In Boj, two cultures converge. Growing up between the UK and Nigeria, this musical innovator celebrates both parts of his cross-continental heritage, valuing them like two sides of a valuable coin. “Lagos and London are two of the greatest cities globally – the cultures embedded in me shine through in everything I do.” These intertwined roots create a duality in Boj’s identity and his work; he has always embraced the challenge of breaking barriers and defying expectations. This bold creativity has established Boj as a pioneer of the contemporary Alté movement, which in the last decade has energized some of the most thrilling sounds and styles to emerge from modern Africa. In an interview with Clash, the genre-bending, culture-shaping artist offers insights into his world.
Bolaji Odojukan, now recognized as Boj, has always been distinct from others. From a young age, he was instilled with the belief that greatness was part of his journey. “I would often dream of being in the spotlight. I knew I was meant for something big, but I couldn’t articulate what or how. Even now, when situations become challenging and my team is anxious, I remain calm because everything unfolds as I envisioned. That’s why I firmly believe in the divine – I’ve felt something powerful that I can’t deny.”
As he grew, Bolaji held onto this unwavering belief while navigating environments he was uninterested in conforming to. “It was tough because I was seen as an outlier, as troublesome. People would say I was different, but I wasn’t trying to stand out.” Despite this perception, he thrived among like-minded peers who bonded over their uniqueness. During his teenage years, his artistic talent came to fruition. “I loved music. Once I realized I could create it, my passion grew even stronger.” This realization dawned on Boj during high school, fueled by encouragement from those around him who recognized his gift.
Boj, alongside schoolmates Teezee and Fresh L, became part of the music collective DRB LasGidi, which was established in 2007. The group embraced their unconventional nature, crafting music that transcended genre limitations, challenged Afrobeats, and defied the constraints of mainstream Nigeria. Together, they nurtured the subversive Alté subculture, born from their desire "to express without limits." Drawing inspiration from earlier artists who had used the term alté (from “alternative”) to describe those who were different, they promoted artistic self-expression that aimed to disrupt conservative norms.
When discussing the roots of the Alté movement, Boj highlights its organic emergence. “When you’re in the moment, you don’t fully realize what’s happening. We were simply different and desired to express ourselves. We were kids who didn’t feel the need to conform. We connected with others like us and sought to create a safe space, as we were often viewed as outcasts. People felt motivated to express themselves freely.”
Although often linked with music, Alté transcends genre and sound – it symbolizes innovation, a mindset, and a way of life. It embodies the voice of a generation demanding visibility and recognition in their unconventional glory. Now a global phenomenon, the Alté movement has been brought from the margins to the center stage, with Boj recognized as a foundational figure; without him, Alté wouldn’t exist as it does today.
The spirit of Alté is strongly reflected in Boj’s work. Since his debut solo album, ‘Boj On The Mic,’ in 2014, the trailblazer has made a significant impact in the industry, especially with his award-winning album ‘Gbagada Express’ released in 2022. Looking back on the album’s impact, Boj reflects, “‘Gbagada Express’ opened doors for me, allowing me to experience things I never had before. I met new people, engaged in meaningful conversations, and built connections. Since then, I’ve seen life on a completely different level.”
Fast forward to the present. This season, Boj is concentrating on “duplicity,” which is also the title of his upcoming album. With interpretations of both deceit and duality, Boj is revealing more of himself: “I want people to feel that they know me better.” He is embracing the dichotomy within us all, transforming the inner struggle of balancing being one’s best self with human flaws into artistic gold. Expanding on this concept, Boj notes, “You know how everyone has two facets – the private and the public selves? The album explores finding harmony between the two, that ongoing battle.”
Creative inspiration can be spontaneous and unexpected, as many artists know. For Boj, the theme of duplicity was sparked when a partner described him as “duplicitous” during an argument – it intrigued him and ignited a creative flame. He was in the midst of creating an album, but after that intense exchange, everything
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In Boj, two worlds come together. Growing up between the UK and Nigeria, this musical innovator embraces both sides of his cross-continental heritage, recognizing