On his debut project, the singer tugs at heart strings and proves beyond reasonable doubt that he’s merited the spotlight on him.
Abefe is a unique talent. In an industry saturated with sonic clones of superstars scheming to game the algorithm and circumvent their discovery process, it’s a refreshing thing to see a talent that easily stands out and is unabashedly himself. There is cultural heritage in his voice, especially in the raw texture of his vocals and the precise way he enunciates his words.
His production choices while contemporary, show a special adulation for his indigenous roots and like the best of his pop counterparts—he excels in elite pidgin and Yoruba fusion to create an amalgamation that not only makes the music more resonant and catchy, but also more intimate. It’s for the aforementioned reasons, his songs started gaining traction online and he’s doubled down on his tried and tested formular to deliver a solid EP.
Abefeholics is light on drums but packs a punch with the instrumentation. It’s a celebratory record with Abefe reeling in the magnitude of his own good fortune. He can’t believe his hustle has finally paid and belts out with glee that “it feels so good to be Abefeholic” which is basically an allegory to being intoxicated with the good life.
Achalugo exists in the same midtempo pop spectrum, as Abefeholics except it’s more emotive than self-assertive. Abefe pleads so his love interest isn’t difficult, although he likes them feisty. Yori Yori is one of the best songs out this year and remains the creative peak of the album. The percussion here is raw and organic, consisting of drums that mimick clapping patterns and guitar riffs that are embedded in every kick.
There is also something inherently wholesome about the way Abefe writes that channels nostalgia and a deep seated ambience of familiarity that makes the song connect. Indeed, love is a universal language everyone speaks but he opts for the simplest and most effective language that almost anyone can relate to. Good music in its purest form.
Yahweh heads into Afro-R&B territory, replete with acoustic guitar strings and Abefe love musings about a girl way out of his league that he likens to a miracle. His writing remains emotionally poignant as always but it’s the soulful melodies that really makes the song a standout track and this writer’s personal favourite. Romeo and Juliet pulls tugs on heartstrings too but in a more earnest way, as Abefe sings praises of adulation about his best friend’s unwavering support and hints at being in love with her too.
Orekelewa is a bit derivative of Achalugo but it’s sonically interesting enough to not pass as filler. Abefe sings about being the joke of the town due to his commitment to his lover, but he isn’t fazed by the jesting because his love interest is his fantasy. His themes might tend to be a bit one-note at times but the music is always solid that listeners tend not to care
Abefe: Begged To Be Loved is a solid debut effort that consolidates on Abefe’s momentum, by doubling down on the familiar and offering enough dynamism that it works. With the right marketing, multiple songs could take off from here. Abefe will eventually need to get more ambitious but for now, this works to a tee.
Final Verdict:
Sonic Cohesion: 1.5/2
Expansive Production: 1.3/
Songwriting: 1.5/2
Delivery: 1.4/2
Track Sequencing: 1.3/2
Total: 7.0/10
