For a long time, the Nigerian music industry has been ruled by mainstream artists — a circle of the “Big 3” and other recognizable names. But in recent years, there’s been a rise in underground artists taking their stance in the music industry. Last year witnessed a surge in underground artists filling the tables and topping the charts. From what it looks like, it appears there’s an unprecedented wave of underground artists with unconventional sounds.
The music consumption has grown from music released by the biggest names (and budgets) to a movement of underground artists with solid and credible communities, consistent releases, and remarkable talent.
At the centre of this movement are artists who draw from altè, hip-hop, and Afrobeats music in sounds, spirit, community, and fashion; yet remain unmistakably Nigerian with local references that are regional, intricate, and experimental in production.
This year, we recognize the underground artists who are bent on taking their names beyond the underground scenes and are ready to steal the spotlight. From contemporary hip-hop, Afropop, alternative sounds, and more, here are the underground artists to watch out for in 2026.
- Fimi:
If Sharon-Rose Similoluwa Banjo-Ogunleye isn’t familiar, the name Fimi should ring a bell. In a male-dominated industry, Nigerian female rapper and songwriter Fimi is effortlessly proving to be a force to reckon with in the Nigerian hip-hop scene.
Born and raised in Osogbo, Osun State, Fimi’s artistry has evolved from the young ‘Jesus rapper’ to the unapologetic, dynamic rapper commanding attention with her authentic, unfiltered rap songs.
Since her breakout moment marked by the viral snippet of her hit single “Halo,” Fimi has shown why she’s arguably the best female rapper in the country at the moment. With hardcore bars, swaggering flows, sharp wordplays, and braggadocious delivery marked by feminine energy, she drops fiery rap records that feel unmistakably Nigerian. Her releases include the viral hit “Halo,” “Beef,” and debut EP Fimí With The Flow.
- Priesst:
The Abuja underground scene is a goldmine for acts that have long displayed immense talents. And Priesst is proof of what the scene holds. In 2022, he first gained the spotlight for his viral single “Puff-Puff Pass,” which also led to a feature with Falz. Ever since, the rapper and singer-songwriter has never missed delivering songs that convey his ingenious artistry.
Drawing on his street-laced energy, heartfelt emotions, and spiritual flair, he preaches life, family, hustle, and passion over Afrobeats, trap, and hip-hop, from releasing viral records like “Osimhen,” “Shayo” featuring Adekunle Gold, “11:11,” to releasing his EP Kurima in 2025. This year, Priesst has shown why the world should pay attention to him. His latest single, “Akonuche,” produced by Dummex, has become the national anthem of the year, garnering widespread acclaim and co-signs across industries.
- Egertton:
Osaze Ikponmwonba “Egertton” is one of the artists redefining the new wave of underground music in Nigeria. His distinct sound, marked by a reimagination of hip-hop, trap, and Afropop, sets him apart from his peers. He wields global references alongside local culture, positioning him as a promising talent in the Nigerian music industry.
The 21-year-old singer and rapper reflects his personal style and alté spirit that projects in his fashion and art. With his debut EP Karnage, an array of features and hits like “Molade,” “Issokayy,” and “Sunmomi,” he has consistently built an unwavering community like no other.
- scottyolorin:
Leading the new wave of underground artists, scottyolorin stands as a genre-blending artist that fuses street-hop energy and alternative textures in a way that defies contemporary convention.
Blending trap and Afrobeats exuberance, he delivers music reminiscent of a trap star while staying connected to his local audience. Since his emergence in 2024, the vibrant rapper and singer has rapidly built a solid community around his distinct sound, marked by swaggering flow, melodic rap, and themes of hustle and carefree enjoyment.
The fast-rising act has garnered massive acclaim from the underground scenes and features that captivate listeners instantly. With records like “Molade,” “Like Asherkine,” and “Trabaye,” scottyolorin promises to be the next big thing in the music industry.
- TØDI OJ:
Formerly known as Pricelessay, TØDI OJ is an underground artist who shows he is a promising talent in the Nigerian music industry. His music blends his talent with emotions and melodies to create a distinct sound that hits home. He released his debut single “Fall” in September 2025 — a mid-tempo, reflective track that explores the complexities of love and vulnerability. With raw honesty that permeates his melodies, the Afropop record positions him as an underground artist to watch in 2026.
- NO11:
Since his emergence in 2022, NO11 has been blazing through the underground scenes with a uniquely curated sound that sets him as a force to be reckoned with.
The versatile singer and rapper is one of Abuja’s talented underground artists, consistently making a name for himself while putting the city on the map. With songs like “Shima,” “On Sight,” “Composore,” and “No Love in Lagos,” he blends hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap to create music that reflects life, love, and pleasure. With remarkable talent and confidence, NO11 is pioneering a new school of ‘Nepo babies’ which he self-titled Nepopiano.
His viral hit “How Far,” featuring Ayjay Bobo and Monochrome, is driving the nightlife scene and is currently sitting at number 16 on Spotify’s Top 100 Nigeria. The Afro-fusion up-tempo record has garnered massive traction and co-signs from Davido and Zlatan.
- Ar4:
Ar4 is an underground artist pushing boundaries with an impeccable talent that sets her apart from her peers. The singer-songwriter effortlessly flows across genres, including hip-hop, Afrobeats, and alternative, captivating listeners with her enchanting melodies. Using her unique sound marked by mellifluous vocals and reflective lyrics, she taps into themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and life. Her passion for music led her to pursue a formal education in music, and ever since, she has stayed unwavering in her chosen career path. Since she released her debut single “Dedicated” in 2024 and subsequent releases like “No Be Lie,” Ar4 has been an underground artist to watch, and the world just might catch on this year.
- Valee YVE:
From making freestyle videos and covers to officially releasing songs that set him apart from his peers, Valentine Uzoma Ezeribe, professionally known as Valee YVE, proves he is one of the underground artists to watch out for in 2026. Since the Port Harcourt-born singer-songwriter discovered his path for music, he has never stopped creating; from classroom freestyles and performing at school gatherings to covers of popular songs on his Instagram and YouTube channel in 2019. He officially began his artistry in 2021 with the release of his debut single, “ScaredGuy”. With songs like “BAM BAM,” “Pillow Talk,” “Susanna,” and more, Valee YVE flows fluidly between genres, including Afrobeats, R&B, and Emotrap.
- Miji:
The Nigerian underground scene is brimming with talented vocalists, and Kaska “Miji” Olamiji promises to be one of the biggest names to emerge from it. Since her emergence in 2023 with the collaborative single “Superstar” and the EP Liars & Thieves, Miji has established herself as a genre-blending singer-songwriter. Her mellifluous vocals flow effortlessly across genres, including alternative pop, Afro-fusion, and R&B, drawing on raw emotions and introspective lyrics.
In 2024, she went viral for her ‘Escapism cover,’ which garnered massive traction. Ever since, she has continued to make music where her melodies reflect life and emotions. Her latest track, “Bubble,” is an emotive, honest ballad that reflects navigating living freely despite the fears of self and the complexities of the world.
- Deena:
Only a few Nigerian acts are blazing within the music industry with the trap genre. Deena shows she’s more than capable of leading the new wave of the sound. The hardcore trap rapper blends high-energy, fiery bars with feminine undertones, instantly drawing listeners into her artistry. Her debut single, “Active,” shot her into the spotlight, where she bounced on the fast-paced record with swaggering flow, street-laced energy, and bravado. Her latest single, “Wire The Funds,” is yet another testament to why she’s an artist to watch out for in 2026. On the up-tempo track, she delivers chest-thumping bars that feel unprecedented in the music industry.
The DIY Collective 
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