Kelvin Smith once said, “Only someone who doesn’t understand art tells an artist their art somehow failed.” The question is can art truly fail?
Art inself is a means of self expression and cannot be graded because it means different things to different people. There is no absolute formula to creating art.
Seyi Vibez’s surprise Extended Play (EP) Children of Africa stirred controversy after it dropped. The question of whether or not it was worth the hype arose.
Beyond the debatable conversations and charting spree, art lies in the 4-track album for those who can understand it.
From its hypnotic production that engulfs you, to Seyi Vibez’s ‘chaotic’ voice and street chants. It all depends on you what you make of it.
Reviewing Seyi Vibez’s ‘Children of Africa’ EP
The music project kicks off with Mario Kart. The twenty seconds intro is a mid-tempo beat produced by Semzi. A hypnotic tune blends underneath to leave you expectant.
Seyi Vibez’s scratchy voice enters on the beat — singing a recount of his survival, dreams and luxurious life. The children's background chorus elevates his voice and is immersive.
“My music sweet like Vanilla,’ he says. While it proves his confidence in his art, the vivid image it creates is almost nostalgic. A comparison to the burning desire children have for ice creams.
Next comes his second track, Macho feat NLE Choppa. The five seconds intro is like a time bomb countdown before the catchy tune explodes. The producer Larrylanes surely didn’t come to play.
Seyi Vibez features NLE Choppa on the bass heavy rhythm. Seyi Vibez voice is dominant while NLE flexes his signature style.
For lyrical prowess, I doubt if I made out much except for another reminder of his superstar and luxurious lifestyle.
Lines like “Diamond dancing on my neck,” “Living high on my success,” “Cruising in my Lambo,” and “Euros in my hand,” paint the pictures. There are also unnecessary hiccups of ‘forced rhymes’ that watered the lyrics.
On the third track, Shaolin, the intro rides on the hypnotic rhythm of a violin, one that reminds you of Chinese culture.
The uptempo track is fast, restless and irresistible. A ‘tap tap’ sound of a gong and fast paced drum beats were creatively infused to give the ‘street’ rhythm. Thanks to Larrylanes.
Seyi Vibez’s voice gasps for air in the relentless rendition that gives no room for a pause. The production is intentional and possessive to get you on your feet, dancing. A proper street anthem.
As his last track, Seyi Vibez chose Happy Song — a worthy close produced by Semzi. The lingering violin, unsteady hums, and background chorus is one that ignites the ‘happiness’ the track preaches.
The melody is soothing and tugs at your ears like whispering the words “Don’t worry, be happy,” to calm your chaos. “H.A.P.P.Y, we are happy, happy people, we are happy,” is all you hear throughout the song yet it lingers.
Final thoughts on Seyi Vibez’s ‘Children of Africa’ EP
Seyi Vibez’s Children of Africa is one that requires patience to enjoy. It is easy to get lost in the fuss and conversations and discard the art of what it truly is.
I am not a Seyi Vibez fan but I’ve never been as open minded about his project like I was on this review. The process taught me that art is subjective and many times we fail to realise that. Your six is another’s nine and so, art is art whether or not it appeals to you.
Those who know it, relate with it, feel it and understand the art behind Seyi’s Vibez’s Children of Africa will definitely appreciate it.
Top songs of 2024: Seyi Vibez’s ‘Different Pattern’ leads pack on Apple Music NG
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Different Pattern by Nigerian singer Balogun Oluwaloseyi, popularly known as Seyi Vibez, emerged as the most streamed song in 2024.
The 24-year-old singer led the pack of Top Songs of 2024 curated by Apple Music Nigeria alongside Omah Lay, Shalipopi and others.
