Nonso Amadi - When It Blooms [Album]

 

Universal Music Canada act, Nonso Amadi has released his debut album he dubs When It Blooms on the 26th of May, 2023 and it consist of Fifteen (15) tracks with guest features such as; Majid Jordan, Tay Iwar, Zinoleesky, Beam and Tamera. Check on it!

Production Credits: 

STREAM ALBUM HERE

SONG TITLE: Nonso Amadi, BEAM - Kilimanjaro

WizKid - True Love ft. Tay Iwar, Projexx [Video]

 

Wizkid releases visuals for his smooth ballad True Love off his deluxe album Made in Lagos and it features Tay Iwar and Projexx. Check on it!

Produced by: Juls.

STREAM HERE

Adekunle Gold - Catch Me If You Can [Album]

 

The highly anticipated album by the talented act Adekunle Gold is finally out and it is definitely worth the wait. The forth studio album by this music maestro is titled Catch Me If You Can and it was released on the 4th February, 2022 and consist of Fourteen (14) track and Six (6) guest features which include: Davido, TY Dolla Sign, Fatoumata Diawara, Lucky Daye, Stefflon Don and Foushee. Check on it!

Production Credits: Uber, BigFish, Pheelz, Tay Iwar, Spax, and Blaise Beatz.

STREAM HERE  

Tiwa Savage - Water & Garri [EP]

 

Tiwa Savage releases a surprise extended play she titles Water & Garri consisting of Five (5) tracks with a list features from the likes of; Nas, Brandy, King Rich, Amaarae and Tay Iwar. Tiwa was unapologetic on this body of work as she explores fresh, new and amazing sounds with the fusion of Afrobeats of course. Check on it!  

 DOWNLOAD HERE

Tay Iwar - MONICA ([Video]

The multi-talented act Tay Iwar is out with a brand new visual for his single off his debut album Gemini and he titles this one Monica. Check on it!
Directed by: Alex Loucas.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Tay Iwar x Le Mav - Golden [Audio]

 Tay Iwar and Le Mav have announced a joint extended play dubbed Gold and to kick off this campaign the duo are offering listeners a sneak peak into what the project would sound like with the release of the single Golden. Check on it! 


DOWNLOAD HERE

Album Review: Tay Iwar - Gemini

Tay Iwar graces us with the release of his debut album after he caught our eye with his 2014 mixtape dubbed Passport  and now he returns with this brand new project titled Gemini. The Gemini was released on the 26th day of March, 2019, and consist of sixteen (16) tracks with some reputable features from the likes of; Odunsi (The Engine), Santi, Sute, and Preye. This is one project we have all waited for in the last 5 years and now it is finally here, we do hope this would definitely be worth the wait and listen. 


Satisfied: Tay introduces his listeners to the Gemini world with this alluring soulful like acoustic interlude of about 2 minutes by serenading his lady on how Satisfied he is with the love of he has for her. This love song has a great composition of the right lyrics and it is indeed a good way to kick off this project.   


Monica: This is a feel good mid-tempo track Tay has put together and is characterized by many forms of that modern day influence of trap music and with just the right balance of it to support a solid record dubbed Monica. The interesting thing about this record is the fact the Tay confidently infused a bit of humor to this record with a skit at the end of the track which added some form of  versatility and flavor on the record. 


Weather Song: This is yet another beautiful track that i can classify as an interlude, considering the length of the record and as we see Tay unveil further the brilliance of his songwriting skills on a love song like the Weather Song, using all the four season to describe the depth of affection he has for his love interest. This is by far one of the best records in all totality off the Gemini project.  



Its Okay: Tay follows up Monica with another interlude dubbed Its Okay. This record used the vocoder technology that was made popular in R&B music in the 80s. Therefore, giving Its Okay that needed electronic/retro vibe and a dash of flavor to the song. Tay's imagination in music composition is apt, as we see how he gives the right amount of musical influence to create a record like this love song Its Okay, by giving his love interest the assurance not to be afraid in the relationship but above all he has got her back in the midst of it all.  


Stranger: This is a soothing and fresh ballad that showcases Tay's vocal prowess as he glides on the wave of the keys on the piano and the bass guitar, giving the record Stranger that classic touch. This is a solid song to have made the track-listing of this project.    


