Album Review: BOJ Gathers His Friends on Gbagada Express
On the project, the Nigerian singer celebrates his journey and origin.
BOJ loves a full house. He makes this clear on Gbagada Express, his third solo project, which is, in part, a tribute to his early days in Gbagada, the Lagos mainland suburb. The project also serves as an opportunity for BOJ to flaunt his connections with some heavy hitters in the African and diaspora music spaces. In an interview with GRM Daily before the release of Gbagada Express, BOJ said, “I’m heavy on collaborations, I’m a collaborative artist. I came from a musical group background, so that’s something that subconsciously stuck on.”
Real name Bolaji Odojukan, BOJ was born in the UK and moved to Nigeria when he was five. He returned to England to continue schooling and while at school, he met Fresh L and Teezee who had formed a music group called DRB LasGidi. In the late 2010s, the trio, through their music and fashion choices created a movement known as Alté. “Standing for ‘alternative’ and blending Afrobeats, pop and rap into futuristic hyper smooth genre-hybrids,” VICE wrote about the ever-evolving youth culture, “it’s been described as less a genre and more a state of mind. Think of it as fluid, left-field expression.”
In 2020, DRB LasGidi released the aptly titled album Pioneers. It featured artistes whose music and fashion choices embody the free-spiritedness of Alté: Cruel Santino, Odunsi (The Engine), Lady Donli, and PrettyBoy D-O. On “Yarning Many (Skit)” off Gbagada Express, Teezee delivers a declaratory statement on fathering the Alté scene. Out of the trio of DRB LasGidi, BOJ has been the most active musically, putting out two studio albums—#BOTM (2016) and Magic (2017)—and two collaborative projects with Ajebutter22 and Falz.
Seven songs on the 16-track Gbagada Express are previously-released tracks, the most recent being “Culture,” which features the British rapper ENNY. On the track, ENNY and the raspy-voiced BOJ celebrate their Nigerian heritage amidst British-Ghanaian record producer Juls’ soothing hip-life rhythms. Ghanaian singers Moliy and Mellissa stand out on the incredible “In A Loop” as they play a push-and-pull game of seduction and infidelity with BOJ.
Nigerian singer Wizkid shows up on “Awolowo” alongside Ghanaian singer DarkoVibes (who appeared on the track with compatriots Kwesi Arthur and Joey B in 2019). The magic on the underrated “Abracadabra,” which features Nigerian artistes Davido and Mr Eazi, remains intact from 2020.
On “Your Love (Mogbe),” released in 2019, Tiwa Savage and BOJ seek reassurances from their love interest. “Money & Laughter” and “Emotions,” both released last year, don’t possess similar inclinations. On the former, Ghanaian singer Amaarae and Nigerian rapper King Zamir luxuriate in the pleasures of love. On the latter, BOJ laments about the damage a lover’s insecurities are causing their relationship.
Nigerian record producer Krizbeatz, singer Fireboy DML and BOJ bring their A-game to the afro-fusion gem “Owo Ni Koko.” The track starts with titillating acoustic guitar chords and swaggers into a bouncy trap beat. On the song, the trio preaches that the pursuit of money supersedes everything. BOJ settles into the soft life cushioned by money on “Tinu Ewe.” Ghanaian artistes Joey B and Kofi Jamar join BOJ on the drill-influenced “Get Out The Way” to brag about their expensive lifestyles.
Nigerian singer BNXN (formerly known as Buju) and Fresh L express their affection for their love interests on the R&B-style “Lekki Love.” “Confam,” which features Nigerian rapper Prettyboy D-O), recalls the Galala era of Nigerian music as both BOJ and PrettyBoy D-O praise the women in their lives. Nigerian artiste Victony is love-struck on “Unconsciously.”
Nigerian-British musician Obongjayar brings his powerful vocals to “Action Boyz.” He and BOJ affirm their unshakeable faith and determination to chase their goals. “Going number one, if you let me/And if you don’t let me, I’m going anyway,” BOJ sings. On the title track, BOJ refuses to let problems halt his flow in life. He calls on listeners to follow him to “my padi beer parlour” where enjoyment is abundant in bottles of alcohol.
That track represents the mood on Gbagada Express: love, less pain and plenty of good vibes. It is also an opportunity for BOJ to celebrate his journey thus far, which started from the warmth of friendship and community.
Go HERE to stream Gbagada Express.
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