I Have a Song with Jann Arden?

Vivek Shraya proudly announced the release of a music video for the captivating new version of "I Miss My Friends" originally from her latest visual album, Baby, You’re Projecting. This rendition features the legendary Jann Arden, marking another milestone in Shraya's series of major collaborations, including with Jully Black and Donovan Woods, as well as the release of How To Fail As A Popstar, her new CBC Gem original series that premiered in October.

Speaking of the experience, Arden says, “It was an absolute adventure recording with Vivek!! It’s such a great song with such a universal message of friendship and connection. I think we sound great together!”

"I HAVE A SONG WITH JANN ARDEN!?! Life is strange and awesome!" Vivek Shraya

 Acknowledging Arden's influence on her artistic journey, Shraya says, “I feel like on some level, this song was inspired by Jann Arden’s “Ode to a Friend.” As a fellow Albertan, I owe so much to Jann and the path she has paved for artists like me, and I was obsessed with her album “Happy” (which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary!) which features this song. I remember thinking at the time that it was so special because there were so few pop songs that centre on friendship. Friendship is where I am most vulnerable and needy, so I have listened the shit out of that song and it feels extra special to have this full circle moment with Jann singing on this track.”

REVIEW: ODUMODUBLVCK - EZIOKWU

ODUMODUBLVCK-EZIOKWU is put together in such a way that, when listening, you’re sort of transported to Odumodu’s world. You can hear him gliding through his experiences in life while swiftly alternating between crass lyrics and smooth melodies and paying homage to his city, his friends and Teezee. The way everything works helps the listener understands the things that are most important to the rapper. On command, he doesn’t waste any time to drop his signature ‘Black Sheep for life, black sheep for life, Izgaaju till we kpeme, Antiworld Gangsters, GE records you get me?”

Odumodublvcks’ percussions and sax make and introduction as well as cushion his voice for this and it’s only the first 10 seconds of the first track. While the song is supposedly about a woman as he hammers on consensual sex in the adlibs and the verse; the music is as raw as you’d expect a rapper to actually put together.

The song which is made in Nigerian Pidgin English sees him open the verse with a line that leaves you questioning his state of mind in the studio. “…Fall into her k**kus like a beast…” you just know it already, the song is meant to be as relatable as possible. And for the average Nigerian on the street, this song would be too easy to vibe to. But aside his delivery on the verses, Odumodu delivers melodies so nicely that you almost miss the soulful backing vocal on the track. Right after the first track, we get into familiar terrain; Declan Rice. 

Declan Rice is named after the Arsenal midfielder; however, if listened to more thoughtfully, the song is more about the artiste himself and his relationship with the people around him. He flexes on his ability to thrive despite doing things differently. “I can do without their policy…” is a bold declaration as regards the way his behavioural pattern, has shaped the trajectory of his career. We’re given an insight on what his friendships look like, as he name drops his guys while simultaneously manufacturing lyrics that you can use to foil an attempt to achieve your phone on the streets. Declan Rice isn’t the only football player referenced in this song, as Onazi also gets a mention! 

On the third track we go off to Kubolor which features Ghanaian chanteuse Amaarae. The song which has some highlife elements is dedicated to Odumodu’s late father and doesn’t disappoint, it can easily be classified under his self branded Okporoko genre. His melodies are as original as can be and it is easy to see how this was a fan favorite before the release. Amaarae, is as infectious as usual, with the two piecing a masterpiece almost effortlessly.

While Odumodu is particular with his featuring his guys from Abuja on this project, Amaarae isn’t the only mainstream artiste in the project as Fireboy, Wale, Blaqbonez, Zlatan and Bella Shmurda all make an appearance alongside Bloody Civilian, Teezee, Psycho YP, Ecko Miles, Reeplay and Cruel Santino.

Adamma Beke sounds like the sonic representation of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, as Odumodu pulls melodies out of thin air. In all of these, there is no doubt as to his abilities. The production is covered by Ucee, who has been a frequent collaborator from the early days. It’s all magic! 

Shoot and Go Home is easy to skip at first, until you actually listen to it and realize this is probably the most defining moment on the body of work as to his prowess as a rapper. There are various rhyme schemes that balance out on the highly percussive beat that are expressive of his inclinations to Drill music. The vocals in the chorus sound like something you should run away from if you ever hear it on a lonely street at night. However, it is infectious enough for you to leave on repeat and start singing on your own too. This entire week, my reply to every unnecessary person is ‘Bigfoot who goes’. 

