The alternative scene in Nigeria has always been marked by distinct cultural personalities known for their eccentricity and aura, which defies mainstream standards. Popularized in the mid-2010s, the alte movement is mostly characterized by Young GenZs and Millennials across pop culture. Yet there are older generations who have trailblazed the scene way before alté became a buzzword. These individuals reflected unconventional creativity and forged their path across music, fashion, and lifestyle before the digital era that pushed the alternative movement.
Here are 5 Alté OGs before IG:
Charly Boy
If you weren’t familiar with the Charly Boy’s era, then the word alté is still a new concept for you. In fact, Charly Boy is the definition of alternative in the late nineties to 2000s in which he confidently embodied his punk-inspired outfits, make-up, multiple piercings, tattoos, fashion accessories, mohawk, braids or dreadlocks that made him prominent at the time. Charly Boy not only embraced his gothic image but also androgyny from the start of his music career, which made him a controversial icon. Heck, he introduced his female alter ego, Linda, to the public.
Area Fada, as he was fondly called, embodied an alternative lifestyle so much during his time, even down to his music, that he was labeled as gay and occultic. But beyond being known for his controversial image, he was a steady activist for human and political rights, a pioneer of the okada riders movement, a media personality, and one-time president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria. Charly Boy walked so alté kids could run. But even in his 70s, Charly Boy is still serving alté looks!
Obesere
If you think being alté requires being a trust fund kid, you’re wrong. Legendary Fuji star Obesere is the street version of what Alté represents. Man was alté way before BOJ and Odunsi knew how to lace their shoes. The energetic street-bred musician was the bad boy of Fuji in the 90s, from his stunning, unconventional outfits to his risque and raw music carved away from mainstream Fuji music. Omo Rapala could either blend hip-hop swag into his lifestyle and music or go more unconventional. One day, he’s dazzling in a tank top, wig, and a choker chain; another day, he’s dressed in skirts or flashy body hug fit, as seen in his music videos.
Or, more recently found wearing a durag, cuban, and gold jewelry on an agbada. What’s more alté than that? Not only did his fashion reflect an alternative, but his music was bold, explicit, and filled with double entendres. Baba Tosibe has been alté all his life!
Denrele Edun
Arguably the most recognizable alté OG creative before IG. Denrele Edun was and still is the epitome of the alternative movement. His unapologetic, self-expressive, androgynous style placed him as a frontier for the alternative scene since the early 2000s, in which he rocked eccentric, colourful outfits, bold make-up and hairstyles, and sky-high boots. Some days, he’d unapologetically rock punk and glam rock elements, even as a TV host.
His unconventional style often puzzled people, but the unfazed and energetic media personality embraced his flamboyant yet theatrical personality. Denrele’s influence transcends different parts of Nigerian pop culture while building an impressive personal brand. Denrele never tried to fit in; he made being different look cool, and that’s what Alté depicts!
Goldie
The late Goldie is one alté OG before IG, popularly known for her bold, expressive fashion and visual identity that defied mainstream standards. The pop star constantly maintained her striking and futuristic outfits, eye-catching wigs, and bold make-up. In fact, she was dubbed the Lady Gaga of Nigeria at the time.
Her music videos were no exception to her unconventional concepts as she experimented with dramatic storytelling, edgy high-fashion, and choreography, as she blended electro-pop and R&B. A close friend to Denrele, it’s no wonder they influence each other.
Goldie unapologetically embraced an alté lifestyle in her time as she rocked her unique artistry in a male-populated industry. One could say she was ahead of her time while alive, which puts her on the list of the alté OGs before IG.
Weird MC
If you aren’t familiar with who she is (hello, Gen Z?), then perhaps the song “Ijoya” might strike a chord. Weird MC reflected an aura of what Alté represented—non-conformity. Her fashion sense, although resonated with the male gender, was identified as distinct at the time as there was hardly any female rapper seen dressed in a T-shirt, jeans, and an extremely long Fila.
Weird as her stage name, she dazzled in edgy and tomboy aesthetics to challenge societal norms and push alternative expressions into the mainstream. Shola was the first person for Nigeria’s full-length rap album. Her music blended Hip-hop and Afrobeat, and her hit songs like “Ijoya” and “Allen Avenue” were classic club bangers.
Which other alté OG before IG do you know and think should be on this list?
The DIY Collective 
Leave a Reply