Lagos-based alternative pop artist Esoterica has achieved a major career milestone after being selected as the latest Nigerian act in Apple Music’s prestigious Up Next programme.
The recognition places the fast-rising singer among a distinguished group of global and Nigerian artists who have previously been spotlighted by the music streaming platform as emerging talents to watch.
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Esoterica has been named Apple Music’s newest Up Next artist in Nigeria.
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The Lagos-based musician is preparing to release her debut EP, Avant-God, later this year.
Apple Music’s Up Next initiative is widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading artist development programmes.
The platform identifies promising talents from different genres and regions, giving them increased visibility through editorial support, curated playlists, and global promotion.
For Esoterica, the selection marks another significant step in a journey that has steadily attracted attention within Nigeria’s growing alternative music scene.
The programme has previously featured successful artists such as Tems, Rema, Burna Boy, Billie Eilish, and Megan Thee Stallion before they reached even greater international heights.
The recognition comes at a time when alternative sounds from Nigeria are receiving increased global interest.
While Afrobeats continues to dominate international charts, artists operating outside mainstream genres are increasingly finding audiences both at home and abroad.
WHO IS ESOTERICA?
Esoterica is a Lagos-based singer-songwriter known for blending multiple musical influences, including folk, soul, hip-hop, rock, pop, and Afro House. Her distinctive sound has helped her stand out in a music landscape often dominated by more conventional genres.
Her musical journey began in London in 2019 before she relocated to Lagos in 2020. Since then, she has continued to build her catalogue with releases such as Goldmine, Think I Might, Decisions, and She Said. She also contributed to Peruzzi’s Sabali project through the track Time of My Life.
Most recently, the singer released her single 4 Days, further showcasing her experimental approach to songwriting and production.
Beyond her solo career, Esoterica has played an active role in supporting Nigeria’s independent music community.
She co-founded Space, an indie music collective that has helped provide opportunities for emerging alternative artists.
She is also behind Existing For Free, a live music platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of African women through intimate performances and showcases.
Reacting to the Apple Music recognition, the artist reflected on her creative journey, saying: “I’ve worked and worked on myself and my craft for so long now.
I’m at the point of just being content with the process of creation without expecting much in return. Then boom! That’s the exact moment when everything starts pouring in.”
Fans will not have to wait long for new material. This summer, Esoterica is expected to release her debut six-track EP titled Avant-God.
The project is anticipated to showcase the artistic experimentation and emotional depth that have become defining features of her music.
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Industry observers believe the Apple Music endorsement could introduce the singer to a wider international audience, further highlighting the diversity and creativity emerging from Nigeria’s alternative music movement.
As anticipation builds around Avant-God, Esoterica appears poised to take her place among the next generation of Nigerian artists making an impact on the global stage.
