BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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It’s a fixed trend now, more or less written in stone. Every single year, at least one artist breaks out of the “struggling to make a name” phase into the mainstream, a phenomenon we refer to as “blowing.” For some, there is already a following, and they simply get a lucky break that substantially multiplies the focus on them. Artists like Seyi Vibez (2022), Shallipopi (2023), and Odumodublvck (2023) sit neatly in this category.
And then there are those who seem to come out of nowhere, completely permeating the Nigerian psyche with their sound, so effortlessly that in no time at all, they soar straight out of utter obscurity into the limelight. The likes of Lojay (2022), Qing Madi (2023), Fola (2024), and now, joining that list most recently, Kunmie–who has officially become the first breakout artist to stamp his mark on 2025.
TikTok. What a game-changer. A powerful and efficient marketing tool that, in mere days, can transport a song across the entire globe, essentially transforming a simple hit into a cultural phenomenon. It happened with CKay‘s Love Nwantiti, with Oxlade‘s Ku Lo Sa, and more recently, with Serøtonin’s May 10th. Now, the latest beneficiary of this digital wildfire is Kunmie, whose debut single Arike has taken the world by storm.
Released on February 15, 2025, Arike is an emotional love ballad infused with the richness of Yoruba and Nigerian English, draped over a mellow yet striking production. The song’s deep, heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody resonated instantly, turning it into a viral sensation. Within weeks, Arike had been featured in over 186,000 TikTok videos, pushing it to debut at number two on the Spotify Global Viral Chart–the first time an emerging Nigerian artist has achieved such a feat. Additionally, it claimed the top spot on the Spotify Nigeria Viral 50 chart and amassed over 7 million streams in its first month.
But Kunmie’s journey to success was not without hardship. The very studio where Arike was recorded was tragically destroyed by fire, an incident that could have derailed his rise. Instead, Kunmie turned adversity into inspiration, shooting a viral video amidst the charred remains of the studio–a powerful symbol of resilience and creativity emerging from the ashes.
Not one to let the momentum slip away, Kunmie has quickly followed up Arike with his debut EP, Before We Became Strangers, released on March 5, 2025. The four-track project is a stunning body of work, reinforcing his knack for storytelling and evoking raw emotion.
The opening track, I Admit, is a bittersweet confession drenched in regret. Kunmie sings with the pain of a love lost, looking back at a past relationship with his high school sweetheart. He acknowledges his mistakes–how he pushed her away, how he let a good thing slip through his fingers. His voice, rich with emotion, pulls listeners into the depths of his sorrow, making them feel every ounce of his regret.
Loneliness is universal, and Majekaja taps into that emotion with surgical precision. It is a song for those who know what it feels like to wake up to an empty bed, to hear no calls, to crave the warmth of companionship. In a raw and heartfelt plea, Kunmie declares that he would give anything for love. He acknowledges love’s brutal nature but chooses it over the bitterness of solitude:
“Love is brutal, I know, but loneliness is bitter.” The instrumental arrangement is a masterpiece–traditional Yoruba drums blend seamlessly with soft saxophone notes and a hypnotic keyboard melody, creating a rich, immersive soundscape.
The magnum opus of the project, Arike, is a sonic experience that transcends mere words. From the ethereal croons that introduce the track, to the celestial ad-libs that elevate it to euphoric heights, every note is perfection. Kunmie plays the devoted lover, adoring and affectionate, pouring his heart into every lyric. He calls his sweetheart’s beauty divine, pledging unwavering devotion. ‘You own my heart,’ he declares. ‘I will fight for your love, and if you leave me, I just might die before my time.’ The modern-day Romeo in the flesh.
The EP closes on a poignant note with One More Chance. Kunmie is in his feelings, seeking redemption, longing to fix what was broken. He pleads for a do-over, a second chance to make things right. Though time has passed, his love has not faded, and he clings to the hope of rekindling the fire. The track’s smooth and mellow instrumental perfectly complements the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the lyrics, leaving listeners with a lasting emotional imprint.
With Before We Became Strangers, Kunmie has not only solidified his breakout status but also set the foundation for what promises to be an illustrious career. Signed to Alt Music, he is now positioned to take his sound even further, and if Arike is any indication, the world is more than ready to listen.
Kunmie’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and destiny. From an unknown artist to Nigeria’s first breakout star of 2025, he is proof that sometimes, all it takes is the right song, the right moment, and a little magic from TikTok to change a life forever.
