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20 Nigerian Underground Songs That Should Be On Your Playlist

20 Nigerian Underground Songs That Should Be On Your Playlist

20 Nigerian Underground Songs That Should Be On Your Playlist

Within this crowded Nigerian music scene lies a diverse collection of underground music with potential, waiting for discerning listeners to unearth its brilliance.

By Abioye Damilare Samson

Sometime in 2022, a certain individual with dreads on his head leapt out of a car with pure joy after listening to a verse on his song from one of Africa’s most respected rappers, who also happens to helm one of the continent’s most influential record labels. That individual was Asake, and the day he got Olamide’s contribution to the remix of “Omo Ope” marked a pivotal turning point in his career, shifting his underground niche sound to the world.

For many, that particular moment heralded the arrival of a new star. But the backstory is that Asake didn’t just pop up into our consciousness overnight; he had been making music that never cracked the mainstream ceiling as an underground artist for years. This journey is one many underground artists share. The harsh reality is that even the most brilliant records often go unheard and relegated to the sidelines as mainstream hits dominate the airwaves—no thanks to the glaring lack of marketing budgets, proper promotional support, or a co-sign from top artists or industry bigwigs.

Yet, within this crowded Nigerian music scene lies a diverse collection of underground music with potential, waiting for discerning listeners to unearth its brilliance. If you are on the sonic hunt to discover fresh sounds and melodies to elevate your music collection, we present to you 20 underground songs of 2024 that deserve a spot on your playlist.

Serotonin – “May 10th”
Underground Nigerian song, “May 10th”
“May 10th”

Serotonin is one of the new-wave Afro-pop artistes who bring a distinct vibrancy to the music scene. His honeyed vocal textures create a sound that is both modern and steeped in nostalgia. On “May 10th”, Serotonin crafts a song that feels like a mellow evening drive, windows down, cruising through the neon glow of city streets.

The mid-tempo groove is infectious, and his exploration of desire is laid out with a directness that is charming. When he sings, “Sacramentally speaking/ your puna kinda does it/ what is this madness?”, there’s an irresistible charm in the way he bares his emotions and hedonistic desires

⁠OluwaMillar — “Alubarika”
Underground song, “Alubarika”
“Alubarika”

In a music scene like Nigeria, where the Hip-Hop genre is fighting to hold its ground against the wave of Afrobeats, OluwaMillar’s “Alubarika” is a Hip-Hop track that proves the genre is far from fading away. He taps into the Yoruba rap tradition—the same lineage that birthed Olamide’s street-savvy lyricism and Reminisce’s raw grit—but does so with a voice that feels uniquely his. From the opening bars, Oluwamillar’s cadence commands attention.

There is a bounce to his delivery that feels like he’s dancing on the beat, yet every line lands with a weight that reminds you you’re listening to a true Hip-Hop talent. “Alubarika” is as much a declaration of his rap prowess as it is a prayer for blessing.

Timi Martins — “Do As You Like”
“Do As You Like”
“Do As You Like”

Although “Do As You Like” by Timi Martins had already garnered modest attention on TikTok—thanks to its catchy chorus, TikTok-friendly composition, and flow—there’s more to the track than just the brief TikTok virality.

The groove of the song is undeniable, with a rhythmic flow that feels tailor-made for the dancefloor.

Tim Lyre — “I Do”
Underground music, “I Do”
“I Do”

Tim Lyre is one of the radiant artistes in the alternative music scene, showcasing incredible sonic malleability. On the log-drum-powered “I Do,” he spins a tale of love’s relentless assurance. 

The pre-chorus is a promise: “My only treasure/ My peace of mind/ Lay down my weapons, lay down my life for you.” When he transitions into the chorus, there’s a conviction in his words that grips the heart: “I do, oh baby/ I do. I do/ believe in me and you.”

