On Dangerous EP, Deola is a creative monster that exceeded expectations and displayed mights above her artistic level.
Music has been an essential part of Deola’s life and her make up will seem incomplete without it. Having been doing music for 12 years, either through her works as songwriter, vocalist and now as an independent artist offering even more of her capabilities to the world.
Born, Adeola Adisa, but commonly known by her stage name, Deola. Deola is an Afrobeats artist born in Nigeria and currently residing in Texas, United States. Although musically inspired by the likes of Sade Adu, Lagbaja, Tiwa Savage, Niniola, she has done her best to join the influences from these artists into her unique sonic elements which moves between genres and settles down under the Afro-Fusion umbrella.
Her debut EP, titled “Dangerous” is a 5 track EP each with different sounds. In her own words, “it is a unique blend of Afrobeats, Dancehall, House, and Amapiano style“. Led by the hot lead single “Bad Intentions” with Minz, which has already gained over half a million streams across all DSPs, Deola shares an intense pack of her love emotions and stories weaved together by impeccable productions.
On the opener, “Ololufe“, Deola opts for a fast, up tempo, groovy production that oscillates easily between EDM and Afro House. The best part of the production is that you can’t hear any log drum elements in it despite moving along the EDM genre, making for a fresh breath for the record. As most cases, EDM records are always carried by their production with not much complex songwriting needed. On the masterpiece production, she conveys intense emotions of longing for her ‘best part‘ with sultry gentle vocals that rides easily on the production. Continuously, she reminds him of who he is to her and urges her to go away with her to some place of their choice. While it makes for an interesting opener, it also creates a marvelous thought of how good she is with what she does.
The notch is turned down a bit to a much more relaxed Afro Swing soundscape in which Minz joins in and leads the proceedings on “Bad Intentions“. On this record, even much more intense and sensual feelings are conveyed by both artist which promises to loosen up listeners. Minz’s voice glides easily on the guitar laden arrangements, belting out his ‘bad intentions‘, before Deola takes over with her richly layered vocals. Both artists then exchange smoothly at certain points and make for a record that bears the hallmark of a good collaboration where both acts shine equally and are at their best.
“Sofunmi” makes for probably the most ear-worming production so far. Guarded by simple piano keys and bass drums, Deola requires the commitments of her lover, asking him to make his intentions clear, although she is ready to do whatever it takes to please him and make him commit to her. Her riveting and constant declarations of her loves makes you wonder how invested she is in the situation to see that it works out.
Interestingly, the tables turn so quickly and she morphs into the opposite of what she is on the previous tracks by displaying an unflinching and carefree attitude to her lover on “Dangerous“. “Carry your load and go, you can go where you want to go, don’t even call my phone” she sings on the Amapiano inspired record. While it’s a solid twist thematically, as it always wasn’t going to be sweet, it also makes a great twist sonically pushing Deola to increase the pace of her delivery and challenge her on the fast pacing production.
“Bhad” now sees her reconsider her decisions and settle back with her lover. “Kilo fe sele gan gan gan, ma lo fi mi si le boy boy” she sings and calls for their interests to align. Although it might seem like a plea, she also reminds him of what he is to lose if he does go, and reconfirms she is the best for him. On the dancehall record, she navigates swiftly on the bouncy beat and stretches her vocals at the needed points to express depth of her emotions and feelings.
On “Dangerous EP“, Deola is a creative monster that exceeded expectations and displayed might above her artistic level. Although the project is elevated heavily by the aptness of the beautiful productions on each song, her delivery and execution on them obviously makes you feel she knows exactly what she wants to hear before she sings on them. You have the feeling she’s in charge and controlling the process around her which is a plus for her.
“Dangerous EP” represents the first big effort from the talented artist after a series of singles, but all doubts have been dispelled concerning her ability to carry herself and deliver on projects, as previously witnessed on singles. This is a 5 track project with sour moments at all, worth every penny and time invested.
[LISTEN]: Dangerous EP by Deola.
