Nigerian artist CKay has made a big comeback to the music scene with his sophomore album, "Emotions," released roughly two years after his debut. The 12-track album showcases his artistic brilliance, delving into the complexities of love and relationships, with the highs and lows of stardom.

The Warner Music Africa signee, known for pioneering emo-Afrobeats outdid himself this time. With this album, he crafts an overarching album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable with a blend of various traditional and modern influences.

The opening track, "That Feeling," delves into his commitment struggles. In this track, he combines the beautiful Asian flute melodies, pop, and amapiano influences, setting the thematic tone for the whole project.

The pre-released track "Egwu Eji" which sits second, celebrates the fierce beauty of an African woman. The Igbo oja flute, played by Ojazzy, takes center stage, alongside amapiano rhythms.

"Ride or Die" the third stands out with its Romanian sample serving as an intro while the Afrobeats beat underscores the tensions between ambition, love, and loyalty amidst life challenges.

The fourth track, "In My Bed," pre-released on September 27, explores desire and lust with a hard pop beat. The track climbed to the 53rd position on the Nigerian radio charts.

On the following track, "Fall In Love," CKay tackles the burning topic of the vulnerability of being in love. Gliding through the Ozedikus-produced beat, he asks his lover, “Why you dey do like say you no dey fall in love,” and also goes ahead to tell his lover not to take advantage of him because he is in love with the line “...because I love you no mean say I be Maga.”

The first five tracks showcase CKay’s versatility and ability without features, reinforcing his creative skill.

Proceeding to other tracks, local and international collaborations bring a new twist to the album. American rapper TY Dolla Sign is featured in "Dorime" and Canadian Nora Fatehi, known for her performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, on the eighth track, "It’s True."

The pre-released "Wahala," featuring Olamide, stands out with over 30 million streams. This collaboration continues their unmatchable synergy following the 2023 hit, "Trumpet," as they explore the complexities of a toxic relationship.

On "Addicted," CKay collaborates with The Cavemen. This number nine track delves into romantic obsession and blends Igbo highlife and Afrobeats into a smooth song.

"Mysterious Love," produced by Reward Beatz, explores the theme of falling in love in an unexplainable way, especially when you decide not to.

One of the impressive things about CKay’s talent and this project is the ability to balance reflective lyrics with catchy hooks and melodies.

The last two tracks, "Vanity" and "The Final Boss" are perfect examples. CKay reflects on his journey to superstardom and creatively samples Wizboyy’s 2010 “Owu Saa Gi” line on Vanity.

With this "Emotions" album, CKay masterfully delivers a well-connected body of work in which Romance and the tensions of stardom collide.

Performers: CKay, Ty Dolla Sign, Olamide, Nora Fatehi, The Cavemen.

Songwriters: Chukwuka Ekweani, Olawale Adeola Issac, Bolatito Obisanya, Chisom Onyeka, Ayodele Owa Oluwaseyi, Henry Durham, Tudor Monroe, Osagie Oluwapelumi Guobadia, Igbinoba Osaze, Tyrone Griffin Jr., Olamide Adedeji, Moonesawmy Devadasen, Amrita Sen, Naura Fathi, Benjamin Chukwudi James, Kingsley Chukwudi Okorie, Chimaobi Chrismathner Owoh, Isioma Wiz Ofuasia, Segun Adenola, Benneth Akpudo.

Producers: Reward Beatz, Bola BMH, Jay Smith, Tudor Monroe, CKay, Ozedikus, Moonesawmy Devadasen, The Cavemen.

The album art cover for Nigerian artist CKay's new 10-track album, Emotions with features from Olamide, The Cavemen and others.

CKay: Emotions - Album Review

The album art cover for Nigerian artist CKay's new 10-track album, Emotions with features from Olamide, The Cavemen and others.

Share to:

Related Blogs