats with a variety of sounds from R&B, Neo-Soul, Pop and Dancehall. While still honouring the original sounds of Afrobeats, birthed by Fela Kuti, the Alté genre is an organically growing trend where artists redefine Nigeria’s aesthetic through music and fashion. These artists have introduced a newer sense of freedom and expression by subverting conventional trends in the Nigerian creative scene. Santi, Odunsi (The Engine), Tomi Agape, AylØ and Lady Donli are just a few genre-fluid, pioneering names in the alternative landscape. Eccentric style and visuals are some of the things these artists piece together to allow us to properly grasp the concept behind their songs as well as documenting Nigeria’s highlife. Here are a few examples:

1. Alte Cruise - Odunsi, Santi & Zamir

2. In The Night - Tomi Agape

3. Star Signs - Odunsi ft Runtown

4. RX-64 - Santi ft KrisIrie

5. Sassy - Aylo ft PsychoYP

6. Flava - Lady Donli ft SomaDina & Amaarae

7. Wait For You - Melvitto ft Oxlade

Down below is a playlist of artists from the Alté scene both from Nigeria and some other parts of Africa. This playlist not only demonstrates their willingness to collaborate with each other, but their ability to create a sound that is unrestrained and challenges the ears of mainstream listeners.

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