Lady Donli has embraced the title of The African Rockstar, and her latest single, Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko), proves why. The rockstar archetype is about non-conformity – pushing boundaries while staying undeniably fresh.
A true rockstar doesn’t seek approval; they carve their own lane while standing defiantly in the heart of the mainstream. As Alté and Afrobeats continue to merge, Donli boldly straddles both worlds, embodying the daring artist unafraid to experiment.
Produced by Yinka Bernie, the track opens with wilting guitar notes and the gentle hum of static, setting a nostalgic, organic tone. Then come the live trip-hop drums – sharp, immersive – pulling you in just as Donli delivers her first line:
“So many fish in the sea, but I still choose you.”
Just as there are endless sonic directions she could take, Donli leans into the hypnotic desert blues sound, with guitars that evoke the spirit of Mali and the music of Fatoumata Diawara. But is she Nigeria’s answer to the Malian icon? Not quite—she’s something entirely her own. Lady Donli is our rockstar, and with this track, she makes the African youth smile and every rockstar before her proud.