By Rita Okoye

The Kiyagi EP by Kiyagi is a bold exploration of contemporary Nigerian music, featuring co-writing contributions from Oluwaseun Adeoluwa Adeyemi.

The project consists of four tracks—”Your Man,” “Jeje” (featuring Dapo Tuburna), “My Way,” and “Gucci” (featuring Marv OTM)—each showcasing distinct musicality, lyrical depth, and rich composition. With a mix of Afrobeat, highlife, and hip-hop influences, the EP dives into themes of love, resilience, and self-empowerment, making it both an uplifting and introspective listening experience.

The EP opens with Your Man, a track that seamlessly blends Afrobeat rhythms with a modern pop sensibility. The song is a heartfelt ode to devotion and loyalty in relationships. The rhythmic instrumentation—a balance of smooth guitar riffs and energetic percussion—sets a warm, inviting tone that underscores the sincerity of the lyrics.

Oluwaseun’s co-writing on this track is evident in the intricate lyrical structure, which avoids common love song clichés and instead leans into more authentic expressions of care and commitment. The chorus, with its memorable refrain, “I’ll be your man, no matter what,” speaks to unwavering support, while the verses paint a picture of love as a journey, not just an emotion. This song is a standout for its accessibility—simple, yet deeply resonant, making it a strong opener for the EP.

The second track, Jeje, is a smooth, mid-tempo Afrobeat track featuring Dapo Tuburna, who adds a unique flair to the song. The word “jeje” means to take things slowly, and that sentiment is woven into both the lyrical content and the laid-back instrumentation. The production is minimal but effective, with subtle basslines, light percussion, and melodic keyboard harmonies setting a relaxed mood.

Lyrically, Jeje encourages patience and calm in life, emphasizing the importance of taking things one step at a time. Oluwaseun’s influence shines in the lyricism here, where each verse carefully builds on the theme of enjoying life’s moments without rushing. The collaboration between Kiyagi and Dapo Tuburna works seamlessly, with their contrasting vocal styles adding depth and variety to the track. Together, they create a perfect blend of Afrobeat with a calming message, making it an ideal song for unwinding.

Making its way to track three is My Way, arguably the most introspective song on the Kiyagi EP. It’s a personal anthem of self-reliance and determination, where Kiyagi sings about finding his own path and standing firm in his choices. The production mirrors the reflective tone, with a melodic piano progression accompanied by soft, steady percussion that gives the song a contemplative feel.

Oluwaseun’s co-writing contributions elevate this track with thoughtful, evocative lyrics that balance vulnerability and strength. Lines like, “I’ve been walking through the fire, but I’m never looking back” speak to resilience in the face of adversity, while the chorus, “I’m doing it my way,” serves as an empowering affirmation. The song’s structure builds slowly, gradually adding layers of sound that culminate in a powerful finish, mirroring the personal growth described in the lyrics.

The final track, Gucci, featuring Marv OTM, is a high-energy, celebratory anthem that closes the EP on an upbeat note. The song is about enjoying success and the rewards of hard work, with the title itself serving as a metaphor for luxury and achievement. The production is bold, with a driving beat and infectious melodies that make it a perfect song for the dance floor.

Oluwaseun’s lyrical contributions here bring a level of sophistication to what could have been a straightforward party track. Rather than simply boasting about material wealth, the lyrics touch on themes of ambition and self-worth, making the track not just about celebrating external success, but also internal growth. Marv OTM’s feature adds an extra layer of charisma, and his rap verse complements Kiyagi’s vocals, rounding out the track with a dose of swagger.

Lyrical Cohesion and Oluwaseun’s Songwriting Influence

One of the most notable aspects of the Kiyagi EP is its lyrical cohesion across tracks, and much of this can be attributed to Oluwaseun Adeoluwa Adeyemi’s songwriting prowess. Whether it’s the introspective journey in My Way or the celebration of slow living in Jeje, Oluwaseun’s touch ensures that each song tells its own story while contributing to the larger narrative of the EP.

What sets Oluwaseun’s co-writing apart is the balance of relatability and depth in the lyrics. Rather than relying on formulaic pop song structures, the lyrics on the Kiyagi EP feel personal and carefully crafted. In Your Man, for instance, the lines about commitment and loyalty resonate universally, while in Gucci, the celebration of success is tempered with reflections on hard work and self-worth. This balance between surface-level enjoyment and deeper reflection is a testament to Oluwaseun’s skill as a songwriter.

Overall Composition: A Journey from Introspection to Celebration

The Kiyagi EP is structured in a way that takes listeners on a journey, both musically and thematically. It starts with the heartfelt vulnerability of Your Man and gradually builds in energy and confidence, culminating in the celebratory tones of Gucci. This progression makes the EP feel like a cohesive body of work rather than a collection of individual songs.

The production throughout the EP is clean and polished, with each track offering a distinct sound while maintaining an overall Afrobeat influence. The use of live instruments, such as guitars and percussion, blended with electronic elements, adds a dynamic range to the sound. This blend of traditional and modern sounds is one of the EP’s strongest features, making it accessible to a wide audience while still staying rooted in Nigerian musical traditions.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Success

The Kiyagi EP is a standout project that showcases not only Kiyagi’s talent as a vocalist and performer but also the invaluable contributions of Oluwaseun Adeoluwa Adeyemi as a co-writer. Each track offers something unique, from the introspective lyrics of My Way to the celebratory energy of Gucci. The EP is a testament to the power of collaboration, with all contributors bringing their strengths to create a project that is both deeply personal and universally appealing.

Whether you’re looking for songs to reflect on life or tracks to dance to, the Kiyagi EP has something for everyone, making it a must-listen for fans of Afrobeat and contemporary Nigerian music.