At the forefront of Alte as a genre is NATIVE Network’s musical collective, NATIVE Sound System which has just released its debut LP NATIVEWORLD. The Alte scene has not only grown as a community in the last year, but it has also evolved into a musical genre we can’t live without. With albums like Obongjayar’s Some Nights I Dream Of Doors and Cruel Santino’s Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN being released this year, the Alte genre is one that’s here to stay.
Launched this year, NATIVE Sound System came in guns blazing with the Ayra Starr and Lojay-featuring track Runaway released in April. Refusing to slow down, NSS followed up the April release with the star-studded record that featured WANI, Boj, Odunsi The Engine, and Odeal, giving us a hint of what was to come on their full-length project.
Helmed by DJs Addy Edgal and SHOLZ, the NATIVE Sound System’s 15-track album titled NATIVEWORLD is a compilation LP framed through a weather-based conceptual arc. “For the album, we were in the midst of trying to create the seasons of a year in Lagos — Rainy, Dry, Harmattan and Christmas seasons,” Chubbz, executive producer and A&R at NSS explained shortly before the release of its lead single. The cover art was made by South African self-taught illustrator, graphic designer, and visual artist Snalo Ngcaba.
Here are 7 songs off NSS’s NATIVEWORLD that you need to listen to:
Tortoise
Tortoise is the first track on the album. It features The Cavemen and SHOLZ and it is a definite stand-out track. It was produced by SHOLZ and you can tell that the production on Tortoise is superb. It delivers an intricate fusion of dance and highlife. It is also an ode that pays respects to some legends in the Nigerian music industry.
Cold Freestyle
On Cold Freestyle Bloody Civillian and SHOLZ link up to deliver a euphonious melody with unique drums that Bloody Civillian sings over in a soothing tone. The production on this was done by SHOLZ and Blake.
Good Good
Good Good features Joyce Olong, SOLIS and Azanti. SHOLZ is back again on the production end; this time, he has help from DOZ. Good Good is a track that you most likely won’t get enough of. Azanti’s verse on this track is catchy and the beat compliments it beautifully.
Stuck on You
Stuck on You taps the celestial being Ayra Starr, as well as LMBSKN and DAP The Contract. They team up on the LMBSKN-produced track to create a tune that flows so well. From LMBSKN’s synth-pop masterclass, to Ayra Starr’s immaculate falsetto, to DAP’s Teflon flow, Stuck on You will is a song you’ll be stuck on.
Pim Pam
Prettyboy D-O, MOJO AF, Fresh L., and Psycho YP sync seamlessly on this energetic and fast-paced track. From the production to the verses, this track seems like a divine gift with everything being at the right place at the right time. A song that features both Prettyboy D-O and MOJO AF has to hit especially when Fresh L and Psycho YP spice things up with their rap cadences.
TGIF
Gabzy features on this calm 1minute vibe. Gabzy’s smooth voice blends seamlessly on the Tyler Turner-produced track. The whole song chronicles the relief that most people feel when it’s the weekend. “Thank God it’s Friday, I’m with my guys. Been a long week, put some rock on ice,” Gabzy sings setting the tone for the whole tune.
Pressure
Not to put any pressure on you, but if you don’t like this track then we might have a problem. Alpha P and Lady Donli are excellent on their own, but on Pressure they come together to create a stand-out track. Produced by Le Mav and Genio, the drums on this track will definitely have you moving to the beat.