Nigeria’s soundscape is vast, filled with different niches that can be traced back to multiple origins. Afrobeats continues to dominate, but there are other genres that have grown legs and continue to paddle themselves in the right direction.
The different shades of the Nigerian sound is what gives our music life, making the talent on our shores some of the most sought after personalities in the music world.
With every new release, a new vibe is unearthed, and producers are at the forefront of the collective quest to push sonic boundaries within the country and the continent at large.
One producer who continues to stand up and be counted amongst the dense talent pool is none other than Raphbeatz.
Raphbeatz has established himself as a forward-thinking creative. His widened perspective on music, as well as the skill to create and merge sounds from different influences makes him stand out amongst his peers as one of the trailblazers of his generation.
He is equally adept in other niches and sub-genres as he is creating Afrobeats records, and he shows those qualities on Issues. Raphbeatz teams up with Malik Abdul and Baya for this record, where the artists trade verses over his delicate production.
Issues is a subtle deviation from traditional Afrobeats records you hear on the radio. The texture of this song is different because Raphbeatz doesn’t employ the same hard hitting elements present in Afrobeats.
Sure, he still lays the foundation of the song with a stable drum progression but the pattern is not so familiar. He uses 808s for emphasis to balance out the minimal usage of drums, and this helps to set a vibe for the record.
To top it off, Raphbeatz laces the record with an airy synth that gives it an escapist feeling that allows the listener to be hypnotised by its vibe. The product of the combination of these elements is a wavy Afroswing record that leaves the listener intoxicated by its vibe.
Raphbeatz’s collaborators, Malik Abdul and Baya, find themselves comfortable in the environment that he’s created for them to flourish. The pair relay stories of toxic situations with a love interest that start off fun and sweet but turn sour.
Malik Abdul and Baya do this by weaving catchy melodies between the 808s on Issues, immersing the listener into their story. They construct the lyrics in a simple and straightforward way that keeps their pictures vivid from start to finish.
Raphbeatz’s production feels like a playground where they express their artistic qualities to good effect.
The producer’s musical direction sets the tone for the success of this collaboration. Raphbeatz has the ability to compose records in a way that empowers the artist to create melody pockets in a way that some other producers are unable to.
That is a quality that makes him stand out amongst his peers, coupled with his willingness to deviate from the norm. It is this level of sonic innovation that keeps the genre fresh and vibrant, and Raphbeatz has what it takes to be a driving force within the mainstream.
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