Alté: The Art of Non-Conformity
Discover the artistic movement redefining norms through music, art, and fashion.
The Alté-Cation
Alté was brought to life in the mid-2010s by artists like Santi, DRB, Boj, and Tezzee. They championed a culture of rebellion against conformity. A culture that has since carved a space in pop culture, pushing boundaries in fashion, lifestyle, and, of course, music.
The sound of freedom
The Alté movement isn't just about music; it's a fusion of genres, where Afrobeats essence blends seamlessly with electronic, R&B, and indie. It’s about individuality—fusing diverse elements without losing touch with its roots. Alté is a musical rebellion, bold and unapologetic.
A movement for the authentic
For the youth seeking authenticity and a sense of belonging, Alté has become their voice. Artists challenge norms, tear down stereotypes, and reimagine what it means to be Nigerian in the 21st century. Alté's rise is a statement: It’s time to redefine who we are.
Santi's RagePopcentral
A visual rebellion
This energetic piece by Bara, created for 70 Years of Music in Nigeria, captures the Alté spirit in Santino’s Rage portrait. It is not just an artwork, it’s a manifesto. The intense expression, the bold turquoise backdrop, the raw energy—it all speaks to the defiance at the heart of Alté.
Breaking free from norms
A generation unwilling to be boxed in and challenging societal expectations. The brushstrokes of the artwork blend realism and abstraction, mirroring the Alté ethos of breaking free from rigid structures, embracing fluidity, and finding beauty in the unconventional.
Unapologetic
Santino's Rage embodies Alté's confident rebellion. It's a visual statement of self-expression, rejecting conformity and embracing individuality. The artwork's raw energy speaks volumes about the movement's spirit.
Bara: Alté's visual voice
Bara's art uses color, form and emotion to tell powerful stories of identity and resistance. In "Santino's Rage," he captures the raw energy of the Alté movement in the 70 Years of Music Artist Residency Program. This piece is a visual testament to Alté's spirit.
A Town HallPopcentral
A legacy of non-conformity
Alté is here to stay. It’s in the music, the art, the way people dress, speak, and create.
What started as a subculture is now an undeniable force, influencing mainstream pop culture while staying true to its roots. This isn’t just a trend, it’s a revolution.
Popcentral is Documenting Nigeria’s Music Legacy
Displayed at Popcentral Gallery in Lekki as part of the 70 Years of Music in Nigeria exhibition, this artwork—and the Artist Residency—helped archive and celebrate Nigeria’s evolving music legacy.
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