EP Review: Babyboy AV’s Reflective Journey of Growth on Pace
The Nigerian singer explores love and inner peace.
Babyboy AV’s 2021 single “Big Thug Boys” was a game-changer, propelling him from a freestyle and content creator to a budding star. The track, accompanied by a braggadocious music video and AV’s boyish charm, became a defining introduction to his signature blend of groovy beats and syrupy vocals. He followed up with “Confession,” a sweet love song that showcased a softer side of his artistry, earning him a nomination for Rookie of the Year at the 2022 Headies awards alongside Magixx, Ugoccie, and FAVE (the eventual winner). The success of “Big Thug Boys” was amplified by remixes featuring DJ Yo!, Jireel, and Lama Shreif.
In 2022, AV continued his rise with a series of singles, including the delightful “No Dey Form,” culminating in the release of his debut EP, Thug Love. This project expanded on his reflections on romance, both physical and emotional. His 2024 opened with a two-song pack, Rage / Risk. In “Rage,” he explored themes of romantic attraction, while “Risk” addressed haters and negative energy.
With his latest EP, Pace, AV shifts focus inward, exploring personal concerns and emotional depth. “I need love, I need light, I need peace/I no need wahala oh,” he sings on “Intro (Who Dey),” a sombre track carried by plaintive piano chords that mirror the weight of his supplications.
On “State of Mind,” AV blends Highlife and Amapiano-inspired production to create a soothing soundscape as he seeks mental tranquillity. “Only things I dey find na de things wey go give me peace of mind (Hold me down if you wan hold me down, no dey stress me),” he sings. This reflective piece resonates with themes he explored on Victony’s “Jaga Jaga,” where gratitude for overcoming challenges took centre stage. For AV, “State of Mind” is therapeutic—a declaration of his intent to avoid life’s turbulence.
The EP’s sonic landscape owes much to a talented team of producers, including Hoodini (of KTIZO), Kulboy, Magicsticks, and Black Culture. The production is mellow, characterized by subtle percussions, strings, and drums. On “Obianuju,” a love song featuring CKay and frequent KTIZO collaborator Victony, Caribbean influences imbue the track with breezy charm. Meanwhile, “Wicked Lo,” produced by Magicsticks, finds AV lamenting feelings of being taken for granted: “Wahala dey o/You no go laugh me for my face/Wahala dey o/You no go fit to use my head.”
The EP’s opener, “Intro (Who Dey),” is stripped down instrumentally, while its counterpart, “Outro (Who Dey),” employs Amapiano log drums, guitar licks, and lively percussion. Though the lyrics remain unchanged, the contrasting arrangements shift the mood from gloom to upliftment, symbolizing a change in perspective. The Tekno-assisted “Undisputed” celebrates life, with Tekno’s mix of Pidgin and Twi riding Kulboy’s spirited beat, evoking themes of joy and victory.
Pace is a deliberate showcase of Babyboy AV’s growth as an artist. He infuses his personality into the music, crafting a relatable narrative of his life and art. The journey toward self-actualization is often complex and challenging, but AV undertakes it on his own terms—one step at a time.
Go HERE to stream Pace.
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