SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND: NEW ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2017 (Alternative Music Edition)

Every year, there's always a new crop of artists ready to blow up, but only a few actually make it through. Some are forever stuck in upcoming purgatory while some become proper stars overnight.

Here are the artists to watch in 2017.


1. MAKA

The 24 year-old Afro-Soul singer-songwriter, whose career properly took off in 2015 is set to have quite a delightful year in music ahead. The past 18 months has seen her collab with Naeto C and Modenine, perform prime slots at Felabration, Lagos Jazz Series and Afropolitan Vibes as well release an excellent hip-hop soul EP titled The Truth, produced by Teckzilla which went on to soundtrack the Nollywood film Dinner released in November 2016. As you can see, this girl's been busy but she has even more in store for 2017: more music ahead, a possible debut album and more performances to give us life.

2. RIC HASSANI

Thanks to a show stopping moment from the Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week last year, Ric Hassani is now poised to join the ranks of the soulful male R&B superstar club which includes Banky W and Dare Art Alade. His breakout single Gentleman was an effortless track highlighting all the things he adores about the girl he's crushing on. By the looks of things his new single is set to blow up in a big way this year.

3. FALANA

Falana truly broke through on the Nigerian culture scene last year with a slew of intimate, breathtaking performances across the city of Lagos, which doubled as art and a tour of the city.  After releasing an excellent EP "Things Fall Together in 2014, she is poised to finish recording her full length debut this year and release. With a sound rooted in soul but flavored with elements of the cities she's lived and recorded in: Havana, Ontario and Lagos, the songstress has crafted a unique brand of her own and we can't wait to see what's next.