Respect For Alte

Alte music has garnered a lot of attention since its inception back in the mid-2010s. Mostly recognized by the eccentric fashion sense and outside-the-box sound, Alte music is more than just a genre of music - it’s a movement. A movement carried by pioneers that has achieved notable milestones, both locally and internationally. Despite the global recognition and success, alte music is still not given the respect it truly deserves within the Nigerian music discourse. Why? 

Alte, coined from “alternative”, was popularised by the group DRB Lasgidi (Boj, Fresh L, and Teezee). DRB infused a fresh mix of alternative sounds and afro beats to challenge the creative norms of the Naija music scene. This arguably set the tone for Alte artists like Cruel Santino and Odunsi to carry the torch and redefine the Alte movement. From a creative idea to a lifestyle shift, incorporating eclectic fashion, high-concept visuals, and boundary-pushing self-expression.

Alte artists introduced a bold blend of neo-soul, funk, rap, indie rock, R&B, and electronic music into a predominantly Afrobeat-driven industry. The alte umbrella is big with alte artists bringing a sound for every genre of music. From Tay Iwar’s soft R&B synth pop blends to Prettyboy DO’s “Afro Rage”, there's a tune for every music lover. Streaming giants Apple Music and Spotify recognize the alte appeal by featuring Alte Playlists on their platforms. And over the years these alte artists aren't doing too shabby for themselves. 

Take Cruel Santino (fondly known as Santi) for instance. Signed with major US label Interscope Records/Monster Boy, Cruel Santino’s storytelling approach influenced by East Asian culture and unique fusion of rap, dancehall, and reggae put him at the forefront of the alte movement. His highly acclaimed Mandy & the Jungle album in 2019 redefined the Nigerian music scene introducing a new wave of alternative Afro-fusion, featuring standout tracks like “Rapid Fire” and “Freaky”. And his SciFi concept LP, Subaru Boys, released in 2022 got a nod by international brands like The Fader and Rolling Stones as one of the best albums released that year. Cruel Santino is also a visionary filmmaker, with his self-directed music videos gaining international acclaim. One worthy mention is his work on Goldlink and Tyler, the Creator’s music video for “U Say”. 

Not to mention Odunsi the Engine and his genre-bending 2018 album, rare. The ADHD poster child for the Alte music scene, Odunsi is a pioneer in blending funk, synth pop, and Afrobeat. His debut album in 2015, Time of Our Lives EP, introduced him as a student of the art and listeners to the other sides of Afrobeats. His track “Alte Cruise” stands to be the anthem of the Alte movement. Obsessed with elements of music culture, Odunsi’s aim has always been to diversify Afrobeats, and he did just that with his breakout album, rare, in 2018. Since then he's been featured in Pitchfork, The Fader, and TeenVogue, positioning him as a leading figure in the global Afro-alternative movement. His rare album featuring mainstream acts like Runtown and Davido further bridged the gap between mainstream and alte music. It also showed the seamless fusion of Afro beats with alternative sounds. 

And speaking of features, we can't help but call out the rap duo of Tec and Ghost known as Show Dem Camp (SDC). SDC has not only pushed several Alte artists to the limelight but showed how wide the Alte music scene can be. Their popular Palmwine Music series blended highlife and hip-hop in a way that felt authentically Nigerian while staying refreshingly alternative. And their collaborations only cemented their role as cultural pioneers. 

Coming from an alte background, the rise of Tems cannot be ignored. Her Grammy win in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Wait For U”) and Oscar nomination for “Lift Me Up” put her and Alte firmly on the map. She was the first Nigerian artist to get an Oscar nod, and despite the loss, she has her name up in shining lights. Plus her collaborations with Drake, Rihanna, and Future, prove Alte’s crossover appeal.

Not too bad for “nintendo music”.

While these acts are taking the global stage and gaining recognition, there are the underground alte artists still making waves in their way. Lady Donli is one of the most recognizable faces in this bracket, and her genre-fluid music is a voice for empowerment and African heritage. A great example is her 2019 album, Enjoy Your Life. And when it comes to the trap scene, PsychoYP leads the way. The artist from the Buj has carved out a niche that is a bridge between Nigerian street and American trap influences. 

Obongjayar is another underground act worthy of mention. His deep concept of African spiritualism and identity is like a melting pot of spoken word. His distinctive sound has earned him collaborations with top international acts like Little Simz and even a spot on the Black Panther soundtrack. 

Of course, there's AYLØ’s soulful lo-fi beats and melodies that see him as the architect of Nigeria's chillwave. We also have Brazy, Fasina, Sute Iwar, and many others (honestly the list could go on and on) who have expanded Alte’s influence on Nigeria’s music industry. 

Alte music’s core fundamentals are self-expression and authenticity, and this philosophy has inspired many mainstream artists to embrace their unique identity. Rema is an example; he has incorporated alternative elements into his visuals and aesthetics, also bringing in experimental sounds like “Afro Rave” which has achieved a new wave of success.

Plus, the fashion-forward nature of Alte artists, characterized by thrifted clothing, bold colors, and retro styles, has reshaped Nigerian pop culture. Mainstream artists have adopted elements of this style in public appearances and music videos. 

Despite these achievements, Alte music is still often dismissed as “elitist” or “niche.” This perception stems from its non-conformist ethos and resistance to mainstream commercialization. However, its undeniable influence on Nigeria’s creative industry—spanning music, fashion, and film—makes it impossible to ignore. Without Alte’s innovative impact, Nigeria’s music scene might not be as globally dynamic and diverse as it is today. 

The future of Nigerian music is brighter because of the Alte movement, and it’s a legacy that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. And alte artists like Cruel Santino and Odunsi deserve not just recognition but reverence. It’s time for the Nigerian music industry and its audience to give these innovators the respect they have long earned.