The ABCD

Born and bred in London, the rapper Olushola Ajose, better known as Afrikan Boy, has re-examined his Nigerian roots in a way that's totally unique for a contemporary British artist. First things first: The ABCD is most definitely closer to grime than Afrobeat. But Afrobeat is always there in spirit, however: his father was a session musician with Fela Kuti, and Afrikan Boy himself has performed at Lagos’ New Afrika Shrine. The track ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ samples Fela's ‘Wa Dele Wa Royin’, with Afrikan Boy slipping over the rhythm in an easy rap that Fela would have appreciated for its swagger.

Anyone who stumbled across Afrikan Boy's ode to the discount supermarket Lidl will be pleased to discover that The ABCD is similarly peppered with wit. He bounces across borders with laugh-out-loud, brand-prodding observations. Some of the tracks are far from perfect, but the infectious energy of this album – reinforced by collaborations from the likes of South African rapper and singer Spoek Mathambo and German-Nigerian singer Nneka – whisks the listener onto new ground before any criticisms can fester.