The history of rap in Nigeria finds its roots in the pioneering efforts of generations of artists: The Remedies (Tony Tetuilla, Eedris Abdulkareem, and Eddie Montana), Baba Dee, Lord of Ajasa, Mode 9, 2Shotz, Ruggedman, Naeto C, Dagrin, M.I., Jesse Jagz, Reminisce, Vector, Erigga, Olamide and many more, who laid the foundation for the global recognition of Nigerian hip-hop. While Afrobeats now undeniably reigns as Nigeria's most prominent musical export, anyone who claims hip-hop hasn't thrived would be guilty of profound misjudgment.
Although Nigerian labels often sideline hip-hop, deeming it 'unmarketable' in the face of Afrobeats' dominance, Ajayi Oluwasegun Isaac, known as Spydermanne, stands as a defiant force. He's actively owning his own narrative.
Even amidst the current fervor for Afrobeats, hip-hop artists like Ladipoe, Blaqbonez, Zlatan, Mojo AF, and PDSTRN are consistently innovating, capturing mainstream attention and proving the genre's enduring relevance. Spydermanne, through his distinct craft, is determined to carve not just a niche, but a lasting legacy, joining the ranks of those challenging the very notion that hip-hop's time has passed in Nigeria. He aims not just to survive, but to ignite a renaissance, inspiring a new generation to embrace the power of lyrical expression and redefine the Nigerian hip-hop landscape.
Journey From a Hobby to a Mission
Spydermanne’s musical journey began unexpectedly as he was nurturing a newfound hobby. As he recounts in an interview, “One afternoon in 2020, while scribbling down rap verses on paper, I recorded my first attempt on my phone. It sounded great, I sent it to my friend and he said it was lit and that was when it began," he explains. That moment ignited a spark, and what started as a casual experiment quickly evolved into a serious pursuit to make waves in the music scene.
Growing up in the vibrant urban environment of Surulere, Lagos, Spydermanne was surrounded by a rich array of musical influences. His early experiences in church—attending Sunday programs, learning new songs, and watching the choir harmonize with live instruments—left an indelible mark on him. "From a tender age, I always go to church with my family," he shares, recalling how these experiences instilled a deep appreciation for melody and rhythm. At the same time, the urban pulse of his neighborhood, known for producing some of Nigeria's finest musical talents, fueled his ambition and shaped his artistic identity.
When it came to choosing a stage name, Spydermanne found inspiration in a childhood fascination with superheroes. "It was real simple really, I've always loved the idea of being Spiderman since I was a kid. When it was time to come up with a stage name, I thought about Spiderman and here's the twist... I'm Spydermanne but instead of spinning webs, I spin lyrical webs," he explains. This clever twist on a beloved icon encapsulates his creative approach—taking familiar elements and transforming them into something uniquely his own.
As he reflects on his journey so far, Spydermanne offers a piece of advice to his younger self: "You're the very best and anything you wanna do, just put your mind to it and you'll excel." This message of self-belief underscores his mission as an artist—to speak to his listeners through honest, heartfelt storytelling. "I'm intentional about my art and I make music because I wanna speak to the listeners," he emphasizes, driven by a desire to build lasting connections through his experiences and narratives.
Spydermanne’s determination has already led to notable achievements. He fondly recalls winning a Samsung competition and creating a jingle with Joeboy—a milestone moment that affirmed his destiny in music. Further validation came when he was featured on a playlist curated by Vectorthaviper and received a significant cosign from Olamide Baddo, who he hailed as the G.O.A.T. Yet, amidst these successes, he remains candid about the hurdles that lie ahead. "Labels and sometimes people don't wanna invest in an artist because they're still upcoming and more especially because Hip-Hop... isn't really marketable in Nigeria," he admits. Despite these challenges, he remains undeterred: "There's enough room for everyone to thrive and if you stay true to your art, there's no limitations to where that's gonna take you."
What's Next For Spydermanne?
Looking ahead, Spydermanne is brimming with excitement about his future projects. He recently dropped his first single of 2025, titled TEMPER, and hints at even more innovative music on the horizon—a new song soon, perhaps an EP or a full body of work. "It's gonna be a beautiful year, certainly," he declares with conviction.
For fans eager to witness a fresh wave of Nigerian hip-hop, Spydermanne’s journey is just beginning. Stay tuned, stream his latest tracks, and join him as he spins lyrical webs that challenge the norms and redefine the musical landscape. Follow @sydermanne on Instagram
Posted by Abdulazeez A Shomade | Published on 2025-03-03 01:56:04