This post is basically me fangirling my underrated faves. I’m not going to mention the likes of Drake, Rihanna, Tiwa Savage, Davido, or Beyonce here, because well, everyone should have listened to their music directly or indirectly at one point in time, and if you don’t listen to them now, it’s definitely a conscious effort. I’m going to highlight my favorite artistes here who don’t (to me) get enough recognition, and when I mention them, most people don’t know who they are (tears).
I can’t now call myself a music buff or something, and I don’t even know that many underground artistes, so these people might be a tad popular, but then they’re not getting the clout I think they should be getting for their music. Here goes (I hyperlinked their Soundcloud so you can easily access their music):
I’ve told this story a million times and I’ll tell it a million times more. The first time I heard Skylar Grey’s awesome voice was on Bed of Lies, where Nicki Minaj featured her. I loved the song, and her even more. I went to google her, and downloaded her songs and boy oh boy, I’m so glad I did. She’s an amazing singer with a unique voice and a wonderful discography. Listen to Moving Mountains, Kill For You (ft. Eminem), and Come Up For Air – thank me later.
Jinmi Abduls is a fine boy with an even finer voice. I love his songs so much – from Pose, and Tinuke Eko, to Long Distance, and Linda Highlife. The boy dey singggg. Check out his Jinmi of Lagos EP (2017), and his Jinmi of Lagos 2 album (2018), and be mesmerized. My mood all year long has actually been “ko ni da fun long distance“.
This is the person whose songs I’ve been listening to for the longest (on this list). I remember having Jar of Hearts and A Thousand Years on repeat like crazy when I was in secondary school. LMAO I used to imagine walking up to my ex and asking him the exact chorus of Jar of Hearts, and A Thousand Years had me wondering what it would actually feel like to experience eternal romantic love. I still listened to her album Lovestrong (2011) this week. She hasn’t had anything out since 2014, and that makes me sad. I always say how A Thousand Years pt. 2 (with Steve Kazee) is one of my favorite songs in the world because of how insanely beautiful.
Most times I have an aversion to listening to new songs/albums because I’m confortable with the songs and albums I already know and love. This almost stopped me from enjoying the beauty that is Dua Lipa’s music. I had her album on my laptop for almost 4 months and I didn’t give it half a listen. One day, I was at my friend’s place and she played the album, AND I FELL IN LOVE. It had so many songs and I wanted to slap myself for not listening to it earlier. Lost in Your Light (ft. Miguel) is such a jam, and oh my God, I couldn’t stop listening to the album for monthsssss. It’s one of the few albums I can listen to a million times without skipping a single song. Her new singles with Sean Paul and Calvin Harris are also very amazing. I love love love love her.
Ella Mai is drop dead gorgeous and when her beauty slays you to death, her songs are what the angels will sing to you in heaven. I listen to Boo’d Up once and I couldn’t get it off repeat. Her new eponymous album, Ella Mai (2018) is also very great. She featured John Legend on a song, and Trip is such a vibe.
Sooooo, go and listen to my babies’ music, and give me your feedback!!! I also hope you’re listening to my absolute faves of all faves – Shakira and Jhene Aiko.
Byeeee!
Oyinda Loves Books 