Fools: This is one of the leading singles off the project in my opinion and by far the best record of the Gemini project. Fools is an up- beat song and it is that record that gets you started on your first listen and doesn't fade off but have a lasting impression on the listener. The record, a beautifully written love song talking about the dilemma in a relationship and looking for a solution in that situation is laced on a brilliantly produced record giving it that fresh pop sound with a mix of the R&B touch. This is a natural hit If well promoted and with a well executed video Fools can become a crossover hit for Tay. 



Keeps: This is a typical Tay classic ballad with that brilliant expression of his lyrical genius and vocal dexterity on a laid back produced beat with a mix of poetry at end of the record, giving Keeps the depth and quality it deserves. This record has one of the best hook off Gemini thereby making the track an unforgettable one off the project.  


Utero: Tay has so much of that Maxwell's influence on Utero record and he still maintained the originality of his sound thereby making the record a solid R&B collector. This is by far one of the best records off Tay's project and can easily be picked as a supportive single off the Gemini album.This love song has all the relevant elements (lush melody, beautiful production, solid songwriting skills, and an unforgettable hook) a record deserved to be tipped as a ballad classic. 



Diamonds: This is one amazing interlude Tay has titled Diamonds and from the concept, to the sound of production as well as Tay's magnificent vocals added a great deal of depth to the record. This shows how much thought Tay's team put into the selection of the track-list. 


How: This is one of the best distrust/breakup songs i have heard by a Nigerian artist. Tay switches up his style on How with a freestyle kind of concept  and the content has that edgy touch that makes it a provocative sound you want to listen to. The record also has all the right influences of the day modern trap music but  still maintains and embodies the essence of a proper soul/R&B vibe.  



  
Space (Feat. Santi & Preye): This is the first song off Gemini project with guest artists and we see Tay recruit talented acts Santi and Preye on this amazing number dubbed Space. The compliment of Santi and Preye's verses exposes further the purity of Tay's vocal ability and they all brought this beautiful mid-tempo record to life. Space is one of the solid records off the project and can become a lounge favorite. 


 SuggarDaddy (Feat. Odunsi (The Engine)): This is the second feature on the Gemini project and it features the eccentric act Odunsi (The Engine) who largely sang in the Yoruba dialect thereby adding so much color and flavor to the record. SuggarDaddy already a radio favorite across Nigerian has what it takes to be one off the leading singles off this project. The record which was beautifully produced and with the support of Tay's brilliant songwriting skills which is focused on common society's ills that effect quality relationships shows the depth of his creativity.    



Don't Know (Feat. Sute Iwar): This is the last of Tay's feature on the Gemini album and this time around Sute Iwar makes his guest appearance on Don't Know. This is a song that is characterized with a classic mix of hip hop and R&B, as we see Sute add quality to his slick and soothing R&B produced track. This is an appropriate record to have made the track-list of this body of work and most importantly a record produced by Tay himself. 


Sidelines: The is another one of the few up-tempo tracks on the Gemini album and Tay did a great job with the lyrics for Sideline and with the compliment of his vocal stunning, as well as the backup on the record, added so much flavor and brilliance to the record. This is a well written and executed breakup song but not necessarily among his best works but overall a great song for this project. 



Miracle Girl: This is one experimental record by Tay on the album and Miracle Girl can be classified as an alternative/rock song with heavy influence and vibe of the electric guitar as well as we see Tay bringing out his inner Lenny Kravitz (Lol!) just to show us how far he can push his vocal abilities. Miracle Girl is one of the best records off this project and also one of his best work i have heard from him till date.   



Call U: This is certainly a superb way to end a project of this magnitude, with a cathedral entrance and a mix of playful gaming sounds on Call U and of course with Tay's smooth and subtle vocals which serenades his love interest on his desire and quest to start his day with her only makes the song/interlude whole and awesome. Great effort!   






