The NATIVE

Native Mag x Tate present: A Very Special Nigerian Modernism Issue 🇳🇬 Centred on the ongoing Nigerian Modernism exhibition, this issue turns to a generation of artists who, spanning the final years of colonial rule and the early days of independence, developed a distinct visual language that expressed cultural identity and intellectual freedom. Guest edited by Bunmi Agusto (@bunmiagusto ), the issue returns to these histories and carries them forward, drawing clear lines to the current outstanding generation of Nigerian and British-Nigerian creatives working across music, fashion, art and food. Featuring Osei Bonsu (@oseibonsu_ ), Mowalola (@mowalola ), Yusuf Grillo, Adejoké Bakare (@jokebakare ), Iré Hassan-Odukale (@ireoluwaho ), Obongjayar (@obongjayar ) and more, this issue traces key sites and movements, from Oshogbo to Zaria and Nsukka. Credits: Editor-in-Chief: Seni Saraki Guest Editor: Bunmi Agusto (@bunmiagusto ) Co-Editor: Momo Hassan-Odukale (@momo.mho ) Cover image credit: “Portrait of a Young Boy”, 1954, by Ben Enwonwu, courtesy of The Ben Enwonwu Foundation

Welcome to The Disobedient Groove @theodorabosslady At 22 years old, Theodora is already an icon. One of the most innovative talents of her generation, the French-Congolese artist has created what she calls a “disobedient groove”—a sound and stance rooted in rigorous self-definition. Ask her who she is, and the answer is simply: “Sexy, Ghetto, Africky et Mal Polie.” The description sums up an artist who refuses to play by the rules, particularly in a cultural landscape that is set up to be difficult for young, black, African women. This is why she is carving out this lane for herself, and the next generation of women Full story: 🔗in bio. …………….. Bienvenue dans Le Groove Désobéissante. À 22 ans, Theodora est déjà une icône. Parmi les talents les plus innovants de sa génération, l’artiste Franco-Congolaise a façonné ce qu’elle appelle une “groove désobéissante”: un son et une attitude nés d’une définition de soi sans compromis. Demandez-lui qui elle est, et sa réponse est simple : Sexy, Ghetto, Africky et Mal Polie. Cette formule résume une artiste qui refuse de jouer selon les règles, surtout dans un paysage culturel souvent pensé pour compliquer le parcours des jeunes femmes noires Africaines. C’est précisément pour cela qu’elle trace sa voie, pour elle et pour la prochaine génération de femmes. Words: Yasmine Mady @Yuusmine Editor In Chief: Seni Saraki Photographer & Creative Director: Elliot Hensford @elliothensford Creative Director : Tj Saw @tj.saw1 Head Of Brand: Damilola Animashaun Managing Editor: Wale Oloworekende Head Of Digital: Shina Ladipo Content Lead: Melony Akpoghene Production Company: Vanta @vanta.tv Executive Producer: Emile Sarda @emile.sarda Director: Aymane Alhamid @onzi8me Director of photography: Thomas Cazottes @thomas.cazottes Art Director Mariana Jaguite @marssss_x & Frederick Asseo @frederickasseo Stylist: Stylist : Janice Mahenge @yanderejan Makeup Artist: @_swan.a_ Hairstylist: Ushka @oshushka Cover design: Christiano Fassoli @christianofassoli

For The NATIVE’s long awaited return to print, we sat down with next great British-Nigerian Soul superstar, @iamodeal . Odeal opens up about his early influences living between Nigeria and the UK, his relentless drive to make music that transcends place and time, and the unshaken confidence he has in the direction he’s moving. Head to THENATIVEMAG.COM now for the full story Editor In Chief/Writer: Seni Saraki Photographer/Creative Director: Elliot Hensford @elliothensford Creative Director/Producer: Tj Saw @tj.saw1 Head Of Brand: Damilola Animashaun Managing Editor: Wale Oloworekende Head Of Digital: Shina Ladipo Content Lead: Melony Akpoghene Production Company: Marvellous Last Night @marvellouslastnight Executive Producer: Max Alan @maxalan._ Production Manager: Anthony Idahosa @ant21ida Production Coordinator: Isaac Tapiki @isaactapiki Art Director: Mariana Jaguite @marssss_x Art Assistant: Frankie Mann @frcscaa Art Assistant: Poppy Whitehorn @p.whitehornart Art Assistant: Anthony Hetherstone Stylist: Elshy Nyagodzi @elshhyy Stylist Assistant: Yodit Tzegai @yodittzegai Lighting Tech: George Robson @geornden Camera Assistant: Otto Saner @ottosaner Makeup Artist: Racheal Adedigba @touchedbyracheal Hairstylist: Kreszend Sackey @kreszendsackey BTS Video: Kevin Oseinho @kevin.oseinho_ Retouch: Nadia Selander @nadiaselander Post Prod: Econe Lab @econe_lab Post Prod: Dc Handprints @dc_handprintz

Efe Oraka has shared ‘Eferoghene,’ her first full length project of the year. Coming off the back of singles, “Actor” and “Gimme Your Luv,” the 10-track mixtape reinforces her longtime commitment to music & the ways it’s helping her reconnect with herself.

