How Naeto C Changed Nigerian Hip-hop

by  Kultured Natives  Born Naetochukwu Chikwe, Naeto C did so much in what many might call a short period. No one could have guessed that this returnee—he returned to Nigeria from the United States in 2006 to establish a full-time music career—would wound up making music that would soundtrack the late 2000s and early 2010s, significantly changing the state of Nigerian Hip-hop. And yet that is what happened. But how did Naeto C change Nigerian Hip-hop? Breaking the Sound There was a disconnect between the sound Naeto C was bringing and the type of music that was mainstream then. On the one hand, we had Nigerian rappers like 2Shotz, Illbliss, and Modenine who were making music for hardcore lovers of Hip-hop, and on the other hand, we had the likes of D’banj, P-Square, and 2Face making party music with great commercial appeal. While Naeto C’s music had mainstream appeal with its catchy hooks and melodies, he never compromised on lyrical content. His rhymes were clever and often touched on themes such as Nigerian culture, identity, and everyday life, showcasing his skill as a lyricist and storyteller with a natural American accent making many say, “he didn’t sound Nigerian.” According to...