Tovido’s ‘Life of a Superstar’, punchy, concise, brilliant EP

Music can be aspirational. A lot of times, it explores the prophetic arc. Musicians are known for speaking into existence. Even at their formative stage, they are already singing about driving the nicest cars in town, having the best girls. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, aspirations and wishful thinking.

Once in a while, some of the artiste patiently paint what they want, work towards it and in no time, what they want comes to fruition. One of such is Tovido’s new album which he aptly titled ‘Life of a Superstar’.

Released on June, 9, 2023, the nine track album features some of the finest underground artistes in Nigeria.

One day, the intro track seems to have situated the project more as Tovido sings about his journey while he pleads with the listeners never to forget where they are going or coming from. The minimalist production was the oil Tovido needed to make this track awesome. It is a simple, relatable track, the one you play when you wake up before you get thrown into the hustle and bustle of Lagos. The guitar strings also add to the flavour of the song.

By the time the second track of the album kicks off fully, Tovido turns to a motivational speaker as he urges the listeners to look on to God as they strive to make ends meet. He likened his speed to that of Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaica runner. While his vocals were not in the best condition, yet, Tovido still strives to make the best of this track.

Money, kudi, ego, Owo , is a constant means of validation in Nigeria. It’s a status booster, when the rapper sings how money dominates his mind, he is excited to share how the legal tender motivates whatever he does. The interpolation and samples on this song takes the song to a new height. Money is relevant, Tovido seems to say.

“Ojoro,” is a Yoruba word that means deceit. Graytunez and Tovido calmly explore each other’s strength as they sing about a romantic relationship that is constantly getting weighed down by forces that are beyond the artiste. While there is doubt, Graytunez assures the singer of his loyalty, respect and love while she pleads with him not to deceive her.

“Bad things,”chronicled the negative things girls and boys tend to do when they get freedom. Drug most especially, Tovido caution the listeners about the danger of hard drugs. “Whine Ur Body,” is a party themed track. The one craftily created for a club outing. For me, this track would have been better laid on an Amapiano instrumental nevertheless Freddie, the feature artiste comes correct on his sixteen line verse as he switches between Hausa language and English.

“Good Vibes,” preaches positivity. It finds the artiste relating his come up stories. Like expected, he laid his plan to God. On the R&B leaning track, “Omalicha,” he celebrates love, gushing about the beauty of his lover. It is a percussion based tune with a bright kick and snare dominating the production. Tovido seems to be in his element as he sings from the soul, serenading his lover. It is a lovely tune. On Life of a Superstar album, Tovido closes it with a Dancehall centric tune titled “Bounce It,” with Tovido going all in as he sings from his admiration of a girl and the lavi da loca lifestyle.

With just some seconds short of twenty five minutes, Life of a Superstar by Tovido is an emphatic statement. With topics going from love, life to party, Tovido shows the world the skill he is made of. For once, it is glaring that he is one of the artiste that should be taken seriously this year.