CHIKE’S SOPHOMORE ALBUM: A REVIEW

Following up with his debut album, “Boo of the Booless”, which was a hit in 2020, Nigerian singer-songwriter Chike released his sophomore album on the 25th of August, this year, titled “The Brother’s Keeper”. It is an expression of his state of mind and life after “Boo of the Booless”. He reflects on his journey and is praying that at the end of the journey 'make something dey for am’. On the 16 track album, the multi-talented music sensation featured top African stars, YCee, Azana and Flavour who with their tunes spiced up the album individually.

I found this album captivating because it takes you on a journey through different life situations and Chike didn’t hold back from showing off his amazing vocals, while giving off an authentic vibe. The lyrics were intentional such that they suit the course of every track and tell a story to the listeners.

The Brother’s Keeper begins with a great intro On the Moon. Though I was initially indifferent about it but the impressive vocals and amapiano instrumentation did the trick for me. He then narrates to you a tale of love with Spell, Tell Am, Hard to Find and Winner, songs every girl would love to be serenaded with, by their lover(s).

“We got more life to live, more life to live so can I show you My Africa…” - a line from the track, My Africa featuring South African artiste, Azana expresses a love ready to take you round the beautiful continent of Africa. Love was toxic in Bad, delicate in Zamo and sour in You Deserve featuring Nigerian artist, YCee where letting go of love seemed to be the best decision. Listening to Moving On, the tale of love transcends to a tale of liberation while Pour Me a Drink seeks liberation from the toxic love, stress, doubt and pressure from our society today. Enough is a guitar-driven track that depicts self-confidence.

Next stop is at the tale of life, with the upbeat track Good Things revealing truths about life while God Only Know is a R&B and trap fusion spectacle portraying the betrayal and jealousy one may experience from fake friends. Going on, he expressed the pain and agony birthed from losing a loved one on Nothing Less, Nothing More with the lines, “I will give it all, I’m ready to give it all…Just to see you, just to get a chance to hold you…"

Chike signs out of the album with the track titled Please where he is praying that at the end of the journey, he hopes there is something to show. It served as a lovely outro in context and rhythm.

Although, all the tracks are soothing, I can’t seem to pick a favourite between Tell Am that has a lovely sing along chorus and Hard to Find which depicts the difficulty in finding true love in these times. It’s a track well suited for a wedding playlist.

Indeed, his previous album “Boo of the Booless” set a standard, and while there is a tendency to compare this album with it, I would state that Chike did his very best to deliver on this one. Hence, I will rate it an 8.5 out of 10.

Ewonubari Dagde-Kenneth