Brymo’s fifth studio album has certainly generated a lot of buzz about it and, of course, the artist involved in its creation. Since his Choc City split, the singer has had free reins to explore a variety of musical blends, transitional genres and vivid emotional imagery which are aptly applied on his works and has produced worthy dividends with every new application.
Before release, the album’s title caused quite a stir on social media. The title is the most “vulgar” and audacious any Nigerian artist has ever been in the conservative Nigerian music industry but then, stoking the fires of controversy is his MO (Who can forget the ever-memorable “Prick No Get Shoulder”). While some of us may vent wildly about his spate of uncouthness, I’m inclined to believe this is simply a formula he came up with to entice the Nigerian (and foreign) audience to listen to his craft, similar to a Venus flytrap showing off dazzling colors to attract the eyes of roving insects.
The album title is a masterful blend symbology and deft marketing psychology. Klitoris is a Greek word (written in Ancient Greek as κλειτορίς) which means “a key, a latch or hook to a door”. How brilliant is that? If he was to name his album “Key”, would you bother to give it a second glance? The title is also symbolic because the clitoris is the most sensitive part of the female genitalia which is the entrance to heightened pleasure so maybe Klitoris promises to be a series of amazing eargasms (I just came up with that!).
While our Twitter feeds and music blogs were having a field day with the title, he smacks us in the face with another controversial issue: the cover art. He released the artwork for his latest LP with social media raving about the “devilish demon worship” art. To me, I believe it was an big plus for the most part. Ancient beliefs held the nude human form as the purest form of divinity. That was why artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and da Vinci had their most revered pieces in the nude (Michelangelo’s “David” and da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man”). Anyways, this isn’t art history or a symbology lecture so, moving on….
Amid the fiery controversy started by the album’s title and fueled to new heights by its art, Brymo’s latest body of work has been received with open arms, ears and minds as he reins in his audience with engaging and melodious harmonies interspersed with sultry vocals on the most simplistic of all subjects – love.
The 35-minute LP, in all its majesty, sees the singer lyrically appealing to an alluring woman he desires.
Klitoris kicks off with the sensual Naked which drips with introspection and longing, feelings commonplace as unconscious daily actions. With lyrics like: “And it will be worth it, your love I don’t deserve it, take all I have please, love me leave me naked”, he freely opens up to his lover on his willingness, problems and desires. Over a rhythmic beat laden with bongo drums balanced with strong backup vocals, this is a strong opener to this album. An instantly loveable song.
Dem Dey Go is an allegory themed ode, encouraging unity as a people. He reiterates the struggle of the Nigerian state to stay united albeit echoing the efforts of “silly, sneaky and sleazy” people putting the country in the wrong spotlight. A thought-provoking song in its own right worthy of massive airplay.
Happy Memories tells the story of a lover remembering the nostalgic and joyous moments of the past which presently elude him. With a tuneful melody, few will realize this is a sad song but it’s worthy to also be a love song; the kind you play when you’re alone with your partner during some cuddly moments.
Ko S’aya Mi tries to add depth and meaning to an already soulful LP. Creative in its own right but borders on bland.
Fela’s influence in Brymo’s style of music is vividly apparent on Alajo Somolu. It is centered on the character of Yoruba folklore with amazing street smarts who sold his car for a bicycle. Good musical qualities, powerful accompaniments, quick witty lyrics and its seamless blend of juju and new school makes this one ageless. You can’t help but burst out your best Fela moves on this one.
Something Good Is Happening is that feel-good song one would certainly bump in the morning before slaying the day. Something good about this song is the experimentation on Brymo’s part in trying to fuse rock and juju. A nice upbeat vibe.
Billion Naira Dream is a song that will instantly appeal to everyone striving for success. On this, Brymo preaches hope for lost dreams, aspirations and everything we strive to be good at. An inspirational song at its best. All that’s left are skillful visuals to complement the vibrancy of this track.
On Let’s Make Love, sensuality meets song-writing. Yes, we love that! In one word: ethereal. The ultimate post-coital song.
Brymo adds depth to an already blissful relationship with Mirage. With lyrics like “take a break from reality, take a flight to Mars” and “let us get high and fall from the sky”, he endears to his partner by making promises of emotional bliss. While stroking her hair (This is the product of the overactive imagination of a hopeless romantic ).
The Way The Cookie Crumbles is a perfect experimentation of genre fusion with the singer fusing reggae and electro into one. This gives way to the airless The Girl From New York which serves as the album’s epilogue.
On a whole, this is a great album and performance. The melodies are strong and tuneful and Brymo’s soulful vocals puts real feeling to the lyrics and lets your mind do the rest. The lyrics are meaningful with double entendres and catchy phrases fused in the general theme of the album. Instrumentally, the album has rich and full accompaniments arranged to complement Brymo’s vocals very well. (Thank you Mikkyme Joses). In mainstream music, Brymo has certainly carved a niche for himself. Overall, this album is distinctive for its try at originality and has a strong commercial potential. If Nigerians can look past its “lewd” title.
Headphones 🎧 & Chill🍷 