Onyeabor’s Like Father like Son: Pound with different fishes

When it is said that “a fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree,” I supposed they meant to refer to Charles Onyeabor, the first son of the late legendary Nigerian musician, Williams Onyeabor, who has proven his musical prowess, genius, and versatility [even beyond his father’s feat] through the release of his debut album, titled: LIKE FATHER LIKE SON, a 58 mins, 14 secs rendition, which consists of twenty (20) different pieces of tracks.

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON is a template of versatility, a proof of exposure and musical adventures, and also alludes to the genius of Charles in the tapestry of rhythm and blues; funk, afro beats, hip hop, dance and highlife. A pound with different fishes; genres and flows of varieties of emotions. The artist dealt with themes such as gratefulness, solemnity, appraisal, encouragement, pride, life of the party, and regrets, love, heartbreaks, amongst others.

“Feeling good,” which is the number one (1) on the list of the album introduces listeners and fans to rest of the tracks and the kind of vibes they should expect from the body of works and from him subsequently in the music industry, as the artiste ensures his music brings joy, happiness, and mixture of different feelings. “Ije Nwoke” which comes next after the foregoing, alludes to the act workaholism inherent in the gene of an Igbo man, as he describes himself as one of the descendants of this tribe that adores hardworking. While the 3mins “Like Father like Son” ft. Magnito, hints on the identical trait he taps from the vineyard of his father’s, as he has also taken the same route, but on a different level, with a tribute to his father.

On the go is “Sawa,” a body of work that expresses admiration for a woman; her beauty, body, and how intoxicating her sight has caused him. In “Anyi No o Na-Eme,” Onyeabor employs the trendy beat, Amapiano to project a life of the party as he sings lyrically alongside the flows. Then, he carries his listeners along in “We all need More Love” on the importance of love in society as it strengthens the bond of humanity. Goes on with an act of gratefulness on the 7th track, “Grateful,” as he appreciates God despite the ups-and-downs he has encountered in the journey of life, while he captured all his journeys so far with grace.

“Charlie,” the number eight (8) on the list, tells a story of the artist’s rise in the musical terrain, as he professes to pursue his dreams. “Do it Your Way” ft. Evry then enjoins everyone to do things their own way as the title implies, and go by their daily routine in the manner they deem work for them, as what works for one does not work for another. Also, in “Still Your Baby” the 10th on the list, featuring Creep Guliano, proves the level of loyalty the artist has for his mother in spite of the distance, troubles, and challenges, he would still be her ‘baby’ as he choruses in the track. “Nwa” then comes in as he further professes his love in the Igbo and English languages in the track for his beloved.

In a funk mode, Onyeabor then switches to a different level in “They Can’t Pull Us Down” ft. Miriam Taylor which explores lyrics as titled. Then, he carries on where he left with “Loving till the End” which is the 13th on the list, as he admonishes people who are hurting to continue to show love as they will encounter their good deeds someday. Subsequently, in the trio, “Come and Roll,” ft. Vic2kul “Jolly,” and “Low” ft. Emeka Onyeabor, which comes after the foregoing, takes a similar turn as Amapiano chiefly is employed to amplify the mood imbibed in the works.

“Bye Bye To My Ex Love” which is the number seventeen (17) on the list renders departure to a loved one and one-time lover, as the persona can no longer keep up with the disrespect from his lover. Then “We Fell in Love in Christmas” stands out to be a mixture of emotions where the artist reminisces about the day he met his love.

“Dance Your Troubles Away” which is the penultimate on the list, puts the listeners on a therapy session with the artiste, as he encourages his fans to dance away their sorrows and troubles. The album concludes with a refix of “Sawa,” bringing the journey full circle. Throughout “LIKE FATHER LIKE SON,” Charles Onyeabor proves himself not just as a worthy successor to his father’s legacy but as an artist with a unique voice and vision of his own.