EP Review: Efe Persists on Against All Odds
The Nigerian rapper/singer is steadily improving—at his pace.
It hasn’t been a smooth ride for Efe since he won the second edition of the reality TV show Big Brother Naija in 2017. While the endorsement deals, courtesy of his victory, chased after him, he, in turn, jostled for listenership with a string of singles—“Based On Logistics,” “Somebody,” “Mercy is a Bad Girl,” and “I Love You”—all which were panned, and rightly so. It was clear that what Efe had in sheer will and consistency, he lacked in techniques: strong storytelling, delivery and flow. Even the presence of renowned Nigerian rapper Olamide on “Warri” could not conceal Efe’s shortcomings.
Efe’s first official body of work was the 2016 EP Lagos. He followed it up with one EP in 2018, Am Sorry Am Winning, and two EPs in 2020, Nonstop and No Boundaries. Those projects did not offer Efe the career elevation he undoubtedly would have wanted. Not one to give in to defeat, he has returned with a new EP Against All Odds. On the project, Efe is determined to prove doubters wrong and stake his claim on the Nigerian music scene. His team of producers—Raynstorm, WXLA, Tropical and Philkeyz—are trusted with the task of helping Efe taste success.
On the title track, which features Nigerian singer Victor Thompson, Efe raps, over a boom bap beat, about the challenges he has faced in his career: the condemnation from critics and the mockery from the public. He also gives thanks to his parents and fans that have never stopped championing his music. He delivers his verse in a simple conversational tone that drips with raw honesty. “And na my house rent I use make this EP, run the promo/And I go borrow, even more/Cause I believe in me/Against all odds, na my story/That’s the seed in me,” he raps. Delivered in Urhobo, Victor Thompson’s outro massages the pain in Efe’s lyrics.
Rising Nigerian singer Yungsam steals the show on “S.O.G,” which stands for Son of God. With his melodious vocals and delightful hook, he puts the track in a chokehold. Efe gives a good account of himself as he sings about his wins and the influence of God in his life. This track, if promoted, should do well on the airwaves
On “Gallante,” a confident Efe recounts how he has grown past the negativity of detractors. “I win Big Brother, dem wan finish me/And na dem been dey form dey claim dem believe in me,” he raps. He boasts that he has weathered the storm and is standing tall. On the vibrant “Campaign,” which was first released as a single in 2019, he calls on Alté singer BOJ and rapper Ice Prince. Complementing BOJ’s playful chorus, Efe and Ice Prince deliver verses that both highlight their accomplishments and mock the envy of their haters.
On “Spend My Dough,” Efe raps about friends who want to be on his side only when things are going well for him; he acknowledges their deceit but won’t allow it to dim his light. The choice of finding positivity is also present on “Think Am” as he sings of not worrying about negative comments.
But on the closer “Talk,” he doesn’t ignore his haters. “Anything you dey do, mehn, dem must to talk o/Even if you no do, dem must to talk o,” he sings. He informs his critics that while they talk about him, he’s winning in life: taking care of his family, eating good food, wearing designer clothes and having loyal fans in his corner.
On Against All Odds, it is clear that Efe’s music is still a long way from being a finished product but his gradual evolution as an artiste holds promising signs. The songs in the project are memorable and Efe’s rapping and singing abilities have improved. This man will not go down without a fight.
Go HERE to stream Against All Odds.