Oluwatosin Ajibade or Mr Eazi has been one of the most prominent artists to come out from Ghana. His Banku style which fuses Ghanaian highlife music with Nigerian chord progressions has propelled him to the top of Africa’s streaming charts.
From chart-topping singles to collaborations with some of the biggest artists in the world, Mr Eazi has carved his own lane. With his level of success, he gets to make the music he wants to and express himself regardless of the algorithms.
And the direction he is taking with his new music is indicative of this. His first single, “Legalize” from his upcoming album is his most personal record to date as he sings about his fiancé. The follow-up single “Patek” has Mr Eazi exploring the sonic landscape of amapiano. The song has become popular off the strength of a viral Tik Tok dance.
Experimentation is the driving force of the upcoming album set to be released next year and it will be the first time Mr Eazi has released a full length project since 2018 when he released Life is Eazi, Vol.2 Lagos to London.
Bubblegum Club sits down with Mr Eazi to talk about the single, “Patek”, and his new album.
Lee Nxumalo: Your new single “Patek” has a distinctly South African sound influenced by amapiano. Can you tell us a bit about it?
Mr Eazi: I think music is universal and about collaboration and I love to work across genres you know, from pop, dancehall, R&B; and this song is no different. It’s [a] collaboration between South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Lee Nxumalo: Why this particular sound for “Patek”? It’s very different from your previous two releases, “Legalize” and “Personal Baby”.
Mr Eazi: I’m influenced by my moods and now I’m in a happy mood. I just sealed a big brand deal; my company betPawa is the sponsor of the Ghana Premier League; [I am] working on my album. I’m happy! And this reflects as you hear in the song. I dey flex.
Lee Nxumalo: Can we expect more songs like “Patek” on your album?
Mr Eazi: Yes, there will be more. We are celebrating Grace.
Lee Nxumalo: How far are you in the completion of the album?
Mr Eazi: We are 97% done. #EaziAlbum loading.
Lee Nxumalo: Why has it taken you so long to prepare an album?
Mr Eazi: When it’s time, it’s time. This just felt like the right time after the EPs and mixtapes.
Lee Nxumalo: What has been the most surprising element of working on it?
Mr Eazi: This album is the most ‘expressive me’ my fans have ever seen. I think that was the surprising part – the things I talk about and sing about.
Lee Nxumalo: Where do you want to go sonically?
Mr Eazi: On the album, you hear Yoruba traditional drums, horns, and serious African percussionists.
