When you hear the word stubborn or watch the Jyde Ajala-directed video, it evokes the image of a defiant child—a rule breaker, guided by his childhood instincts against all odds. While the imagery holds a kernel of truth in Victony’s story, “Stubborn” signifies a grander notion, an encyclopedia of experiences, and a kaleidoscope of emotions. It is unwavering resilience in every aspect of Victony’s life even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death. In Igbo cosmology, the Imo state artist might be described as one blessed with “Odeshi” because despite it all from the streets of Ojo, Lagos, to an emotion-crushing tale of survival, an indisputable fact stands; Victony is uncrushable and as stubborn as stubborn could ever be.
The Afropop artist’s journey to the mainstream conversation is peculiar in a way that leadens the heart but is also a tale of preparedness and undiluted artistry. From his debut EP, “Saturn”—home to “Maria” one of his feel-good tracks featuring Afrobeats rapper Falz and where his loyal community started to brew—to the electrifying stage performance of his 2021 single, “Holy Father” following a devastating encounter with grief and a triumphant survival that caused people to start paying attention to his story, his songs were proof that there was more to him and underneath the ache lied incredible artistry. By the time his sophomore EP, “Outlaw” dropped in 2023, merging positive affirmations on “Outlaw” to the sultry desires on “All Power” and the euphonious tempo-produced hit record “Soweto”, it became clearer that he was a star in the making.
Then came “Stubborn”, his debut album—crafted at the insistence of Olamide, who encouraged Victony to expand what could have been an EP into a full-length masterpiece. From its release, the album has been nothing short of transformative. Six months in, “Stubborn” has already etched its place in the conversations about the greatest Afrobeats debut albums—a feat reserved for only the finest.
On “Stubborn” the album, Victony paints a vivid, multidimensional portrait of life characterised by an immersive exploration of being, self, love, friendship, betrayal, hustle and desire. Each track feels like a chapter in a story, rich with the texture of lived experience and the promise of brighter tomorrows as stunning and rare as a long-awaited miracle.
The album opens with “Oshaprapra” and “History” laying the groundwork for Victony’s story like a prologue, grounding the album in the realities of perseverance and identity. On “Oshaprapra” his struggles are palpable with an opening line that feels like a rallying cry—Bro, you stubborn oo. He sings with unyielding defiance, daring anyone to understand his journey: If you try reason to run my race, omo five minutes, you don craze.
“History” shifts to a reflective tone, a walk through nostalgia where he paints lucid scenes of his past laced with gratitude for the present. It’s a meditation on survival, giving context to his current disposition. Then there’s “Ludo”, where Victony takes a sonic gamble with Shallipopi, whose unconventional sound has earned both controversy and loyalty. What could’ve been an awkward pairing instead becomes a masterstroke. Shallipopi’s chaotic brilliance meets Victony’s adaptable artistry, resulting in a track that surprises at every turn. The playful energy of “Ludo” reminds us that Victony thrives in collaboration, proving that even the most unexpected partnerships can yield magic.
But the heart of the album lies in the SAINt JHN featured “Tiny Apartment”, a portrait of toxic love—one so intense it teeters between passion and destruction. SAINt JHN masterfully balances poetic lyricism with a striking metaphor, I’m here with Joan of Arc, we always go to war, underscoring the grandeur and tragedy of their love story. Victony matches this energy with a heartfelt plea: “Abeg, make you no give me excess trouble.” Both artists trade verses like sparring partners, their voices carrying the weight of unspoken arguments and unresolved emotions. With chemistry so undeniable and collaboration so seamless, one might jokingly wonder if the rent for the tiny apartment was due when the song was conceived. The heartache extends to “Sunday School” where Victony confronts the pain of a broken heart with raw vulnerability: “How many more doses before I killi myself?” It’s a harrowing glimpse into his inner turmoil.
In contrast, “Pier 46” and “Anita” showcase a softer side, revealing him as a true romantic. He croons on “Pier 46” “No worry, my babe, if you no get roof for your head, you got a place in my heart.” It’s a promise of unwavering love, stripped of materialism and grounded in sincerity. Meanwhile, “Anita” is a celebration of Nigerian love indicated by its upbeat production and lyricism centred on an ostentatious display of wealth which is all the ginger needed to get bodies swaying on the dancefloor and perhaps spray some cash. Still, on the romantic boy troupe, he professes a love so fervent and grand on “Slow Down” that even Jesus might marvel at his intrepid desires dangerous enough to call for a second martyr, I go make Jesus push judgement day for your sake. I go beg Jesus make e die for you again and if e no do you, I go make the stars rain.
The title track, “Stubborn”, is an intentional centrepiece. Featuring Asake, they create an anthem of unwavering resilience. Victony blithely revisits his mischievous teenage years with lines like me I don dey fight since when I never tall reach aunty Olisa bumbum, while Asake claims the black sheep title pridefully, For my family, I be stubborn.
“Risk” is the viral face of the album with its own TikTok choreography. A track transcending the music and becoming a movement speaks to its universal appeal. But the song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity and buzz appeal. “Street Affair” closes the album. It is a tale of betrayal, exposing the wounds of misplaced trust: Victony sounds deeply hurt as his voice floats, Shey na you wey dey call me blood? I no know say you reason me less… you dey look me like investment, I carry you for my left chest. The pain is palpable, the betrayal sharp—a reminder of how fragile even the closest bonds can be.
“Stubborn” album is a successful attempt at a debut with incredible vocals, solitaire production, impeccable lyricism, immaculate collaborations and track cohesion. Victony challenged his artistry and excelled in every aspect. “Stubborn” is an already-made classic and a timeless body of work.
