No Love in Lagos

Two of Lagos’ most talented duos, The Cavemen and Show Dem Camp, speak to the dating scene in the nation’s largest city in a new hip-hop-and-highlife hybrid album. Forgoing materialistic and sex-riddled narratives, the album instead focuses on themes such as the emptiness which accompanies dating via apps and the dangers of becoming addicted to chasing the next best thing. Impressive guitar riffs from Nsikak David and playful percussion anchor Show Dem Camp’s slow-spoken lyrics, which are as littered with thoughtful gems as they are slickly delivered. However, it’s The Cavemen who really shine. Not straying too far from the alternative-highlife stylings which have won them cult status in Nigeria’s alté scene, their vocal talents are expressive and building, with overlapping melodies and outstanding call-and-responses creating a full and satisfying sound.