Tales Of A Cupid: ‘Don’t Tell Anyone’ by Mannywellz Review.

With afrobeats rising and its global recognition at an all-time high, everyone is taking their slice of the cake. For emphasis, everyone that matters is taking their own ‘Afro-slice’ of the Afrobeats cake. While some people are not comfortable with the numerous variations of Afrobeats, this writer believes that the variations are good as they allow for the inclusion of all other music genres under the umbrella of the Afrobeats genre. Be it Afrofusion, Afro-Swing, Afro-Dancehall, Afro-Pop, Afro-Rage, and Afro-R&B are a few of such variations. Afro-R&B, one variant of the genre, has received a lot of applause in recent times. Some of the biggest Afrobeats songs gaining global success in recent times have been described as Afro-R&B. Songs like Ckay’s ‘Love Nwantinti,’ Wizkid and Tems’ ‘Essence,’ and Tems’ ‘Higher’ have all gained global attention, which has amplified the Afrobeats conversation around the world.

One of the names heavily associated with the sub-genre is Nigerian artist Mannywellz. Since his debut in 2017, Manny has always championed a fusion of R&B and Pop music with a touch of African sounds he picks up from his Nigerian roots. His personality has been ever-present throughout his music, as he has continually created songs that are partly inspired by personal experiences. His blend of Western genres with African-inspired rhythms has made him one of the standout artists in the genre. With a crisp and smooth voice, Manny has managed to capture the hearts of listeners who have actively followed him throughout his career. He is credited in works with Wale and VanJess and gained even more recognition in 2020 after the release of his project ‘Mirage,’ which gave us the hit single ‘Peace’ featuring Tems. In 2023, Manny returns with another project that has quickly gained love and attention, titled ‘Don’t Tell Anyone.’

Supported by ‘Oou Ahh’ and ‘Magic,’ which were pre-released, and one guest feature from American rapper of Ghanaian descent Foggieraw, the 7-track EP is Manny’s best work yet. The project is a journey through Manny’s experience of love, romance, and sensuality with a mid-tempo and slow-jamz sonic approach. Despite having a blend of other genres, the tape is heavily drenched in R&B across every song, which draws out the desired emotions from listeners.

The first song, ‘Deja Vu’ with Foggieraw is an introspective song where both artists take turns to express their excitement about being with their love interest. This writer believes that the song is Manny writing a note to himself about holding on to love. Which explains the repetition of his intentions to be selfish with his woman. People find themselves in relationships and never realize how special their partners are until they lose them. Manny finds himself in a very lucky position to find another amazing person that loves him, hence the lines, “Sleeping on you is a fumble. Only for you, I will be selfish. I find myself when I look at you, always feels brand. Feels like Deja Vu.” It is not every day you lose out on a beautiful one and gain another after. Manny acknowledges the luck that feels like a blast from the past, but this time around, he is going to be extra intentional by holding on tighter. Foggie’s verse is one of the smoothest you will hear on any African record so far this year. His flow sits very well on the beat and syncs right into Manny’s chorus. In a bit of disbelief, he questions God about his creation because for a moment, he cannot believe this is the type of woman he landed on. As the Gen Z’s say, “Sholake what did you put in your stew?”

On songs like ‘Everything,’ ‘Ouu Ahh’ and ‘Real’ Manny goes on a run of putting everything on the line for his love interest. He first makes his intentions clear on ‘Real’ and only asks if she is in it like he is. It is a very important question to ask your potential partner if they feel the same way about you before you commit. There are a lot of hurt people going around hurting people, and it is only fitting that while you make your intentions clear, you ask what their own intentions are. “If I call you day and night, will you come over or do you wanna be alone?/ Baby I just wanna know. Are you for real for my love? Because I am for real my love.”

Manny is all about words of affirmation and clarifying intentions. He never shies away from expressing what he wants and is willing to do for the one he loves. “I give you what you need. I could be your everything,” as he sang on ‘Everything’ and “If you want to go, I’ll take you there. If You want to know, I’ll take you there,” as sang on ‘The Basics.’ This is a man who is willing to commit to make things work. It is very rare to come across someone who is very honest about their emotions and open about their intentions. He continually reassures her and is quick to communicate his feelings. This is the type of person who understands what it means to love and be loved.

They say, “Miracle nor dey taya Jesus” and every word of it is as true as it can be. God is still performing them even in today’s world. On ‘Miracle,’ Manny expresses his joy and excitement for the love he is experiencing. He likens the love he has found to a miracle that feels surreal. In a world where everyone is trying not to show emotions, here is Manny wearing his heart on his sleeve. He does admit to having flaws of his own, which makes him appreciate her more. With all her flaws, she still feels so perfect. There are moments in our lives when someone comes in and makes everything feel so right and amazing, and that is where Manny finds himself; which he is very appreciative of. “Baby I am emotional. Never prayed for a miracle but miracles do happen. Oh my God never saw this coming. Now I got everything I wanted. You are a miracle.” He explains just how much of a miracle her presence is in his life. He goes on to sing about how complete she makes her feel. To him, she is his peace and calm in a world of pain and chaos. “So many times I’ve seen you fight for me. they said finding love is danger. But why do I feel safer with you.”

Love will always come with intimacy and sensuality. Manny is carrying his wand and performing magic on the song ‘Magic.’ As the saying goes, “to be foretold is to be forewarned.” “Take it easy baby, before I have your baby. You do that thing, we go make magic.” As a ‘sure boy,’ Manny tells his lover to take things easy before things get intense. When love or attraction is in the air, it only takes a little for intimacy or lust to set in. If care is not taken, you will move from being ‘babied’ to making babies of your own.

Mannywellz may not have the best vocals, but he knows how to make his voice work. His voice is smooth, despite some rough and husky bits. His ability to float on beats at a fine pace is one of his best traits. He does not stretch his vocals too much, which makes them sweet. He finds a balance between a soft and deep voice, which works so well for him. The production and engineering that go into his songs also complement his vocals very well. As a colleague put it, “he sounds like a hug. His music sounds like a nice night at the beach,” and I agree with it.

His writing is where the real sauce is. At a time when artists are being slandered for not putting effort into their writing, Mannywellz is one of the few acts around that pours a lot of effort into his writing. His lyricism captures the exact mood he sings about very well. It can carry the listener on an imaginary ride where you can envision everything he sings about. He makes being a cupid feel special. If the world ever needs two artists to make a song that perfectly embodies love and romance, it should be Mannywellz and Asa.

Overall, ‘Don’t Tell Anyone’ is a brilliant display of affection and intentions when it comes to loving and being loved. If Manny ever writes a book on the art of romance, this writer believes it would be a bestseller.

You can stream the EP on all music streaming platforms now.