What is music without discovering new artists? Eventually, we must get tired of our favorite songs, and at those times, there’s nothing better than a healthy dose of new artists and songs to shake up our stale playlists. Thankfully, the music landscape has evolved so much in the past few years that the wealth of quality artists to choose from has exploded to the point where it’s impossible not to find an impressive artist in a list of 5.
This post will introduce you to 7 new alternative artists you need to check out. By alternative, I simply mean artists making songs that are not currently in the mainstream. As such, this list covers artists in various genres, some of which could surprise you. Without further ado, let’s begin.
1. Ogranya
Ogranya is an eclectic musician whose music has tenets of afro soul, R&B, and Jazz. He captured my attention on Alpha Ojini’s Odeshi. He has the kind of voice that makes you stop and ask “who is that?” There’s soul dripping through every note sung. An interesting fact about Ogranya is that he is an independent artist who spends time as an architect by day and a performer by night. His latest project is the EP Festival of the Sun.
Song to check out – I’m Sorry (feat. Johnny Drille)
2. Gillian Baci
Gillian Baci is an independent pop artist that makes music with emotional and philosophical depth. Although he began releasing music in 2017, he first caught my attention in April 2022 with his first compilation ‘Sweet Serenity’, a 5-track EP laden with positive vibes, sweet pop melodies, impeccable lyrics, glorious production, and impressive vocal performance. Gillian is one of those rare talents who is so good you just know it’s a matter of time before the rest of the world takes notice.
Song to check out – Fired Up
3. Falana
Falana is a Nigerian-Canadian singer-songwriter who has an unmistakable blend of uplifting, soul-soothing, pop music that she’s truly made her own.
She first landed on my radar in 2019 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-produced Chapter One EP. Falana is adept at meshing afrobeats, R&B, and other sounds into her music.
Song to check out – Joy
4. Cheso
While compiling this list, I originally did not want to add any artist who hadn’t released any new music in 2022, but for Cheso I had to waive that criteria because he is THAT good! I absolutely love his music. Cheso is an afro-fusion artist and producer based in Abuja whose earlier songs sound like something Fela would make. This isn’t to say he is a copy of Fela. Far from it! Cheso is wholly original and listening to his music will convince you of that, given his sonic versatility. The reason the Fela comparison feels apt is the quality of his live-based production. It’s so impressive. That said, to truly appreciate Cheso, you need to see him live.
Song to check out – Don’t Mind
5. Teswess
Teswess is a Nigerian singer and rapper with an impeccable pen game. I first stumbled on him via an ad on IG. What immediately struck me was the socially-aware nature of his lyrics. With elections around the corner, politically conscious songs are all the rage. What’s cool is how Teswess delivers his message.
Song to check out – E Pain Me
6. Alpha Ojini
Of all the artists on this list, this is the artist I respect the most, primarily because I have watched him struggle against incredible odds to be the artist he currently is. Alpha Ojini is a Nigerian rapper, record producer, and mix/mastering engineer. While I’m not a huge fan of rap music, I’ve always found it easy to listen to Alpha Ojini because his lyricism and flow are top tier. Truly, as far as lyrical prowess goes, Alpha is one of the absolute best!
Song to check out – Vigilante Bop (with Odumodublvck)
7. Black Hibiscus
Black Hibiscus is a Nigerian artist creating soulful music with Indie, Alt RnB, and Punk influences. His songs take a lot of inspiration from punk legends like Nick Hakim, Blood Orange, and Bakar. For context, his songs sound like nothing in the Nigerian music scene at the moment.
Song to check out – Love
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