By Emmanuel Daraloye

Ayomipo Ogunleye, known professionally as Jay Rapiano, ’s latest single, “Abaya,” a brief but spirited reminder of the energy that drives the Nigeria born artiste. The two-minute and ten-second track, dropped on October 31, moves with the urgency of an artist who understands that attention spans are short, but momentum is everything. Before his voice even arrives, the instrumental sets the temperature. It glides in with a polished confidence, suggesting a producer who knows exactly how to introduce his own record as both architect and performer. Fifteen seconds in, the production tag, “una don hear the arrival,” drops like a mission statement. The line is assertive. It also signals the forward-leaning attitude that anchors the rest of the track.

The chorus is built for catchiness and repetition. “On yi bi tyre, on fe bi abaya, she tell me na me go tire,” he chants with a playful edge, blending Yoruba expressions into a hook that feels both familiar and fresh. When he adds “I came from nothing to something and Sheybi Oluwa ma lo n shomi,” he leans into testimony, balancing swagger with gratitude. These are lines shaped by everyday Nigerian speech, yet they land with enough clarity to stay resonant even when the listener depends on translation. The track bends around that duality. Fun and reflection. Bravado and vulnerability. Nightlife looseness and streetwise philosophy.

In the verse, Rapiano turns inward and outward at once. “Bitches dey tell me they love me” arrives as a statement of attention, followed by “Shey boluwa ma lo n shomi,” a reminder that divine protection is still central. Then, “Why always me, Balotelli” becomes one of the track’s more striking cultural nods. Mario Balotelli, famously talented and equally scrutinized, stands as a symbol of brilliance and constant misinterpretation. By invoking him, Rapiano positions himself as an artist who attracts both spotlight and skepticism. The next line, “O da mi mo, lo wo teli,” reinforces that sentiment. You don’t know me, watch television becomes a subtle reminder that visibility does not equal understanding.

The latter section, “Je n ganusi on a low-key and Jo galala Daddy Showkey,” injects movement into the record. The Daddy Showkey reference draws from Nigerian musical lineage, offering a link to the street-pop foundation that shaped earlier eras. It is a nod that places Rapiano in dialogue with past pioneers while maintaining his youthful, contemporary edge.

Rapiano’s flow remains sharp throughout the “Abaya.” He pivots quickly between tones, settling into pockets that feel natural and unforced. His pen game shows promise. He is not pushing lyrical boundaries yet, but he is building a recognizable voice. Tracks like “Everyday,” released on August 1, 2025, where he featured Don Stylee, already hinted at his hunger. This new release “Abaya,” sharpens that projection. He sounds more confident and less concerned with proving too much at once.

The song closes at the one-minute fifty mark, allowing the instrumental to fade into silence. The outro is simple but intentional, keeping the structure clean and uncluttered.

Jay Rapiano, is steadily moving with intention. If he continues refining his writing and sustaining this consistency, he is poised to become one of the next notable voices in the Nigerian music scene.

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Adekunle Gold embraces his roots, the public relations material states. Did he embrace his roots or the PR heads are just looking for a marketing strategy to sell his album?. Eleven years after the release of his breakout single, AG as he is fondly called returns with a new album “Fuji.”
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‎Strategically named Fuji, contextually, it is a combination of Juju, Apala, R&B and Afrobeats with Fuji being the manpower. The Gangan drum remains the most poignant instrument on this album, this instrument dots Fuji genre.
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‎A descendant of the Kosoko (got name mentioned in Big Fish) royalty of Lagos—a stronghold of Fuji. This is a refined Fuji, curated for Gen Z, sophisticated souls. While Fuji is known for his trademark name calling, AG keeps it simple on this album, he mentions heavyweight like Saraki, Don Corleone, Bourdillon (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) on this album.
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‎“Many People” features Yinka Aiyefele, the Tunga gospels crooner only interpolate while AG takes command of the song. Davido powered “Only God Can Save Me,” preaches fidelity while ”Oba,” finds the artiste embracing his cocky side, who wouldn't be? In an industry, where stars are made and shatter, AG has remained a shining brand, although he has never been in the top three discussions yet he has remained seen and heard, he maintains his lane, waters it, grows and evolves.
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‎The previously released ”Bobo,” “Coco Money,” “Obimo,” and ”Believe” all make the tracklist.

