The sonic textures of Nigerian streetpop is being tempered with a newfound keenness, an emo influence that’s not just shaping the genre, but propelling it forward. Lagos’ underbelly birthed the architects of street pop, a vanguard cohort whose narratives were woven from the city’s unvarnished core.  However, a new generation of streetpop artists have become interested in making music that speak to their emotional complexities minus the signature exuberance of Afrobeats. It is a void that streetpop, in an emo avatar, is being perfectly positioned to fill.

Ayox is a prime example of these new-gen music acts. The streetpop artist gained significant attention in 2023 when his single “Humble Cry” became popular on TikTok. He quickly built on it with the Zlatan-assisted chart-topper, “Walking Dead” before releasing his EP, Son of a Widow, a project that sheds even more light on his exceptional talent.

Ayox’s music consistently grapples with vulnerability. The pain that fuels his music isn’t something he hides; it’s readily apparent in his raw expression. “Jungle” is a song that doesn’t shy away from demonstrating the emotional depth that informs his artistry. His vocals are smooth, meshing harmoniously with the mid-tempo beats. The track is another strong addition to his growing discography.