Chisom Russell Ogboi, better known as “Asimpleloner”, is fast rising voice of Nigeria’s new hip-hop generation.
The Lagos based Edo-born rapper and producer embraces independence as both a challenge and a strength. “There’s no rule to music,” he says. “Being independent means I doing everything yourself, and it forces you to do things at the pace your finances can accommodate.”
His creative journey took a turn during the filming of his breakout single “Jump Frog” in Cape Town, where a chance meeting with South African creative OK Effect evolved into a lasting artistic collaboration.
For Asimpleloner, music mirrors life’s realities. “My songs come from real experiences,” he explains. “They’re about what I’ve been through, what I’m going through.” His sound blends introspection with infectious hip-hop rhythms, echoing the struggles and hopes of today’s Gen Z.
Determined to rise from Edo’s underground to the global stage, he says, “In five years, I want to be selling out venues and filling stadiums, like my brothers Rema and Shallipopi.”
Currently Asimpleloner remains unsigned but optimistic. “I’m not rushing. I want to build my brand first and have leverage before signing any deal.”
To fellow young creatives, his message is simple: “Learn skills. I direct my videos and mix my own songs. Having a skillset will reduce your budget and make the journey easier.”
As he continues to grow his fanbase, Asimpleloner stands out as more than an “upcoming” artist, he’s a symbol of Nigeria’s next hip-hop wave: independent, inspired, and unstoppable.
