REVIEW: ‘Bayanni EP’ — a fleeting intro to the new Mavin signee

BY EMMANUEL DARALOYE 

Bayanni might just be one of the most popular names searched online in the last 24 hours. Right from when Mavin record founder Don Jazzy announced the release of his eponymous extended play, there have been huge expectations. For the ardent student of the culture, Bayanni was the dude whose freestyle went viral last year October.

A few years ago, Bayanni — formerly known as Zehnoboy — had been steadily improving on his craft, tweaking his sound while waiting for the right opportunity. And when it finally came, he grabbed it with both hands. If there was any doubt about this, a trip through his debut project might be advised.

A product of Mavin music academy, the youngster caught the attention of Don Jazzy in 2019. The years of tutelage seem to have paid off if the thematic flow of this project is considered.

Through this project, he gives the fans a slice of love, sex, and personal turmoil. The opening track ‘Family,’ starts with a prayer from his mother, perhaps. It is filled with guidance in the face of tribulation. The song examines his hardship. It is personal and relatable to most listeners. The easy-flowing hook aids replay value.

When a topic like a party comes up on ‘Body,’ Bayanni heavenly relies on repetition in an Oxlade-related mode amid some brand name checking. The superb production saved the day. ‘Ta Ta Ta’ is centered on a nice time in the bedroom. Raw, emotive, and sensual in the same breath.

By the time the closer ‘Kala’ comes up, the novelty seems to have waned, you already got drenched in Bayanni’s aura. The song incorporates some Amapiano elements – a log drum and a thematic continuation of the previous track.

At eight seconds short of eleven minutes, Bayanni takes the fans on a brief journey, while they crave for more, he seems to play it safe and probably plans to unleash the full package via his debut project. This album is too brief, it only scrapes the surface. The potential is visible, with more pristine writing and adequate management of talent, Bayanni would be on his way to stardom.

Rating: 2.5/5

Emmanuel Daraloye is Africa’s Most Prolific Music Critic. He has over 450 music reviews in his archive.