April 2016: Ten Years Since the Alté Genesis and the Class of 2016

To understand April 2016, we must first look at the chaos that preceded it. The year opened with a literal bang on January 1st during the Olamide vs. Don Jazzy Headies clash, setting a tone of high tension that simmered through February.

January 2016 was a month of industry “meltdowns.” Following the Headies clash, we saw the physical altercation between Wizkid and Dammy Krane at Quilox on January 15th. Simultaneously, the veteran Blackface began his public crusade, accusing both Wizkid and 2Baba of intellectual property theft, a narrative that would haunt the industry for years. However, amidst the beef, there was grandeur: [Darey Art Alade’s “Love Like a Movie 3: Naked”] brought American star Ciara to Lagos, a move that signaled Nigeria’s growing appetite for global live-performance standards.

By the time April 2016 arrived, the tension broke in a way no one expected. It wasn’t a beef between artists, but a public unraveling of a powerhouse marriage. On April 28, the industry stood still as Tee Billz released a series of harrowing Instagram posts accusing Tiwa Savage of infidelity and neglect. The response was immediate and historic: Tiwa’s [45-minute tell-all interview with Pulse Nigeria], released on April 29th, remains a masterclass in crisis management and vulnerability, effectively birthing the “Edible Catering” meme and humanizing a superstar at her breaking point.

The April 2016 Catalog: Legacy and Transformation

1. Jaywon – Oba Orin

Released on April 5, 2016, this 21-track odyssey was Jaywon’s attempt to claim the throne of indigenous pop. At a time when the industry was pivoting toward “international sounds,” Jaywon doubled down on Yoruba richness. Featuring heavyweights like Olamide, Reminisce, and Tiwa Savage, the album was a critical success, proving that local soul could still command a massive tracklist.

2. The Alté Genesis: Cruel Santino & The New Guard

2016 was the quiet before the storm for the underground. While the mainstream was focused on radio hits, a group of kids in Lagos and London were sharing links on SoundCloud that sounded nothing like the “Pon Pon” sound of the era. This was the era of Cruel Santino fka Santi and the early iterations of the DRB Lasgidi crew. They weren’t just making music; they were building an aesthetic—baggy clothes, vintage filters, and a “don’t care” attitude that would eventually be labeled “Alté” .

3. The Singles that Defined the Airwaves

• Drake – “One Dance” (ft. Wizkid & Kyla): Released on April 5, 2016 this wasn’t just a global number-one hit; it was a cultural coronation for the “Export Era” of Afrobeats. Seeing Starboy credited on the lead single of one of the decade’s biggest albums felt like a collective victory for Nigeria. By the time it took over US radio on April 12, the track was already on its way to becoming the most-played song in Spotify history that year, officially cementing the “Afrobeats to the World” movement as a permanent reality.
• Olamide – “Who You Epp”: Released in April, this wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural reset. Olamide left a free verse for up-and-coming artists to jump on, effectively A&Ring the entire country. The official [refix with Wande Coal and Phyno] solidified it as the anthem of the year.
• Mayorkun – “Eleko”: On April 8, Davido officially unveiled his new protege. “Eleko” hit 1 million views in 10 days—a massive feat in 2016—marking the birth of a hitmaker who would define the DMW era.
• Kiss Daniel – “Mama”: Produced by Young John, this track officially premiered in March 2016 but reached its commercial peak in April as the definitive wedding anthem of the year.
• Adekunle Gold – “Ready”: Dropped on April 4, this single perfected AG’s “Urban Highlife” brand. It proved that he could be commercially viable while staying true to a sound that felt distinctly Nigerian and retro.

Citations & Links 

Tiwa Savage Tell-All Interview: Pulse Nigeria: The Tiwa Savage Interview (Full Video)

Jaywon Oba Orin Album Review: Pulse Nigeria Archive: Jaywon – Oba Orin Review

Mayorkun “Eleko” YouTube Premiere: Mayorkun – Eleko (Official Video)

Olamide “Who You Epp” Phenomenon: NotJustOk: Olamide’s Who You Epp Freestyle

The Alté Genesis Deep Dive: The Native: Understanding the 2016 Alté Movement

Darey Art Alade “Love Like a Movie 3” Recap: Ciara in Lagos for LLAM3