By Oyebanji Akins

O.J. Isekhure, an artist whose stage name is Waji-Mh, is a Nigerian-born, UK based musician and songwriter whose work is establishing a unique space at a corner of the Afrobeats and R&B music scene with his affirmative and emotionally clear sound. Waji-Mh can be referred to as a motivational music artist, as few talented artists like him are able to write and sing to drive home a positive motivated message.

This trait is even more noticeable in the release called “Believe,” which was released officially on the 10th of May, 2025. The song is not only an anthem for those in need, but it is also an affirmation of intent and purpose for releasing this music. From “Believe,” it is apparent that this singer-songwriter, Waji-Mh, uses this art form as a form of affirmation, also as a means of inspiration for himself and for others.

Sonically, “Believe” is a well-balanced mix. The structure of the song is such that the theme is always dominant. The ad-libs are also incorporated in such a manner that they do not counter the lead vocal performance but complement it. The harmonies are also mixed in such a manner that they add on to the balance rather than being noticed. This is where the strength of Waji-Mh’s vocals also comes through, not in extravagance but in consistency.

Believe’s lyrics are straightforward and to-the-point. The chorus line “I’ve got some good dreams, I’m ready to live, I’m ready to live my dreams” devoid of metaphor for clarity. Though this moves into potentially predictable territory, it is for the better, existing in line with his artistic vision to provide an authentic take on his identity. There is no attempt to impress; it is about reassuring. This is a deliberate choice on his part to show an artist honing his niche to resonate with his specific emotional spectrum.
In such a setting where many Afrobeats tracks are more inclined towards instant gratification than anything else, what Waji-Mh has done is truly different. By spreading hope without watering it down in his music, he has ensured that his track ‘Believe’ reaches generations from all walks of life. The latter parts of the track where he asks the listeners not to lose hope with doubts are a testament to that.

Basically, “Believe” is a more than one song; it shows that the artist is creating his voice on purpose. Waji-Mh as a songwriter appears to be interested in emotional stability, affirmation, positivity, and a sense of direction: an artist still coming into his own but one whose work suggests him to be an artist with intent rather than simply luck or chance.

Through Waji-Mh’s previous work “forever” and now “Believe”, it is clear that he is not one of those artists whose goal is to achieve sonic excess or stay at the forefront of an existing trend; rather, he is a musician with a focus on something much more relatable and human than that. If he continues to develop this balance of both message and musicality in his future releases, Waji-Mh may well define a distinct space for himself within contemporary Nigerian music.

Waji-MH is truly an incredible emerging artist, and the world awaits all of the amazing body of work that will be birthed by him.