Bolaji Odojukan, is an English-Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is famously known as BOJ.
He is one-third of the Nigerian music group DRB LasGidi, which was fine rmed with his school friends Fresh L and TeeZee.
BOJ is known as the pioneer of Alté. This genre combines Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, hip hop, and alternative R&B elements.
The term was coined in the 2010s by DRB LasGidi and was first heard on BOJ’s 2014 single “Paper.”
TeeZee explained the term, “Alté is Nigerian lingo for ‘alternative,’ which means freedom of expression essentially through any medium. It has been going on since the 1960s, as Nigerians always experimented with music. It became recognized as a style or genre from about 2012 upwards, and it broke into the mainstream in 2016 with the rise of its new stars.”
BOJ reveals that the creation of Alté wasn’t intentional. “We just used to use the word to describe anyone that was left from center or anyone that was expressing themselves completely freely without any boundaries whatsoever,” he says. “So it’s not just specific to music. It could be fashion. It could be film. It could be whatever, really. Just if you’re doing it left from center, whatever field you’re in, we’ll just call you Alté.”
Giving listeners a masterclass on Alté, the London native just released his highly anticipated album featuring contributions from lead musical peers, including Adekunle Gold,Victony, Oxlade, ODUMODUBLVCK,Blaqbones, Sainté, Ajebutter22, Cruel Santino, Gyakie, Blanco, and Valentino Rose.Paying homage to the 12 years he has dedicated to music-making, 12 Summers is a testament to his unmatched dedication and longevity in the industry. “I feel a bit empty,” he tells BET. “I always try to explain this to people, but when I drop an album, it feels like I’m just letting go of all my ammunition. So, I feel like I have to start working again on the next one, which I’m going to start working on like ASAP.”
Alongside his passion for creating more music, BOJ has his sights set on a dream collaboration with Doja Cat. “Right now, I really want to work with Doja Cat. I like her a lot,” he shares. Given his track record of teaming up with A-list stars like Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Tems, andOlamide, it’s only a matter of time before the Doja Cat feature becomes a reality.
While being in the music industry for over a decade, BOJ has seen the evaluation of Afrobeats. “It feels amazing to finally see it happen like this. This is something I always knew was gonna happen because the music is so striking,” he says. “Every time anyone hears any songs from Africa in general, people are always like, ‘What’s that?’ It’s like a refreshing sound, and it’s really based on just happiness and enjoyment. It gives that feeling to people, and I feel like that’s something that is unstoppable.”
Beyond making music, BOJ envisions a future in the fashion industry. “I have some ideas. I have some things that I’m working on,” he reveals, hinting at his ambitions to leave his mark on the fashion scene.
