DETO BLACK INTERVIEW: LAGOS ENERGY, FASHION CAMPAIGN SOUNDTRACKS & CHALLENGING GENDER NORMS [2026 EXCLUSIVE]
DETO BLACK INTERVIEW: Returning home to Lagos, soundtracking luxury fashion houses, and breaking open the global boundaries of the alternative Nigerian scene.
Deto Black is operating in a lane entirely of her own making. Situated at the razor-sharp intersection of high fashion, underground culture, and boundary-pushing music, the Nigerian artist has spent 2026 expanding far beyond the conventional limits of Alt Afro-pop.
From commanding festival stages across London, New York, and LA, to soundtracking campaigns for Mugler and Tommy Hilfiger, Deto’s world is rooted in uncompromising self-assurance. Drawing fresh inspiration from time spent back home in Lagos, she brings a distinct anthropological lens to her lyrics and visual universe.
We caught up with the fashion icon and artist to talk Lagos energy, collaboration with DJ Spinall, subverting corporate aesthetics, and challenging global perceptions of African womanhood.
DETO BLACK INTERVIEW: This year has felt like a massive period of creative acceleration for you, moving completely beyond the boundaries of traditional Alt Afro-pop. Looking back at the music you have released over the past few months, how would you define the sonic identity of Deto Black in late 2026?
I feel inspired again. I spent a lot of time in Lagos which is my home and I feel more connected to my music now so it’s easy to experiment.
A major highlight of your summer soundtrack was collaborating with DJ Spinall on the track ‘SHABA’. How did that link-up happen, and what was the energy like watching that track cross over into global club spaces over the hot season?
Yes, Spinall is a genius. He’s so good at getting me to try things outside my comfort zone sound-wise, and it felt great for the track to be received so well.
You also made brilliant appearances on tracks like ‘BAD BITCH SYNDROME PART II’ and ‘Stunt On You’ with Cleotrapa this year. You possess a unique ability to collaborate with a diverse range of artists while maintaining your distinct, self-assured identity. What draws you to specific collaborative spaces, and how do you protect your own creative vision?
I love collaborating—it always opens my mind up to new possibilities and new ways of doing things. I only accept collaborations that I feel will bring something new out of me, and where I can bring something new and unique to the table.
Following the global headline runs for your ‘Nollypop’ EP across London, New York, and LA, 2026 has seen your international audience expand even further. Looking back at the live sets and festival stages you commanded this summer, how have global crowds evolved in the way they connect with the alternative Nigerian scene?
I think global crowds are a lot more aware of the alternative Nigerian scene now, which helps them have a broader understanding of the context and allows them to receive the music on a deeper level.
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