THE CUTS: EP 03 VOL. 5
THE CUTS is a weekly round-up of songs and videos that has caught our attention or think you must hear. The music featured here aren’t genre specific. THE CUTS is delivered every FRIDAY
EL – Joy
It’s been a long road/ But I prevailed/Won’t be long till I find of destiny/ So, when you pray/ Remember, pray for Victory – EL
This new single from EL is a fit for all mood tune courtesy it’s simple, reflective, assuring and inspiring lyrics. Written by EL and his mum, the ballad is set against stark piano chords. EL sounds like a man having a moment of introspection and reminding himself in the process that ‘joy comes in the morning’ so he need not to sulk. Similar to bareness of the song, the video carries same sentiments. EL is shown in a room with a pianist thumping away the chords to emphasize the words being uttered. Wearing a tux and a baseball cap, the Prince Dovlo video focuses more on the bodily expressions of EL. The use of natural light (the golden sunset beams through the window pane) and sometimes silhouette imagery contributes to the overall aura being exuded. This is a departure from the colourful videos he is noted for. ”Joy” is a moving song. Its positive message of hope is enough to hang off the tongue of many (‘So, when you pray remember, pray for victory’). Plus, don’t be surprised to hear it being sung at churches. Everybody deserves uplifting. ‘Ebony Reigns, Remember’, an ode to the late artist adds to its sentimentality.
Twitch feat Kwesi Arthur – Take Your Sometin
It appears every guy has a girl rejection tale. The experience is one that never fades from memory and could fuel you to work towards fixing the situation that caused you. Twitch and Kwesi Arthur’s ‘Take Your Sometin’ plays on such situation. The single is the second to be released by Twitch. Both Twitch and Kwesi Arthur take turns to recount how their efforts to hitch up a relationship were rejected. Over a bubbling soft drums, low synths and piano chords, (produced by NOVA and mixed by Jay Fyn), the two artists resolve to take the best route as indicated on the hook: ‘I’m moving on/ I no be tree chale/ take your sometin’. Interestingly, all these complaints went to her voice mail.
Yinka feat Cidane – For You
Soothing, gripping and pleasurable. The smooth highlife/afro pop beat does that first, before the vocals from Yinka (Oshodi) drops. Signed to Synths Records Africa, Yinka’s voice has range and control-she could the high and low notes with ease. Girded by amazing sax, ‘For You’ has her assuring her lover of her unflinching commitment; that she’s ‘down’ for him. Cidane, playing her boyfriend, also holds the other end of the love stick, vowing to be hers forever. The vocal tones of the two contributes to the beauty of the song. With Anita Baker and Linkin Park as some of her inspirations, this Nigerian songstress can’t go wrong vocally.
Eazy Bob Wizzy – 22
’22’ is the first single from Nigerian rapper, Eazy Bob Wizzy this year and its a sequel to his 2017 release titled ’21’. This numbered song is his way of reminding us of his age and his growth as a young artist. On this record, he’s talking about his career, the rap scene, relationships with family, friends and girlfriend(s) and his addictions. ’22’ is a prelude to his debut album. This is raw rap set against piano chords and as he declares on the ”I’ll be living my dreams when I’m 22”.
Bowale – Would You
Afro-Fusion singer and songwriter and Dreamchaser Management’s signee, Bowale’s ‘Would You’, is a tale about love, affection and trust. It carries a laid back highlife groove, with Bowale asking a girl to ‘let me love you’. He switches between singing, a bit of raggae-ing and rap, adding a bit of vocal rhythms as interlude. The saxophone section towards the end of the song hands it a glorious feel, likewise the percussion drums accompanying the tune. Produced by Teemix (Bowale’s long time producer), ‘Would You’ is the kind of record that would get you swinging to when it comes on your phone or radio.
OlaJuwon feat DertyDee and Cheq$ – For The Weekend
Synth Records Africa’s artist OlaJuwon teams up with fellow label mates DertyDee and Cheq$ on “For The Weekend” on this soulful RnB single. Unrequitted love, disappointment, cheating are the major sentiments expressed on this record. ‘I gave you love but I didn’t get that back’, OlaJuwon confesses on The Weekend. Over somber, moody piano and synths, his woozy vocals are complimented by the hard vocals of DertyDee and Cheq$.
