Album Review: Mayorkun's Still The Mayor Celebrates Love, Life and Lagos
Feel-good melodies steeped in romance and energy.
The self-proclaimed Mayor of Lagos is back in office, nine years after making his debut with the show-stealing single “Eleko” in 2016. With two albums and two EPs released between then and last year, Mayorkun’s career has been marked by chart-topping hits and award-winning moments. On his latest album Still The Mayor, he sticks to his winning formula: percussion-driven earworms packed with catchy phrases and relatable narratives.
After signing to Davido’s label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), in 2016, Mayorkun quickly hit the ground running with smash hits and memorable guest appearances. Alongside the DMW crew—Davido, Dremo, and Peruzzi—he lit up dancefloors and helped push Afrobeats across the continent and into the diaspora. n 2021, Mayorkun departed from DMW and joined Sony Music Africa. On Still The Mayor, he and Davido reconnect jubilantly, warding off bad vibes on “Blessings On Blessings (B.O.B).” Former DMW labelmate Dremo, alongside The Flowolf and Michii, features on “Interlude (Industry Girl),” a satirical commentary on groupie culture in the music industry.
Mayorkun has long been synonymous with warm, Afropop love songs, and Still The Mayor doesn’t fall short on romance. He and Fireboy DML turn up the heat on both “Innocent” and “Diamonds.” On the former, they flirt with good intentions cloaked in suggestiveness, with Fireboy DML singing, “Can you come into my residence/Inside of my room/I can’t explain I got evidence.” The latter leans into R&B candour as they court their love interests, with DML once again causing mischief: “You got a man I know / I got a girl you know / Make we dey take it slow.”
Never one to shy away from collaboration, Mayorkun continues to bounce off the energy and flair of his guests. On Still The Mayor, he draws features from Nigeria and Ghana, with King Promise and Olivetheboy flying the flag for the Gold Coast. On “Hold Body,” Mayorkun and King Promise bare Mayorkun and King Promise bare their emotions, lamenting a relationship’s breakdown. “I held it down like military/But you ain't the same person that you used to be,” sings King Promise, as both artists go back and forth over the Amapiano-infused beat. On “Would You?,” Mayorkun and Olivetheboy channel their rawest desires in a heartfelt plea to their muse. For the diaspora, there’s “3 : 45,” where Nigerian-American singer Rotimi joins Mayorkun to flex their opulence and desire to impress.
The soundscape of Still The Mayor is a fusion of Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and Amapiano. Each producer brings a distinct sonic identity that Mayorkun seamlessly navigates. Dips’ “Woman” recalls the percussion-heavy style he employed on Seyi Vibez’s “Different Patterns.” Heavy bass and electric guitar define Semzi’s “Keep On Rockin’,” while Speroach Beatz’s “Diamonds” echoes the groove of ‘90s R&B. Mayorkun moves confidently within these worlds, letting his versatility shine.
On “Reason 2 Japa,” Mayorkun makes a rare foray into social commentary, referencing the mass migration of Nigerian youth abroad due to local hardships. Though the subject is serious, he addresses it with characteristic lightness, spinning a romantic tale around the theme. The track is fun and clearly aimed at the dancefloor. “Konko Below” is a toast to the good life and finding happiness, while “Jiggy” continues the celebratory mood. Here, Mayorkun revels in his high life: “Obstacle coming my way / But I go definitely conquer / Any weapon you fashion against me / E no fit to prosper.”
Still The Mayor maintains the thematic consistency of Mayorkun’s earlier projects. He remains focused on good vibes and making the best of life’s twists and turns. The album doesn’t demand deep thought; instead, it invites listeners to get on their feet and join in his jubilations.
Go HERE to stream Still The Mayor.
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