Lagos, Nigeria – Veteran Nigerian music executive Obi Asika has recounted the pivotal role of Ajegunle-born duo Junior and Pretty in shaping what would become the Afrobeats genre, offering a rare insight into the origins of the now-global sound.
In a recent interview shared by @NigerianBarz on X, Asika narrated how the duo, then up-and-coming rappers, first entered his office emulating American hip-hop. Though impressed by their energy, Asika advised them to pivot toward music that reflected their Nigerian identity and experiences. “I told them, ‘Go back and bring me something that speaks to who you are and where you’re from,’” he recalled.
Just a month later, Junior and Pretty returned — transformed. This time, they came armed with music rooted in their background, full of wit, street slang, and the sounds of Lagos. Tracks like Monika were not only catchy but deeply relatable, capturing the everyday life and humor of Nigerians.
“They came back with magic,” Asika said. “They were the first to truly create a Nigerian pop sound that was local and authentic — yet commercial. That was the beginning of Afrobeats as we know it.”
Asika credits Junior and Pretty with creating a blueprint that would inspire countless artists across Africa. By embracing their roots and infusing it with rhythm and creativity, the duo laid the foundation for a movement that now dominates international music charts.
The interview has reignited discussions online about the true pioneers of Afrobeats and the importance of recognizing the genre's street-level origins.
📺 Watch the full interview: x.com/NigerianBarz/status/1915314836998586810
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