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‎Fuji is a mild dash of victory, AG takes the gamble, what Asake was running from, AG embraced it like Jude Bellingham's goal celebration. Fuji finds AG tickling Apala, serenading Fuji, blowing kisses to R&B, while saluting Juju.
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‎An unsophisticated musician will find it difficult to take this detour or experiment with the array of sound on this album. AG shows that he is a solid and well ground artistes, his velvety vocals shine through the 15 tracks, when he brags, he does it with substance.

Simi, his better half almost took over ”Don Corleone,” with her back up vocals, her excitement is noticeable, when she croons ”Godfather, dekunle ni Godfather,” on the Apala-Fuji tune. Their daughter ”Deja,” open ”My Love is the same,” a heart aching song marinated in reassurance. AG tickles Amapiano on the fleeting “Love is an action,”. “Attack,” is a bouncy, high energy spiced track with Mavo coming through with infectious verse. R& B inclined “Lailo,” intro copies
Micheal Jackson's They Don't Care About Us. “Oba is an angelic, chorister uplifted track. The sombre “I’m Not Done,” treats life complexities, human insatiable needs.

‎Fuji is a brilliant return to what AG baby is known for, now, it is more refined, the topics are broad—grief , fatherhood, legacy, etc. Just like his debut, the features on this album are minimal, AG takes the creative touch, beams it, gives the fans a potential contender for album of the year.

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Davido's 5ive is a clear cut attempt at cementing legacy, raising new one , breaking borders, with the Afrobeats flag flying high. Across seventeen tracks, he calls on the finest artistes from his home country, USA, Jamaica and more. The first voice on this album doesn't come from the singer, the iconic poet, Alhanislam, chaperoned Davido to the lukewarm “Anything.”

When he sings about love, he is thoughtful, reserved, the days of playboy are on hiatus. Just like expected, the melodies are scattered on this album, even when he brags about his riches, it's different.

The drawback on this album remains Davido's laid back attitude, the writing on this album is neither sophisticated or elevated, Davido is relaxed, he spices things with lamba, cliche type expression, the trend setter type.

This LP swirls between romance, party. It is a monotonous route with Amapiano occasionally being the rescuer. The crisp, clean production on this album could have been put into better use. The pocket of ear warming songs are in between, not even the usual Chris Brown collaboration could save this album , the Omah Lay feature comes too late.

The standout track “R&B,” is actually a Dancehall track marinated in Afrobeats, featuring guest verses from Shenseea and 450.

The whole notion that Davido is not an album guy is laughable. This guy gave the world “A Good Time” and “Timeless,” 5ive is not close to any of these albums.

There are pockets of beauty on this album, however, they are far between,with more than a decade deep into the music industry, a little bit of complacency like he displays on this album seems forgivable. With his two rivals, Wizkid, Burna Boy also falling into the same hole, perhaps,it is time they say BYE and leave the stage for ambitious, hungry, creatively juicy artistes.

2/5

Emmanuel Daraloye

Phyky Ls (Taofeek Ajibola) is a Nigerian singer and songwriter making waves in the Nigerian music scene. Known for his vibrant sound and storytelling, Phyky Ls has released several tracks, including his 2023 EP Recognition. His latest single, Omo Kudiratu, has garnered over 70,000+ streams across platforms, cementing his place as a rising star in Afrobeat.

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Lisabi, the new Netflix Original flick is a cultural celebration of Yoruba with a particular focus on how Egba liberated itself from the Oyo empire. It tells the story of an uprising against a despotic king and his messengers. Alaafin of Oyo, played by Odunlade Adekola becomes angry with towns that derail in their yearly food and crops delivery to Oyo.

His tribute collectors headed by Ibrahim Chatta (Sangodeyi) were bloodier. They did the unthinkable, had the best women to themselves, violated them, and became a big headache to the Egba. While the people found some of these acts wanting, only few of them talked.

