After the world witnessed the 66th Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, it is safe to say that Afrobeats music has an undeniable influence on Black culture and continues to be a bridge for cultural connection across the diaspora.
For those who are new to the genre, some might be familiar with popular artists such as Burnaboy, Wizkid, and Davido. But did you know there are incredibly talented and rising African artists who are based right here in Houston? They might not be considered “mainstream” yet, but with enough support from the community, they will get there.
Houston, home to one of the largest populations of Nigerians in the nation, has emerged as a hot spot for African talent, with local artists making their own mark in the industry with their unique sounds.
Check out our list of five local African musicians in Houston who are also contributing to the genre’s meteoric rise.
Lolade
Lolade, a Nigerian-born artist, enriches Houston’s music scene with her soulful vocals and eclectic Afro-Folk-Soul style. Grounded in music theory, vocal performance, and piano, her Wilberforce University education honed her craft. A prominent figure in Philadelphia’s music scene, she headlined shows and collaborated with Rotimi and the Afrophonik Crew.
Returning to Houston, Lolade performs in local venues, emphasizing African and African-American musical traditions. Her 2018 EP, “Neverland,” and recent singles like “Sisi Eko” and “Dreams” showcase her Afro-jazzy classics, available on major music platforms. Passionate about musical preservation, Lolade collaborates internationally, blending her Nigerian roots with her American experiences.
John Patrick Egbo
John-Patrick (HTX), a Nigerian musician from southwest Alief, Texas, gained notoriety as JohnyyP for his musical ability and social influence. His work defies commercial conventions, enhanced with inspirational undertones and religious jokes. Even though he has experienced many controversial and humorous events in his life, he remains genuine and upholds the saying “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay.”
John-Patrick illustrates the challenges of feeling both African and American while navigating his dual identity as a Nigerian-American. After overcoming hardship, which included legal issues close to graduation, he found comfort in his faith and rediscovering his purpose. Driven by jail reflections and community service, his journey from facing federal charges to finishing his degree became an inspirational story for the next generation.
After more than 10 years of independence, John-Patrick, cherishes his followers as family and uses his brand LimitlessLovve.
Ugonna
Ugonna Anosike is a singer-songwriter who developed her musical soul at a young age. Her works are motivated by a profound desire for harmony. Her ability to merge the soulful feelings of R&B with the rhythmic rhythms of traditional Afrobeat is a testament to her eclectic upbringing.
Because of her distinct afro-pop style, which incorporates soulful aspects, Ugonna has had the opportunity to open for well-known musicians like Dbanj, 2Face, Wizkid, Iyanya, and Flavour Nabania. Her parents are from Nigeria, and she carries over their passion for learning into her dedication to her studies. The voyage of Ugonna Anosike is a tasteful blend of cultural influences that result in a musical story that speaks to listeners of many genres and reflects her origins.
Babatunde Ogunseinde is a dynamic guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose remarkable guitar and vocal abilities have made him well-known on the concert and festival circuits in Africa and the United States. He is the creator of The Village Square a concert series dedicated to bringing the diaspora together through cultural music and the arts.
BILS
Nigerian artist BILS is a multi-talented person who was born in Lagos state and is a true representation of his heritage. His musical career took off when his 7-track EP, “Man is on the Move,” was independently released in 2017. It quickly shot to the top of the iTunes US global charts.
Afro beats, 808s, harsh rap, and soul-lifting melodies are all skillfully blended into BILS’ signature sound to provide a unique experience for his listeners. BILS has cemented his place in the worldwide music landscape by sharing stages with well-known performers like Wizkid, Asake, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and more.