Yinka Bernie | Zikoko!

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Yinka Bernie | Zikoko!

There’s a lot of music in circulation these days (like, A LOT), so maybe I shouldn’t blame you for not consuming everything that dropped in 2022. From Asa’s triumphant return with V to Burna Boy’s moments of introspection on Love, Damini, the music scene was popping like crazy.

But in case your playlist got drowned out by all the heavily-promoted albums this year, these ten are totally worthy of your attention.

Sad Romance — CKay

Why you should’ve listened: Love Nwantiti is one of the biggest Nigerian songs of the last decade, but what if I told you CKay has songs that’ll drag Love Nwantiti by its edges because they’re a lot better than it? Seductive and playful, CKay’s Sad Romance is a well-thought-out record that’s unfortunately drowned out by his overplayed viral breakout song.

Standout songs: Samson and Delilah, You and Mmadu.

Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable — Somadina

Why you should’ve listened: Somadina makes music for the emo kid obsessed with anime, who believes fairies exist and dreams of floating in space. Drenched in delicate punk-rock and ethereal vocals, the music on Somadina’s Heart of the Heavenly Undeniable sounds just as weird as the album title. The record might be an acquired taste, but best believe it’s tasty AF.

Standout songs: Small Paradise, Citrus Tears and Crzy Girl

YPSZN3 — Psycho YP

Why you should’ve listened: Wizkid has said, “Rap is dead,” but I’m confident he hasn’t heard Psycho YP’s music or his 2022 EP, YPSZN3. Presenting the final instalment of his YPSZN series, Psycho YP curates a project that creatively cuts across trap, grime, drill, and R&B. YPSZN3 is unapologetic, emotional and loud AF — exactly how I like my music.

Standout songs: My Country People, Haffa?, Bando Diaries and Sinner

Festival of the Sun — Ogranya

Why you should’ve listened: You know that friend who talks about having a hoe phase after their breakup but still ends up in a brand new relationship two weeks later? That’s Ogranya, or at least, that’s what his music sounds like. Festival of the Sun is a poetic EP about love, yearning and heartbreak. Ogranya wants you to have a good time but still think about that random ex as soon as the dancefloor empties out.

Standout songs: Brenda, I’m Sorry and Ecstasy.

Matter of Time — Dami Oniru

Why you should’ve listened: “I sing what I feel. Don’t know how it looks to you,” sings Dami Oniru on Just 4 U, Matter of Time’s bold opening track — and that’s exactly what she does over the EP’s 20-minute run time. Dropping nuggets of wisdom on love, self-love and the desire for something more out of life, Dami Oniru uses this EP to position herself as one of the most exciting acts on the music scene right now.

Standout songs: Soft Life, Know My Name and Just 4 U.

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Bahd — Falz

Why you should’ve listened: For his first project since 2019’s Moral Instruction, Falz takes a surprising break from socially conscious music to make an album about having fun and being in love. It sounds like a different version of Falz, but somehow it still slaps like old Falz.

Standout songs: All Night, Parampe, Another Me and Woman.

For Good Reason — Aylø

Why you should’ve listened: It’s hard to explain, but Aylø’s music sounds like what I imagine being high is like — immersive, emotional, confusing, adventurous but incredibly fun. On For Good Reason, Aylø builds on the heavy trap/R&B foundation that has helped him out from alté peers like Odunsi the Engine, Tay Iwar and Santi.

Standout song: James Bond, Tekkers and Blvnk

My WurlD With U — Wurld

Why you should’ve listened: When Wurld first popped up on my radar with Show You Off in 2016, he was the unknown IJGB looking to find space in the growing soundscape of Nigerian music. Six years later, with several hit singles to his name, Wurld dropped My WurlD With U, an album that takes a deep dive into the life of a famous man just trying to find love between Lagos and Atlanta.

Standout songs: Same As You, Press and Sad Tonight

Something New — Yinka Bernie

Why you should’ve listened: While Omah Lay’s Boy Alone introduced a wide range of Nigerians to sad emo boy music, no one executes this sound with the same level of vulnerability and honesty as Yinka Bernie does. 2022 was a challenging year, and Something New reminded me it’s okay to break down and rebuild as many times as is necessary for my journey.

Standout songs: It’s Okay to Cry and Who Do You Call?