Sokenu, a farmer who once had a clash with them at Edioke palm wine joint , about the excess of the tribute collectors was already spotted by them. They turned his joyous day to a sad one, before he died, he took ten of the tribute collectors.

Lisabi, Sokenu’s bosom friend never recovered from his demise, his death gingering him, in a domino effect, he encouraged his people to fight for freedom. Clandestinely , he urged the people to go to each other for Aro, they went to each other's farm, this made the job easier to do. While they were doing others, he bother less about himself.

By the time it was his turn, he wanted more, an uprising against the king’s tribute collectors indirectly confronted Alaafin. With help from various forces, they embolden themselves, preparing for the onslaught. The film ended with the beheading of Sangodeyi while the viewers await part two of the movie (January 2025).

The relationship between Sokenu and his wife, Abebi, could have been expanded, it is rushed. While Sokenu was excited about dating Abebi, the reverse cannot be said about her. Ikeola, the Alarina between them, when did she tell her, what was the response, what was the feedback from their parents. The romantic relationship could have been stretched, a little bit. The portrayal of Alaafin of Oyo is remarkable, he scarcely speaks, when he finally does, he issues orders.

The opening first three scenes already introduced the viewers to the imbroglio the villagers were facing. In the remaining scene, the solution to the problem was being formulated.

Lisabi, the titular character, is a man of different parts. At the start of the movie, his tenacity and hard work on the farm was shown. He moved from being naive to being the symbol of hope and change to the people. His mannerism and posture changes, it even becomes worse when he loses sokenu. Expectedly, he should have been vulnerable or depressed, instead he becomes more embolden to fight on, sticking to the pact between him and sokenu at his dying moments.

The historical correctness of this movie is a topic for erudite history scholars however, Lisabi, as a movie, is a pointer to what occurred during the time of our ancestors. A recollection of how things were being done before modernization came into being. Two dominant examples were when Lisabi tells Sokenu on the need for his wife not to meet him at home and also, on the need for his sexual proactiveness and economical viability as a man.

From his groundbreaking work on Jagun Jagun, it is exhilarating seeing Lateef Adedimeji on Lisabi. For once, he is doing things on his own term. He holds the paint to the canvas, he calls on the best hand, from Niyi Akinmolayan who directed it, to the Tolu Obanro who handled the pristine sound, not forgetting the effect, colour grading and editing. Beyond minor errors, which are forgivable, Lisabi might become a soon to be classic movie.

Rapper With A Sleek Street Appeal

In April 2019, Harteez released a cover of Jaywon's classic song “Aje,” Harteez titled his version “Next Big Things.” The two minutes, twenty-second song serves as a snapshot of what he sees in his future and a peep into the hustling and bustling as an underground artiste in Nigeria.

Four years later, some of Harteez’s dreams and aspirations seem to be coming to fruition. Within this space, he has released two extended projects, his latest is titled “Signature.” The six-track project features some of the most beautiful talents from Nigeria.

It’s an amalgamation of sound with the topic swirling from love, life, and party. One thing you can’t take from Harteez is his genuine love for music, his unalloyed devotion to bettering his sound, and more essentially, his constant desire to document stories from the streets of Nigeria.

With the “Signature,” EP, Harteez looks set to take his rightful place in the ever-expanding Nigerian music industry.

By Emmanuel Daraloye

“Attention everybody,” this catchphrase welcomes you to the Instagram handle of Harteez and to most of his songs. The Nigerian singer who just released a dazzling new extended play “Signature,” EP. With close to a decade in the music industry, the youngster has experienced the swinging pedals of life. These various experiences formed a large chunk of the content of music.

Harteez is street, Street is Harteez. While at this, the Kogi State born singer has been able to carry along the people who don't have any connection with the streets.

With collaborations with the likes of Idowest, Seyi Vibez, Zinoleesky, to mention just a few, Harteez still makes sure that he shows the fans the mettle that he's made off on all this song.

“Scripture,” EP is an animated, crude attempt at telling stories. No doubt, Harteez knows what's at stake. On this sonic voyage, he calls on Martinsfeelz, Moscow Peller, Mohbad, Otega and Bella Shmurda. They all brought their arsenal to fore, Harteez, also came through with his impeccable cadence.