⁠YKB — “High and Sober” 
Underground music, “High and Sober”
“High and Sober”

YKB’s “High and Sober” arrives as a standout from the 2024 reloaded version of his 2023 Yusful Music EP, and it’s the kind of track that showcases his evolution as a lover boy, but with a touch of swagger. 

The track’s mid-tempo groove is smooth and steady, laced with a rhythm that’s easy to sink into. However, it’s the infectious hook, “Oh baby, we must go on soun go on soun / I wanna feel you closer, you my high and sober,” that captures the beauty of the song’s melody the most.

Teswess — “Won’t Turn Back”
Underground music, “Won’t Turn Back”
“Won’t Turn Back”

Teswes’s “Won’t Turn Back” sidesteps the prevailing currents of Afro-pop for a refreshing exploration into country music. 

With lyrical storytelling that fuses pidgin and English, Teswes narrates a tale of tumultuous love. “Every time I leave, I come back around / I know you think say me I no fit leave you / The way you say please, I hate that sound,” Teswes croons with a voice that captures the bittersweet space between breaking up and the magnetic pull of love.

Dj Voyst, Joeboy, Ayanfe — “Yoga”
Underground song, “Yoga”
“Yoga”

On “Yoga”, DJ Voyst, Joeboy, and Ayanfe skillfully channel the sonic template that Asake popularised in 2022 to harness the magnetic pull of a log-drum-driven song. 

The collaboration is tight-knit, with each artist bringing their own unique delivery to the music without overshadowing the others.

Amaeya — “Pressure”
Underground music, “Pressure”
“Pressure”

Amaeya’s “Pressure”, from her Like A Flower EP, is a lush, mid-tempo R&B song that feels like a gentle push and pull of emotions wrapped in the warmth of bass guitar strums. With her breathy vocals, she glides over a laid-back beat that is deeply intimate. 

Amaeya isn’t afraid to make her feelings and desires known. It is R&B at its most refined—softly insistent and immersive.

Odeal — “Sondela”
Underground song, “Sondela”
“Sondela”

On Sunday At Zuri’s EP, Odeal opens with “Sondela”, a self-produced track that deserves as much recognition as the internet viral “Soh-soh”. 

With its infectious legwork rhythm and lush production, “Sondela” finds Odeal in his element—draping sweet adulations with smooth delivery wrapped in an irresistible groove.

⁠Tiphe — “Garnacho”
Underground song, “Garnacho”
“Garnacho”

Tiphe is one of the new bloods in Nigeria’s Street-Pop music scene, a young star with Zinoleesky’s signature flow while still managing to forge a lane that is undeniably his. With “Garnacho,” he teams up with the sonic architect, Niphkeys, who lays down a beat that is alive with heavy log drums, the bounce of talking drums, and an undercurrent of violin strings that elevates the track. 

Tiphe’s lyrical delivery is raw and reflective—a hustler’s gospel for anyone grinding through the trenches: “Man fit kpai at any time/ Just dey try till you get things right,” he sings.

Yarden — “Soul”
Underground song, “Soul”
“Soul”

Yarden’s “Soul” floats at the sweet spot where Afro-pop’s magnetic rhythms meet the tender warmth of contemporary R&B, creating a sound that is equal parts groove and soul-searching. 

He pours out his serenade with an honesty that hits right at the heart, his lyrics soaked in the intoxicating vulnerability of longing: “Tell me wetin you give me chop / I want to know,” he croons. 

It’s a track where Yarden is at his smoothest, sliding across the melody with a voice that melts into Sure’s luxurious mid-tempo production.

⁠Diamond Jimma — “Bibanke”
“Bibanke”
“Bibanke”

Diamond Jimma’s “Bibanke” borrows its title—and by extension, its emotive inspiration—from Asa’s timeless R&B ballad, but his rendition takes a decisively different path. Off his Decided EP, this track is a raw love declaration, where Jimma strips down his emotions. 

However, while Asa’s original “Bibanke” glides with a melancholic R&B smoothness, Jimma’s take is heavily fortified by the percussive depth of log drums.

