Steve Monite

Steve Monite is a central figure in the global rediscovery of 1980s West African electronic music. His 1984 album 'Only You', produced by Chief Tony Okoroji, is considered a 'holy grail' for collectors of Afro-boogie and Nigerian funk.

The sound is defined by its early adoption of synthesizers and drum machines within a Nigerian pop context, moving away from the highlife and Afrobeat sounds of the previous decade toward a more globalized, disco-adjacent aesthetic. Monite's career was relatively brief, with 'Only You' standing as his primary legacy, but its impact has grown exponentially in the digital era. The title track's status was cemented by high-profile covers from Frank Ocean and Tame Impala, bridging the gap between rare-groove crate digging and modern indie-R&B. Critically, Monite is praised for his ability to infuse electronic dance music with a sense of mystery and emotional depth, utilizing 'space-age' effects that were revolutionary for the Lagos recording scene at the time. His work is a vital link in the evolution of African electronic music, influencing both the 'Doing It In Lagos' reissue movement and contemporary synth-heavy global pop.