Album Review: Rexxie Throws Himself a Party on A True Champion
On his debut album, the Nigerian music producer wants to motivate you as well as make you dance.
In 2018, Chisom Faith Ezeh, widely known as Rexxie, produced Chinko Ekun’s culture-shifting “Able God,” an up-tempo, percussion and drums-heavy song that featured Lil Kesh and Zlatan. The song’s music video announced Zanku, an energetic dance created by Zlatan that involved tapping the ground with one’s feet and kicking out the right foot. Months later, Rexxie produced Zlatan’s “Zanku (Legwork),” a made-to-teach-Zanku song. A year later, he produced three songs—“Am I a Yahoo Boy,” “Soapy,” and “PXTA”—that transformed Naira Marley into a cult hero. Since then, Rexxie has worked with African megastars such as Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Olamide and Sarkodie.
Last year, Rexxie released his debut EP Afro Streets. The project’s title is a term Rexxie has dubbed his music, which is afrobeats that draws inspiration from street culture. He also added South Africa’s amapiano into that spicy mix with the MohBad-featuring “KPK (Ko Por Ke),” which is a smash hit. He has named that sound Afropiano.
Rexxie’s 17-track debut album A True Champion houses a wide range of Nigerian, African and international artistes. With the album, Rexxie uses afro streets and afropiano to curate a collection of motivational, love-themed and dance-ready songs. He alone produced all the songs except “Zanku 2.0,” which he co-produced with Horsh, a producer he signed onto his record label The HitxLab NG.
On “Frenemies,” Oxlade sings of both his humble upbringing and fake friends who want to bring him down. To help deal with the negative energy, he is choosing to focus on those that wish him well. Up-and-coming artiste Seyi Vibez is thankful for his journey and sings of living in the present on “40 BTC.” On “Boi Boi,” Teni advises listeners to ignore distractions and follow the money. “Don’t be stupid o, collect your money o,” she sings. Towards the end of the song, a male voice comes on and prays for Rexxie, wishing him success in his career.
Naira Marley and Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie feature on “Mofoti 2.0,” a song that calls for one to have self-belief. A previous version that only featured Naira Marley had appeared in Afro Streets. South African rapper/singer Sho Madjozi brings her infectious energy to “KPK (Remix).” The original version, which also features MohBad, isn’t excluded from the album.
On the afropiano number “Banger,” fast-rising singer Asake shines. He sings of a lavishness replete with plenty of money and women. Rexxie’s frequent collaborator Zlatan is his usual boisterous self on “Zanku 2.0,” a song dedicated to Zanku dancers across the world. On “Back2Back,” Bella Shmurda is in a party mood as he narrates the flashy and fast-moving scenes of his stardom.
The energy is sensual on “Motherland,” which features Nigerian-British singer Kida Kudz. He delivers dancehall-flavoured lyrics about sexual acts he would perform on his love interest. On “Booty Bounce,” Bad Boy Timz supplies a catchy chorus while British rapper Ms Banks captivates with an enjoyable verse.
On the groovy “Birthday,” while Buju serenades his lover with sweet words, Moelogo is brutally truthful about his intentions. “I’m not in love with you/I just want to je’nbe/Make we catch cruise, yeah/I won’t lie to you, I no be other boys dem/Wey go use love chop your isi ewu,” he sings. There is no hidden agenda on the Peruzzi-assisted “Hobby,” as he sings, “Baby, put that booty on my face.”
British-Nigerian singer Midas The Jagaban and Zinoleesky are a perfect match on “Ginger Me.” Midas The Jagaban’s voice, though soft and delicate, soars above the bouncy beat as she croons to her love interest; Zinoleesky’s singing effortlessly flows in and out, complementing that of Midas The Jagaban. On the slow-tempo “All,” there is noticeable passion in Davido’s voice as he tells his lover that she is all that he desires.
“For You,” which features Lyta & Emo Grae, is a love note to their fans. Both signees of Naira Marley’s Marlian Music, the singers are grateful to their fans for sticking with them in their musical journey. On closer “Champion,” T-Classic and Cameroonian singer Blanche Bailly are appreciative to God for their success. “We are champions, champions, champions/Shining like diamonds,” Blanche Bailly sings.
A True Champion is a reflection of how Rexxie sees himself. Since he started his journey as a music producer ten years ago, he has become one of Nigeria’s sought after sound curators. With the album, he has decided to stare at his past, peek into the future, and pat himself on the shoulder.
Go HERE to stream A True Champion.