On Awesome, DJ Shawn makes it an incredible first time offering.
The world of a DJ in recent times seems to be incomplete without taking a stop in the art of creating music of their own. While their role really centers on highlighting and celebrating solid music that comes out of the industry daily, the desire to also be in the studio creating their own music with artists of their choice is not so farfetched seeing that embracing the role of an executive producer to oversee recording process can be learned with time or the innate ability fine tuned with various trials.
DJ Shawn, born Oresile Oluwaseun Joshua is one of the leading disc jockeys of this generation. Having started learning the profession from a tender age through an online software, DJ Shawn’s quick wit and desire to learn had him scale heights quickly. With much achievements in his resumé, including earning gigs as official in-house DJ for programs City Fm and Rhythm Fm. His stocks skyrocketed when he bagged a deal at W Bar, a famous cool spot in Lagos, to deliver unforgettable musical experiences to people who came to patronize.
His move into music making could be seen already from a long time ago when he started dropping entertaining DJ mixes on various streaming platforms. Having scored his official debut in 2021 in the Falz and Timaya assisted “O Pari“, he presents to us his debut tape titled “Awesome” some two years later in testament of his growth.
Compilations projects are not so easy to create because of the fact that they involve too many artists with various sonic style which needs to be catered for in order to suit into the overall sonic cohesion and vision of the project and focus artist.
For compilations projects to be a perfect one, the focus artists must find a way to align their musical style to that of the artists being called on to help chart our their vision of the project, and when it would involve two or more artists collaboration, a thoughtful A&R skill is needed to unify the sonic formular of the artists involved to create an organic record rather than a calculated one which suits very well into the grand scheme of things.
On “Awesome EP“, however DJ Shawn excels as he pairs an interesting blend of acts together and links up with elite artists to create both hard bangers that gets you moving energetically and mid tempo groves which you can easily chill with.
Blaqbonez and KiDi seems to be a weird combo though, but it is on tracks like this that squeezes out magic from an unexpected combo. Blabonez approaches the muse, Abena with his intents in his usual playboy aura with KiDi following in much similar pattern by unfurling his sensual intentions.
However, Pheelz and Bella Shmurda bring an energetic vibe and expensive lifestyle to the Amapiano driven production created by Pheelz on “Chop Life“. It short and precise, but what stands out is how they both go back and forth together, and complements each other on the verse and hook.
Niniola offers a refreshing thrill on her Amapiano cut “Naira” where she affirms her cravings for a soft and fun filled life. “Me I want chop life, I wan go on vacation” she sings on a subtle Amapiano production that amplifies her capabilities.
Then Magixx goes on a roller-coaster run of soulful love declaration painting the depths of his heartfelt love and emotions that runs through him on the chilly “Erima“. It changes the dynamic of the project, ushering in something more soothing sonically.
In compilations projects, there is always a song that surprises all with its difference from other tracks on the project, “Without You” takes the accolades here. Joshua Baraka and Oladapo lean on the theme of love and longing on the dynamic neo-soul collaboration that captures the strength of both artists. It’s bounce evokes alté, and it’s really an interesting add to the project.
When L.A.X and Reekado Banks meet on “Baddest“, it was just a matter of how high is the ceiling of the record that they could produce on an Amapiano production with much knowledge on how much success both artists have had on the soundscape in recent years. However, on this track, they performed better and gave the listeners what they want.
Running for just 17 minutes, it winds up so fast because of the short nature of most tracks that makes up the project. Infact, the quick blend and manner at which each song unwinds into the next gives little room for lapse as audience can only understand the sequence so well only after many listens. He kept it short and simple, and it paid off.
For compilation projects, the sequencing of track must be optimal and geared towards increasing its replay value. In the case of Awesome EP, it is rich in both categories. The artists brought their top game and contributed to the project like it housed their own song. Having stated this project has been in the works for a long time, it finally feels good to hear what has been cooked over time and bask in how wonderful it is. DJ Shawn is one who is aware of what he wants to do and he imprinted it on this EP. Judging by all standard, it’s title is an apt description of its quality.
[LISTEN: Awesome EP by DJ Shawn.
