Contrary to popular beliefs, Nigerian music has always been a home to authenticity and innovation. Artists have always taken the opportunity to show up as themselves without the fear of judgement or condemnation. In this article, we are spotlighting four unique voices in Afrobeats and how they impacted the world around them against all odds.

Area Scatter

Uzoma Odimara, also known as ‘Area Scatter’ was a cross-dresser born in Imo State, Nigeria in the 1970s. He gained popularity during the post civil war era and was known for visiting different places to perform melodic tunes. His rise to fame can be attributed to his unconventional approach to life and flamboyant style; He was known for his beautiful voice and playing the thumb piano; he performed in the home of the upper class.

Through his art, Area Scatter aimed to raise awareness and promote tolerance for gender diversity, using his talent as a platform to challenge societal norms.

Charly Boy

Charley Boy, born Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa is a Singer/Songwriter, TV presenter and Actor from Nigeria. He is known for his alternative lifestyle, political views and his work in the media. He grew up in a conservative catholic home, although he admits that his parents were somewhat liberal. After his studies in America where he earned a degree in communications, Charley boy developed a punk persona with leather jackets, powerbikes, mohawks and bulky jewellery. 

Charley Boy has spent most of his life advocating for the masses, protesting and using his platforms to enlighten people.

Lagbaja

Bisade Okogunde aka Lagbaja was born in Lagos 1960, is a singer-songwriter and percussionist. He is widely known for using a mask to hide his identity which earned him the name ‘Lagbaja’ meaning unknown person in Yoruba.This was a conscious effort of his to reflect the common man in Nigeria, his lyrics demanded honesty from the Government. He taught himself to play the saxophone and other percussion instruments like the Congas and Talking Drums.

Weird MC

Adesola Adesimbo Idowu, or Weird MC is a Nigerian-British singer-songwriter, rapper and producer. Born to conservative parents in England who disapproved of her pursuing a career in entertainment, she still fought against all odds by creating a hip-hop group of other girls like herself called “Weirdos”. Although they disbanded not long after, She was able to thrive as a solo artist in Nigeria despite misogynistic discrimination she experienced from her male peers, her androgynous style made her standout at a time when women were heavily sexualised and personal style was a myth.