The listening experience behind ‘Rendezvous’ is truly unique and luscious. Built on plastic R&B and slow-paced neo-soul goodness, the record invites a crepuscular, intense mood, one that fits dimly lit romantic nights and moments of quiet confidence. Hints of nostalgia pop through the tracks’ aural livery, reminiscent of early ‘2000s R&B and 90s elegance. We are confident there’s going to be a wide audience for this sort of retro, hypnotic offering. Crowning it all, we find Gbogboade’s evocative vocals, here delivered with urgent tenderness and a heartwarming tone.
Born in Nigeria, Gbogboade (pronounced bwog-bo-AH-day) is now based in London, UK. Making good use of his Yoruba heritage, the talented creative is able to craft material that’s Western-centric, yet also rather eclectic and wonderfully kinetic. While the references behind ‘Rendezvous’ are firmly in the soulful category, the underlying beat is surprisingly bouncy and hypnotic, a quality that’s in line with the best Afrobeat out there.
From a lyrical standpoint, ‘Rendezvous’ maintains a rather abstract outlook on its songwriting source, delving into an introspective reflection that explores desire, distance and emotional surrender. As Gbogboade explains: “a reflection on what it means to be seen and to allow yourself to be known, without losing your sense of self.” We suspect every listener will mirror a part of themselves in the song; after all, human emotions are highly relatable.
Recommended! Discover ‘Rendezvous’ now: