MUSIC REVIEW: Mayorkun returns with confidence on ‘Still The Mayor’

After a peaceful stretch, Nigerian singer Mayorkun is lend a hand with his third studio album “Tranquil The Mayor”, a 12-note offering that reaffirms his attach in Afropop.

Though his remaining album “Support In Pronounce of job” dropped in 2021, and he fully released a few singles since, the self-styled “Mayor of Lagos” clearly isn’t done but. With minimal promo and a refined rollout, the brand new project, released on June 13, reveals an artiste who's conscious of his price and doesn’t must beg for attention.

From the soar, “Tranquil The Mayor” carries a clear tempo. There’s shrimp doubt Mayorkun’s lyrical skill and catchy melodies are peaceful in play, the same fire that gave followers “Eleko” and “Holy Father”.

Unlike his previous albums stacked with commerce names, this one leans more non-public. He capabilities true a handful of acts: Fireboy DML, Davido, King Promise, Rotimi, Dremo, Olivetheboy, The Flowolf and Michii.

Since its open, lead tracks “Innocent” and “Motive 2 Japa” believe already pulled in over 5 million Spotify streams. On YouTube, views passed 60,000 within 15 hours.

The highlights

“Sustain on Rockin’ kicks issues off with celebration vitality, title-losing Lagos and Santorini. It sets the mood, accurate vibes fully.

“On Konko Below”, Mayorkun pulls nostalgia, referencing the used-school phrase “wander wander underneath” and title-checking Sikiratu Sindodo to push listeners to the dance ground.

Bask in gets layered treatment across the album. “Innocent” and “Diamonds” (each and each featuring Fireboy) are graceful and flirtatious. Whereas one admits they’re “not celibate,” the replace lays down emotional principles for staying exact in relationships.

“3:forty five” and “Sustain Physique” mix affection with opulence. Rotimi and King Promise carry their flair, nevertheless the message is clear: love me or wander away me, and carry out it instant.

“On Lady”, Mayorkun returns to romantic basics, exhibiting admiration with out crossing into lust. On “Would You” with Olivetheboy, he gets more weak, inquiring for clarity and openness.

True disclose

One in every of the standout tracks, “Motive 2 Japa”, touches on a neatly-recognized Nigerian actuality, the wander to depart the country. Mayorkun doesn’t sugarcoat his reasons: deplorable governance, economic hardship, and a better life out of the country. In a artful twist, he calls his promised land “Jerusalem”.

The Interlude (Industry Lady), featuring Dremo and others, presents comic relief. But even with the banter, there’s a refined message concerning the informal sex culture within the commerce, and the refusal to play alongside.

The Davido carry out

On “Blessings on Blessings”, Mayorkun links up with his old school sign boss Davido. The note bumps with gratitude and flexes success, from money to family wins. It’s a conventional celebration of development and grace.

He closes with “Jiggy”, a confident ship-off. Right here, Mayorkun reclaims his title with bars love “You know I'm peaceful Mayor… Execrable vitality can go off.”

Verdict: 7/10
Mayorkun could perhaps moreover believe taken his time, nevertheless Tranquil The Mayor proves he never basically left. It’s not packed with industrial bangers, on the replace hand it’s deliberate, gorgeous, and warranted, a reminder that he’s not chasing trends, he’s true doing his thing.