Nigerian singer-songwriter Ric Hassani, born Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, releases his eagerly anticipated third studio album, Afro Love. With this release, Ric Hassani makes a major comeback to full-length projects after his critically lauded sophomore album, The Prince I Became, released in 2021. 

Explaining what inspired this album, the Gentleman singer explained “Most times we aren’t taught to be vulnerable—men in general aren’t taught to be vulnerable more so African men because we are natural born warriors. Do we feel? Do we love? Very deeply. These stories are stories—love stories that we keep inside: Afro Love”

Inspired by the deep love African men feel but do not express, the fifteen-track album offers a demonstration of Ric Hassani's ability to make good music straight from the heart. 

Adopting the industry trend of solo projects, Hassani is the only artist on all of the tracks of Afro Love, except for the first song, I.G.D.T. (I Go Dey There), in which he works with the gifted singer Bayanni of Mavin Records. Also, the tenth track Call on Me which features talented Bella Shmurda. The both collaboration gives the album's opening a unique feel and establishes the foundation for a project that offers depth and shows retention of the theme and uniqueness prevalent across the album respectively.

With each track on the album fusing Afrocentric sounds, love-infused lyrics, and exploring various sonic landscapes and genres like Afropop, Afrobeats, and amapiano, Afro Love presents itself as a demonstration of Ric Hassani's musical virtuosity.

With the first track I.G.D.T (feat. Bayyani), the African gentleman sets the pace for the rest of the tracks, both in terms of theme and level of output, and takes listeners through a soothing musical journey with intricate, relatable, and quintessential wording from the love dictionary.

Finally, with renewed creative vigor, Ric Hassani continues to epitomize his lover boy identity, expressing his true feelings about romance, life, and human experiences, infusing each composition with a genuine and heartfelt touch. Every track stands as evidence of his proficiency in creating profound emotional connections with his listeners.

Performers: Ric Hassani, Bayanni, Bella Shmurda

Songwriters: Ric Hassani, Bayanni, Paul Play Dairo, Momoh Oshiotseameh Luke Aka KVNGVIDARR, Olugbemi Oladipupo Aka QUEBEAT, Hope Dennis Yasso Aka DEEYASSO, Aderigbe Prince Omoferi, Osan Oladeji Ede Aka DEYJI MUSIC, Ekeh Chiaka Joseph Aka MAJEEED

Producers: Edward Kobina Komfo aka Wildxyouths, Emmanuel Femi Adejobi aka Nuelbeatz, Jokotola Timilehi Anthony aka Timi Strings, Ogana Ekene aka Kenzy Beats, Omidiji Ayokunle Oluwatobi aka Ayk Beats, Michael Temitope Omoniyi aka Zyrx Sounds, Saviour Eni Ezeoke aka Duktorsett, Olugbemi Oladipupo aka Quebeat, Hope Dennis Yasso aka Deeyasso, Grillo Adedayo Anthony aka Dy Grillo.

Record Label: Riverland Records / MAD Solutions LLC

The cover art for Ric Hassan's third full-length love-themed album titled, "Afro Love."

Ric Hassan: Afro Love review - Afrocentric sounds, love-infused lyrics and more

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