“Family” shines through on the brand new EP from the rising Nigerian singer
In light of 1da Banton‘s remarkable contributions as a songwriter and record producer to the widely acclaimed 4th studio album, “Timeless” by Nigerian superstar, Davido, the multi-talented fast-rising artiste has finally unveiled his highly anticipated EP titled “1DA Shall Never End.”
The project showcases 1da Banton’s diverse skill set in singing, songwriting, and record production, manifesting in his meticulously crafted and perceptive new record. With the release of this EP, 1da Banton seeks to further solidify his position as one of Nigeria’s most multi-talented acts and to further expand his reach.
He has been gradually garnering popularity in Europe and North America over the past year, marking a significant milestone in his journey towards achieving global music acclaim. Emerging from the cultural city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the rising star has spent nearly a decade in the music industry, honing his craft as a songwriter and producer.
The EP’s fusion of various genres such as Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and Dancehall creates a diverse range, that will appeal to various listeners. The project contains just one feature, from the trio 255, and serves as a follow-up to his 2021 album, “Original Vibe Machine.” Several people might have expected 1da Banton to attempt an artistic adjustment by tweaking his sound to appeal to the European ears, that form the biggest part of his streaming base. However, he has rightfully opted to retain the style that brought him international fame. The new EP is his attempt to show that there’s more from where the mega hit, “No Wahala” came from.
While his melodies, flow pattern, and technique are largely inspired by the Highlife music of Southern Nigeria, he combines this with street-relatable topics and lingo for mainstream appeal. The record explores the trials of love, the dog-eat-dog world of the city of Lagos, success, and the pressure that comes with it. He conveys his thoughts from the perspective of an artiste who finds success, but still retains street cadence.
Out of the 6 tracks on the project, the song “Family” stands out. The melodic piece ranks high on the EP, for its exquisite delivery and flow, that offers a smooth Afropop cadence. The minimalistic production and infusion of horns elevate the project, and the addition of French vocals is a nod to his success in France.
On the inviting track, he sings about love and utter commitment to his lover. He assures her of his dedication to their relationship, while emphasizing on her patience and devotion during his struggles. He employs relatable quips that will capture the hearts of listeners who are in love. His songwriting skills evokes familiar imagery, that is complimented by the feeling his melodies convey. He’s quick to point out that this sort of love is reserved for befitting women, who have stuck with their respective partners during trying and troubling times.
Across the EP, “Family” ticks all the boxes of a proper Nigerian love song. From the vocals to the lyrics and impressive soundscape and instrumentation, the track stands tall above all others on the EP. Overall, “Family” forms an impressive new identity for 1da Banton after his international success. With this record, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the Nigerian music scene, cementing his position as one of the industry’s most talented acts.
Links:
Spotify
Apple
Boomplay
Audiomack
Follow 1da Banton on IG & Twitter: @1dabanton