Meet Taves: Nigeria's Genre-Bending Sensation and Billboard's African Rookie of the Month

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Journey Begins
4. Breaking Through: Viral Covers and Industry Recognition
5. Capturing Attention with "Folake"
6. Are You Listening? and Beyond
7. Reactions and Future Endeavors
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Taves, born Toluwanimi Aluko, is celebrated as Billboard's African Rookie of the Month for March 2025, known for his unique blend of genres.
• Rising to fame through viral covers and original tracks, he has already made a significant impact in Africa's music scene.
• His latest EP, Are You Listening?, showcases a fusion of Afropop, R&B, and soul, further establishing him as an artist to watch.

Introduction

At just 21 years old, Nigerian artist Taves, whose real name is Toluwanimi Aluko, is effortlessly bending genres and expectations within the music industry. In a musical landscape often dominated by singular categories like Afrobeats, Taves remains unconfined, embracing a diverse range of influences. His recent single, "Folake," has emerged as a breakout hit, helped him garner the title of Billboard's African Rookie of the Month for March 2025, and sparked interest beyond Nigeria’s borders. How did a young artist from Ibadan manage to bridge genres while resonating emotionally with audiences around the world?

The Journey Begins

Growing up in Nigeria, Taves was introduced to music early on, particularly during long road trips with his father from his birthplace in Port Harcourt to Ibadan. These trips were more than just commutes; they were opportunities to explore the rhythm and soul of various musical influences, particularly through the works of Aṣa, a celebrated Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her innovative fusion of pop, jazz, and traditional African sounds. Inspired by Aṣa's guitar skills, Taves taught himself to play the instrument at the age of nine.

Influences and Inspirations

“Listening to heartfelt lyricists like Ed Sheeran and Khalid programmed my brain to look for deeper meaning when it comes to songwriting,” Taves reflects, emphasizing how his academic background in computer science integrated with his self-taught music skills led him to explore genres such as R&B, soul, and pop.

While attending Ibadan International School, Taves began recording his own demos and steeped himself in a melting pot of musical styles. “I don’t think I met any conventional Afrobeats artists; everybody was on something different,” Taves recalls, showcasing how the collaborative environment fostered creativity in a landscape that only began to recognize his unique voice.

Breaking Through: Viral Covers and Industry Recognition

Taves’ talent caught the attention of the industry in 2022 when he shared a captivating cover of BNXN’s track “For Days.” The response was immediate, leading to an audience even BNXN would take notice of. "That was one of the coolest moments of my whole life," remarks Taves about meeting BNXN, solidifying their mentor-mentee relationship. Following this chance rendezvous, Taves signed with BNXN’s label, To Your Ears Entertainment, which would propel his career forward.

Challenges of Growth

The rise to fame, however, was not instantaneous. Taves faced various challenges, including the struggle to balance his identity while creating music that resonates culturally and emotionally. In 2023, he signed a significant deal with Atlantic Records UK, a major achievement considering the label’s focus on expanding the reach of African artists.

"I love where I’m from, and I’m always going to rep where I’m from, but I wanted more than that," he says, articulating a desire shared by many contemporary African artists who refuse to be boxed into one category. His music, such as the popular single “Eleyele,” exemplifies that ambition—bridging accessibility with authenticity.

Capturing Attention with "Folake"

Taves’ single “Folake,” merging ‘80s synth-pop with R&B elements and echoing influences from The Weeknd, marks a turning point in his career. The track, a celebration of love with an unmistakable groove, skyrocketed him into broader acclaim, signifying his ability to craft music that resonates on both emotional and musical levels.

Describing the creative process, he explains, "What keeps me alive as a creative is always finding the next thing to try... I’m introducing people to a new sound I’m trying to craft. It’s not Afrobeats. It’s a new third thing." This genre-defying attitude has paved the way for his latest EP, Are You Listening?, which finds Taves honing his musical style while experimenting with sound.

Are You Listening? and Beyond

Released in July 2024, Are You Listening? is Taves' attempt to fine-tune his sound further while paying homage to those who inspired him. The EP, which features eclectic tracks infused with Rambling melodies and romantic storytelling, showcases Taves’ commitment to evolving as a musician. The album cover itself is a nod to Aṣa, featuring the vinyl of her 2007 self-titled LP, symbolizing how the past fuels the present.

Where most artists dread working with producers and labels, Taves embraced the back-and-forth collaborative process. "There were many clashing views about what would work and what wouldn’t work, but we all were satisfied with the final product," he shared. This commitment to experimentation, informed by creative direction, is central to Taves’ artistry, allowing him to push boundaries while communicating his personal narrative authentically.

Reactions and Future Endeavors

Reflecting on his blossoming career, Taves acknowledges his nomination for Rookie of the Year at the 2025 Headies. "It means I’m doing something right... it still hasn’t really hit me what it means," he admits, expressing a humble awe at being recognized amongst his talented peers.

The biggest moment of realization in Taves' career so far came when Burna Boy, a titan of African music, invited him to his home. "Somebody who is at that level in this music thing that we’re all trying to do, telling me, ‘Oh, I like what you’re doing’—it blew my mind."

Collaborations and Aspirations

Amidst his rising star status, Taves has also embarked on collaborations, like working with Eric Bellinger on the track “Backtrack.” Observing how effortlessly they blended their styles, he noted how meaningful musical connections began forming in this phase of his career. Further, endeared by mutual respect, he expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations with artists like Lojay and PinkPantheress, reflecting his keen interest in exploring cross-genre partnerships.

As 2025 unfolds, Taves hinted, "There’s a new project with a special twist coming," without revealing many details. His eagerness to connect with diverse audiences through music remains palpable, promising even more captivating content in the future.

FAQ

Q: What defines Taves' music style?
A: Taves describes his style as a blend of Afropop, R&B, soul, and hints of folk, emphasizing experimentation and innovation beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Q: How did Taves initially find success?
A: Taves gained recognition from his viral covers of popular Afrobeats tracks, notably “For Days,” which led to industry connections and eventual signings.

Q: What is the significance of the title Are You Listening?
A: The title reflects Taves' intention to engage listeners and encapsulate the broader themes of the EP, showcasing his growth as an artist.

Q: What artists inspire Taves' music?
A: Taves draws inspiration from diverse musicians, including Aṣa, Ed Sheeran, Khalid, and The Weeknd, integrating their influences into his unique sound.

Q: What's next for Taves?
A: Taves is currently working on a new EP with a special twist, focused on experimenting further with his sound while preparing for future projects.

As Taves continues to carve out his identity in a global music arena, his commitment to authenticity and fearlessness in genre exploration cements his place as an artist to watch in 2025 and beyond.