In the early 2000’s, hip hop music had infiltrated the entire music scene in Nigeria. The likes of Psquare, D’banj, Bracket, Timaya, Wande Coal and a host of others had ridden on its wings to get fame and money for themselves.

This hip hop era did not last too long as a new wave of music stole the airwaves in 2010. This music is called Afrobeats and it gave rise to new set of music acts. Davido, Olamide, Burna Boy, 9ice, Chuddy K, Banky W and Wizkid pioneered this movement.

A particular upbeat and fast tempo subgenre later sprung up in 2012 which was pioneered by popular singer, Terry G. This groove gained wide acceptance after Terry’s ‘Sangalo’ and has ever since been surfacing in the market from different artistes.

This subgenre was named ‘Lamba’ by Nigerians. Some Lamba songs include ‘Codeine Diet’ by Slimcase, ‘Tesumole’ by Naira Marley, ‘Pawon’ by Olamide, ‘Omo Ologo’ by Fireboy and a number of other pieces.

However, of recent, there have been talks about the Lamba sound dying off with each dance associated with that kind of music. Slimcase led the Shaku Shaku movement which died off as soon as Zlatan came up with the Zanku legwork.

One is tempted to ask: Will Zlatan ‘die’ with the Zanku dance? What is the future of Lamba after Zlatan?

The true answer, I believe, is that Lamba has gone beyond Zlatan. More and more artistes are taking up the sound and making it gain wider acceptance.

On December 18, 2019, Naira Marley had dropped the LOL album which is entirely made up of Lamba songs produced by Rexxie.

Other artistes like Destinyboi and Fireboy are producing works with this sound and because of its fast tempo, Lamba songs make the best club and party DJ playlists.

The fact is that, whatever the future of Zlatan and Zanku is, the Lamba sound won’t die all that soon. This upbeat Afrobeats subgenre has definitely come to stay.

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