In a music  music landscape where the underground is often overshadowed by the mainstream, and niche artists find their influence dwarfed by far-reaching big-label budgets, uNder stands as the heartbeat of discovery and the pulse for those searching for something raw, authentic, and unapologetically different. It’s more than just a platform – it’s a movement that’s elevating voices; curating and spotlighting artists who embody the raw and untapped essence of their scene.

This month’s uNder highlights Yamiko, Øbed, Young Lunya, and Ema Onigah, who represent the heart and soul of their respective scenes. Each of them unafraid to put their unique spin on local contemporary music, this crop of artists are not only reshaping the underground scene, they are proving that their time in the spotlight is inevitable.

Yamiko’s voice is pure emotion, wrapping listeners in the raw, soul-stirring energy of RnB, while Øbed,  a rising radical force from Ghana, comes through unafraid to challenge norms and push boundaries with his unapologetic approach to music. In Uganda, Young Lunya’s sharp flow and storytelling prowess make him one of the most exciting new rappers to watch, blending tradition and innovation with ease. From Nigeria, Ema Onigah is blending the old and the new, and creating a sound that’s unmistakably his own.

Yamiko

For Fans of: Tems, Konyikeh & Rowlene

Combing through Yamiko’s discography, it was difficult to shake the SZA vibes coursing through her releases, so it didn’t come as a surprise when Apple Music recommended “Kill Bill” as the warm synths of Yamiko’s “Blest” closed out. Unlike the American superstar, who many believe makes music that feels too vulnerable – bordering on self-depreciating – Yamiko’s messaging rests easily on the ears. On her biggest track yet, “Blest,” airy, soothing vocals hold the weight of her optimism as she chooses intentionally to focus on the positives for her peace of mind. “See I could focus on everything that’s going wrong and put it in a song/ And I’d relive all of those things, this time I sing along and act surprise when they actually manifest,” Yamiko hums over low drum vibrations and light cymbal taps, reiterating the importance of breaking the cycle of recollecting regrets. 

From her 2020 debut, “Healing” to her recently released EP, ‘Rear View Mirror,’ the Cape-town born artist is coasting the lines of R&B with a trained confidence usually associated with far more seasoned artists. Her heart-warming renditions and soothing melodies, characterised by notes of utmost conviction still possess an admirably childlike curiosity and deep yearning. On “Curious,” Yamiko’s lush vocals fall over the backdrop of more Pop-inclined drum patterns, creating a groovy atmosphere for her to explore new romantic connections. “Deep Innit,” assisted by Surreal Sessions, adopted a slow Dance soundscape which later picks up along the hook with unexpected log-drum elements. Despite the track’s reverberating bass, Yamiko’s vocals stay faint and warm, drawing attention back to the cool tones of the tune.  

In a scene ridden with upbeat chants over high-tempo instrumentals, slowed-down R&B melodies always serve as the perfect cleanser, drawing our attention back to the quieter moments that allow us the opportunity to address largely shunned emotions. – N.I

Young Lunya

For fans of: Khaligraph Jones, Buruklyn Boyz, and A-Reece

Young Lunya raps with the certitude of someone that has a lot to say and knows exactly how he wants to say it. Born and raised in Tanzania, his methods and messages have evolved across a career that has seen him morph into one of the most well-regarded acts in East Africa. All this while maintaining his Hip-hop credentials thanks to a plethora of hard-hitting tracks that distil his thoughts of life in Tanzania and his zest for hedonistic thrills into potent missives. Young Lunya first started his career as part of the rap trio, OMG Tanzania, working alongside acts like Salmin Swaggz and Con Boi on explosive cuts like “Kimbia” and “Swing” as well as more sung-rap melds like the Jolie-featuring “Paradiso” and “Sitaki.”

He launched his debut career in 2019 with the release of “Wanene Studio Session” in 2022, spitting rapid-fire bars about his quest to get money and live his best life regardless of what’s happening around him. It’s a tact that he has returned to several times in recent years, using freestyle sessions to get things off his chest while building a solid catalogue. He won the Hip-Hop Male Artist of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Song at the Tanzania Music Awards in 2022 and then, later that year, signed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment Africa, becoming the first Tanzanian rapper to ink a deal with the label. His debut single, for the label “Vitu Vingi,” soon followed, showing his dexterity with Swahili and thrilling fans in the language. 

