“I wanted the people to take me in, take my sound in and get familiar with it. This is what I’m bringing and what I can offer. There’s a lot more though, but here we are and this is us, accept or accept“.
No1 Again reveals his reason to limit his EP to just 4 tracks.
No1Again, born Ochuko Nikoro, is one of the Nigerian artists in the diaspora flying high the Afrobeats flag since 2020. The UK-based prolific act has proved himself a worthy challenge in the industry with a well structured discography filled with great songs, which is exactly one thing that places him above his peers. Having had over three years under his belt as a professional artiste, making a debut project is no doubt the next step for this talented act.
His debut project, an EP titled “Turbulent Lover” was released across all digital stores few week ago marking a new era for this exciting act. It might have come a long time than expected, but delay is not denial. His debut comes with four tracks which comprises of No1Again’s most outspoken takes till date on themes of love and relationships.
From the intro, Situationship, one can begin to deduce that the sonic atmosphere of the project is an R&B leaning Pop sonic. The listeners are taken into a calm and serene sonic journey where No1Again doesn’t tread often. On this track, No1Again succumbs to his lover’s demand of not wanting a complicated relationship. The smoothness and ease at which No1Again glides through the verses and hook repeatedly with the different vocal texture required elevates the track so much. When we get to 2 Seconds, we realise that No1Again is in his lover-boy persona, expressing and confessing intimate feelings to his lover. “You’re the person I need, the air that I breathe“, signifying her importance to him. The bass drums are more prominent and groovy here, with the sprinkle of Amapiano elements giving it a commerical edge.
On Trenches Love, No1Again mixes his experience as he relates it to love and hustle. No1Again shares his experience of how difficult it has been to reach his current heights. Although, he admits he couldn’t have gotten there without the love and backings of his supporters. Halima is much similar to 2 Seconds as he dorns his lover-boy persona once again on the EP closer. “As you see me so, I don fall” , No1Again admits to his lover and thereafter makes promises to keep her however he can.
[EXCLUSIVE READ]: An in-depth interview with No1Again.
Across four tracks that spans for a little close to twelve minutes, No1 asserts himself into an infallible magnitude showing us another facet to his limitless artistry and confirming what we have always observed about how musically gifted he is. Since his debut, No1Again’s growth is very much visible as he adapts himself to times and trends. On this EP, he incorporates lots of influences to speak his truth, while also retaining the constant elements that defines him as the artist, No1 Again. Thematically he excelled, sonically he flourished and lyrically he blossomed. He made it so seamless that it is very easy to doubt it is his first body of work.
Debut projects are not more than making a statement while getting the listeners acquainted to your sound and what you can offer. No1Again has both boxes ticked undoubtedly with this project. It is one of the most thrilling listen from an upcoming artiste in a while. Get on the moving train.
Listen to “Turbulent Lover” EP by No1Again.
