2024! 8 Lagos Underground Rappers to Watch

Lagos vibrant and diverse music scene has consistently produced some of Africa's most influential artists. While mainstream acts continue to dominate the airwaves, the rap scene in Lagos is a treasure trove of raw talent and untapped potential.

As we step into 2024, let's shine a spotlight on the emerging Nigerian rappers who are poised to make waves in the coming year.

OluwaMillar
OluwaMillar, a remarkable artiste hailing from Oyo, Nigeria, draws his creative inspiration from the rich tapestry of the streets, people, football, stories, life, and the vibrant Yoruba culture. His music is a captivating blend of tradition and indigenous heritage, reflecting the essence of his roots.

In an era where Nigeria's indigenous hip-hop scene seeks greater depth and lyrical substance, he stands out as a shining star amidst the sea of budding artistes.

Favour Joshua Oparemi, AKA OluwaMillar, penetrated the underground rap scene in 2022 with a series of songs and features. In 2023, he came out with a two-song pack titled Agba Beef, which featured the songs AGBALAGBI and Beef Dey. The beautifully unique delivery of Yorùbá language in his music sets him apart from the many rappers springing up these days. We can’t wait to see what 2024 holds for him.

Droxx

Born and raised in Lagos, Droxx is one of the most exciting and pioneering young voices out of Nigeria leading a new wave of Nigerian hip hop. He has an undeniable underground hip hop following, combined a with variety of features and projects that ensures his consistency and sees him making major waves in the music industry.

Only a few artists can boast a solid streak of up to 20 guest features in a year. Droxx, AKA African Chief, has long proved himself as one of the pioneers of Drill music in Nigeria and a top contender for most revered new rapper in the country. He opened for Davido’s “Timeless Concert” alongside Rebelwav in Abuja on December 15, 2023. With every performance, Droxx showcases true passion, consistency and his charisma places him as one of the coolest young emcees who’ll make 2024 a year to remember in Nigerian Hip-Hop.

PDSTRN
PDSTRN is the winner of the 8th Hennessy Artistry VS Class Competition, and he’s been a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian rap scene
Bennett Obeya (born July 27 1999), professionally known as *PDSTRN* (pron. pedestrian); born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised between Lagos & Toronto, Canada is a rapper, singer, songwriter, fashion maven & style icon on the rise in the industry.

With the first song he ever wrote TOXIC being on the WeTalkSound's critically acclaimed compilation album LOFN; an album that went #1 on the Apple Music Alternative Charts in Nigeria in 2020, and winning the Hennessy Artistry VS Class VIII.

PDSTRN has adopted a unique approach to his career via his writing and speaking on delicate topics, with his coarse baritone voice and unique singing style that merges his rapping and singing into a perfect sonical blend to assist with the rhythmic flavor of employed instrumentals. We can't wait to see what the year has in store for him.

SGAWD
Popularly known as Seddy, SGaWD is a Nigerian rapper currently making waves in the industry. For SGaWD, music is that space where she can be free to talk about things happening in her life in a way that conversation can’t match. Her music displays both emotional honesty and artistic versatility as she’s able to rap with a ferocity matched by the razor-like sharpness of her pen yet sing with a tenderness that warms the depths of the heart.

There is no comfort zone with this young talent, she is ready to do whatever it takes to make sure her voice is heard in the way that it needs to be. She’s here to remove the traditional notion of what a Nigerian woman needs to be as an artist and make her own rules completely. A force to be reckoned with, she is here to show why she belongs in conversation with Nigeria’s next generation of Hiphop stars.

Mojo AF
Nigeria's hip-hop 'Orisa', Mojo is an energetic and distinctive rap genius who possesses robust lyrical and vocal dexterity that keeps his listeners simultaneously hyped-up and intrigued.

Mojo was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria he began his journey towards music in high school, professionally launching his music career later in 2019 with the release of his hit single 'Chop Life Crew' featuring Prettyboy DO.
Mojo's lyrics regularly switch between English and Yoruba, narrating his struggles, successes and everyday experiences as a young Nigerian, drawing inspiration from the likes of Nigerian hip-hop icon Dagrin and afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Mojo lyrical prowess and quick delivery paint a vivid picture of his life. Mojo is definitely about to be in our faces a lot in 2024.

Shalom Dubas
Shalom Dubas is a rap & song savant who uses her music as a safe space to express, realize, and alchemize her emotions.

With music, her mission is to use her talents to elevate the human experience. Starting with hers, her circles', and eventually the world-at-large - until there is more depth and Gold. in this world than how she's found it. We can’t wait to hear what Shalom drops in 2024.

Moosey Lion
Born Aruna Olanrewaju Kabiru and hailing from Lagos State, Awori tribe. MooseyLion has been carrying Ebute Meta on his back since 2013. MOOSEY Lion is what one would describe as an Afro-Real Artiste as he fuses hip hop with afro beat sounds to deliver music that pictures reality.
Moosey's music is aimed at educating, liberating and elevating the consciousness of the old and the young, hence the backronym MOOSEYLION- Made Out Of Societal Enigma Young Leaders Impacting Our Nation.

Moosey has earned a name for himself on Instagram through his diverse freestyle videos, thought provoking lyrics and energetic performances which he has also displayed on different big stages.

With strong consistency and quality delivery for over a decade in the music industry, Moosey isn't relenting or stoping anytime soon.

BRAZY

Brazy, is a genre-bending artist from Lagos whose unique blend of witty lyricism and diverse beat selection has earned her a loyal following of guys and girls all over the world. With an unmatched ability to glide on

instrumentals in a range of languages, Brazy’s music is for everybody, but most importantly for the girls, who she seeks to champion on every track she touches.

As we anticipate the rise of these Lagos rappers in 2024, it's clear that the country's rap scene is evolving and diversifying. With a rich blend of cultural influences, linguistic diversity, and social commentary, these artists are poised to contribute significantly to the global hip-hop landscape. Keep an ear to the ground, because the underground is where the future stars of Nigerian rap are honing their craft and preparing to take the industry by storm.