EP Review: Young Jonn Proves the Opposite on Love Is Not Enough
EP Review: Young Jonn Proves the Opposite on Love Is Not Enough
The Nigerian music producer fully reinvents himself as a recording artiste while addressing matters of the heart.
In the mid-2010s, Young Jonn (a.k.a. Young John), real name Udomboso John Saviours, wrought sweet chaos on airwaves with his producer tag “It’s Young John the Wicked Producer” sweeping through tracks such as Lil Kesh’s “Gbese,” and “Efejoku,” Olamide’s “Bobo,” and “Story For The Gods,” and Kiss Daniel’s “Mama.”
Last month, he became the newest signee on Chocolate City Music, a longstanding record label associated with the careers of acts like M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, CKay, Blaqbonez, among others. He also released “Dada” and strengthened his transition from producer to singer, whilst placing himself on the growing list of Nigerian producers who have stepped up to the mic from behind the boards: Maleek Berry, Kiddominant, Killertunes, Pheelz.
Before “Dada,” the lead single off his debut five-track EP Love Is Not Enough, Young Jonn had released some singles—“Oshe,” “Mama Yo,” and “Incase.” But none of those songs enjoyed the warm reception that greeted “Dada.” A day ago, Davido decided to hop on the remix.
On the afro-pop number “Dada,” which Young Jonn produced alongside Niphkeys, his lover is all he needs in his life. He floats on the saxophone-aided melodies of “32” as he reassures a love interest of his commitment. Here, 32 is Nigerian lingo for teeth and signifies a complete smile. Jonn’s smooth vocals marry Smyley’s airy production, which carries an aura fit for breezy nights.
On “Next To You,” which features American R&B singer Vedo, both artistes serenade their lovers with promises of undying love. “And if I’m in a dream please don’t wake me up (yeah)/ Cos I need this feeling/Loving you is my healing,” Vedo sings. On the production side, Young Jonn’s log drums tease the song into amapiano territory but it doesn’t step into it.
While most people choose to avoid that dreary place called the friend zone, Young Jonn finds comfort in that place on “Just Friends.” For Jonn, the friend zone demands no commitment from him but he still yearns for the attachment that comes with a relationship when he sings, “And I no go like see you with another man/Even though I no really your lover man, oh no.” Type A’s trumpet infuses the bop with bright trumpet blasts.
On the love tune “Normally,” which features production skills from the trio of Young Jonn, MagicSticks and Niphkeys, Young Jonn confesses his feelings for a love interest. With its percussion and log drums, the track is a perfect blend of afro-pop and amapiano.
In an interview with NotJustOk, Young Jonn spoke about the inspiration behind the project. “…it’s very close to my heart,” he said. “I’m big on love and I’m just [sic] talking about the romantic form but every form of it. I’m a family person and I’m big on my friends and my baby girls but I realised love is not really sufficient these days. Like in the places we look for it, love is not there. It’s a personal project for me.”
On this project though, Young Jonn proves love, indeed, is enough.
Go HERE to stream Love Is Not Enough.
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