Some Nights I Dream of Doors — Obongjayar

Why you should’ve listened: Obongjayar is more than just a singer; he’s a movement all on his own. Wielding a voice almost instantly recognisable, Obongjayar’s songs sound almost intrusive, like you’ve been granted access to someone’s diary. But the best part? This diary reads like something you wrote because Obongjayar’s stories feel universal — we’ve all lived them.

Standout songs: I Wish It Was Me, Tinko Tinko, Paradise and Message in a Hammer.

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Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

December 7, 2022

Music, Pop

afrobeats, CKay, Dami Oniru, nigerian music, Ogranya, Psycho YP, wurld, Yinka Bernie
Zodiac signs are great at helping us understand people, but what if I told you a person’s Spotify Wrapped tells you a lot more about their personality than any Leo moon rising sun in Lucozade?

Don’t believe me? Continue reading, and let me know if I’m reaching.

Asake

2022 was your year. You killed it at work and still managed to remain the life of every party you attended. Your vibe is unmatched, and you always know how to have a good time, so people naturally gravitate towards you. While you know many people, you don’t have a lot of actual friends because you’re mysterious like that. There’s also a high chance you asked for a raise this year, and your new salary has everyone at work shook.

Omah Lay

You’re a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you’re tearing up the dancefloor, and the next, you’re in the corner of a club, crying or overthinking everything. The best part is you’re not ashamed of being vulnerable. Your mental health and space are very important to you, so you’re cautious of the people you let into your life, even though everyone likes you.

Ayra Starr

You’re either peak Gen Z or a millennial who uses slangs like “Purr” and “It’s giving” unprovoked. People underestimate you a lot and complain about your style or taste, but you don’t care because you’re out here living your best life. 2022 was a great year for you, but you’re always gingered for what’s next, so you’ve already started drafting your 2023 goals. No time to waste.

Burna Boy

Everyone is always hyping you, and honestly, you deserve it. Can you do with a bit of self-control in your life? Yes. Choosing violence is your favourite thing to do, even when it’s completely unnecessary. You’re great at what you do, but your chaotic nature makes you unpredictable. Hopefully, you’ll learn to calm down in 2023.

Tems

You’re a bad bitch and you know it. Everything comes effortlessly to you, and 2022 was your best year career-wise. People are constantly guessing what you’re up to, but you love to move in silence, so all they see is results and not the hard work you put in. You’re humble and love to meditate and shit, but your motto is: “Fuck around and find out,” so you’re not above dragging someone’s child for filth.

The Cavemen

From music to fashion, old-school trends are the hill you’ve chosen to die on. You like to tell people you were born in the wrong generation, even though there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Speaking your native language is your personality trait, but the gag is your cousins from the village don’t rate you because they believe you’re not speaking it correctly.

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Chike

Dear, one question: How many weddings did you attend in 2022? You can’t remember? No problem. The money you’ve spent on Aso Ebis this year is enough to buy a Kia Picanto. But if you don’t go to weddings, how will you find your missing rib? Please, continue listening to Roju and have a good time at the next wedding reception you attend. We love to see it.

Show Dem Camp

You’re 30+ and you don’t like stress. A good Friday night for you involves a good bottle of wine or keg of palm wine, a nice Netflix documentary and food. You and clubs don’t go well. Even when you try to go out, you end up leaving by 10 p.m. because, once again, 30+. The youth corpers and interns in your office want to be like you when they grow up.

Dwin, the Stoic

You’ve been served breakfast multiple times in 2022, but like eba, still you rise. You’re a hardcore romantic who believes in having one soulmate, so you’re constantly on dating apps and Twitter trying to find them. There’s a strong chance you always complain that Igbo babes are wicked. Still, every time you hear the name Ada or Ifunaya, you’re the first person on the queue to submit relationship application letter.

Wizkid

You’re the best at what you do, and you know it. You don’t like stress, and you’re the type of person who’ll cut people off when you feel like they’re doing too much. All you want to do is enjoy, date older people and wear outfits that match your shoe. Good for you, boo.

Cruel Santino

We get it. You’re different and quirky. Let us rest, abeg.

Kizz Daniel

You like 40+ music but are not ready to admit it to yourself. All the uncles and aunties in your family are obsessed with you because your presence gives them endorphins. You sometimes say offensive things and then act shocked when people call you out on your bullshit.

Yinka Bernie

Babes, are you okay? Do you need tissue or space?

Remember, it’s okay to cry and connect with your emotions. It’s only human, and your vulnerability is what makes you fly.

