For Oshe Naija, our celebration of the sounds of Nigeria, we asked some of the country’s most pioneering acts to reflect on how their home cities and states helped shape their own music— and the Nigerian soundscape. “[In Benin City] we’re so open! We're not afraid to be expressive,” outspoken Edo State rapper and singer Shallipopi tells Apple Music. “This trait will make people sometimes misunderstand us, because we are rarely intimidated. There's something about Benin Pidgin English, and [there’s a] unique tonal difference that you can easily catch when people from Benin sing. It feels natural to me, but some fans say I talk on records instead of singing. But honestly, that's just how we do it in Benin.” “I think people are finding [Benin] style more relatable now, and that’s so cool,” he continues “I’m really happy and grateful to be part of these times where we can just be ourselves, [yet] be able to go mainstream. It’s awesome seeing more artists being true to how their environment has shaped them and getting creative with it. I always feel like I need to go back to my roots with my music. Benin people all over the world love that someone from the root is bringing them closer to home. Growing up, I listened to a lot of records made just for the people of Benin, and that’s just become a big part of who I am now.” Here, Shallipopi selects the tracks that keep him going, featuring Chronixx, Wizkid, Zerrydl, Erigga, Reehaa, and more. “The tracks I’ve chosen are a blend of what I vibe to on a daily basis, and the songs that have had a huge impact on me. Young Thug is always in my rotation, alongside Burna Boy and Wizkid, who have been key in shaping Afrobeats.”