Tesla Boys is another one that had been previewed for months before release. It was highly anticipated and features Blaqbonez. Odumodu once again showcased his ability to make an infectious hook that would make afrobeats artistes green with envy. Blaqbonez who is equally a rapper that can craft dangerous hooks, delivers on his verse, the brag is heavy but he gives flowers to M.I Abaga with a line that is almost impossible to miss. At the end of the song, the message is delivered; Blaqbonez and Big Kala are not friends with Sapa!

Odumodu, On your feet!  MC Oluomo takes you up violently, perhaps in the somewhat perceived nature of the personality this song is named after. Initially released as a single, this tune is one of those that has caused several problems on X. However, the song is a quick reminder that Odumodu is a pioneer for Grime in Africa and he can snap like the fate of an entire universe depends on him. The controversies on this song can keep on piling up, but it remains a contender for fan favourite. 

The mixtape rolls on with a series of heavy weights and to close off the project, Picanto comes last in delivery. And for the first time, the track is hurtful to listen to. At this point, we want more, but it’s ending Zlatan delivers the assist with finesse, so does Ecko Miles. But the star of the show is really Odumodu and whatever Jimohsoundz sprinkles in the production. 

With Picanto, after listening, and listening and listening again, it might hit you how it has hit me; Odumodublvck is proof that an artiste can come from anywhere and make it happen.

At a time when rappers in Nigeria have failed to churn out music with the ability to hack the mainstream market, Odumodu comes to disrupt the entire system. Odumodu really has the mainstream audience listening to rap again. He is proof that an artiste can exist out of the policy and make music happen. Perhaps his strongest trait is in his lyrical prowess, in the way that his lyrics can make anybody that sings along feel his energy. In some musical context, the attitudinal transfer can be described as ‘spiritual’ and in Odumodu’s case you might not be wrong.

Odumodu might not be everyone’s favorite artiste but he proves himself on “Eziokwu” he proves that his declarations are not made to fall, wither and die. He proves that where you are doesn’t matter and that staying true to your art, your truest form of expression; can take you from your tiny spot to the most unexpected places. And while Eziokwu might seem like an amazing project, we need to believe that his best is yet to come.

Eziokwu is out on streaming platforms, STREAM HERE

I don almost forget to keep scores: Omo, it is 8/10 this side!

10 is for God.

9 is for me.

8 is for exceptional music.

Anything below 5 na mid sha.

Best of Botswana: I ♥ Death

Wrust playing in South Africa in 2013 (Photo Credit: SueDiduknow)

For someone who has dedicated the last two articles to the metal scene in Botswana, haven’t profiled any bands yet, have I? No worries! Only half as neglectful as I seem, here I am extolling the ominous, aggressive pleasure of three bands, the names of all coincidentally ending in “ust”. Huh. Though not featured, a genuine honorable mention to Skinflint; we love a black girl metal drummer.
Wrust

Formed in 2000 in Gabarone, Wrust’s brand of death metal dips hard into groove metal, gaining comparisons to the classic band Sepultra. Members Stux Daemon, Dem Lawd Master, Oppy Gae, and Benson Phaks released their most recent album, Intellectual Metamorphosis, in 2013. Their music has been both influenced by and compared to many classic death metal bands, such as one of the early and formative bands of the genre, Obituary, as well as Carcass (with whom they have shared a stage), and Pantera, a classic groove metal band that has come under much fire for their use of confederate flags, and Phil Anselmo’s repeated “joke” declarations of white power.

Despite largely American influence, their song Day of the Sacrifice has more traditional Tswana singing and drums in the introduction that seamlessly layers with the growing grooves and riffs of the metal soon to come, a welcomed change from the usual metal intros: of random screaming, sampled audio that sounds out of a haunted house, or worse, clean vocals.

While definitely having its melodeath moments that really let me enjoy and get into the metal mood, Intellectual Metamorphosis somehow feels less sinister than a lot of metal despite the lyrical content. Hate ’em All is almost anthemic death metal, something you could headbang or dance to. 

Spiral of Torture and Hate ’em All seem to succinctly sum up the albums themes surrounding systems (of) control and oppression, evoking ideas of a brutal government/world/society with claws around one’s neck.

Recommended song: Hate ’em All

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