Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Enugu, Nigerian artist Mani Lapussh—born Emmanuel Ede—is steadily building an impressive catalogue. Since dropping his first single, “I Wish,” in 2018, he’s continued to build momentum, delivering solid tracks like “I Confess” “Last Last” “Shige” and the standout “Breathe Anthem” with Rema in 2022. His debut EP, “ African Salad” captures his roots and tells the story of a resilient and determined star in the making.
The Afrobeats act has now returned with two fresh singles, Only You and Why Me, injecting upbeat, lively energy into Afrobeats’ romance-fueled scenery. Both tracks are layered with Mani’s unmistakable swagger, as he dives deep into love with unfiltered emotions and captivating, uptempo beats.
“Only You” kicks off with Mani’s heartfelt confessions. Here, he’s singing directly to his muse, and the admiration is palpable. With lyrics that lean into his deep attraction, Mani wastes no time celebrating her allure, her confidence, and her sensuality. The words are layered with both desire and respect, a mix that lets you feel the warmth of his desire.
As “Only You” weaves its story of admiration, “Why Me” follows with a different but equally similar narrative. Here, Mani amplifies his declarations of devotion, crafting promises that only someone entirely smitten could make.
There’s a rugged honesty in lines like “I go enter Sambisa for you,” referencing Sambisa, a notoriously dangerous zone, to underscore just how far he’s willing to go to protect and cherish his muse. The risk implied in his words gives the song a charged energy, transforming it into a lover’s anthem with a daring twist. He’s not simply declaring his love; he’s pledging a fierce loyalty that’s ready to face even the most extreme challenges.
As he confesses, “you make me want to commit felony oo,” it’s as if he’s placing his muse above any obstacle, any boundary. It’s this balance of danger and devotion that makes “Why Me” a standout, and the steady beat enhances the audacious promises, giving the track a rhythm that feels like both a pledge and a heartbeat.
Together, “Only You” and “Why Me” form a striking duo. Mani Lapussh’s delivery remains grounded yet intense, effortlessly blending desire with fiery intent. Each song feels like a conversation—a deep, intimate exchange with his muse, where no emotion is too strong, no commitment too risky.
