Long before Tiwa Savage captivated the world with her sultry Afro-pop, before Ayra Starr brought Gen Z flair to Nigerian soundscapes, and before Tems graced Grammy stages with her soulful voice, there was Sasha P — the trailblazer who kicked down the doors for female artists in Nigerian hip hop.
Known as the “First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop,” Sasha P (born Anthonia Yetunde Alabi) entered the male-dominated music scene at a time when few women dared to rap, let alone succeed. While the industry was still grappling with embracing Nigerian talent on a global scale, she boldly stepped up, mic in hand, lyrics sharp, style on point.
Sasha wasn’t just about music; she was a movement. An early adopter of the rap genre, a fashion entrepreneur before influencer culture exploded, and a voice for social change before it was trendy. This is the story of the woman who made it possible for today’s queens to reign.
The Rise of a Legend: How It All Began
Sasha P’s journey into music didn’t start with fanfare or fame. Like most great stories, it began with quiet determination and a fearless passion. Born on May 21, 1983, as the youngest of eight children, her single mother, an educator, raised her, whom she fondly calls “Sisi Fadekemi,” after she lost her father at an early age. Her upbringing in Ibadan was filled with music, creativity, and an unshakable belief that she could make her voice heard.
While studying Law at the University of Lagos, Sasha became increasingly pulled toward music. A chance encounter and phone call with eLDee the Don — a prominent producer — changed everything. “I can’t freestyle,” she told him, “but I can free-write.” He gave her a beat; she wrote a verse and chorus on the spot. Two days later, a record deal landed in her inbox. Just like that, she joined Trybesmen — a pioneer hip hop crew — becoming the first woman to stake a claim in Nigeria’s emerging hip hop scene.
With skill, charisma, and authenticity, Sasha began dropping verses and taking stages, not as a novelty, but as a force. Her early tracks like “Oya” and “Emi Le Gan” set a bold, introspective, and unapologetically female tone.
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Here Are Things You Thought You Knew About Sasha P
Long before Afrobeats’ global explosion and the mainstream arrival of female stars like Ayra Starr and Tems, Sasha P was already laying the groundwork, not just as a rapper, but as a cultural trailblazer. But beyond the accolades, here are a few things you may not know (or have forgotten) about the First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop:
- She didn’t choose rap — rap chose her.
Sasha P never set out to be Nigeria’s queen of bars. In her own words, “Rap came naturally to me.” While she grew up loving R&B and idolizing the likes of Brandy and Celine Dion, it was Tupac’s words and passion that pulled her into hip hop. Her lyrical style has always been poetic, layered, and deeply conscious — and for her, “rap is rhythmic applied poetry.” - She once used her SAT money to book a studio session.
True story: while preparing for U.S. college admissions, Sasha diverted her SAT registration fee to pay for her first proper studio session. “My mum was livid,” she recalled in a later interview — but that decision marked the beginning of her professional journey. - She was Nigeria’s first female artist to perform at the World Music Awards.
In 2008, Sasha became the first Nigerian female artist to perform on the global World Music Awards stage. This was a defining moment not just for her but also for Nigeria’s presence on the world music map. - She pioneered what it means to be a female brand in Nigerian music.
From endorsements (Etisalat, Ekiti State Cultural Ambassador) to launching her fashion label Eclectic by Sasha, she was building a multidimensional brand before “influencer culture” was even a thing.
Changing the Game – In and Out of the Studio
By the early 2000s, Sasha P wasn’t just rapping — she was redefining what it meant to be a Nigerian artist, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Her debut album First Lady was more than a title — it was a proclamation, a stake in the ground. And from there, she didn’t just evolve musically — she expanded her influence into fashion, activism, and entrepreneurship.
In 2010, Sasha made history again by winning the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female Artist, becoming the first Nigerian woman to do so. But even as the accolades rolled in, her lyrics remained intentional. She wrote about real issues — confidence, societal expectations, love, sexuality, and empowerment. “If you have three minutes to say something,” she once said, “make it worth listening to.”
And then came Eclectic by Sasha.
What started as custom pieces for music videos and red carpets transformed into a full retail brand in 2011, focused on accessible fashion for the everyday woman. She stocked her first 100 items at L’Espace, and the response was overwhelming. Sasha’s goal? To be Nigeria’s answer to H&M or Forever 21 — stylish, versatile, and affordable. She later introduced fragrances and began working on a poetry-meets-lyrics book, Sasha Speaks.
But perhaps most telling of her character is that even in her shift from music to fashion, she never saw it as “leaving” one for the other. “I juggle both,” she said in a 2012 interview, revealing she was still recording while expanding her business.
Sasha P wasn’t just an artist — she was a movement. And she made sure the door stayed open for those coming behind her.
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Beyond the Mic – Activism, Law, and Legacy
While most fans remember Sasha P for her pioneering music and fashion career, fewer know the depth of her commitment to activism, education, and community-building. Long before “influencer” became a buzzword, Sasha was already leveraging her platform for something greater — real impact.
With a law degree from the University of Lagos, Sasha always believed in using her voice for justice. Though she didn’t attend Law School, she pursued Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution courses, revealing a passion for advocacy that extended far beyond performance stages.
Her lyrics often tackled issues like prostitution, AIDS, and societal double standards — topics that weren’t typical for mainstream Nigerian music at the time. Off the mic, her activism was even more hands-on. She joined street protests during the 2012 fuel subsidy crisis and was involved in campaigns against maternal mortality and violence against women. Her mantra? “I believe as an individual, I have a social responsibility to make a difference any way I can.”
Sasha was also a motivational speaker, a UN youth ambassador, and in 2012, an Olympic Torchbearer representing Nigeria — a nod to her contributions to culture and national pride.
For all her accolades, Sasha P has consistently remained grounded. She famously kept her personal life private, choosing instead to let her work — whether in music, fashion, or community — speak for her. Her humility, intelligence, and fearless creativity continue to inspire young artists and entrepreneurs alike.
Years after her peak in the music scene, Sasha’s name still rings with respect. Not because she dominated headlines, but because she carved a space where there was none, and built a legacy beyond bars and beats.
What Sasha P Gave to a Generation
Sasha P wasn’t just the First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop in title — she embodied it. At a time when female rappers were rare and largely underappreciated, Sasha showed up, stood tall, and took up space. And by doing so, she didn’t just open doors — she held them open.
Her music, fashion, and advocacy created a multidimensional blueprint for being a modern Nigerian woman in the public eye: bold, intelligent, creative, and unapologetic. Every woman in Nigerian music today — from rappers like Ms. Banks to global stars like Tems and Ayra Starr — walks a little taller because Sasha first wore the crown.
In many ways, Sasha’s story is less about chart-topping singles and more about culture-shaping moments. Whether it was being the first Nigerian female artist to win a MAMA award, launching a full-fledged fashion brand, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with protesters demanding change, Sasha showed that artistry could — and should — have impact.
Though she took a step back from music, her presence never really left. Her journey reminds us that success is not always about longevity at the top but the depth of the footprints you leave behind.
Sasha P gave a generation permission to dream audaciously, dress eclectically, and speak fearlessly. Long before streaming, brand endorsements, and Instagram fame, there was Sasha P., and she made it all feel possible.