Here are my final thoughts on the album review of  ''Gemini'' I enjoyed listening to the project and it was certainly a joy ride because it had the right mix of different elements that everyone can relate with in at least one of the songs on the album. Tay's debut album ''Gemini'' is a SOLID project  putting into consideration his careful thought on his line up of featured artist such as: Odunsi (The Engine), Preye, Santi and brother Sute Iwar who were all appropriate features that gave the project a proper sense of direction and concept Tay was trying to achieve. However, Gemini is not your average body of work that you can easily get into it, but it would require several listens before a record(s) on the album grows on you and this is indeed a difficult/dicey feat to achieve if you are not already a fan of his and this can be sway listeners to either direction and the overall purpose might not be achieved, so based on that, my conclusion and rating of ''Gemini'' would be an 8/10. 


In case you haven't listened or downloaded Tay Iwar's - GEMINI album please download it for free here: DOWNLOAD HERE

Album Review: Odunsi (The Engine) - Rare.

''Odunsi (The Engine)'' graces us with his debut album dubbed Rare and what a perfect name to describe his first body of work, because Odunsi is definitely a rare gem when it comes to his style and delivery of music. The album Rare consist of fourteen (14) tracks with a few records initially released to promote the release of the album and Odunsi features the likes of; Davido, Nasty C, Runtown, Santi, Tay Iwar and a host of others. Join me as we take a listen and review Rare by Odunsi (The Engine). 


Rare: The song Rare Is the introduction to the 'Odunsi' album and also the title of the body of work and i must say what a fantastic way to kick start an album as he allows us to feel the essence of his beautiful and unique vocals on a smooth ballad tune with an introduction of spoken word at the end of the record giving us an imagination of the atmosphere in Lagos mixed with their appreciation for his craft. This is certainly a great way to start this journey for his fans and listeners.     


 

Falling: This record is one of the leading record off the Rare album and we see Odunsi (The Engine) take us back to the era of disco music of the 70's. Falling is a classic love interest song that has that ''feel good'' vibe to it and it gets you grooving consciously or unconsciously. This is a solid A&R work/choice of representation to the Rare album as it was taken as the lead single for this project and it is definitely one of the favorite record off this body of work. 


Take Me There Feat. Hamzaa: The record Take Me There is a perfect representation of a modern 808's/trap like music with a blend of the disco flavor as well. We see Odunsi feature Hamzaa on this track who also added extra spice and flavor to a well written song by Odunsi but sadly too short  for me to call it a proper record. However, the vocal experts by what appears to be Odunsi's buddy, narrating his musical experience and evolution as an artiste really gave this record depth and the quality it deserved.  
 
Outcast: Outcast is a mid-tempo record that has the brilliance of the piano on the baseline and a kick of hip hop to the snare and to cap it up is Odunsi's songwriting skill on the record. He talks about real life experiences growing up and where he is now, which makes it a great conscience record but maybe to short for the listening pleasure of fans. This then could be classified as an interlude and not a full - fledged track. 


Divine Feat. Davido: This is by far one of the favorite records off this project as Divine was previously released in support of the forthcoming Rare project and it features non other than the rave of the moment, Davido who gave the record that afropop drive. The call and response concept of the record is brilliant and Davido was certainly the right pick for the track. This is one record that deserves a visual interpretation. 

 
Wanted You: Odunsi keeps the consistency of this project with Wanted You having that proper disco/electronic vibe. This is another solid record off the Rare album which captures the essence of Odunsi (The Engine) vocal prowess and i would like to see Wanted You have at least a lyric video with a disco like theme to it. This is one of the solid records off this body of work.


 
Angel Feat. Duendita: This is a soulful ballad Odunsi has put together and he features the delectable soul vocalist  Duendita. The quality she adds to this record is unmatched as we see both acts glide through the soothing soul vibe of the beat, thereby giving the record that wholeness. This is an appropriate track to have been selected for the Rare project. 



Take a Break: This is an awesome dilemma of a story in a record, as we can see Odunsi use his local dialect (Yoruba) to express his words on what appears to be a (sorry) letter to his mother/loved ones who seem to have felt some level of disconnect from him maybe because of his quest to survive in an ever demanding music industry. Take a Break is a heartfelt song that was brilliantly written by Odunsi.     



Express Feat. Santi & Nasty C: This is one feel good track and i must say one of the favorite record off the Rare album. Odunsi recruit Santi and South African heavyweight Nasty C on  the mid - tempo song Express. This track embodies all that new school kick and vibe and what makes it so interesting is that the record is light, very likable and easy to digest. The record Express is one record that deserves a visual interpretation.  


