Hammerboi is riding the wave of momentum from his breakout single, “Love Letter,” with a follow-up that’s deeply rooted in culture. While “Love Letter” gently nudged him into the limelight with its heartfelt exploration of romance, “Ancient City” sees him pivot—not away from his essence, but deeper into it. This time, he’s not serenading a lover; he’s paying homage to his first love and home city, Benin.
“Ancient City” is an audible canvas, painted with vibrant strokes of history, pride, and an undeniable groove. Hammerboi stays true to the indigenousness that has become his signature, wearing the Bini language like a badge of honor, effortlessly ingrained into the skin of his music. There’s something magnetic about the way he handles his roots, not as a backdrop, but as the very foundation of his sound.
Sampling Osaro Nomayo and the Driver Union Association Dance Band—a timeless classic tied to the bustling energy of Uselu Motor Park—Hammerboi bridges generations. The sample is a handshake across time, connecting the pulse of old Benin with the heartbeat of its modern-day spirits. The record pulses with a tempo that bridges nostalgia and a new kind of rhythm that demands movement, even if it’s just a subtle head nod. It’s a tribute wrapped in the melodies echoing the spirit of the ancient city.
Hammerboi describes the creative process as almost serendipitous: “Ancient City was an easy project because it was drafted already. You know when you have a plan to do something and then you follow the plan… very easy.” That ease is palpable in the track’s fluidity. Created in a single studio session with his friend and creative producer Mikaba, 70% of the song came to life effortlessly, like it was waiting to be born. That spontaneity translates into the listening experience—there’s a rawness, a sense of immediacy that makes the song feel alive. It doesn’t feel overthought or overproduced; instead, it feels like a conversation between Hammerboi and the city itself, each lyric a deep-rooted memory.
Yet, what truly makes “Ancient City” stand out is how Hammerboi manages to turn personal pride into a universal bop. Even if you’ve never walked the streets of Benin, the song pulls you in, offering a sonic tour through its sounds, its spirit, its soul. There’s a visceral connection, like catching the scent of a distant place and suddenly feeling like you belong. It’s not just about the city; it’s about the emotions tied to it—the pride, the nostalgia, the stories etched into its corners. You don’t just hear “Ancient City”; you feel it. You’re there, even if you’ve never been.
Hammerboi is placing Benin City on the world map and weaving its essence into his sound, making sure it lingers in the consciousness of anyone who presses play. With “Ancient City,” he proves that he’s not a fleeting name in the industry. He’s an artist with a clear vision, one that honors the past while carving out his place in the future. And if this track is any indication, his journey is just getting started. He’s building a discography that doesn’t just tell his story but tells the story of a city, a culture, and a people.
