How alternative music is becoming the new toast of Nigerians

Nigerians have, over the years, come to appreciate its own flavour and genres of music over foreign counterparts and this had given the Nigerian entertainment industry a great boost. However, the genres that were more favoured were the Hip Hop, Afrobeats/Pop, R n B flavoured sections which would later be called ‘Jollof music’ mainly because it was influenced by its beats and not majorly contents. And so, many artistes would rush into the studios and in a matter of hours, come out with a hit song, kudos to many producers. The listening public were thus, exposed to a variety of songs with weak lyrics, but pulsating rhythms which made them eventually forgive or forget the lyrical content, or lack of,  actually. For a few artistes who chose to sing or rap based on content, a lot of luck or resources were usually employed in order to attain some level of status in the fiercely contested entertainment industry.

However, in recent times, especially in the last two years, the music landscape has been experiencing a change, code named ‘Alternative or Soul music’. Away from the normal acceptance that heralds the more popular genres of music (Afro beat, Afro pop and even Fuji), the Nigerian Alternative sound has slowly began forging a path for itself in recent times.

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 Urban dictionary defines “Alternative music as a vast music genre that can be similar to pop music, or completely different.

According to findings, music songbird, Nneka was a pacesetter, and Asa attained legendary status. Brymo and Bez defined a class of their own with varied appeal. Each had their audience and as critics opine, paved the way for new artistes like Simi, Aramide, Niniola, Temi Dollface and Bemyoda etc who are now strong voices charting a new course for alternative music in Nigeria.

Aramide, while speaking to Premium times in an interview stated that the alternative music genre is not unexciting as thought by some music enthusiasts and that soul music, which she said is now being categorised as alternative music, is not really understood and supported in Nigeria.

The Baseline Records act said, “Alternative music isn’t boring as many perceived it, it actually depends on how it is created and rendered to the listening audience but it’s good music. Before now, people didn’t invest in alternative music not until the likes of Asa, Bez, Timi Dakolo and others made it big that labels are now reckoning with soul artistes.

She added, “As a soul singer or alternative music artiste, I have been in the industry for five years and I have been accepted over the years. This is because in the midst of pop, hip pop and all that are currently viewed as mainstream songs; I have also tried to make my music commercial without losing the focus and core of soul music.”

Simi, Niniola, Eri Ife, among others are also front liners of the alternative/Soul genre and commanding the attention of Nigerians with their latest songs and videos which are on heavy rotation on most radio and television stations.

Worthy of note are Temi Dollface, a unique artiste whose music style and fashion sense immediately sets her apart. She describes her sound as ‘Drama soul’  created by fusing together seemingly disparate genres, informed by a love of the theatrical. Her music videos are usually quite entertaining and she is quite the fashionista.

Lady Donli is another artiste who fuses neo soul, alternative, jazz and hip hop to create eclectic music. Dubbed the princess of neo alternative soul, her amazing vocals makes her songs a delight to listen to. She recently released the ‘What is perfect’ E.P.

With more artistes discovering that staying true to their sounds could, indeed, set them apart in the keenly contested musical landscape, they are now willing to take time to compose better lyrics, shoot meaningful videos, and create content that would stand the test of time. This, according to critics, is good sign for the industry as artistes would seek more imaginative and expressive videos to translate positive lyrics are contained in music.

“I am very happy with the new trend. with Alternative/soul music, our artistes are now actually singing. Good lyrics, arrangement, videos are what most Nigerians have been craving and it is encouraging to see young, vibrant artistes take up the responsibility to re-define our music to the world”, Adewale Agbaje, a music consultant said.