Nigerian singer-songwriter, Lojay, balances a whole lot of elements in his GANGSTER ROMANTIC EP. The rising star lends his distinctive voice to instrumentation crossing Afrobeats, R&B, and Amapiano, he successfully does this during times of reflection and delivering glimpses of his current emotional situation.
For starters, Lojay explains to Apple Music that the album’s title, GANGSTER ROMANTIC EP, was simply an expression of a lot of unpleasant feelings from previous relationships. Even though it has a trippy gangster vibe, the project is really lovely. Note that most of the seven-track album hits as they combine amorous vibes with street-pop vibes that most Nigerian mainstream music exhibits.
Track-by-Track Review of Gangster Romantic EP
The album’s opening track, “YAHWEH”, is quite intriguing. Especially with the lyrics, when you come to the chorus of the album’s first tune which initially looks pretty obscene, Lojay is praising the Lord. Notably, the Afrobeats artist collaborated with producer Yung Willis to record the song. According to Lojay, when the producer played the fantastic beat, he fell in love right away. He then used the opportunity to speak frankly and express himself about the person who had brought him to his knees.
A song like “LEADER!” is empowering, according to Lojay. It is a song where he can prove that – he doesn’t need anybody and that he is a guy with variety – but the tune also has a romantic undertone. The tone is well reflected throughout the EP, so it’s like he’s the bad guy on the wrong side of love at the moment.
Lojay wrote this really wonderful song called “MOTO” in which he expressed his desire for music with “sweet” keys and a playful mood. As much as he tried to offer, she didn’t appear to want it, and that’s okay; he’ll just move on with his life, he was saying. He was a living example of giving someone everything and receiving little in return.
Notably, Lojay and Maphorisa worked together to create “CANADA,” which they accomplished in Ghana. Lojay explicitly mentions trying to alter a girl’s life in this song. Although he expressed it in a lighthearted manner, the track is about a stripper who is just concerned with getting to Canada – she has no interest in anything else! The girl had only one thought – she wanted to flee Ghana.
“IYD” is essentially a letter from Lojay to his ex, in which he expresses his true feelings. He says he still misses her and still wants to spend time with her, if she is down, despite everything that has transpired. Plus, he knows for sure that she is now watching him on television and listening to him on the radio.
On Lojay’s Gangster Romantic EP, “AVALABU” is one of the best songs. Simply said, this song is light and enjoyable. It’s a pretty upbeat tune that will undoubtedly put you in a good mood when you’re with some buddies. The beat is so fluid and wavelike, and that energy is what the song evokes in listeners.
The album’s outro, “OVA,” is a truly great way to end the EP. It’s just a sweet way to express gratitude for having enjoyed the listening experience. Lojay is also accepting and adjusting to a tumultuous relationship that has been nothing but ups and downs at the same time.
You can listen to “Gangster Romantic EP” by Lojay here.