The Nigerian Underground Scene
2025 has been an amazing year for the underground, well that's if you're Nigerian.
We have spent the past few months in Nigeria, and it is becoming clear that something very important is happening here. We are noticing that there is a bubbling underground creative scene that is driven by a younger generation of artists and operators who are deeply embedded in both local culture and global culture via the internet.
At the center of this movement there’s a new sound that draws from altè in spirit, hip hop and popular music in structure and attitude, but is unmistakably Nigerian in the way these kids execute it. The music is shaped by local lingo, references that are regional, and very intricate, experimental production. Artists like Zaylevelten, Indi, Wave$tar, Egertton, Paxslim, Txmmyily, Luwa.mp4, Artsaghul and Scotty Olorin are notable figures within this wave, but the scene itself is broader than any single name. What stands out most to us is the ecosystem forming around the music.
The scene includes fashion designers, visual artists, models, event organizers, videographers, stylists, managers, A&Rs, and facilitators who help keep momentum alive. Standout names in the mix are BolaPSD, Maeverse, believeallthings, Onaedo, Ome, ebubethestubbornyouth, Perez, ysnperry, elemen3. There is a consistent circuit of events where the same kids cross paths repeatedly, reinforcing relationships and building familiarity. Over time, this repetition has produced a strong sense of community and the individuals are not just showing up for the music, they are showing up for each other.
This new wave can be traced back to the alté movement pioneered by artists like Odunsi The Engine, Mowalola, Cruel Santino, among others. When these earlier figures appear at events organized by the younger generation, the dynamic is unmistakable. There is visible reverence and respect. The presence of these artists show that these alternative paths can evolve into lasting cultural impact and reinforces continuity. This shows that this is not a disconnected trend, but a lineage.
A defining characteristic of this new generation is that they are internet natives. Their scene exists simultaneously online and offline. X, formerly Twitter, functions as the primary hub for conversation, coordination, and visibility. Artists preview music through short snippets that quickly accumulate attention. Photographers & models showcase new shoots, while fashion designers present new designs and ideas in progress. Updates about shows, releases, and appearances circulate rapidly. Dedicated pages track and document the underground, giving the scene its own internal media layer. Online momentum often translates directly into physical turnout, reinforcing the loop between digital presence and real world community.
Seeing this has been very interesting. From our travels over the past couple years it is refreshing to see that the scenes as we see them in London, New York, Paris, LA and even Toronto, is mirroring itself here in Africa and is a very solid and healthy scene. They all uphold, support and collaborate with each other. To get an entry into this world we have curated a playlist below with music that can get you in. #AO
Listen On Apple Music
Listen On Spotify
Take a listen and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.
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Hope you have a great day,
✌🏾