EP Review: Boy Spyce’s Eponymous Debut EP Is a Sign of Good Things to Come
EP Review: Boy Spyce’s Eponymous Debut EP Is a Sign of Good Things to Come
Mavin Records’ latest addition chronicles his growth and talent with a genre-bending effort.
On Christmas Day in 2019, Boy Spyce, then an unsigned, underground artiste received an Instagram DM from Don Jazzy, owner of Mavin Records, one of Africa’s top music labels. The label boss liked Spyce’s music and invited him over to the studio. Afterwards, Boy Spyce joined the label’s academy where he spent two years honing his craft. Last year, his cover of Wizkid’s globetrotting “Essence” went viral. As Spyce stared into the camera and belted out heartfelt lyrics, it was easy to spot the radiant talent he possessed.
On April 15, 2022, Mavin Records unveiled the 20-year-old Boy Spyce, real name Ugbekile David Osameke, as one of its latest signees. That same day, it released Boy Spyce’s five-track self-titled EP. “…Boy Spyce’s roots can be traced to the ancient city of Benin in Southern Nigeria,” wrote Tope Agbeyo in the label’s press release. “However, he was born and raised in Lagos, where family, and the endlessly beating pulse of the city’s mainland shaped and inspired his music.”
On the EP cover, Boy Spyce is dressed in a blue fur coat holding a rabbit. Now, the significance of the rabbit is unknown but it recalls the early days of label mate Rema hugging a teddy bear, which he described as his “best friend” and signified an attachment to innocence. The EP, executive produced by Don Jazzy, features production work from Mykah, Aykbeats, Kezzi, Presto and Mavin Records’ in-house producer Andre Vibez. Labelmate Johnny Drille handled the mixing and mastering of the project.
Boy Spyce opens with the gentle-flowing R&B tune “Dreams.” Here, Boy Spyce displays his storytelling ability as, with a tinge of sadness, he acknowledges the end of a friendship caused by the difference in dreams—Boy Spyce chasing a music career while the other person travels to Greece for a career in medicine. “Anytime you miss mе make you call my line ah/If you give mе visa I go come walahi ah,” Boy Spyce sings.
On “Bad Things,” Boy Spyce makes a list of sexual things his partner should expect from him. There is sultriness and assuredness in how Boy Spyce delivers his lyrics, which makes it obvious he is no novice. On “Wayo,” he abandons the sexually charged room for the dancefloor. On the afro-pop number, he is at home with the delightful guitar riffs and bassline as he seeks reassurance of commitment from a love interest while also promising fun-filled times.
Boy Spyce is in loverboy mode on “Nobody.” “Been in love with you for years/But I act like we just friends/I don tire for pretense,” he confesses. He pleads with his love interest to reciprocate his affections and promises he is the right one for her. Presto’s rolling drums and guitar chords serve as a seamless accompaniment to this charming pop tune.
On the bouncy, infectious “Destiny,” Boy Spyce advises listeners to chase their dreams; he also takes shots at those who sit on their hands. As the project closer, the song feels like Boy Spyce’s ode to his roots in Edo State: he puts in words like “Osa no henrumwun” and “Osalobua,” and the song, produced by Andre Vibez, son of the late music legend Sir Victor Uwaifo, closes with the popular skit by Instagram comedian Kingsley Obanamen.
As a whole, Boy Spyce serves as a worthy introduction to the artistry of the budding singer. When asked in a pre-unveil interview about what mark he would want to leave at the end of his career, Boy Spyce revealed he would like to serve as an inspiration to the coming generations. “I’m about motivation,” he said. “I’ve always been that guy that people always sideline, I’ve always been that guy that people look down on…I just want other people to look at me and know that success is not only for the rich people, it’s not only for people that are privileged. You can come from nothing and still find your way and still make something out of your life.”
Big dreams, yes. But Boy Spyce, with his stunning falsettos and poignant lyricism, has started on the right path.
Go HERE to stream Boy Spyce.
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