Album Review: Killertunes Channels His Inner Wizkid on KillaXtra
The seasoned Nigerian producer steps up to the mic. But he doesn’t step outside the shadow of his influence.
In recent times, Killertunes, real name Otaniyen-Uwa Daniel, has risen to be one of Nigeria’s A-list music producers. Born in Benin City, Edo State, he got his lucky break in 2015 when he produced Timaya’s Don Jazzy-featuring single “I Concur.” He followed it up with more hits, working with top Nigerian artistes like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Mr Eazi, Phyno and Wande Coal. In 2019, he released an EP Gbedu & Things, which was his first official body of work. The instrumentals-only project had sounds that combined elements from afrobeats, house, dancehall and jazz.
Interestingly, Killertunes started his career as an artiste. In Benin City, he wrote and recorded his songs as well as wrote songs for other artistes. He also belonged to a group of singers, wherein the unavailability of a music producer pushed him into being one. On his emPawa Africa-backed, 13-track debut album KillaXtra, Killertunes wraps his talents—producing, songwriting and singing—into one. He produced all the tracks except one, which was produced by Thiz Is Peace.
The opener “Sure 4 U” is a mellow tune supported by drums, percussion and Dimeji Saxbarrister’s saxophone licks. Killertunes sings of overcoming difficult moments with hard work and self-belief. He replicates that theme on the equally mellow “Bite Me.” “I told my friends not to sleep on me/ Told my day one niggas make them dey with me/ Oluwa God na my light wey dey shine on me,” he sings.
On “The Vibe” and “Sharon’s Interlude,” Killertunes is a romantic who promises undying affection to his love interest. His intentions become sex-fueled on “All Night,” whose instrumental, with its salsa elements such as conga drums, is a high point on the project. On the pop number “Caroline,” Killertunes and Nigerian singer Minz belt out sweet words to their love interests.
British-Nigerian singer Midas The Jagaban plans to shower her lover with money and affection on “50 Miles.” On his part, Killertunes celebrates his wins and jubilates about being ahead of his haters. On “Fame,” Nigerian singer Nissi and Killertunes are wary of their celebrity status. They encourage listeners and themselves not to let fame ruin their life.
On the dancehall-influenced “Do Me,” which features Nigerian singer and producer Odunsi (The Engine), Killertunes sings of the feelings his lover elicits from him. In his verse, Odunsi (The Engine) matches Killertunes’ feelings as he oozes his usual coolness. Nigerian-British singer Kida Kudz and Killertunes are conspirators on “Secrets” as they ask their lovers to keep their liaison under wraps.
On “Diamonds,” which pulls the project into the waters of hip-hop, Nigerian singer Lyta and Nigerian rapper PsychoYP boast about their wealth. They are also concerned with increasing their money. “They want to me to talk but I don’t give a fuck o/Modafucker/Send the money then I pick your call o,” Killertunes sings.
Another highpoint on the project is the electro-pop “No Time,” which features Dutch DJ and record production duo Afro Bros. Here, Killertunes seeks a woman’s attention and, on intervals, the melodious piano synths are allowed to ride out. As an extra sauce, saxophone licks are sprinkled in the broth. “Light Up,” which features Jamaican-American DJ Walshy Fire, Zimbabwean singer Sha Sha and Greek-Belgian EDM DJ, is a feel-good, love song. The song’s features are symbolic of the unifying force that music embodies across continents and cultures.
Throughout the record, aside from Killatunes’ well-honed production skills, one fact is bound to hit listeners: in another universe, KillaXtra might be a Wizkid project. The influences cannot be missed. Killatunes employs Wizkid’s familiar drawl and his vocal melodies are similar to one of afrobeats’ modern greats. Nothing is wrong with being influenced by Wizkid; thousands of Nigerian artistes have been. But on KillaXtra, Killertunes, vocally, is sticking to Wizkid’s rules, rather than molding his own playbook.
Go HERE to stream KillaXtra.
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