Alte Cruise set to take the African music scene by a storm
The Nigerian music scene has grown dramatically in the last two decades, producing new musicians that have become some of the finest voices from Africa and beyond.
South Africa became famous for its rising sound Amapiano in 2021, especially towards the end of the year. But, on the other hand, Alte Cruise has been lurking under the surface and becoming more popular in mainstream culture.
Alte, which means “alternative”, combines a wide range of styles, including dancehall, hip-hop, Afro-punk, indie, R&B and more. Pioneers such as Teezee, DSB Lasgidi and BOJ have played with the sound for years and laid the foundation for artists like Odunsi and Lady Doni in the Afro-fusion genre.
Ruke Balogun said, “I have been slowly getting into the alte scene and I stay glued to the alte cruise playlist on Spotify where I listen to the hottest artists right now”
Many people may not be familiar with the Alte Cruise genre, but the names Gabzy, Cruel Santino, Amarae, and Odunsi (The Engine) will likely ring a bell. Your attention should now be leaning towards Tems and Prettyboy Do.
Tems and Prettyboy DO are one of the artists that represent Nigeria’s diaspora in the UK, and if you pay attention to who’s been changing things up in the UK, you’ll notice them right away.
Prettyboy D-O is a rapper from Nigeria who now lives in Los Angeles. Famously known for his dancehall songs ‘Footwork’ and ‘Pull Up’ featuring Cruel Santino, where he creates a laid-back mood. He showcases his unique sense of style and harsh lyrical themes that have gained him recognition.
Tems, a Lagos artist who collaborated with Wizkid in his hit song ‘Essence’, is leading Alte into new grounds for Nigeria with meaningful lyrics, striking visuals, and a rare vocal range.
Mimi the music blogger is a music critic and content creator. “I believe people are now beginning to voice how much they enjoy Alte Cruise because it lets you be in your own world.”
According to Quartz Africa, Essence has topped Billboard world digital song sales charts and it is Nigeria’s highest-ever peak song on the chart, with 54 million Spotify streams.
Alté’s journey is also far from done; in fact, it is just getting started on a path to becoming one of music’s most influential sounds.