Rowlando explores different facets of love on his “Juju EP”. [REVIEW]

If anything is to go by, perhaps our predictions about the debut project of fast rising and talented act Rowlando is correct.

Ikechukwu Rowland Ndubusi popularly known as Rowlando releases his well anticipated project titled “Juju“. The extended play which contains five tracks is an eclectic fusion of R&B, Pop, Dancehall and Highlife soundscapes. Round the extended play, we are taken on a different facet of topics that range from unrequited love to being trapped in a relationship —The issues that arises as it relates to love and it’s complexities.

The intro is a song titled “Juju“. Generally, the song which carries the name of the album is always so enjoyable. This was nothing short of exceptional. There is just something about this song that makes it groovy despite that the message it conveys is a different mood. The artiste talks about how he is enchanted to his girl, which leaves him confused and devoid of ideas on what to do without her. He mutters “Omoge you do me jazz wey dey confuse, you been killing me with different enchantments“, which effortlessly highlights his message. Set on a crispy percussion beats and less audible keys, this track is simply the best intro for the project.

Track-By-Track Review

On Hold Me Down, Rowlando threads the entrapment nature of love. He talks about a toxic love in which he doesn’t want to get involved in. He feels the love is not based on a mutual feelings but instead on only what each party can offer as benefits to the other. This is similar to the first track in that it passes a different message to the vibe it oozes. The song sounds happy but in the real sense, considering the message, it is not a happy song.

Finish, is about a love that is not reciprocated. The artiste uses the local phrase ‘see me finish‘ which means to simply disregard something or someone. He talks about how he didn’t pay attention to the warning signs until it became obvious that his girl does not want to be more than friends. The highlife feels on this is wonderful. This is what retro-futuristic highlife sounds like. The drums, bass synths and gourd elements makes it dreamy. A proper highlife jam.

Waka Waka features renowned music duo Bracket. This song centers on the perceived trust issues he has towards his girl. He feels the relationship would not last long until they become separated. And yes, his fears were right, the girl left him. He was helped on this by Bracket who contributed a solid verse to the song. There was no drop off in energy, rather they complemented each other perfectly.

Wait was pre released before the project. it dropped earlier this year. it is a bop as well as a fitting close to this project. The song is about sees the artiste anticipate the arrival of his girl, promising to give her everything she wants. He has found love on this track and he is ready to do anything to keep it as long as she is with him.

This is a brilliant body of work. The cohesion of the album is what stands out most. Th themes rightly complements each other. From being enchanted to the feeling of not wanting to be tied down because of unrequited love which makes his girl leave him to explore other relationship options. He actually finds someone to love him and he is gonna keep it with everything. The production is nearly perfect. He did his bits perfectly as well, the execution and delivery is on point. This is a solid project.

Listen to Juju EP Here.

Bolu Adebayo