Nigerian singer, Olawale Ashimi, popularly known as Brymo, has taken credit for introducing the ‘alternative’ genre of music to Nigeria.
Brymo said he invented the ‘alternative’ in 2013 as a cure to the ills of the mainstream and not to be a part of it.
Brymo who recently courted controversy for his semi-nude music video, “Heya”, on the internet made this claim on his Instagram page.
According to Merriam-webster, alternative music is produced by performers who are outside the musical mainstream, that is typically regarded as more eclectic, original, or challenging than most popular music (such as conventional rock, pop, or country), and that is often distributed by independent record labels
He wrote,
“In the Nigerian music scene, the ‘alternative’ was invented by me in 2013 as a cure to the ills of the mainstream, not to be a part of it…
“To be ‘alternative’ means that the process of recording, performing, distributing and rating your work is different from the mainstream…”
The 31-year-old started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 but breached his contract with the label in 2013.
However, some of his fans hailed him and said he deserves some accolades for his contribution to the Nigerian music industry. Others argued with his assertion and claimed that it was far from the truth
This is not the first time that the award-winning music artiste has been blunt about acknowledging his role in the Nigerian music industry.
See some comments:
el.rigoIf: “Bata Somi were were” were put in this purview. Then maybe you even got the date wrong. Maybe the movement started earlier. Even at that, ild still say no you did NOT invent the “Alternative” sound in Nigeria. Its hard to say or accord the honour of “inventor” to just one act. “Asa” been doing that. “Blackmagic” was about that typo sound too. And “Nneka” was also on that tip. However, you was a major and still are an ambassador and advocate for the alternative movement. Your works played pivotal role in bringing that genre of music to the forefront. And you definitely made your mark. Such that no one can deny your centrality to the advancement of conscious entertaining music in Nigeria. The foundation and framework you helped lay down, paved way for the likes of “Odunsi the engine”, “Tay Iwar”, “Lady Donli”, “Sir Dauda”, “Niniola”, “Aramide”, to build on. That said, You are a maestro in the field Brymo. And no one can take your well deserved accolades away from you.
paradoxnoni@bosscity_salon: I made a point that enlightened ones will understand and less enlightened ones will say “it’s a feedback loop from hell” cuz that’s what their life feels like… learn to understand before you voice your opinion. I said he didn’t “invent” anything and you’re talking like an illiterate… it’s either you don’t know what invent means or you don’t know the history of music in Nigeria. Whichever it is, I’m not convinced you’re knowledgeable enough to hold this conversation, stick to hair weaving.
rotimii__: Brought up the alternative movement dem Tay iwar, johnny drille dey enjoy now.. Big ups broo
kunle_kennyI see a lot of ignorance displayed in the comments!! Did you read the context of his “alternative”? How many people record, perform live, then handle distribution of their own music like he does? Brymo!!! You have a fan in me!!!simpleiyare@thequeen_es_: the point is not whether “come closer ” and “Romeo and Juliet ” were in the same category. It is that “come closer” only made huge impact even by Nigerian music standard in the UK yet it won award as the best video in Nigeria. Even “Malo”, “YOLO YOLO” and a lot of other videos had far better video productions than “come closer” yet it won which means voting doesn’t really reflect quality in these awards that is the point I am trying to make here.
dipzgraphix: I am a huge fan of your work and you can as well see I did an artwork for you @brymolawale just to show how I really love your music and all but saying you invented alternative music I wouldn’t agree cos alternative music has always been in existence the likes of Jeremiah, Asa and others have always been doing it before you came to limelight as well but regardless couldn’t disagree with you with regards to how talented you are @brymolawale and I know you will surely get the recognition you truly deserve! Huge fan.
bosscity_salon: Sounds like a feedback loop from hell… Its either you are trying to convince yourself about something or you are totally confused. Well, you tried to enlighten us,but all still boils down with agreeing with @brymolawale
rodofmoses@paradoxnoni: well you don’t know me to know how much I love and listen to good music. Brymo created his own alternative listener and the became loyal fans. Listening to his albums. Asa does good music, no disrespect.
paradoxnoni@kenonwu: when you say you invented something it’s a huge statement and I know exactly what he’s speaking of and I can tell you he didn’t invent it either; but like I said earlier as long as the end result is great music… fuck it he can say whatever he wants and mean it too.
