Mayorkun: The Mayor of Lagos is past puberty

He has a unique gift for melodies and an efficient A&R group headed by Asa Asika and his loving label boss, Davido. His path seems to have been lined with gold. His university tours were pure genius. With an impressive performance, school after school, Mayorkun secured a particular market demographics and turned them into hardcore fans.

The album begins with 'Intro (Feelings)', surprisingly the only song produced on the album by Speroach Beatz. The song reveals to us Mayorkun's introspective and vulnerable side, his lyrics laced with street-smart wisdom. It ends on a sentimental note with a conversation between Mayorkun and his mum.

The Kiddominant-produced tracks on the album show Mayorkun at his best. 'Fantasy' is brilliant and one of the best tunes from the album. 'Mama' and 'Che Che', previously released as singles, have already solidified Mayorkun's reputation as a hit-maker. In 'Oshepete', with D'Banj, we see Eja Nla make a return to his harmonica, his barebones verse just a collection of carefully rhymed words set off by a pointless question, "Are you a frequent flier?"

In-form producer Killertunes delivers on 'Bobo'. On 'Mofo' with Patoranking, Killertunes shares production credits with Lussh in one of the album's best songs, as Patoranking sings his part in very fluent Patois.

'Redhanded' with Peruzzi, Dremo and Honda is another massive tune. Produced by Fresh VDM, the song which gets its title from Shaggy's classic 'It Wasn't Me' has the DMW quartet come correct with punchlines after punchlines.

The clear winners are Peruzzi (I be the nigga wey go ginger you, Agali wey dey head ball. Clean my lens and focus my eyes on you, cameraman with the headshot) and Dremo (So right now me I want to follow follow you, Buhari with the escort. This your body dey cause emergency, Ambulance with the Red Cross). Another song by Fresh VDM 'Drama Queen' gives the album the much-needed diversity but the song feels forced and unoriginal.

The Mayor of Lagos is an impressive debut but there are many eyes rolling moments caused by Mayorkun's lyrical recklessness. He never hesitates to sacrifice lyrical fidelity for melodies, a Nigerian music industry malady.

A few examples will suffice. In 'Oshepete': I am panel beater, make I vulcanise you (Mayor, wetin concern panel beater and vulcaniser?) In 'Mama: Where are you, Scooby-Doo? (Calling a love interest a dog? Not romantic, Bro.)

The Mayor of Lagos is one of the best albums released in Nigeria this year. Its grand ambition, however, is punctured by its lopsided attempts to please. Yet, what the album lacks in depth, it surely makes up for in vibe, stellar production and its ultimate revelation of a rising star.

Buy The Mayor of Lagos here

Artist: Mayorkun
Album: The Mayor of Lagos
Label, Year: DMW, 2018