Dance floor: This record which appears to have a similar ensemble as that of Falling, both on the same project and a very good attempt by Odunsi. However, the track is shorter than what is expected of a song and only makes it feel like a long extension of Falling. 



Star Signs Feat. Runtown: The production of this record is impeccable and which has the best feature off the Rare album. Runtown shares the glory with Odunsi on what i describe as the best track of the this entire project. The record has all the right elements to become a great  radio hit from the likes of; the concept/songwriting skills of the song by both (Odunsi & Runtown), production output, and the maintenance of consistency of Odunsi's style of music. The is the best record off this body of work and one that deserves proper promotion with musical video. 


Green Light Feat. Tay Iwar: What do you expect when two eccentric and genius artist come together? They will certainly create Magic!!! And that is exactly what Odunsi and Tay Iwar have done with Green Light. This another solid record and perfect choice of a feature by Odunsi as both acts show their vocal dexterity on this beautifully produced track.   



Hectic Feat. 234Jaydaa, Amaarae & Solis: This record Hectic personifies everything awesome as we see Odunsi alongside 234Jaydaa, Amaarae and Solis delivery one of the best track off this project with everyone holding their fort with their vocal abilities. This record had an amazing transition from a slow soulful melodic vibe to that mid-tempo 90's R&B groove. This is an appropriate record to have made the tracklist of the Rare album. 




Bonus Tracks


Alte Cruise Feat. Zamir (LOS) & Santi: This record unveils another review about himself as with two vocal experts of his friends talking about his creativity. Alte Cruise is one swagged out record that features Zamir of (LOS) and Santi who is making his second appearance on this project as they all nailed their verses. This is yet another solid record off the Rare project.  



Here are my final thoughts on this album by ''Odunsi (The Engine) - Rare.'' This is one superb album by an alternative Nigerian artist like  ''Odunsi''  it was a fun listen.The album indeed had a Rare, organic and earthy feel to it. Something we rarely hear on this side of the world. The album had an array of very talented artist who all added great depth to this project such as; Davido, Santi, Runtown, Nasty C,Duendita, Tay Iwar, 234Jaydaa, Amaarae & Solis. However, i have reservations with the production output of the entire work even though the individual records/tracks stood out but the mastering of project was weak and could have had a better sound engineer put everything together as solid body of work. Therefore I would like to rate ''Rare.'' an 8.5/10 because this album is as good debut attempt, great track listing, production was fair, lyrics/melody on point, creativity impeccable, songwriting skills genius, vocal prowess was rare and beautiful. Odunsi (The Engine) is definitely one talent who deserves to have an international reputation out of Nigeria if well managed and of course will have longevity in his career with a legendary status. Recommendation: Keeping doing your thing as an artist/producer, you are on track and we love what we hear.   

In case you haven't listened or downloaded Odunsi (The Engine) - Rare. please download it here:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Tay Iwar - Gemini [Album]

The eccentric and talented act/producer Tay Iwar finally releases his debut album and he titles it Gemini, this is after bursting into the music scene with so much prospect with the release of his Mixtape dubbed Passport in the year 2014. Tay five years later has decided to grace our music space with a sixteen (16) track LP which features artist such as; Odunsi (The Engine), Santi, Preye, Monica and ace rapper Sute Iwar. Check on it!


DOWNLOAD HERE

Odunsi (The Engine) - Rare. [Album]

Talented alternative singer Odunsi The Engine finally releases his debut album dubbed Rare on the 21th day of March, 2019. The 14 track LP has a lineup of artist from: Runtown, Davido, Nasty C, Santi and Tay Iwar. Check on it!  

DOWNLOAD HERE

Ayuu - Mango Juice & Bad Decisions [Extended Play]

Music artist and producer Ayuu releases extended play for his listeners and he calls this one Mango Juice & Bad Decisions. This body of work comprises of Four (4) tracks with guest features from the likes of: Andre Wolff and Psycho YP and with some production credits to Tay Iwar and Ayuu himself. Check on it! 

DOWNLOAD HERE