Adam Srae — “6AM”
“6AM”
“6AM”

Adam Srae is one of the new vanguards of Afro-Pop’s rising talent who demands attention. On “6AM,” a standout track from his Call Me Maybe EP, he captures that universal feeling of being on the brink of a breakthrough over a sleek, mid-tempo instrumental. 

“6 am I don wake up / Ready to take off, Word on the street / My hustle fit click tonight,” he sings, with a delivery that’s both determined and hopeful.

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Toyé — “Special”
“Special”
“Special”

Toyé’s “Special” is the kind of Afro-Pop tune that exudes charm without ever trying too hard. It is an effortless fusion of sweet melodies and understated instrumentation. 

Over a bass guitar-inflected groove that practically drips with warmth, Toyé crafts an ode to a woman whose presence captivates him. The production is lush yet airy, with the bassline driving its way through the mix.

Kemuel — “Focus”
“Focus”
“Focus”

Kemuel’s “Focus” is the quintessential mid-tempo track that captures the relentless drive of a dreamer. The track is built upon a foundation of lush synth pads and throbbing basslines that allow Kemuel’s voice to glide through the instrumental. 

The chorus, “If I give up / I don fuck up, success no get shortcut / I no fit lose focus,” serves as a mantra and reminder for people who are keen on chasing their goals no matter what.

Tega Ethan — “They Don’t Have a Clue”
“They Don’t Have a Clue”
“They Don’t Have a Clue”

Tega Ethan’s “They Don’t Have a Clue” is a soulful bop layered with gentle guitar strums that serve as an anchor to the mid-tempo beat, coupled with a crisp keyboard clap that punctuates the groove. It’s a track that leans into the vulnerability of love.

“They don’t have a clue, no / They don’t have a clue / Why I’m into you, girl / Why I am into you”, Tega sings. The song’s most enchanting moment arrives with the guitar solo. This should be on your love song playlist.

Ogranya — “With Open Arms”
“With Open Arms”
“With Open Arms”

Ogranya’s “With Open Arms” opens with a xylophone-like sound before being punctuated by Ogranya’s calm vocals. It is Afro-soul at its finest. 

The composition carries the weight of nostalgia while offering a lift that is perfect for those moments when the soul seeks elevation. 

Cowater — “Silent”
“Silent”
“Silent”

Cowater’s “Silent” is a lively, slow highlife jam that channels the raw energy of the talking drum and turns it into a groove that is unmistakably African. It’s a song for those who keep grinding towards their dreams, but it’s also a call to hit the dance floor and let loose. 

Just when you think you’ve settled into its rhythm, a saxophone solo slides in at the end, adding a melodic layer that lingers long after the song fades out.

Dwin, The Stoic — “I Go Nowhere”
“I Go Nowhere”
“I Go Nowhere”

Dwin, The Stoic’s “I Go Nowhere” is a slow-burning love song that is perfectly crafted for late-night moments with your special someone. The song captures the weight of commitment as Dwin, The Stoic doubles down on his promise to stay by his lover’s side.

With lines like, “Hope you remember, I’m not doing/ This life without you, So hold on”, he lays bare his feelings. However, beyond its gentle pace and tender lyricism, the true beauty of the song lies in the way he delivers each word with a calmness that feels incredibly intimate.

Kahren — “Sativa”
“Sativa”
“Sativa”

On “Sativa,” Kahren spills her emotions to craft a heartbreak narrative that swirls through lush R&B and Soul soundscapes. Her voice carries a story of love turned bitter. 

As she croons, “We should have just stayed/ Just stayed as friends/ Now what the hell are you gonna do,” it’s as if she’s tearing through the depths of vulnerability that follow the end of a once-promising connection.

Abioye Damilare is a music journalist and culture writer focused on the African entertainment Industry. Reading new publications and listening to music are two of his favourite pastimes when he is not writing. Connect with him on Twitter and IG: @Dreyschronicle

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