“I chose ‘Street Therapist’ because of the kind of music I make. It’s like I’m passing advice through my songs for the street.” -@uzama_osahon In ‘Street Therapist,’ Famous Pluto’s debut album, he turns pain, hustle, love, parties, and street wisdom into an 11-track journey that features several standout moments and a dynamic guestlist that includes names like @zaylevelten and @brazyybih . Ahead of the album’s release, we sat down with Famous Pluto to break down each track on the album. Head to thenativemag.com for the full story.

@wale expands the visual world of his latest album, ‘everything is a lot,’ with the official music video for “YSF.” It’s another addition to the run of music videos @odunsitheengine has been directing since the start of the year, including @scottyolor1n and @egertton ’s “Molade” and @dan.papa.gta ’s “Ikeja.” With his eye for direction, Wale’s already existing collaboration with @tenientertainer and @seyi_vibez is brought to life even more through Adire motifs that stay true to his roots.

@dj_tunez & @wizkidayo are back together on their highly anticipated new single, “State of Mind.” The track cruises on a wave of easy melodies that remind us exactly why these two work so well together. It marks their first collaboration of the year, following last year’s ‘South Gidi’ EP, which featured the Mavo-assisted standout “Money Constant.” The release caps off a big week for DJ Tunez, who just returned to his London base after taking over the Koko Electronic Theatre for a weekend-long birthday celebration alongside @mavoswago .

“We wanted to have a little bit of difference, in terms of what was coming out. We felt like it was important to tap into that diversity.” - @bnxn BNXN and Sarz have always seen collaboration as a way to open up new directions for the next wave of artists. That shared mindset around elevating the listening experience helped shape their new joint EP, ‘The Game Needs Us.’ Blending elements of Soul, Calypso and Alt-Pop, the project finds both artists leaning into ideas of where Afropop could head next. Speaking on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio, BNXN described the EP as something of a reset for Afropop & a versatile body of work designed to soundtrack different moments across the summer. Head to thenativemag.com for the full story.

Ayra Starr’s pen is truly elite. 🙏🏽 Whether she’s manifesting success or protecting her peace, she stays dropping gems. Her lyrics reveal a depth that ensures a steady stream of solid quotables, even as she moves fluidly through English, Pidgin, and Yoruba. We picked a few of our favourite Ayra Starr lyrics. Swipe to see & drop yours in the comments.

@unclewaffles_ really knows how to get the party started. Since emerging in 2021 as one of Amapiano’s biggest champions, the Swazi DJ-producer has shaped her sound around the dancefloor, releasing four projects brimming with the vibrancy of S’Gija Amapiano. Hot on the heels of 2024’s 4 ‘Da Ho’s,’ her latest collaboration with @_royalmusiq , ‘4 DA STREETS!,’ featuring tracks like “Kwela,” “Woza Kim’” and “Brazillian Funk,” celebrates the genre’s communal spirit and sheer joy.

Mainland Block Party recently introduced Purple, a new arm of the monthly festival focused exclusively on African Dance Music. To kick off Purple, a residency featuring a couple of South Africa’s most prominent DJs and MCs is scheduled to take place over three days. The tour will begin in Lagos this Friday, continue to Accra, and conclude in Abuja. The Lagos edition will also feature local talents like Weareallchemicals, Codename KND and Yosa. Swipe to see some of the songs we’re excited to hear at Purple over the weekend. ➡️

“I’m not there to form that entity for comparison with another artist; I’m there to do what I have to contribute to the table of Afrobeats. It might not be the most trending stuff, but people will know that there’s something different Ema Onigah brought.” -@emaonigah_ ‘ITEM VII’, Ema Onigah’s new EP, is an expressive work shaped by the influences he has explored throughout his career. With past collaborators including @ozedikus and @teknomiles , there’s no shortage of evidence of how potent Onigah’s pen can be. This hasn’t always translated into mainstream success, but the singer doesn’t appear to be preoccupied with such metrics. In our latest exclusive, he reflects on his aim to connect more deeply with listeners while shaping a distinct voice within contemporary Afrobeats and refining his evolving artistic direction. Visit thenativemag.com for the full story. ✍️: @e.esomnofu