On the coast of West Africa lies Nigeria, one of the populous countries in the world. It is an economic powerhouse with an emerging market that is on track to become a global super power. On top of this, Nigeria also has an incredible music scene with a cultural lineage that goes way back; from being at the forefront of early highlife to playing a major role in the development of afrobeat with the likes of the legendary Fela Kuti. This musical heritage is still at play today with artists releasing some of the most expressive and complex tracks within the backdrop of a variety of genres.

Odunsi (The Engine) has been leading the charge for the alternative (alté) scene from Nigeria. Alté is a catch all term that is hard to categorize but personally I find it involves ambient pads and rolling 808s overlaid on afrobeat rhythms. “Alte Cruise” is a boastful and self-referential track that eases into those late night vibes. Burna Boy was my gateway into the afropop music scene ever since I heard his mixtape, Outside. As one of the more expressive contemporary artists, “Ye” is a brilliantly layered track that showcases an honest Burna as he reaches his ambitions. A more recent find, Lady Donli’s “Suffer Suffer” offers a personal narrative and is a very creative take on the ideals of no worries.