Alté – a fusion genre of music that combines elements of afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, hip hop, and alternative R&B coined in the 2010s by Nigerian music group DRB LasGidi – has broadened the range of Nigerian culture and music. This genre has been around for years and is only getting better and more mainstream. The emergence of Alté is lived through the fine example of artists such as BOJ, who served as a pioneer of Alté.
Bolaji Odojukan , better known as BOJ is an English-Nigerian musician and producer. He is also one third of the group DRB LasGidi. Born in London, UK and raised in Gbagada, Nigeria, his career has expanded considerably throughout the years and his solo career has seen him expand beyond measures. His last album, ‘Gbagada Express’ soared to new heights and levels with his fusion of tempos, vocal styles and the overall style of sound he produced. His musical education stemmed from his younger years citing Lauren Hill, Wyclef Clef, Lagbaja, Fela Kuti and Bob Marley as his main music influences and he began making music in Year 9.
2007 was the start of BOJ’s career as he joined the music group DRB LasGidi with his schoolmates Fresh L and Teezee. He released his first solo project in 2014, the mixtape titled ‘#BOTM’. In 2022, Gbagada Express was released and included features from Nigerian music giants such as Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Fireboy DML, Buju and Victony, to name a few. So far, BOJ has released the singles ‘Love Garden’ featuring Adekunle Gold and ‘JABO’, featuring ODUMODUBLVCK for the year 2024.
‘JABO’ was released on 5 July 2024 and the single features Nigerian singer-rapper ODUMODUBLXCK. The song has a melodic beat which fuses amapiano and dance components, flowing well with BOJ’s mellow vocals. The rap verse from ODUMODUBLXCK introduces an upbeat element to the soothing beat, yet the contrast matches due to the flow and rhythm of his lyricism matching the pace of the song.
The genre-blending in the song allows for both sides of BOJ and ODUMODUBLXCK to create a unique approach as the direction of the song is to create an anthem for the dance floor which was executed through catering different sounds and introducing an interesting dynamic of blending Nigerian elements with other styles of music which is ultimately what Altè is about, the fusion of different genres to create one distinctive sound further evolving the beauty and art of music.
The choice of lyricism is in the serenading of a woman as they describe the dance moves displayed by women in a romantically intimate and sensual manner. The song empowers the emotion felt by being with your partner on the dance floor and the choice of lyricism is through language as the artists combine English and Yoruba to express themselves fluently through various forms for audiences to grasp their message.
BOJ uses his music to celebrate, romance and evoke an emotional connection of love through his music . He redefines the culture of music through his ability to convey his emotions through various genres and his deep soothing voice complements every form of delivery in his music.
