Nigerian singer and songwriter, Mr Eazi, released his much-anticipated Evil Genius album last weekend, which is already attracting positive feedback from music enthusiasts.
Before this body of work, the 32-year-old dropped Exit, a tune off the album featuring South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir, in which he counts his blessings and gives thanks to God for “keeping things running smoothly.”
The Evil Genius project delves into subjects such as love, betrayal, loneliness, and family, expressed through three distinctive acts. Here are some top selections from the must-listen-to album produced by a host of music makers including Ghanaian music composer, M.O.G Beatz.
Advice
Mr Eazi seems to be throwing jabs and casting insinuations on this tune, singing about betrayal and backstabbing, and goes ahead to talk about not paying attention to people who are not within his class.
If songs are indeed a reflection of personal experiences, then this sound could somewhat be Mr Eazi’s personal story, as he indicates in the chorus and concluding part of the song. Advice as the name suggests could nonetheless be a good selection for reflection and introspection.
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Orokoro ft Angelique Kidjo
With soothing lead-guitar riffs in the background, the chorus of this number is similar to Angelique Kidjo’s Wombo Lombo song released in the 90s.
Having a five-time Grammy Award winner on an album, it is no surprise that the veteran musician brought her experience to the song. Despite the similarities, the record could be described as a fusion of experience, talent, and a true representation of an African rhythm.
Chop Time No Friend
This mid-tempo jam is more or less a hype song in which the Fefe Na Fefe composer speaks about being monumental and not ordinary. He takes his time to release solid bars while blending English and his native Nigerian Language. It is a tune to be put on repeat as the outro ends with soulful instrumentals.
Panadol
In this sensual sound, Mr Eazi sounded a bit raunchy, speaking about being a “powerful man” who doesn’t take Panadol (a common painkiller) and goes ahead to give thumbs-up to all the men who treat their women right. Being slightly “naughty” is part of the art, and the Surrender composer did not fail to infuse a bit of that into the new album.
Jamboree
This is a slow jam featuring his Nigerian Counterpart Tekno. The duo sings about falling deeply in love and spending money on their partners. It is a sound that makes the listener nod their head, stamp their feet, or possibly put the sound on repeat.
In all, The Evil Genius album is a phenomenal project and listeners would appreciate why it took two years to produce. The 16-track album also has Good Loving ft Efya from Ghana; and Zuzulakate ft Joeboy (Nigeria).
The work is a remarkably fresh pan-African fusion with contributing producers including Kel-P (Nigeria), Knucks (U.K.), Michael Brun (Haiti), Andre Vibez (Nigeria), Yung Willis (Nigeria), and others.