Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian music executive and cultural entrepreneur Obi Asika has sparked renewed conversation about the origins of Afrobeats, crediting the genre’s foundation to the influential duo, Junior and Pretty.
In a recently resurfaced video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by @NigerianBarz, Asika emphasized the significance of the duo's contributions, positioning them as the true trailblazers of what would become a global music phenomenon.
In a powerful interview, Obi Asika vividly recalls the day Junior and Pretty walked into his office with a raw, Western-style rap sound. The duo, fresh out of Ajegunle — one of Lagos’ most vibrant but gritty neighborhoods — were brimming with talent and energy but disconnected from their roots in their sound.
“They came in rapping like Americans,” Asika said, “and I told them, ‘This is great, but it’s not you. Go back, make music that speaks from where you’re from.’”
Taking that advice to heart, Junior and Pretty returned a month later with songs like Monika — a track that blended local slang, humor, and relatable narratives, all set to infectious Afrobeat rhythms. It was a sound that captured the streets of Nigeria and deeply resonated with everyday people.
According to Asika, that moment marked a turning point. “They set the pace for what would become Afrobeats,” he said. “They proved that we could be global by being authentically Nigerian.”
Their work laid the groundwork for generations of African artists who now dominate charts worldwide with sounds deeply rooted in their culture.
The duo, active in the 1990s, are best remembered for their humorous, socially conscious lyrics and innovative use of Nigerian street slang and Afrocentric beats. According to Asika, their approach laid the groundwork for the artists and sounds that followed.
Asika’s comments have reignited debates in the music community about the genre's history and the oft-overlooked pioneers who shaped its early direction.
Watch the full video here.
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