Top 7 alte artists in Africa. The rapidly expanding “genre” known as “Alté” (which stands for alternative) extensively incorporates Western and other African influences to produce something wholly original. It promotes quirkiness, originality, and innovation and represents a kind of revolution in Africa.
There is no formula; they are changing the Nigerian music scene one musical note at a time. They are influenced by everything from 90s music to edgy fashion. “Alté is more than just music; it’s a way of thinking.”
The goal of Alté is simply to “be expressive” and create enchantment that spreads throughout West Africa and far outside of it, to family in the diaspora. Alté captures the sounds, style, and mindset of a young generation. Here are the top 7 alte artists in Africa.
1. ODUNSI THE ENGINE
The very first on our list of top 7 alte artists in Africa is Odunsi the Engine.
In the Alte industry, Odunsi has quickly emerged as a motivator and an inspiration. Odunsi, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, developed a passion for R&B and soul music thanks to performers like Sade, Prince, Donell Jones, and King Sunny Ade.
Odunsi describes himself as unpredictable, and you never know what to anticipate from his music because of this. He became a fan favorite thanks to his seven-track EP Time
of Our Lives and the EP, Everything You Heard Is True.
2. WURLD
Next up on our top 7 alte artists list in Africa is the phenomenal WurlD. Singer-songwriter Sadiq Onifade, better known by his stage name WurlD, is from Nigeria. WurlD, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to finish high school and make music. He calls the music he makes electro-fusion.
In 2013, he launched his debut EP, Evolution, and since then, he has contributed to the Alte scene. We also love his most recent two-part single, MWWU.
3. AGAPE TOMI
Tomi Agape is hailed as one of the most significant female figures in the Nigerian alternative music scene. She is well known for her hit Rapid Fire and self-titled debut album. The singer’s sound is a true representation of all the cultural aspects of her upbringing in the UK.
Influenced by legendary artists like Jill Scott and Beyonce, and infused with Nigerian cultural heritage. She performs her music with a smoky voice that combines R&B and Caribbean influences.
4. TEMS
Our top 7 alte artists in Africa list will not be complete without the beautiful tems. While Tems doesn’t necessarily consider herself an alternative musician, her music exemplifies a blend
of alternative R&B and Neo-soul genres. She describes her music as “part of a healing force To calm the noise made by all the external forces nagging at everyone.”
She was already leading the movement with her hits, most notably “Try Me,” but she rose to fame after collaborating with Wizkid on the song “Essence” for the Made in Lagos album. Tems is still committed to supporting and advancing the cause in order to advance both discourse and culture.
5. LADY DONLI
Lady Donli, known as “The Pan African rockstar,” is a mash-up of various cultural experiences. She grew up creating songs and poems and spends the majority of her days traveling between Toronto, London, and Lagos.
Her musical repertoire spans a variety of genres, from R&B to alternative jazz to hip-hop to
Afrobeat to highlife, just like the paths she travels. One thing is constant, though: The music is unmistakably African. Together with the singer Ayüü, she makes up one-half of the group SAFI.
6. AMAARAE
Ama Serwah Genfi, also known as Amaarae (The Warrior Princess), is a Ghanaian artist who defies convention. Through her music, she raises the flag of non-conformity, love, and freedom of expression. Between the ages of 4 and 22, the artist Amaarae attended 7 different schools in 4 different cities on 2 continents.
She expresses this kaleidoscope of experiences through her music, fashion, style, and
sensual lyricism that defies the rigid societal expectations of what an African woman should be. Ahead of the curve and an artist to look forward to in the upcoming years, her lyrical skill, distinctive voice, and style have distinguished her for the global stage.
7. BOJ
According to Bolaji Odojukan, often known as Boj on the mic, his music combines “several
different pieces from different genres.” One of the founding members of the Altè scene, Boj is well recognized for his concept of music as art and his emphasis on individuality.
Boj, well-known for his distinctive style, appearance, and vocals, is attempting to close the gap between the cool kids and the average listener. Boj is not interested in surrendering his music to Afro-pop popularity in order to stay true to his craft.
He has been sonically compared to artists like Lagbaja and 2face; Boj’s voice is a unique find in today’s landscape because of its maturity and soul.
Conclusion
It’s difficult to single out one person as the creator of alté music, but we’ve put together a list of the trailblazers at the forefront of this movement. These musicians are still fighting for a place in the expanding genres in Africa’s thriving music landscape.
