Diversity & Representation · Indicator 5
Artistic & musical innovation
What this indicator asks
Who are the upcoming artists, sounds and styles in Lagos?
not scored
Participants made over 30 entries. The innovation named most often is fusion with indigenous Nigerian music: taking traditional or older popular forms and rebuilding them through house and electronic production. The producing duo FÄËM appear on K1 De Ultimate’s Ultimate Fuji (Fuji-House) Vol. 1.
Naija House Mafia, a trio formed around 2019, flip P-Square and Chuddy K through a house lens and draw on Fulani folk and Nigerian percussion. Participants also named underground artists such as October’s Reach and Wood, a psychedelic rapper.
A participant said many new acts build followings at universities outside Lagos, and Lagos then amplifies the scale.
An expert said “no DJ” has yet made money from the scene. There is no clear path to success for producers and DJs in Nigeria, such as a system for bookings, brands signing DJs, and fair income from streaming and publishing.