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By Rita Okoye
Since the days of Afrobeats Legend, Fela Anikolapo Kuti, Nigerian artists have steadily evolved and changed the narratives. Wale Aroyewun, known professionally as Neo 21, is quietly carving a niche for himself within this movement.
While the likes of Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, and more are home-based, keeping Nigerians entertained, this Nigerian-born, Bradford-based artist finds his voice by blending Afrobeats rhythms with UK hip-hop and melodic rap through his debut body of work, The Teriqus EP, released in July 2025.
The total streams, surpassing 250,000, and the notable traction of the lead single “The Smoke” (over 100,000 YouTube views) demonstrate a solid market foothold.
The rising star seeks to bridge his dual heritage, Nigerian roots and British upbringing, while exploring themes of resilience, ambition, and identity.
The Teriqus EP, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a confident statement of resilience, ambition, and cultural pride, positioning him as a vital voice in the new generation of diaspora artistes.
Produced across three continents; the UK, Nigeria, and the US, Teriqus also presents a polished soundscape that mirrors the artist’s global outlook.
However, while this EP is rich in ideas and sonic texture, it occasionally feels experimental rather than cohesive, as Neo 21 juggles multiple influences in search of a distinct signature.
“The Smoke” offers high-energy, “Enthralled” showcases a nuanced fusion of Amapiano-influenced grooves with traditional Nigerian highlife guitar, while “Timely” leans further into his “new-age poet” persona, blending a melodic UK rap flow with sharp, grime-inspired percussion.
This transcontinental production pays off, delivering a sound that is expansive and clean. Neo 21 successfully balances his dual identity, moving between Yoruba and English, introspection and ambition.
In a genre already shaped by heavyweights, the critical question, however, is whether this constitutes a “redefinition” of Afrofusion. This claim feels premature.
The sonic blending of UK rap with Afrobeats has been powerfully established by artists like J Hus, NSG, and Darkoo. Rather than a revolution, Teriqus serves as a polished and deeply personal consolidation of the genre’s current direction. It is an exemplary execution of Afrofusion, not a reinvention of its core components.
Where Neo 21’s “impact” becomes undeniable is not on the streaming charts, but on the stage. His resume of live performances is where his true significance lies, and it is here that he outpaces many of his emerging peers. Performing at major UK festivals like BD Festival and securing an international debut at the prestigious Blankets & Wine UK (part of the Bradford 2025 City of Culture events) are major achievements.
However, the most significant co-sign is his recent history supporting Afrobeat legends. Opening for Duncan Mighty, and more importantly, for the iconic 2Baba (2Face Idibia) at his Bradford show on October 24, 2025, is a career-making endorsement. These aren’t just opening slots; they are a direct anointing from the genre’s royalty. This, combined with his deep integration into Bradford’s creative scene (as noted in his work with the Future of Music & Tech Conference), paints a clearer picture.
Ultimately, Teriqus is a powerful statement of intent. It proves Neo 21 has the vision, the lyrical skill, and the resources to produce music at an international level. While it may not be the genre “redefinition” it’s billed as, it is a flawless introduction.
Neo 21’s real and immediate impact is as a vital cultural figure in the North, bridging the UK and Nigeria from his base in Bradford. His live credentials suggest his true power is in his performance, and Teriqus is the potent, well-crafted studio calling card that gets him in the door.
It showcases an artist with a clear vision, but still sharpening his creative edges. If he can achieve the consistency of The Smoke across a full project and consolidate his diverse influences into a more cohesive sound, Neo 21 could easily become one of the defining Afrofusion voices emerging from the UK.
