A piece to induce the possible comeback of the veteran artist.
When the first wave of Eastern rappers in the country took bold steps to dine with the big boys of the industry and hack mainstream appeal in the late 2000s, they did it with so much finesse and confidence in their abilities with an unwavering desire to never give up even though they only had a tiny share of the local market. While everyone came out with their unique style, their togetherness and commitment to building a community in the most saturated market locally saw them gain a foothold in the best way they can – offering great music. Veteran acts like Mr Raw, Lynxxx, Illbliss, Killz and Mazi Floss amongst others paved the way for the Eastern Rap to thrive in most parts of the country and that birthed a movement which is still solid till date.
The Ireland-born act hails from Abia State and raised in Enugu State. He moved to the United States after high school to further his education. After sadly losing his Dad in 2005, he moved back to Ireland where him and a group of friends created the Milloniare boyz (Millaz) afrobeats group and they went on to become the biggest Afrobeats band in Ireland. They held Dublin down with songs like Naira Naira, Ajulumaju, Sugar Mummy, One Shot. They held their first ever sold out concert in July 2009.
For those who had the chance to witness the rise of Mazi Floss in the early 2010s, it provides a nostalgic moment for those people now who were in touch to see the blazing rapper breeze through those early years of the century in his signature rap-singing pattern. Born Nkemakolam Okorafor, Mazi Floss reps from Enugu State, one of the hottest base of talents which have peppered the industry since time memorial when “Igbo boys rap” dominated air waves and competed so closely with their Southern counterparts.
Blessed with the twin ability of rapping and singing, Mazi Floss first set of mixtapes, although projected as an album by the public, creatively showcased his sonic direction and unique ability as an artist. Having unleashed himself through the explosive single “Point and Kill” in 2010, Mazi Floss’ rise is one of the most admirable runs by an artist of his generation from his region and beyond. Most of his release literally created a buzz around itself. While this was enough to earn him widespread recognition and kick it up with the big boys on various songs at the time, it was his drive for evolution that has kept him going.
Mixing a wide range of influences together in what he identities as Afro Fusion where he blends Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Highlife to speak his truth on his songs. While he is most times found mixing his mother tongue and native language interchangeably with English, Mazi Floss held the streets down with his somewhat different brand of music dubbed as “Masquerade Music“. With such an enjoyable vibe as he switches within his verse and self created hooks sometimes, he is no doubt an hybrid and one of the best of his generation.
In 2021, he released his most recent body of work, “Phoenix EP“, which is the latest testament of a long journey which has been a success so far when compared to his peers, he admitted he is still on the rise on the project, although he also did let us know that he is well aware of how much abilities he possess and the heights he could reach with them.
The CV is well stacked too. On both volumes of his “Oil Money Mixtape“, he worked with various stars such as Lynxxx, Killz, 2 Baba, Ghetto P and so much more to bring his Afro fusion dream into reality. It did work well with his deft blend of Hip-Hop and Afrobeats to create timeless and culture anthems such as “Point and Kill“, “Pino Pino” and “Omalicha” amongst a host of others. 2020s “The Young Shall Grow” also had Runtown, Vector and Timaya on its guest list as he reminded us of what he is able to offer.
Rarely and not on much occasions has an artist hailing from the east with so much abilities grace the industry, leaving with us so much to hold on to with their music and plenty to look forward to with their unpredictability and varied delivery. Mazi Floss has prove time again why he is massively respected in the country and the diaspora. Not only does the music back up this claim, he also has the longevity to speak for him, most of which he has stayed relevant and trendy. Even while many may not be familiar with his game, few who have got as little as a sniff of his music have been turned into loyals instantly because of the overall value his art exudes.
Now back on track with the release of his new single, Shakara just few weeks ago; a song which marked his first release since a nearly two years hiatus. It is expected that more music will be released regularly in the coming months, and even a body of work to accompany it. However, the streets really need Mazi Floss back to serve us great music again.
– This review is written by Adebayo Boluwatife, an Album Talks writer. ( Twitter: @BIG_BOLUWATIFE).
