If there’s one thing that we’re 100% sure of this year, it is the emergence of new acts in the African music industry; and in as much as it’s considered necessary for a potential Afrobeats upcoming superstar to have musical talent, (yes, they actually need this, stop lying to your SoundCloud rapper boyfriend).
They’re probably also expected to be signed into a good label, have the innate ability to tell sweet Yoruba men lies in their songs, and occasionally have their sex tapes magically leak, but this is the one that proved to be very important in the last year – their style.
Over the years, African artistes have evolved from going around shirtless and shouting women’s names up and down, to having a precise sense of style that resonates with their audience and also gives themselves a sense of identity. Here’s a guide of what you should be looking for at Katangua if you know you want to make it in this life as an Afrobeats act.
Dreadlocks
In Africa? You want to make it? As a musician? With a low cut? Sigh. Go and give this music thing a re-think, then come back when you are serious. If you are not ready to disobey your mother to braid your hair or get dreadlocks, then you are not ready for the mainstream. After you blow, you can go on to cut it, but for a start, go and Rema-up your head please. That’s the head-game you should be bothered about.
The “Joha” pants
Take honourable Asake; lyrical genius and champion of style as a model. After the release of Joha, he decided to give the Alté boys a run for their money. When you go to Yaba market, just look for Chigozie and show him a picture of these famous pants and he’ll sort you out. Don’t say we never did anything for you.
Skirts the length of a belt, AKA “Ayra Star’s Wardrobe”
Our princess of Africa indoctrinated this into our values last year and we’re here for it! Who said only men can serve legs? You can wear this everywhere and it will forever bang! You don’t need to buy plenty, just learn how to switch it up baby!
“Tie or die”
Yes, we said what we said. You either get ties or your career dies. Towards the end of last year, the kids added ties to their looks and we’re here for it! So start looking for your secondary school ties that they forced you to wear.
Unbuttoned shirts
One of the biggest problems with thrifting is finding shirts that don’t have buttons, but Nigerian artistes have chosen to aspire to perspire and have made this a trend. Taking the bulls by the horn and making this flaw an accessory, who needs buttons when you can flaunt your body while telling somebody’s daughter that all you can see is her waist?
“Ashewo” shorts
As the fans’ favourite, why do you need to wear jeans when you can wear your cute little shorts and be serving legs? This is also very effective for performing at shows, but Nigerians are now known for collecting clothes off performing artistes so you can decide to add a belt. That’s for you to decide. We can’t teach you everything.
Mummy skirt
Another major hit of last year was Nigerian male artistes deciding covert their girlfriends’ closets for skirt. We are guessing you’re single, so try borrowing from your mom instead. Sacrifices you have to make to become a Davido tomorrow. It’s show biz.
If you take these tips and still don’t make it, then go learn some skill because there’s nothing else anybody can do for you. Thank us when you can.
Rachel is your favourite gen z artist baby, who spends the time she's not on set laying on her bed writing and dragging people on the internet.
