“Afro Trenches: BadBwoy DMF’s Genre-Bending Anthem Is More Than Music, It’s a Movement”
By Yinka Olatunbosun
In a time when Afrobeat is evolving into countless subgenres, Nigerian-born, UK-based artist BadBwoy DMF is planting his own flag: Afro Trenches.
But make no mistake , Afro Trenches is not just the title of a song. It’s a self-defined genre, a movement, and a bold new direction in the Afrobeat landscape. Rooted in the grit of the street and the soul of the people, it’s DMF’s declaration that authenticity and survival can be a sound.
“I’m not just making songs. I’m creating something that represents where I’m from — the hustle, the pain, the faith. That’s Afro Trenches,” says BadBwoy DMF.
Released as a single and as part of his Anthropophobia EP, the track merges traditional Afrobeat percussive elements with street-inspired melodies and emotionally charged lyricism. The tone is raw, the beats are layered with tension, and the message is clear: this is for the ones in the trenches — the real Nigeria.
The term trenches has long been slang in West African street culture to describe underprivileged communities, urban resilience, and survival. By fusing this cultural truth with the musical energy of Afrobeat, DMF is creating a new genre that speaks directly to the reality of millions — both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
“Afro Trenches is my identity. It’s how I process life in Lagos, and now in London. It’s not commercial, it’s cultural,” he explains.
More than just sonic innovation, the movement reflects a broader cultural moment. In the UK — where African diaspora youth are navigating identity, hustle, and global ambition — DMF’s sound resonates deeply. His performances in London (including a standout set at Roar Volution Camden) and his cross-continental collaborations are spreading the message of Afro Trenches beyond borders.
Already gaining traction among younger listeners hungry for unfiltered stories, DMF’s growing catalogue — including Where I’m From, 2025, and Get Rich or Die Tryin’, One Option— extends the Afro Trenches philosophy: music that documents survival, honors struggle, and still celebrates joy.
The track is more than a vibe. It’s a manifesto.
“I want people to know: this isn’t just music. It’s a genre. It’s a voice for the silenced. It’s Afro Trenches.”
As Afrobeat continues to diversify, BadBwoy DMF isn’t following trends — he’s starting his own. With Afro Trenches, he’s building a genre for the underrepresented, a movement for the unfiltered, and a sound that’s unapologetically his own.
