Nelson C.J.
Columnist
Nelson C.J (He/Him) is a Lagos-based Nigerian culture journalist who has written for The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Teen Vogue, Rollingstone, Pitchfork, Architectural Digest, Them, I-D, Dazed, W Mag, Vice and other places. His writing interacts with culture as it relates to music, film, sexuality and other socio-cultural concerns.
Is Afrobeats Music Entering Its Illuminati Era?
Or are we just not allowing its artists enough range?
Nollywood Thriller ‘Gangs of Lagos’ Humanizes Those Written Off as ‘Criminals’
“These are people with stories and their stories are still being written. It’s not the end.”
Victony Experienced Tragedy. Now, the Afrobeats Outlaw Wants to Be Happy
“When you don’t feel happy for such a long time, it becomes important to you,” he says.
Bnxn Wants Modern Afrobeats to Be More Than Just Vibes
“I was playing songs from back then when people were trying to really prove a point, and God damn!” he says.
Davido’s Language of Grief
The Nigerian musician’s newest album comes after unbearable loss. What does it mean for an artist who is defined by joy?
The Afrobeats Industry Needs To Confront Its Bias Against Female Artists
“There could be so many talented undiscovered women artists who could propel the industry in the ways Tems has."
Why Old Nollywood Humor Is Always a Hit on TikTok
On TikTok, young people are drawn to 2000s Nollywood in a way that points to the distinctiveness and importance of Nigerian humor.
British Nigerian Actress Deborah Ayorinde Deserves Her Flowers
The Afrobeats Edit columnist Nelson C.J sits down with Ayorinde to talk authentic representation and self-care.
“Blood Sisters” Is the Nigerian Thriller You’re Sleeping On
It’s one of the best shows of 2022, pointing to the future of Nollywood.
The Alté Movement Is a Symbol of Rebellion for Young Nigerians
It's way more than a music genre.
90's Rave Music Is Making a Comeback
Artists and experts speak on the resurgence of the 90s electronic dance scene.
Queer Ghanaians Just Want Safety After LGBTQ Space Was Raided
“As a queer person right now, I live in constant fear."
The Young Nigerians Documenting A Revolution
Photographers have been documenting the protests in Nigeria for deeply personal reasons.