In 2023, he collaborated with Kenyan rapper, Khaligraph Jones, on the vociferous rap anthem, “Stupid,” as they flexed their lyrical prowess and pronounced themselves the top dogs in Eastern African Hip-hop. Lunya’s 2024 single, “Mbwa mwitu,” showed a more melodic edge to his style as he experimented with trap influences on the lead single for his debut album, ‘Mbuzi.’ Part statement of intent and part coming-of-age story, ‘Mbuzi’ holds the sum of Lunya’s thoughts on family, his career breakthrough, and love, with contributions from colleagues like Abigail Chams, Marioo, and Micky Singer. It’s a cogent and necessary introduction to one of East Africa’s most compelling voices. – W.O

Ema Onigah

For fans of: Kaestyle, Azanti, TAR1Q

The most obvious thing that first sticks out about Ema Onigah’s music is his kinetic flows. The Cross River native uses his silvery vocals like a percussive instrument, raining down syllables on beats like a skilled instrumentalist. On “Ave Maria,” his latest single, the Lagos-based singer quips about his endearing love interest, using sharp, fluid, and intricate rhymes to paint an intimate imagery about a certain Maria. Similarly on his debut single “Net Worth,” Onigah attacks Ozedikus’ groovy beat in the opening seconds with a quick-tongued rhyme delivery that would give most rappers a run for their money. While this peculiar ability has become Onigah’s calling card, there’s much more to his music. 

It’s no surprise that Onigah developed a dynamic and intricate flow. The building blocks of the singer’s career were laid in his local church in Lagos where he served as a drummer for an extended period. This helped him develop a profound understanding of flows and rhythms as well as the framework of his distinctive approach to Afropop. After cutting his musical teeth in church and further fine-tuning his craft, he released “Net Worth” in 2020 and followed up two years later with “Playful Someone” alongside frequent collaborator Ozedikus. 

“Playful Someone” once again showcased Onigah’s motor-mouthed flows, but more importantly it also highlighted Onigah’s songwriting chops as well as his ability to conjure incredibly sticky melodies. These abilities were put on full display on 2023’s ‘DUST OFF,’ a 6-track EP that married rich production – courtesy of him, Ozedikus and Tuzi – with some inventive songwriting. Cuts like “SIDE MIRROR,” the evocative “FOR BOYS” and his biggest solo single to date “DEY SO,” earmarked Onigah as a promising and imaginative musician who looks to offer something different from the saturated run-of-the-mill Afropop that’s being churned out. – B.A

Øbed

For fans of:  Mannywellz, Tems & July Drama

Øbed, a rising star in Accra’s music scene, is captivating audiences with innovative sound and versatile artistry. Selected as Spotify #FreshFinds Africa in July 2024,. his music blends Alternative Jazz, Soul, and Afro influences, creating unique hits that stand the test of time. Øbed, who describes his music as “euphoric and uplifting,” is also the co-founder of “Superjazzclub Collective” a group he started with friends and collaborators Seyyoh, Ansah Live, BiQo, and Tano Jackson., together explore different elements in the music under the guise of the Jazz genre.

His debut single “Sober,” was  released in 2018 in  a collaboration with peers from Superjazzclub. On it, he produced a sound marked by Afro-percussive elements and soulful synths. His ability to craft an engaging listening experience makes him a stand-out artist for his talent in Ghana’s Alternative music scene.

Øbed’s journey is strongly rooted in his upbringing, learning the piano from his father at the age of six, and growing up around music in church, where his skills expanded in keyboard and guitar. He began experimenting with music producing after being inspired by Jon Bellion, and has produced for numerous projects including Amaarae’s “Spend Some Time.” and Cruel Santino’s “Cincinnati Pumpin!!”

Øbed’s music is distinctive for its emotive energy, blending old Soul, Funk, and Jazz with modern production. He wants his listeners to have feelings of ecstasy, melancholy, and euphoria when listening, and continues to experiment with new sounds and genres to create timeless music that speaks to both the past and the future and aims to bring Ghanaian artistry to the global stage. – N.S