Olamide’s name is already etched in history books, even when he doesn’t release an album in close to a year, his mentees and strategic collaboration keep him in the conversations. However, his name remains elusive in the top three conversations, perhaps, his inability to break into the international circle could have been a factor.
Last week, he surprisingly released a new project, the title makes you check Google, just like his last three projects. You assume he just hears new words and instantly named his next album after the words, whether it has any meaning to the content of the album is needless. That’s the 2020s Olamide Adedeji.
Ikigai adds nothing to Olamide’s legacy, it is another compilation of tracks from the legend. At the end of the twenty-two minutes, it is noticeable that Olamide just wanted to release songs. He just wants to have fun, put his day one and new guys on, and perhaps show the world the wizardry of producer Semzi (chiefly known for producing Badboy Timz). The energy expended on the opening track Metervarse runs through the other six tracks with Fireboy providing the backup vocals.
Asake and Olamide trade bars on “Uptown Disco,” with Fireboy laying the hook, the latter Asake’s verse could have come earlier. Paul Play Dairo’s early 2000s record was interpolated on “Morowore,” a gospel-filled tune, that details Olamide’s struggles. One of the few good times he sings and puts his heart into it.
“Hello Habibi,” which means my love in Arabic is a vain track, the one you sing when you have more than six figures in your account. The beginning of Synchro System reminds one of the Chinese films, circle the name, Jackie Chan. One would have thought Lil Kesh still had the sauce, his years of inaction seem to be telling on his craft. Young Jonn and Pheelz were more lovely with their contributions.
Makeveli and Sabir is a great attempt at R&B. One finds him in a macho state, the other exposes his vulnerability.
Ikigai offers nothing new. It’s just Olamide releasing old tracks in his system. A neat attempt to keep himself in the conversation, remind his fans that he has returned from retirement and, perhaps, tells the naysayers his stool can never be taken.
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