Even though its recent streak of controversies has threatened to define the Nigerian hip-hop scene, a handful of rappers have used these situations as a remarkable avenue to break out. In 2017, Alpha Ojini emerged as a potential favourite for fans of Nigerian rap music, after the positive reception to “Vendetta”, his response track to M.I Abaga’s scathing “You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives”.
On the incisive reply, Alpha narrates the details around meeting M.I for the first time at a rap competition, ending with a stern declaration that he was here to stay. In the two years since then, he’s been steadily working his way up to notable prominence, with his well-received debut LP, 2018’s ‘Half Price’. In addition, he puts his skills as a producer and engineer to use for a long list of artists like Blaqbonez, M.I Abaga, Psycho YP, Ycee, GoodGirl LA and more.
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Last Friday, the multi-hyphenate rapper released his sophomore LP, ‘Chvmeleon’, and it continues his grind towards becoming a notable Nigerian rapper who is gaining mainstream level recognition. Similar to the quality of his debut album and the compilation of freestyles he dropped earlier this year, Alpha’s latest release serves a compelling entry point for new listeners, as well as remarkable showcase of growth for more familiar listeners.
Entirely produced and engineered by Alpha himself, the album highlights the range of his skill-set, especially as it’s a bit commercial in it’s delivery. While older tapes display Alpha’s penchant for experimenting with complex sounds like jazz and afrobeat, ‘Chvmeleon’ adapts those quirks into music that is contemporary, without obscuring his innovative edge.
On pre-released single, “Pop”, an oriental guitar riff is underpinned by the type of 808 bass that threatens to blow out your ears, while the Ycee-assisted “OneKnee” is driven by airy piano keys and fast-paced, afro-house drums.
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Further highlighting his intentions to reach a wider audience, the hooks on ‘Chvmeleon’ are some of the more memorable in Alpha’s catalogue till date, centring songs around his improved instincts as a musician. The handful of featured artists also enhances the album’s push for a broad appeal, while also establishing Alpha’s ability to find a middle ground regardless of who he’s working with.
On “BagX2”, Alpha trades boasts with Blaqbonez, contrasting his stern posturing with the whimsical cadence of the self-proclaimed Best Rapper in Africa. Elsewhere, he sets the scene on “PDA”, singing words of affection to a love interests, before M.I Abaga steals the scene with an intricate verse bursting with internal rhymes and a lively delivery.
The closest Alpha gets to being upstaged is on penultimate track, “Calm Down”, featuring a rousing hook by GoodGirl LA. Matching her assertive energy, Alpha turns in two stunning verses, on which he sneers at friends at who abandoned him at his lowest points, and reiterates his worth in decisive terms. “I work hard, keep your exposure, thanks/you can’t see me on no stages if I ain’t getting paid, I’m too talented to be earning minimum wage”, he calmly snaps, projecting the sense of clarity that guides ‘Chvmeleon’ throughout its 41-minute duration.
Stream ‘Chvmeleon’ here.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/alpha_ojini
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Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super...
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super producer, P.Priime, the single, Asake’s second of the year, arrives with a crisp black and white feature and a stellar guest verse from French rapper and singer Tiakola.
The singer posted the full music video–a monochromatic montage of dazzling shots and scenes of his opulent lifestyle–across his different social media handles on Thursday evening, July 24, with a caption that read, ‘The World Of Money.’
Earlier in June, the ex-YBNL star announced a new album titled ‘Money.’ A few months before that, he released a loosie titled “Military” and then “WHY LOVE,” his first official single under his new imprint Giran Republic. “Military” served as a bookend to the first arc of his impressive career as much as an announcement of a new era, while “WHY LOVE” officially kicked off season two.
Following the release of “WHY LOVE,” Asake has also featured on songs like Olamide’s “99,” J Hus’ “Gold”, and Young Jonn’s “Che Che,” delivering standout verses that favour a melodious, laid-back approach as opposed to the spirited, fast-paced style that earned him success early on. “BADMAN GANSTA” also excels with this approach, as Asake’s melodious musings about his current lifestyle dovetail nicely with Tiakola’s equally sturdy verse over a plush beat that samples Amerie’s 2005 classic “1 Thing.”
With Asake releasing three albums in as many years, it’s not unreasonable to assume ‘Money’ might arrivebefore the end of the year. There’s also the possibility that he might be willing to take his time a little more now, seeing as he his under his imprint now.
Whatever the case may be, ‘Money’ is likely to arrive sooner rather than later, and it will be fascinating to see what other aces Asake has up his sleeves.
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.” The Mavin popstar has been teasing...
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.”
The Mavin popstar has been teasing the new single for a few weeks now, posting multiple promotional videos across social media that built up significant excitement for her third official release of the year. The release of “Hot Body” comes on the heels of recent reports that confirmed the Grammy-nominated singer had officially joined Roc Nation’s roster, the American music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by rapper and business mogul JAY-Z.
Earlier in February, Ayra Starr shared “All The Love,” a sumptuous Afropop ballad produced by labelmate Johnny Drille and Teemode, before releasing the sleek and sensual Wizkid-assisted “Gimmie Dat” about months later. In that time period, the singer picked up two awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act before also clinching her first BET award for Best International Act in June.
It was recently announced that the pop singer would be joining Coldplay on the UK leg of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour between August to September, and her impressive year continues with the release of “Hot Body.” Once again, teaming up with close collaborator Ragee and UK production duo The Elements, Ayra Starr manages to deliver a sweetly erotic summer jam that’s sure to elicit plenty lip-biting, hip gyrating, and flirty winks. “Look what a hot body can do,” she sings repeatedly, almost like an enchantress performing a magic trick.
With her current deal with Mavin and Universal Music still running and the recent confirmation of her management deal with Roc Nation, it’s safe to assume that “Hot Body” might garner significant momentum both at home and abroad. Outside of her music, the singer recently wrapped up the shooting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone which is reportedly set for release in early 2027.
Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a series of gritty mixtapes that chronicled his upbringing, thrills, and connection to the community. Since his rebrand, he’s steadily grown into a renowned voice in South African Hip-Hop, regarded for his storytelling, cultural homage, and genre fusion.
Three years after the release of ‘Talk To Me Naace,’ his reintroduction to the scene, ZULO has returned with ‘Z,’ a three-track EP that shows a glimpse of his evolution as an artist and human. Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a refined sound that’s bold, emotional, and distinctly South African.
The three-tracker opens with “God’s Armour,” a gospel-inflected protest anthem layered with brass and trap drums. It is followed by “Sweeter Success,” an infectious Afropop-inspired groove built around a nostalgic sample of UPZ’s iconic “Pure Surprise”. Beneath its shine lies a darker message: the emotional cost of ambition, the toll of always pushing for more. ZULO produced the track himself, with additional production from Miglow and SpiceDrums.
‘Z’ closes with “Spaan”, a gritty street anthem that samples Kamazu and confronts addiction, poverty, and the lingering scars of apartheid through the lens of coloured identity. “These songs are battle cries and war journals,” ZULO says. “‘Z’ is everything I’ve fought through to stand where I am. The EP follows a strong run of 2024 singles, including “Adawise,” “JOL,” “Garden,” and “Smaak To Love (Lamza).”