Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma on July 1, 2006, is a shining example of youthful talent and determination. She burst onto the music scene in 2022 with her breakout single “See Finish,” which quickly became a household name across Africa, thanks to its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics.
In 2023, she solidified her place in the industry with “Ole,” a viral collaboration with BNXN highlighting her ability to blend Afrobeat influences with her unique style. Later that year, she released her debut eponymous EP, “Qing Madi.” In 2024, she dropped the deluxe version of “Qing Madi” EP, featuring hit tracks like the “Vision” remix with Chloe Bailey and “YBIL” with Kizz Daniel, showcasing her talent as an artist, further cementing her presence in the music world and proving that her star is not only rising but one to reckon with.
At just a young age, Qing Madi stands out not only for her talent but also for her poise under relentless industry pressures. While many young artists might compromise their vision amid fame, she remains authentically resilient. Her journey is particularly inspiring because she represents a new generation of Nigerian artists who are redefining the soundscape of African music.
Her debut album, “I Am The Blueprint“, marks a defining moment, showcasing Qing Madi’s unique voice and artistic vision. For Qing Madi, anticipation was high. Yet, taking the right time for such a pivotal project is crucial.
A well-crafted debut album is essential because it sets the tone for an artist’s career trajectory. It’s not just about releasing music. It’s about presenting a cohesive body of work that reflects an artist’s true potential and creative depth. In this sense, “I Am The Blueprint” represents Qing Madi’s thoughtful approach to her craft.
Below is a detailed review that explores both the strengths and weaknesses of this highly anticipated release.
A Comprehensive Review of Qing Madi’s Debut Album: “I Am The Blueprint”
Qing Madi’s decision to release an album without features highlights her confidence and dedication to authenticity. This choice lets listeners experience her unfiltered voice, both literally and metaphorically. Through 13 solo tracks, she offers an intimate glimpse into her artistry.
She describes “I Am The Blueprint” as a collection of songs from defining moments in her life. Over time, it naturally evolved into her debut project. Unbothered by outside perceptions, she embraced vulnerability, even reworking lyrics that felt too confrontational. This album is simply Qing Madi, raw, expressive, and in full control of her artistry. Qing Madi is refreshingly honest, a trait that shines through her music. Though Ole with BNXN carried jaded sentiments, her later releases and debut album showcase her deep emotional intensity. Unlike many artists who craft idealized personas, she remains unapologetically herself, carefree, and authentic.
The album begins with “Bucket List,” an anthem of aspiration that highlights Qing Madi’s ambitions and dreams. This opening track sets the tone for the entire album by showcasing her relentless pursuit of success. With its uplifting melody and inspiring lyrics, “Bucket List” immediately draws listeners in. It establishes Qing Madi as an artist driven by passion and determination. In the song, she expresses a key dream, to become a Grammy Award winner. While the track is solid, it effectively serves as an album intro and delivers its message.
Following this powerful introduction is “Ali Bomaye.” In this track, she quickly switches to her signature style. She delivers a love song, professing her feelings to an imaginary lover. The track weaves in Igbo cultural elements, with “Ogologomma” serving as a catchy hook that instantly captivates listeners. The vibrant rhythms create an infectious energy that resonates deeply with fans of her signature style. The track title and lyrics reference Muhammad Ali’s famous chant, “Ali Bomaye“. This phrase was often used to hype him up during his boxing matches.
The theme of love takes center stage in “Akanchawa“, a vibrant story of attraction and desire. Qing Madi showcases her talent for crafting compelling narratives around romance. She captivates listeners with emotional lyrics and beautifully woven melodies. “Akanchawa” is an Igbo word that means “good hands, hands that bring/introduce more good things.”
Tracks such as “Feeling Alright” and “Garden,” continue the theme of emotional exploration found throughout the album. These songs create moments for introspection. They offer a space where listeners can connect their own experiences to those Qing Madi shares.
One of the album’s most empowering messages comes from Damn It All. The song urges women to reclaim their power in relationships by prioritizing self-respect and independence. More than just music, this anthem aligns with contemporary feminist ideals. It stands as a bold social commentary relevant to today’s world.
In contrast to these bold statements, “It’s a Game” reflects on making music without compromise. It highlights Qing Madi’s ease with R&B as her preferred form of self-expression. The song offers insight into her artistic vision and dedication to authenticity. Rather than following trends or external pressures, she stays true to herself. This quality makes “I Am The Blueprint“ stand out in the music scene.
Another poignant moment comes in “Pressure“, where Qing Madi reflects on personal struggles during moments of doubt. The song serves as an escapist expression of inner turmoil while seeking solace in spirituality and growth. Tracks like this highlight the deeply personal yet universally relatable nature of her debut.
“Gimme Your Love“ and “One Day” likely explore themes of love and longing, staying true to the album’s emotional depth. These tracks offer nuanced reflections on human emotions. Through her music, Qing Madi creates a sound that deeply resonates with listeners.
“Goosebumps“ stands out for its portrayal of intense attraction at its peak. It captures that overwhelming yet thrilling stage of love that many can relate to. The song brings emotion to life with beautifully layered soundscapes. This rich production style remains a signature throughout the album.
Originally introduced through her COLORS SHOW performance, “Favorite Psycho (A COLORS SHOW)“ brings a fresh dynamic to the album. Its inclusion adds variety to the project. The track highlights Qing Madi’s versatility, proving her ability to deliver compelling performances beyond traditional studio recordings. This seamless transition from live performance to album track further cements her artistry.
Lastly, “Right Here“ offers comfort and guidance, reinforcing Qing Madi’s role as both an artist and storyteller. The track closes the album with the same confidence it began with, shifting from aspiration to reflection. Here, she not only shares her journey but encourages listeners to chase their dreams.
Overall Impression of “I Am The Blueprint”
“I Am The Blueprint” takes listeners on an immersive journey through diverse themes, blending rich Afrobeats and R&B soundscapes, all without any featured artists. This choice highlights Qing Madi’s growing influence in Nigerian music. Each track adds depth to a cohesive narrative, showcasing both her musical prowess and emotional depth. More than just a debut, this album marks a defining moment in her career.
One noticeable aspect of I Am The Blueprint is its lack of a singular thematic flow. Rather than following a central narrative, the album explores various themes without a clear thread connecting them. Additionally, many of the tracks feel sonically similar, lacking the versatility or dynamic shifts that could have added more depth to the listening experience. While Qing Madi’s signature style remains consistent, the album could have benefited from more variation in sound and structure to keep it engaging from start to finish.
Qing Madi has also provided a track-by-track breakdown of the album. For a deeper dive into each song, check out her socials: @Qingmadi (X), @qingmadi (Instagram)
