Nigeria: Dwin, The Stoic shares new album Master of Ballads

The 15-track album is a multi-genre project that explores the emotional journey of the fictional Master of Ballads and his muse. It tells a vivid story of love, life, and grief, interwoven with rich soundscapes and heartfelt narratives, making it one of the most ambitious works from the artist to date.

Produced primarily by long-time collaborator Rhaffy, with additional production from GRNDMSTR, LMBSKN, and Smasher, Master of Ballads features a star-studded line-up of guest artists, including Lindsey Abudei, Ruka (the other half of Ignis Brothers), Ogranya, and Kate Bass, who bring their unique flair, elevating the project into a truly immersive musical experience.

From the powerful, emotive power ballad ‘Beside Me’, to the upbeat highlife-inspired ‘Time Is Money’, Master of Ballads showcases Dwin’s signature blend of storytelling and genre-bending composition. The album spans across alt-pop, highlife, folk, and Afropop, reflecting the artist’s broad range of musical influences, which include Marcus Mumford, Paul Simon, Labrinth, and Aṣa.

Reflecting on the album, Dwin shares: “This project represents years of creativity and reflection. The Master of Ballads is a persona I’ve lived with for a long time, and this album captures his journey and mine, as we navigate themes of love and loss. I’m excited for listeners to experience these stories and emotions in such diverse sonic forms.”

Master of Ballads follows the success of Dwin’s previous work, including his 2020 debut album The Cost of Our Lives with Ignis Brothers, which was lauded as one of the best Nigerian albums of the year. His collaborative EP with Rhaffy on Love Lane (2023) has amassed over three million streams, further cementing Dwin, The Stoic’s status as a creative force in Nigeria’s indie music scene.

The album’s lead focus track, ‘Time is Money’, is a highlife anthem that Dwin began performing as a freestyle at shows in 2018. With production finally completed in 2023, the song made its full debut at Dwin’s recent sold-out show at the prestigious MUSON Centre in Lagos. The infectious tune encapsulates Dwin’s roots as an Igbo man who loves to write love songs, while drawing from his rich cultural and personal experiences.

As part of the album’s rollout, Dwin, The Stoic has planned a series of performances and events across Nigeria and beyond, bringing the Master of Ballads experience to life for fans. He is also hosting exclusive listening sessions and special events in select cities.