EP Review: Ebisan Prioritizes Healing & Positivity on For Love, For Freedom
Over tracks bathed in R&B/soul/pop, the Nigerian singer embraces vulnerability.
Ebisan is an old hand. The Nigerian singer/songwriter, who was born in the UK, first performed on stage at the age of eight. By 13, she had lived in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia before she moved back to the UK. Her debut 2006 single “What Women Want” enjoyed airplay on UK radio stations. Two years later, after earning her Master’s degree in International Business Management, she relocated to Nigeria. She told Channels Television that listening to Nigerian artistes Styl-Plus’ “Olufunmi” and Aṣa’s “Bibanke” was one of the motivators for her return. In Nigeria, she made headway with her music, releasing singles and working on the soundtrack of the award-winning 2010 film Tango with Me.
In 2016, she signed a two-year partnership deal with Nigerian record label Aristokrat Records. The deal was intended to cater to the promotion, distribution and production of her debut album Finally Here. She released “Ice Cold Water” and “Elope,” two singles off the album. Strangely, Finally Here never arrived. But Ebisan is here with her debut EP For Love, For Freedom.
On For Love, For Freedom, Nigerian guitarist and music producer Femi Leye orchestrates a tranquil world of R&B/soul/pop, wherein Ebisan sheds her pain and luxuriates in self-belief and peace of mind. Out of the six tracks, Femi Leye produces five; the other track is handled by Dare ‘Citymonstar’ Omisore whose production is in sync with the intentions and demands of the project.
The opener “So Beautiful” is a pleasant mix of soulfulness and self-awareness. Ebisan expresses delight about finding a partner who she believes complements her. She also notes that her joy has its foundation in years of soul-searching. “I needed to know myself/I needed to be myself/To give myself the love I crave from someone else,” she sings.
“Love is all around” is her maxim on “Still.” She sings about how loving oneself and other people is the best protection against tough times. On “So Beautiful” and “Still,” Femi Leye’s guitar strings, piano chords and drums guide Ebisan on her journey.
Omisore’s production carries a cheery quality that resonates with Ebisan on “Complete.” She finds endless joy in the little things (listening to the breeze, taking a dip in the sea and walking on a busy street). She announces with pleasure that she no longer seeks validation from people. “No one can complete me but me,” she sings.
On “Loyal,” Ebisan refuses to be distracted from her lover. She informs her admirers about her unwillingness to let go of the love she has found because she realizes how difficult it is to get it back. “Maybe one day you’ll find a love of your own/And maybe then you’ll understand/What it is to find/A mirror reflecting the light of your soul,” she tells them.
A solemnness washes over “Heal.” Choir voices echo in the background and there is the sound of running water. Ebisan doesn’t sing; instead, she speaks to the listener: “Breathe in/Love/Breathe out/Fear/You are peace/You are light.” The water, it seems, signifies a baptism, a newness of spirit, which Ebisan invites the listener to partake in.
The result of that baptism shows up on “Out of This Madness” as Ebisan shuts the door on disrespect and hurt. She exits a relationship wherein her partner was unfaithful. “I finally realize/I’d be such a fool to stay,” she sings. She leaves with her confidence and self-love intact. Her singing is powerful and heartfelt, with rousing piano chords connecting her emotions. The track serves as a worthy closer to a project that is both intimate and revealing.
Thirteen years after she moved to Nigeria, Ebisan rediscovers herself on For Love, For Freedom. In this documentation of her growth, there is no shame, just strength and fearlessness. She is finally here.
Go HERE to stream For Love, For Freedom.
Read More
EP Review: Aramide Is In Fine Form on Bittersweet
EP Review: Tems Keeps the Bad Days behind Her on If Orange Was A Place
Album Review: Johnny Drille Seeks the Light on Before We Fall Asleep