EP Review: Magixx’s Self-Titled Debut Is a Noteworthy Introduction
The Nigerian music scene has a new entrant. And by his sound, he is here to stay.
Adelabu Alexander Adewunmi, professionally known as Magixx, is the newest signee of the Don Jazzy-led Mavin Records. The 23-year-old Nigerian singer and songwriter is also the second act to be unveiled by the label this year after 19-year-old Ayra Starr arrived on the music scene with an EP and an album. According to Mavin Records, Magixx, an afro-fusion artiste, is a product of “Saint JHN meets Kid Cudi, with a mix of Bryson Tiller.” For months, the Ekiti State indigene, who is a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), had been in artiste development, honing his craft and polishing his sound.
Before being signed to Mavin Records, Magixx had a short stint with Music By Nature Entertainment. A popular face in UNILAG, he had released a few singles and featured on tracks and projects with other up-and-coming artistes, even putting out a three-track EP in 2016. His five-track debut self-titled EP under Mavin Records is a reintroduction of his talent as fuller, more mature and gleaming with that stardust that only a music mogul like Don Jazzy can offer. Executive produced by Don Jazzy, the project lends production credit to Lomon, Randay, London, Naked Beats and Louddaaa.
On the Lomon-produced “Love Don’t Cost A Dime,” Magixx expresses how fortunate he is to enjoy the affection of his lover. “If my world was drowning baby she go save me,” he sings. Magixx has a high-pitched voice that drips with emotion and purpose. It is as though he sings from the bottom of his belly, with the hope of convincing his lover and the listeners of the seriousness in his lyrics. He transfers that romantic passion into “Like A Movie,” effortlessly finding pockets of melody that delights. Although the lyric “Eat flesh like a cannibal, a cannibal,” which he ascribes to his love interest is a no-no, it doesn’t rob the track of its power.
Magixx’s party going side shows up on “Pati.” Courtesy of London, the beat is an up-tempo flow of percussion and drums that requests for bodies to fill dancefloors. Here, Magixx sounds ecstatic as he calls on friends to join him and have a wild, good time. “Half a milli only for the weed/Making money in like erryweek/I be stuntin on my enemies,” he sings.
On “Gratitude,” Magixx enters introspection mode. He reminisces about the difficulties of his pre-fame days and sings of his happiness about the progress he is making. Randay’s delicate drums and piano chords are the perfect background for Magixx to pour out his feelings.
On the project’s closer “Motivate Yourself,” Magixx stays in introspection mode as he encourages both himself and listeners not to give up on their dreams. “Motivate yourself o/ ‘Cause no nobody go dey if money no dey,” he sings. The trio of Naked Beats, Lomon and Louddaaa fill the track with soft piano chords, drums and violins.
Mavin Records have said that Magixx’s project “is only a snapshot of what he has to offer,” and it is hard not to believe them. There is so much endearing sincerity in Magixx’s voice and lyrics. He is a singer who has fun doing what he loves, which is a formula that can never go wrong.
Go HERE to stream Magixx.
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