EP Review: Jaido P Proves His Mettle on Shopla
The Nigerian act lets his uniqueness shine on a mix of afro-pop and street-hop.
Jaido P, real name Taiwo Olajide Daniel, started his music career while he was an undergraduate at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). On the campus, the singer/rapper released singles and performed freestyles at events. His 2019 debut EP SEH! (Stubborn Energetic Hard), which featured acts like Chinko Ekun, Davolee and Zlatan, gained him a cult following in the underground music scene. His breakthrough came in 2020 on the Olamide-assisted “Tesina Pot,” an up-tempo, street-hop number. Jaido P’s music is a blend of afrobeats and hip-hop.
On his newest seven-track EP Shopla, whose title is the artiste’s nickname, Jaido P puts together a string of songs that revolve around different styles and sounds. He enlists the help of producers such as Type A, Cracker Mallo, Eskeezondbeat, P.Priime and Zaki Magic. A major theme that reverberates on the project is Jaido P looking up to himself as the hero of his life’s story and choosing to play by his rules.
On “Omolomo,” Jaido P refers to himself as a blessed child, a special one. His flow switches on the song are impeccable; at one point, he mimics a flow synonymous with Nigerian rapper and afro-pop star Rema and giggles—an acknowledgement of the influence. On the chest-thumping “My Level,” Jaido P secludes himself from his competitors, insisting that only he is his best competition. “I’m at the top/And I’m alone/I don’t give a damn/I’m having fun,” he sings.
Olamide cops two guest spots on Shopla: “Tesina Pot” and “Survive.” While “Tesina Pot” is a dance anthem, “Survive” is for slow-paced days. On the latter, against a background of solemn piano keys and percussion, Olamide and Jaido P exchange verses about taking a break from the hectic schedule of daily living and enjoying the soft side of life, most especially the affection of their loved ones.
On the afro-pop number “Mama Mia,” Jaido P and Joeboy dedicate their verses to women. The song’s simple mix of drums and percussion creates a danceable beat. That dance energy is heightened into a frenzy on “Brokoto.”
Jaido P enters a meditative mood on “Tomorrow,” as he contemplates his life chances. He urges the listener to weigh their options and make better decisions for both the present and future. “Brother if you fail make you move on/When your life dey sweet e give you goosebumps/Say na you dey hot you fit to lose form/Bounce back and show them say you be your mama true son,” he sings. The track sets out to inspire, which it does.
Since leaving OAU, where other Nigerian acts like Chinko Ekun, Blaqbonez, Fireboy DML and Cheque schooled and began their careers, Jaido P has done well for himself. He uses Shopla to remind listeners that he has what it takes to create his own space in the music scene, where he dictates the pace and tune of his game.
Go HERE to stream Shopla.