Odunsi the Engine

Odunsi, popularly known as Odunsi (TheEngine), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, and creative director who stands at the forefront of Africa’s alternative and indie music movement. Born Odunsi Ayanibe, he emerged from Lagos’ underground scene with a sound that defies easy categorization, blending alternative R&B, neo-soul, funk, electronic music, and Afro-pop. Odunsi is widely recognized not only for his music but also for his strong artistic vision, which extends into fashion, visuals, and performance

He gained widespread attention with his debut album rare. (2018), a critically acclaimed project that helped define the alté (alternative) wave in Nigeria. The album featured collaborations with fellow alté artists such as Santi (Cruel Santino), Runtown, and Davido, showcasing Odunsi’s ability to bridge underground experimentation with mainstream appeal. His music is known for its emotional depth, layered production, and themes of love, identity, youth culture, and self-expression.

Beyond performing, Odunsi is a respected producer who has worked on music for several artists within and outside the alté community, further cementing his influence on the sound of modern Nigerian music. With his futuristic approach, genre-fluid style, and commitment to creative freedom, Odunsi (The Engine) continues to be a key figure shaping the evolution of African alternative music on the global stage.