When you talk about Nigerian music today, the world’s gaze often falls on Afrobeats megastars dominating global charts. But underneath the glittering surface of commercial hits exists a movement that is slower-burning, deeply intentional, and quietly revolutionary—the Alte scene. And at the very heart of this cultural shift stands Show Dem Camp (SDC), the rap duo who have not only sustained hip-hop’s relevance in Nigeria but also nurtured an ecosystem where alternative voices can thrive.
They are more than rappers. They are curators. They are cultural architects. And for over a decade, they have been carving out a space that remains central to how Nigerian music is evolving.
The Beginning: Tec and Ghost’s Crossroads
Show Dem Camp is the brainchild of Tec (Wale Davies) and Ghost (Olumide Ayeni). Both men spent formative years abroad—Tec in the UK, Ghost in the US—absorbing global influences while staying connected to their Nigerian roots.
Their partnership began almost serendipitously. They reconnected in Lagos after earlier crossing paths abroad, and quickly realized they shared a vision for music that was uncompromising, lyrical, and daringly authentic. In a Nigerian music scene increasingly driven by dance-oriented pop, their brand of hip-hop was risky, but it was also refreshing.
Their name, Show Dem Camp, reflects their ethos: confidence, resistance, and a refusal to blend in. From the start, they wanted to “show” the industry that there was room for a different kind of sound.
Carving Out Their Lane in Hip-Hop
Before the Alte movement fully crystallized, SDC were already known for their lyrical depth and unique take on Nigerian hip-hop. They established themselves with projects like:
- The Clone Wars series (beginning in 2010): A gritty, politically conscious body of work that gave voice to frustrations with governance, corruption, and Nigeria’s sociopolitical climate. Each edition of Clone Wars captured a moment in time, chronicling the realities young Nigerians faced.
- Dreamer Project (2011): A more personal exploration of ambition, struggle, and identity, which balanced rap with storytelling.
These projects gained them a loyal following of rap purists, but more importantly, they positioned SDC as truth-tellers who weren’t afraid to challenge conventions. They built credibility at a time when hip-hop was being edged out of mainstream conversations.
Palmwine Music: A Cultural Reset
If Clone Wars gave SDC their voice, the Palmwine Music series gave them their legacy.
In 2017, they released Palmwine Music Vol. 1, an experimental project that fused laid-back rap with highlife guitar riffs, mellow percussion, and soulful singing. The result was a warm, refreshing sound that felt like an afternoon conversation under palm trees with friends—a far cry from the club-heavy tracks dominating Lagos airwaves.
The project featured Boj, Ajebutter22, Odunsi The Engine, Nonso Amadi, and more—artists who would later be cornerstones of the Alte scene. The collaborations felt organic, not forced, and together they birthed a new wave of music that was introspective, soulful, and proudly different.
Subsequent volumes (Palmwine Music 2 in 2018, Palmwine Express in 2019, and Palmwine Music 3 in 2022) cemented the series as more than albums. They became cultural moments. Each release brought together a constellation of voices—Tems, Ladipoe, Wani, Falana, Amaarae—turning the albums into showcases of the very best of Nigeria’s alternative music.
One of the most defining collaborations within the Palmwine series was with The Cavemen and Isikak. The Cavemen’s mastery of contemporary highlife blended seamlessly with SDC’s laid-back rap, while Isikak’s drumming added a raw, earthy texture that anchored the sound. This fusion wasn’t just musical—it was cultural. It bridged traditional Nigerian sounds with modern Alte expression, reminding fans that the movement is rooted in heritage while embracing innovation. That collaboration became a touchstone moment for the Alte culture, proving that experimentation could still honor tradition.
In many ways, Palmwine Music is not just a discography. It is a living archive of the Alte scene’s growth.
The Next Chapter: A Forthcoming Album
Now, Show Dem Camp are preparing to write a new chapter in their journey with their forthcoming album “AFRICAN MAGIC“. While details are still under wraps, anticipation is already building. Fans expect another body of work that balances their signature blend of rap and soulful experimentation with fresh ideas that speak to today’s realities.
Given their track record, this new project is likely to carry the weight of both social commentary and cultural celebration—hallmarks of SDC’s music. It is expected to bridge the gap between long-time listeners who cherish their earlier work and a new generation discovering Alte through more mainstream entry points.
For many, this album is more than just another release; it’s a chance to see how SDC will continue evolving while staying true to the foundations they helped lay for the Alte scene.
Show Dem Camp and the Alte Scene: The Custodians
To understand Show Dem Camp’s importance to the Alte movement, you must see them as pioneers, nurturers, and guardians.
- Pioneers of Fusion
Long before Alte was a recognized subculture, SDC were experimenting with genre fusion—blending highlife, soul, Afro-fusion, and rap into something fresh. Their courage to step outside the mainstream laid the foundation for what Alte would become. - Platform Builders
SDC’s projects serve as launchpads for emerging artists. Their willingness to feature relatively unknown acts gave visibility to names who are now Alte heavyweights. In doing so, they created a collaborative ecosystem rather than a competitive one. - Cultural Curators
Beyond music, SDC actively shape the culture. Their Palmwine Music Festival is more than a concert—it’s a full expression of Alte life, where music, fashion, visual art, and community converge. The festival is now a staple in Lagos’ cultural calendar, drawing thousands who identify with the alternative lifestyle. - Consistency and Credibility
Alte has often been dismissed as niche or elitist, but SDC’s decade-long consistency proves otherwise. They lend credibility to the scene, showing that alternative music can have longevity and impact without chasing mainstream validation.
Beyond Music: Icons of a Lifestyle
Show Dem Camp’s importance goes beyond their discography. They embody the Alte spirit—a refusal to conform, an embrace of individuality, and a celebration of creative freedom.
- Fashion: SDC’s style choices often blend urban streetwear with African aesthetics, influencing how fans dress and express themselves.
- Community: Their collaborations have fostered a sense of unity among creatives across music, fashion, and art.
- Philosophy: Through their lyrics and interviews, they’ve consistently championed self-expression, honesty, and critical thought.
This cultural influence ensures that SDC are not just artists—they’re icons who inspire a way of life.
Their Importance to the scene
In today’s Nigerian music landscape, where Afrobeats dominates international charts, SDC remain crucial because they represent balance. They prove that music doesn’t have to be commercial to be powerful.
For younger artists, SDC are proof that you can succeed while staying authentic. For fans, they provide music that speaks to identity, reflection, and community rather than just escapism.
The Alte scene continues to grow globally, with artists like Amaarae, Tems, and Odunsi reaching new audiences. But at its core, the DNA of the movement is inseparable from Show Dem Camp’s vision. They are the thread tying past, present, and future together.
To cap it all up, talking about Alte without mentioning Show Dem Camp is impossible. They are not just participants; they are the custodians, the storytellers, and the blueprint. From Clone Wars to Palmwine Music, from intimate storytelling to festival stages, Tec and Ghost have carried Nigerian hip-hop and Alte culture on their backs with grace, consistency, and vision. Show Dem Camp gave us more than music. They gave us a movement, a safe space, and a legacy that will echo for generations.
As long as Alte exists, Show Dem Camp’s fingerprints will remain etched into its soul.