BOJ

Bolaji Odojukan - aka Boj - has been blazing an artistic trail for over a decade, laying down the foundations of the sound known as Alte (meaning Alternative); a fusion of cool electronica, slick Afrofuturism and wavey RnB that stepped away from the more commercial sounds of Afropop in search of something deeper. First developing the sound alongside school friend’s Teezee and Fresh L as part of the group DRB Las Gidi, Boj stepped out into the solo limelight with his 2014 debut album Boj on the Mic. This album introduced the world to an artist raised between the UK and Nigeria, an upbringing that folded in everything from street level London grime to global Afropop. This open hearted approach to music resulted in Boj’s peers paying attention, and he has become something of an artist’s artist, as comfortable jumping on a track alongside Skepta as he is featuring with Wizkid.

Now in his late 20s, and seeing the sound he created feeding directly into the global success of Afrobeats, Boj has become a musical linchpin in Lagos. Having opened his studio, Gbagada Express, the location has become a hub of Nigerian talent - and his new album is testament to this, featuring everyone from Afropop royalty such as Wizkid, Davido and Mr Eazi, alongside the new generation of stars; Fireboy, Buju, Amaarae; Gbagada Express shows just how deeply Boj’s Alte sound has infiltrated the mainstream - he has stuck to his guns and the world has changed around him.