Show Dem Camp challenges the romantic relationship status quo with ‘Palmwine Music 3.’

When you hear, “You now rocking with the SDC, Show Dem Camp omo yes indeed” then you know you’re in for a treat musically. On the 30th of September, 2022, the third installment of the ‘Palmwine Music’ series arrived. It’s 56 mins of pure talent in display, and intoxication from all this musical palmwine. Let’s do a song by song breakdown of the ‘Palmwine Music 3’ to see how Show Dem Camp challenges the relationship status quo.

The album kicks off with the voice of legendary Nigerian OAP Folu Storms, over a guitar riff by Nsikak David; giving insights as to what to expect from this album. Props to Show Dem Camp for going back to the rudimentary elements of a concept album, which is; have the first track be an oratory introduction of what to expect, and call that track ‘Intro.’ Nice! Let’s get into it.

We are off to a perfect start on track 2, those soft Victony vocals over the highlife tinged instrumentals should have us literally ‘Head Over Heels.’ Ghost and Tec’s verses ideally point to it being the start of a romantic relationship, where everything is fine and dandy. Ha! The innocence and tranquil that comes with being madly in love.

Now, track 3 has me torn between feeling if the beat is ‘Ghana Bounce’ or ‘Afro-dancehall.’ Anyway, if you’re familiar with SDC’s discography, this song in particular is a full circle moment. In 2019 we got introduced to a barely known Tems on ‘The Palmwine Express,’ and now that she’s the global superstar she is, it feels surreal hearing her on ‘Live Life.’ In terms of subject matter, what is there to do after finding someone you’re madly in love with? It is to live life.

On track 4, which is the ‘First Time Caller Skit,’ we get the sense that all is not well in the relationship already. Victor calls in to ‘Palmwine Radio’ to get Folu Storms to solve the agelong issue in most relationships; having access to your partner’s phone. And as it is the case most of the time, it disintegrates into argument.

Up next is track 5, ‘Mine Alone’ which features Oxlade. It’s a bit refreshing to hear a song of reassurance after that embarrassing episode in the previous skit.

On track 6 we get the linkup of all linkups. BOJ is the only artist to be featured on all three installments of ‘Palmwine Music’ and trust me, it’s no coincidence. It’s his ability to produce magic like ‘Kele,’ every time he’s on a song with SDC. Only right he sang on the chorus that they “came with a banger again.”

SDC has a penchant for introducing us to new talented acts. In times past its been acts Tems and Shalom Dubas, now it’s Bellah. Her voice on ‘WYW’ is breathtaking. This song chronicles the scorn that most people come out of relationships with. Because why would you wish the worst on the person you were ‘shagging’ just two nights ago?

Track 8 feels like a continuation of track 7. After a bad breakup, it takes a lot to ‘Feel Something’ once again. Tec sums it up perfectly with the bar where he said, “searching for energy, searching for feelings inside.”

On ‘Freaky’ we hear Ghost channel his inner Lil Wayne on ‘Gettin’ Some Head.’ The imagery on this song is quite up there, and lives superbly up to the connotation of the track title.

I often get surprised when I realize people haven’t clocked the fact that Lojay is a dancehall artist in another life. The way he rides beats flawlessly while occupying every pocket is phenomenal. ‘Your Love’ tells the every day story of coming back to ‘the streets’ after a breakup so optimistic, and then realizing it’s actually the Ghetto so you go back to what you’re familiar with.

‘Rolling’ underpins track 10. That makeup song where two estranged lovers play catch up.

Next up is ‘Bad Design,’ featuring M.anifest and WurlD. The WurlD I heard on this record is different,  and by different I mean, good different. It was enlivening to hear a Ghanaian rapper in the form of M.anifest on there. All that Ghanaian slang really hit home.

Track 13 is yet another skit called ‘Bad Breakup,’ which as the title connotes, saw people call in to the show to share their bad breakup stories.

Before we get into track 14 can we talk about Tay Iwar for a second? His versatility, lyrical dexterity and his vocal variation is bewildering. As far as subject matter goes, ‘Apollo’ addresses a very delicate subject. It’s crazy how when things seem to be going well in a relationship, one has to try hard not to jinx it. The moment you do things would start going left, and that’s what SDC and Tay Iwar sing about on this particular song.

Track 15 features LADIPOE and Nesta. Aptly titled ‘OldFlame,’ it recounts the aftermath of a breakup where either one or both partners reminisce the good times and start entertaining the thought of rekindling the old flame. At least that’s what we thought it was going to be, in the case of Jide and Iniobong who were captured in the soundbite that ended the song. The latter wanted to reconcile, only to learn on a radio show that the former was getting married to a tailor recommended to him a while back. Tragic!

Well, with such an occurrence, it would have one who is at the short end of the stick questioning whatever both shared. You might ask ‘If It’s Love.’ Twelve XII assists SDC to provide the answer to this perplexing question on track 16.

As the popular saying, “live with no excuses, love with no regrets” goes, it’s only right SDC close out this heartbreaking but uplifting round of Palmwine Music with a bang. And who else to help do that other than Moelogo. Track 17, ‘No Regrets’ is just a sublime end to a sonically beautiful trip like this.

Saying this body of work is spectacular is an understatement. SDC’s ability to create synergy with every featured artist on this star-studded feature list is noteworthy. Now imagine this, it’s a cool layer afternoon on a Saturday and you decide to go for a drive with the person you’re feeling. You pick them up and they say, “play some music” so you put the new SDC on. Great song selection; you would be in for a nice ride, but here’s where the crux of the matter is. The chances of ending that ride still feel each other is very low. That’s what this album does; challenge the romantic relationship status quo.

Check out ‘Palmwine Music 3’ by Show Dem Camp on all digital music streaming platforms now.