Lojay delivers his smoking gun with ‘GANGSTER ROMANTIC.’

Lojay has made a case for himself ever since he broke unto the scene with his ‘Monalisa’ hit in 2021. The Nigerian singer continues to blur the lines between his Dancehall-inspired lyrics and cadences, and Afrobeats-Amapiano rhythms. His latest offering is no different, ‘GANGSTER ROMANTIC’ is Lojay’s smoking gun that leaves us with no doubt that he deserves to be considered in the great African musicians conversations. Let’s delve into this 7-track album to immerse ourselves in the world of Lojay.

The album kicks of with ‘YAHWEH,’ which is a very contrasting song. The track title would have one thinking, “we boutta go to church” but no, the subject matter says otherwise. Lojay sings passionately about his love interest who literally blows his mind to the extent he has to call on his maker. Believe me when I tell you this, that’s a finished man right there.

Up next is ‘LEADER!’, which happens to be the first lead single off the project. The song has a very catchy rhythm and pulsating beat, a testament to Lojay’s Dancehall inspiration. At the heart of the P.Priime produced ‘LEADER!’ is a message of opulence, carefree life and a bit of debauchery. From the soaring vocals to the explosive percussion, every element of the song is expertly crafted to create a sound that is both fresh and timeless.

Track 3 is titled ‘MOTO.’ Quite reminiscent of the late 2010s Dancehall tinged Afrobeats tunes coming out of Nigeria. A lot of melodies were at play on this track in particular. The use of the string melodies sat perfectly with the various harmonies and overall vocal production. ‘MOTO’ is definitely going to be a fan favorite.

Track 4 is the only song with features on there. It aptly features South African producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. It leans heavily toward the Amapiano sound, so it was only right he called on the experts. In terms of subject matter, Lojay finds a way to cleverly reference the ‘Japa Culture’ on ‘CANADA.’

On ‘If you down’ stylized as ‘IYD,’ we hear a bright but laidback Afrobeats track that blends catchy beats with infectious rhythms. The song’s lively tempo, coupled with the Lojay’s smooth and soulful vocals, make it an instant classic. The lyrics are a playful invitation to love. What sets ‘IYD’ apart is its fusion of traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds. The track features a mix of Afro-pop, dancehall, and hip-hop influences, creating a fresh and modern take on the Afrobeats genre. Overall, “If You Down” is a fun and catchy track that perfectly captures the spirit of the Afrobeats genre.

On the penultimate song ‘AVAILABU,’ Lojay links up with producer Magicsticks; who is known for his insane run with Nigerian singer Asake. It’s amazing how Lojay is able to blend ‘just vibes’ with amazing songwriting to make sense in the end. This song was no different.

Finally on ‘OVA,’ he details the ins and outs of a troubled relationship. It’s quite poetic that the last song on the entire project is synonymous to ‘over.’

In conclusion, ‘GANGSTER ROMANTIC” is a unique and captivating album that showcases the range and talent of its artiste. Through a mix of hard-hitting beats, introspective lyrics, and emotive melodies, the album tells a story of love, loss, and self-discovery in a way that is both relatable and inspiring. Lojay’s ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles, from Dancehall to Afrobeats to Amapiano, is a testament to his versatility and creativity. Each track is carefully crafted and masterfully executed, with every beat and lyric serving a purpose in the album’s larger narrative. With “GANGSTER ROMANTIC,” Lojay has proven himself to be a rising star in the African music industry, with a bright future ahead. This album is a must-listen for fans of Afrobeats, Amapiano,  Dancehall, and anyone looking for a fresh and innovative take on modern music. It is a powerful and impactful work of art that leaves a lasting impression on its listeners, and cements its place as one of the standout albums of the year when it has barely started.