ALSO READ: What Your Fave Nollywood Actress Says About You

Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

December 1, 2022

Pop

asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Spotify, Tems, Wizkid, Yinka Bernie
What makes a sad song sad? Is it lyrics about heartbreak and pain like P-Square’s Omoge Mi or slow-tempo productions like Darey Art Alade’s Not The Girl? If you said both, then you’re absolutely correct.

Men making sad boy music has been a thing for a long time, but there’s something about 2022’s releases that’s been overwhelmingly sad… but still danceable.

Burna Boy

“E don cast. Last last, na everybody go chop breakfast,” from Burna Boy’s Last Last has soundtracked everything from weddings to sold-out concerts this year. Reminiscent of his 2018 hit, Ye, Last Last has become an anthem everyone is obsessed with. But the truth is, we’ve turned two of Odogwu’s darkest periods into club songs sung over red cups and shisha.

Last Last allegedly talks about Burna Boy’s break up with British rapper, Stefflon Don: “Maybe another time, maybe another life, you’d be wife, and we’d get it right”, and an accident he had in February 2022: “Now, you crash your Ferrari for Lekki, Burna. Na small thing remain, could’ve been all over”. Taking a break from ego-fueled hits, Burna Boy leaned into his vulnerable side for this song, and it totally paid off.

But Last Last isn’t the only sad song on his album, Love Damini. Despite the misleading dance beat, Burna wonders if anything he does will ever be enough on It’s Plenty. He sings about his struggles with mental health and coming out of a bad place on How Bad Could It Be? And on the album’s outro, Love Damini, he goes into full self-drag mode, talking about his anger issues and not reaching out to the people in his life.

With songs like these, Love Damini may just be Burna’s most personal album yet, and the record that started this year’s sad boy era of music.

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Omah Lay

Unlike baking banana bread and wearing face masks, Omah Lay’s music is one thing we’ve not shaken off since the Covid-19-induced lockdown of 2020.

With a fresh trap and R&B-influenced sound, Omah Lay’s Get Layd EP and singles, Bad Influence and Damn made him a household name in the same year artists like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Burna Boy all dropped career-defining albums. While his EP revealed an artist deeply connected to his emotions, it wasn’t until 2021’s Understand with lyrics like: “I thought we in this together. Give you my necklace pendant. Give you my last card, you spend am. I show you my best friend, you friend am,” that shit started to get real.

By the time his debut album, Boy Alone (omo, even the title says it all), dropped, it was clear Omah Lay was in his full emo phase.

The album’s opening track, Recognize, finds Omah Lay trying to convince himself he’s made for fame. Alcohol, as a tool to escape imposter syndrome and loneliness, is the theme of I’m a Mess. And by the time the album’s closer, Purple Song, rolls out, Omah Lay has gone through the motions of heartbreak, loss and redemption in under 40 minutes.

RECOMMENDED: Omah Lay’s Emotions Take Centre Stage on “Boy Alone”

Yinka Bernie

Closing out sad boy era, for now, is one of the alté scene’s secret weapons, Yinka Bernie.

Probably one of the most vulnerable projects on this list (and of the year), Yinka Bernie’s Something New EP is introspective and deeply moving. There’s something soothing about his vocals and melody that makes you feel his every emotion on that song even before you really understand the lyrics.

Opening with Who Do You Call?, Yinka asks the question over and over again, as if waiting for you to provide a clear answer, before ending with “You can call me.” In a time when we’re interrogating who men talk to when times get rough, this song feels very apt and necessary.

Closing out the 12-minute EP, Yinka Bernie reminds us It’s Okay to Cry, with backing vocals from Joyce Olong. This song is where Yinka is most vulnerable, singing lines like: “Every time I think about death, I drown. You see your friends progress while you stuck”. Despite being so raw with his fears and doubts, Yinka manages to make the song calming and reassuring for his listeners. When he ends the song with “Breathe in. Breathe out,” you almost find yourself following his instructions.

We need more sad boy music

As someone who thrives on sad music, I enjoyed these albums and appreciated the artists’ decision to be as vulnerable as possible. Listening to these songs is like reading entries from their diaries.

With 2022 coming to an end, I’m hopeful for some more sad boy music. No, I’m not a masochist. I just enjoy being in my feelings, no matter how dark they are.

ALSO READ: It’s Important to Set Boundaries With Your Parents — Man Like Yinka Bernie

Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

October 25, 2022

Music, Pop

afrobeats, Burna Boy, nigerian music, Omah Lay, Pop, Yinka Bernie