Kweme Launches Groundbreaking New Genre ‘Afroreggaeton,’ a Personal Journey of Self-Discovery and Artistic Innovation

Kweme
Nigerian vocalist and actress Anita Osikweme Osikhena, who recently changed her name to Kweme, has officially launched the creation of an innovative new genre of music she calls ‘Afroreggaeton,’ a fusion designed to embody her artistic dream and desire for a more energetic, expressive form of music. This bold move comes after years of musical experimentation, introspection, and a desire to redefine her sound in a way that truly represents her inner self.
Kweme, formerly known as Aniitablonde and Nitaablonde, recently announced her name change during an exclusive interview. She revealed that her journey into producing Afroreggaeton was driven by a deep desire for authenticity and a refusal to be confined by traditional genre labels.
“Early on, I struggled with conforming to the styles of music that society or the industry expected from me,” she said. “I often felt misunderstood when I sang in certain styles, and although I was told I needed an identity, I always knew who I was — a creative being determined to express myself to the fullest. So today, I’d like to officially announce my new name: Kweme.”
She remembered a moment of clarity during an emotional discussion with her partner, where she was ranting about her musical placement woes. That’s when the idea of a new genre was born — something that would encompass her blended influences and artistic self. “I told him I felt like I was creating something that no one had ever heard, something that would give my music a new home,” she said. “That’s when I conceived the notion of Afroreggaeton — a sound that would take Afrobeat, reggae, soul, dancehall, rap, and spoken word and transform them into an uplifting, life-giving fusion.”
‘Afroreggaeton’ is described by Kweme as “a genre that brings life to the soul,” a sound centered around versatility, spiritual praise, and cultural synthesis. She views it as a peace, love, and unity movement and as a source of spiritual expression and life-affirming energy. “It’s a genre that allows artists freedom, audacity, and the space to be themselves,” she offers. “It’s about worshipping the Most High in a radical way with modern African rhythms and global appeal.”
Kweme’s musical journey has been marked by milestones, including her recent release of the single ‘My Birthday Song’ and her smash two-part EP, ‘Godzilla/Master,’ which further solidifies her position as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s bustling Afro-Fusion scene. She has performed alongside Nigeria’s A-listers such as Davido and continues to shatter the mold with her high-energy sound.
Apart from music, Kweme is a passionate girl child education and women’s empowerment advocate with her project, “Guard Her.” She also had a stint as a one-time Miss Nigeria 3rd runner-up and has been featured in Nollywood films such as ‘The Island.’ She has also modeled and hosted, representing Nigeria at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.