On December 20, 2024, the Nigerian born but United Kingdom based singer, songwriter, performer and songwriter, Veeesax, real name Ajayi Victor Ayobami,
released a three track extended play which he titled “Melodies of the Manger, Vol 1.” It marks his second project release in 2024. This solo effort was released to herald the Christmas stroke new year celebration. The EP, which was released under “Inspired Tongue Music Ltd, is just a few seconds short of eleven minutes.
“Oh Holy Night,” which kicks off the EP, finds a saxophone aligning with some mid drum, mid tempo key. The occasional shakers on the song helps in uplifting the track. The synth and baseline of this track comes up,taking over the song as the song reaches the halfway mark with Veeesax, beautifully showing off his mastery with the saxophone. His breath control remains lovely to hear,even though the other instruments tend to drown out his effort, he still tones it down towards the end, while making his saxophone prominent.
The musical thoroughness of Veeesax as an artiste and record maker gets exhibited on “Silent Night,” he brilliantly comes through, from the occasional silence or stop, to the shuddering delicate instrumental to the display of instrumental by him and the producer. Silent Night, Holy Night is arguably the most popular Christmas song, for Veeesax to have rehash it , repurpose it, while putting some of the instrumental into it make it more laudable to listen to. By the time the song comes to an almost end, he jack it up and bring it back. The cinematic ending makes it more likely to be played again. Veeesax was up to the task on this song, with support from the percussion based instrumental which is brightly highlighted by the shakers, it is no wonder the artiste remains a major stakeholder in the gospel music industry.
The last track on this EP “Joyful Noel,” is a distinct track from the other two. At the end of the spin, it sounds like a track created for a particular audience in mind with Veeesax aligning more with African based percussion with the drums and saxophone combining to form a high tempo type of track. It reverberates through the room when it is played via a loudspeaker.
With the release of “Melodies of the Manger, Vol 1” Veeesax reassert his position as one of the most sought after saxophonist in Africa. This EP celebrate the birth of Christ with a copious tribute to African percussion based element. It a thrilling work of art.
and then