Sute Iwar: The Gift of Alternative Hip Hop

Singer-songwriter Sute Iwar has long been a pioneer in Nigeria’s alternative scene. With a unique fusion of Hip Hop, Soul, Funk and R&B, his latest compilation release, The Gift, marks a reintroduction of his craft—a musical remedy for the everyday struggles of Nigerian youth.

Sute Iwar has cut his teeth in the Nigerian alternative scene years before it gained widespread acceptance. His unique fusion of Hip Hop, Soul, Funk, and R&B has distinguished him over a decade-long trajectory, with his latest, sixth compilation release, The Gift, reintroducing his craft.

“I wanted to share music that would be like medicine for Nigerians,” he tells Guardian Music, as he sits down for a chat. Like his previous project, Ultralight, the musician leans into soft-rap, exploring soothing sonics with lo-fi piano, bouncy percussion, and ambient melodies. On the five-track extended play, the Benue indigene explores themes of love, life, and the everyday struggles of Nigerian youth.

“Country hard, situation bad,” he yearns over the second track, Escapism. Other standout records like Original, where he salutes his heritage and his commitment to a unique sound, and On My Favourite, in which he serenades his lover, describing her as his favourite song, showcase his flowery lyricism and innovative sonic fusions.

Based in Abuja, Sute Iwar is also known for his frequent collaborations with his brother Tay Iwar, another member of the Bantu Collective and a fusion-focused singer. Raised by music-loving parents who taught them classical piano and saxophone from an early age, the Iwar brothers, along with their older brother Terna Iwar, formed Bantu Collective — writing, recording and engineering their own alternative music. With Terna now focused on the visual arts, Sute and Tay continue to collaborate, belting notable records including Meditate, Elysium, and Renascantia.

With Hip Hop and Soul elements fast-becoming a popular ingredient in many countrywide hits, Sute Iwar stands as one of the earliest voices of this contemporary generation of acts. In this week’s edition, we catch up with the producer, singer and rapper to explore his headspace while creating The Gift, his signature swap rap reminiscent of prime Naeto C — one of his biggest inspirations — his distinct storytelling and creative process, and his plans to expand the boundaries of Nigerian Hip Hop with his future work.

What motivated The Gift?

On The Gift, I wanted to share music that would be like medicine for Nigerians. I’m the type of musician who likes to make a range of music. Sometimes fantasy, sometimes storytelling, sometimes dreams, and sometimes I reflect reality in my music. That’s what I’m doing on The Gift. Last year was weird for Nigerians, and I hope this music helps them deal with the complexities of day-to-day life. The tape is also me sharing my gift of music, especially rap, which I’ve spent most of my time practicing and perfecting.

How long did you take to record it, and where?

It was all recorded within a month or so around October/November last year, except for Settle Down, a song I’ve had for maybe two years. I recorded some tracks before I travelled to New York last October and finished up after I got back. The year felt urgent, and these songs just jumped out of me as the year was ending.

Your style of Hip Hop is still largely unique to you here. What influences it?

My style of Hip Hop is influenced by Nigerian rappers such as Naeto C, Show Dem Camp, and M.I. My approach is very conceptual and artsy, and has a lot of influences from around the world, but that’s my lineage in Nigerian rap. I believe I have a unique story to tell in Nigerian Hip Hop. I produce most of my music and sing, which adds to my sound, but it’s all rooted in Hip Hop, Afro, and my Nigerian identity. Growing up in Lagos, being a Tiv guy from Benue State, and starting my music career in Abuja have all contributed to my music. Foreign influences like Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and genres such as jazz, funk, soul, and rock also shape my approach.

What does Sute Iwar mean?

It is a Tiv name. I am from Benue State. It means Praise God. It sounds French, and I think that is why the French people love me. The spelling is a bit anglicised, but it is a Tiv name.

Tell us about your typical creative process.

I don’t have a typical creative process — it changes. These days I just ensure I’m very intentional about whatever song I’m making.

What do you hope to achieve with Hip Hop in Nigeria?

I want to be the first Nigerian rapper to win a Grammy. I want to continue making these conceptual albums and tell the story of myself, my friends, and my tribe from my unique point of view and my style. I want to be up there with the greats and keep producing high-quality music. My next goal is to become a touring artist.

What is next for Sute Iwar?

Next is this album I’m working on.

What’s the vision for Sute Iwar?

Making healing music that adds to the world of music. If I’m able to connect with even one person through my music, and help them experience something beautiful, I am satisfied.