By Emmanuel Waziri Okoro
YMKT is a beautiful body of work that reads like a diary chronicling the experiences of a rising star.
The West African music industry is a bustling hub of talent and creativity, with new acts and releases emerging daily. More often than not, While many artists struggle to leave an impression with their unique sound and artistry, a select few rise above the mist to captivate audiences effortlessly.
Such is the unique case of the Kaduna-based Afrobeats singer and songwriter, Anthony Mathew Unah, who is widely known as Tovido. His latest extended project, YMKT, fuses a potluck of experiences, enhanced by top-tier production. Boasting five tracks with a runtime of 13 minutes, Tovido skillfully weaves his narrative into a vibrant sonic landscape that firmly positions him as one of Arewa’s brightest stars.
YMKT comes in the wake of his 2023 self-titled album and a sprinkle of other singles has revealed his multifaceted approach to making music that uniquely tells his story. It opens with “Feel Am”, a heart-thumping Afrobeat tune marked by riveting saxophone runs, piano chords, local percussion elements, and the occasional appearance of a groovy bassline.
The sonic progression is particularly nostalgic, as it calls to mind classics from the luminary, Fela Kuti. Albeit, while Kuti’s songs could be said to be protest-motivated, Tovido offers a reflective take on success, acclaim, and the attachments that follow it. He remarks on how his success has attracted fairweather acquaintances with lines like, “Them wan follow me when I start to spray money/ The girls call me Zaddy when I start to see money”.
Despite these situations, he remains unfazed, instead calling for a celebration. At the underbelly of “Feel Am” lies a commentary on the challenging realities faced by emerging artistes from the region, highlighting the solitary nature of their early careers and the sudden influx of attention when they achieve commercial success.
YMKT dynamically shifts with the next track, “Kaya Mata”, a mid-tempo Afro-Pop tune specially crafted for the dancefloor. Here, Tovido delivers an anthem to a muse that has entranced him. With clever wordplay, he likens her influence to the use of ‘Kayamata’ – a popular Northern Nigerian herb or ointment used by women as aphrodisiacs, libido-boosters, and in this case, to hold someone spellbound. Tovido quizzes her, “I just dey feel am, and I never understand/ Why e be say I wan spend every second with you?”. While Tovido is left fascinated by the intensity of his affection for her, he seems to love the experience regardless.
The singer has a pocket full of surprises, as the next song, “Them They See”, charges in. It is a drill-powered tune, and for the first time on the EP, he taps the assistance of fellow artiste, Bbk. Together, they coast over the hard-hitting beat, celebrating their success as a result of hard work and divine intervention at play. But what’s a song about success if you’re not sending a clear shot to detractors and naysayers. “Even if you put jazz, I nor go fall/ I go reign, I go reign thy kingdom come”. “Them They See” is an anthem of determination and resilience, somewhat encouraging listeners to focus on the positive aspects of life while pushing forward despite overwhelming challenges.
Success is often viewed through the popular lenses of glitz, glamour, and debauchery. Perhaps, those are lighthearted subjects that artistes frequently showcase about themselves and their respective journeys.
The side of these artistes that rarely make it into the spotlight are the emotional, psychological, and, often in this case, financial toll of fame. Tovido navigates this theme on the fourth song on YMKT, “Jealousy”, featuring EL Nayaan. Both acts provide commentary on how their success often breeds contempt from familiar faces who frown on their unavailability to render help to become envious as a result. “My DM, billing dey plenty” they sing on the chorus. “Jealousy”, in some way, reveals the plight of the average Nigerian youth who constantly deals with the heavy burden of Black tax.
The EP comes to an end with “Many Things”, a mid-tempo tune that sees Tovido engaging in an internal monologue. He addresses the myriad concerns on his mind; financial responsibilities, career pursuits, personal goals, and everything in between – all vying for the top spot on his list of priorities. These mental, and in part, emotional tussles causes him to feel like he’s on the brink of losing control. Despite these overwhelming thoughts, he resolves to rise above them and stay afloat. The minimalist production enhances the impact of his lyrics, allowing his introspective message hit home.
YMKT is a beautiful body of work that reads like a diary chronicling the experiences of a rising star. He navigates love, success, fame, and enemies, in varying lengths. And while each track offers something unique, the EP maintains a cohesive approach and a compelling narrative from start to finish. In hindsight, YMKT is a confident indicator that Tovido has more to offer to his growing audience.
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