With close to twenty thousand monthly listeners on Spotify and about ninety nine thousand followers on Instagram, Harteez is slowly gathering all the attention he wants. The streets are listening, likewise the world.

Harteez, one of Nigerian finest singers just released his second extended play, it's titled Scripture. In this exclusive interview, the singer led us into his world. The conversation is short as Harteez seems to do most of his talking in front of the microphone.

Except.

Emmanuel Daraloye: What’s the inspiration behind your new project “Scripture EP”?

Harteez: Scripture the EP was inspired by the first track on the EP(Book of Attention) talking about a book personally written by me full of lyrics of songs sung.

Daraloye: Tell us more about yourself

Harteez: My name is Oluwafisayomi Samson and I am from Kogi State, born in Lagos. I do music and hope to get to greater heights very soon.

Daraloye: How long did it take you to finish this EP

Harteez: Actually, the project took a whole lot more time than expected, arguably I should say like 6 months.

Daraloye: How was growing up like for you?

Harteez: Growing up wasn’t so easy, due to some family issues.

Daraloye: Who were the musicians you listened to while growing up?

Harteez: I did listen to the likes of Olamide Baddo, Chinko ekun, and Lil Kesh while growing up.

Daraloye: Where has been your most memorable performance so far?

Harteez: The last year 2022 was my most memorable performance. It happened at Small Doctor Live in concert Agege, Lagos State. When Bella Shmurda brought me out on stage to perform. It was memorable.

Daraloye: Who are the artistes you wish to work with?

Harteez: I wish to work with Olamide Baddo, Lil kesh, and Mayorkun.

Daraloye: Your journey in the music industry has been on for more than a decade, how has it been so far?

Harteez: I thank God regardless, even though I am not where I want to be but at least I am not where I was yesterday.

Daraloye: After the release of the Scripture EP, what’s next?

Harteez: Still working on a new single. y’all should get ready.

By Emmanuel Daraloye

The 00s was heralded by a form of sound crossbreeding Nigerian Hip-hop. A stark imitation of the New York City Hip-hop movement which began in the 1970s. A lot of Nigerian millennials kids got influenced by these two cultural movements. A young soon-to-blow to blow artist who goes by the name MaxNr is one of them.

Now in his formative year, MaxNr has harnessed these influences, sieved them to curate brash and punchy songs with the last “Afro Vibes” already becoming a dominant feature on Radio, street and playlist on digital platforms.

The youngster recently did a cover of Skiibii 2022 hit “Baddest Boy”. The year is just three months down, however, MaxNr already has his plan lined up for the year.

While he keeps mute on his forthcoming album, it's glaring that he's put the needed work in his ctoer to win over more fans, quench the thirst of his, fans, and make his way into new demographics.

Victony, T.I Blaze, and Blaqbonez are top on the list of his most preferred artists to feature. With his tenacity and dedication to his craft, MaxNr looks prepared for stardom.

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Afrobeat, Afrobeats, husky vocals, heartwarming sunny horn, and a feel-good flow, everything on check. ‘Afro Vibes’, MaxNr's latest single, has been on replay here. While he called his project Afro Vibez, the artist's sound is an eclectic fusion of sounds, themes, and innate ability at crafting words.

MaxNr fell in love with music while growing up, nevertheless, he never thought of taking it seriously but the love multiplied each day.

In a country of more than 200 million people with the vast majority of them living below the worldwide poverty line, Life has never been a bed of roses for the artist, as he always strives to make ends meet, music has given him a soft landing. Life experiences formed a large chunk of his discography.

While he's very familiar with the basic Afrobeats tropes of women, party, and love, he smartly chipped in some words of advice for the people to ponder on his song.

Artists in the industry are known for dropping an extended play to test their popularity, sample opinions about their craft, and ascertain what the fans want. MaxNr is on that journey; he is set to go away higher with the release of a full-length project later this year. The name of the project is still under wrap.

The year is just three months gone, MaxNr already scripted his plan. Rapper Blaqbonez, Singer T.I Blaze, and the delectable soulful singer Victory are on his feature list, no doubt, it is bound to get longer as he ascends the ladder of the industry.