Motolani Alake is one of Nigeria’s most popular music journalists in Nigeria. He’s a well-versed writer with expert opinions on the Nigerian music and entertainment scene. He began writing at the age of 12 and though he tried his hands at songwriting and music production during his teenage years, you’re more likely to recognize him for his written or recorded content critiquing music. His spirited analysis about the intricacies of the music scene as the resident writer for Pulse Nigeria has seen him grow to become one of Nigeria’s finest music analysts. “This playlist was created with the different themes that form the Nigerian zeitgeist as well as the themes that have been part of our story over the past 18-24 months,” he tells us. “The playlist starts with an appreciation of Nigeria, the political and governmental decadence were addressed.” His selection features songs that speak on social issues like cyber fraud, police brutality, the EndSARS protests, BBNaija, inflation/dollar hike, and other themes that have dominated popular conversations in Nigeria. “The Nigerian tendency to numb the pain with enjoyment and hope forms the rest of the playlist,” he concludes.